What Is the Black Rose in League of Legends?

Strength is everything in Noxus. But behind the iron-clad fist of the Trifarix and the walls of the Immortal Bastion, a different kind of power awaits… The Black Rose.

The Black Rose is a secret society of mages, nobles, and assassins that has been manipulating the affairs of the League of Legends empire for over a thousand years.

However, with the expanding lore of Runeterra and Arcane, things have changed, and understanding this secret organization is vital for knowing the future of Noxus, and perhaps all of Runeterra.

LeBlanc, Vladimir, and the Start of the Black Rose

Before Noxus existed, it was an empire of fractured land, ruled by broken Noxii barbarian tribes and, eventually, Mordekaiser. The Black Rose started as a desperate rebellion against this, with two main characters leading the charge:

• LeBlanc, The Deceiver: The matron of the Black Rose, known for her illusion and misdirection. She is known as the “pale woman” of legend, and the puppeteer who has guided Noxian politics from the shadows for centuries.
• Vladimir, The Crimson Reaper: Known as a handsome, ancient mage with complete mastery over blood magic. Vladimir worked directly with LeBlanc, bringing arcane might and aristocratic charm to the Black Rose.

Together, they orchestrated the downfall of Mordekaiser, helping forge Noxus from the ashes.

The Grand General vs. The Pale Sorceress

For centuries, the Black Rose operated with near impunity, manipulating emperors and guiding the nation’s hunger. Then came Jericho Swain, a ruthless Noxian general.

Swain was one of the few to see the rot within the empire’s core and saw the Black Rose not as a guiding hand but as a parasite.

In a shock move, Swain exposed and publicly executed the cabal’s leadership, seemingly shattering the organization.

But it was all a deception; LeBlanc had sacrificed pawns to make the world believe the Black Rose was finished. She even faked her death and allowed Swain to think he had won.

Swain, now the Grand General of Noxus, rules with an iron fist and the power of a demon, Raum, at his command.

Key Members of the Black Rose

While secrecy is the Black Rose's greatest weapon, its tendrils have touched numerous figures across the lore of League of Legends. Its members range from the inner circle of leadership to unknowing pawns and affiliated agents, each serving the cabal’s long-term goals. Here are those we know of:

Figure	Alias / Title	Role in the Black Rose	Signature Method
LeBlanc	The Deceiver, The Pale Woman	Matron & Leader	Illusion, manipulation, centuries of political puppetry.
Vladimir	The Crimson Reaper	Founding Member & Blood Mage	Hemomancy, aristocratic influence, eternal life.
Elise	The Spider Queen	Agent & Cult Leader	Deception, feeding the Spider God for power and influence.
Cassiopeia	The Serpent’s Embrace	Affiliated Noble	Cursed power, political maneuvering within her noble house.
Rell	The Iron Maiden	Escaped Weapon (Former)	Ferromancy, a living weapon created by the Black Rose Academy, is now a sworn enemy.

This roster shows the organization’s breadth, and contrary to popular belief, they don’t just recruit mages. For example, Elise played the role of a seductress to gain favor in the Shadow Isles, a mission that the Black Rose would provide Elise with resources for. Similarly, Cassiopeia’s family has deep ties to the cabal, with Rell being a testament to their cruelty.

Is the Black Rose in Arcane?

The Black Rose was revealed in Arcane, directly opposing Ambessa Medarda, attempting to assassinate her, and later targeting her daughter, Mel.

The organization in Arcane is depicted as a dangerous faction of magic-wielding aristocrats from Noxus, led in the lore by the sorceress LeBlanc, with Vladimir and Elise.

What Does the Black Rose Want?

From the Black Rose Academy, where they experimented on young mages like Rell, to their agents manipulating events in the Freljord and Ionia, their influence is pervasive.

Their ultimate goal remains one of Runeterra’s greatest mysteries. Is it merely to control Noxus? To resurrect some ancient, dark magic? Or to prepare the world for a threat only they can see coming?

What is certain is that the Black Rose represents the seductive allure of power without accountability. They are the ultimate puppet masters in a world of kings, warriors, and gods.