Jax

Champion Lore

Early Life

Saijax Cail-Rynx Kohari Icath’un, better known as Jax, was born in the ancient city of Icathia, a proud nation that had been reduced to a vassal state under the rule of the Shuriman Empire. From a young age, Jax was deeply influenced by his father, a man who harbored a burning resentment toward the Shuriman Empire for its conquest of their homeland. This resentment was not just a personal grudge; it was a sentiment that echoed throughout the hearts of many Icathians who longed for the days when Icathia was free.

Jax's father was a key figure in his early life, constantly reminding him of the greatness that Icathia once embodied. He filled Jax’s mind with stories of the Kohari, the legendary warriors who served the Mage King of Icathia. These heroes were the epitome of loyalty and valor, having dedicated their lives to protecting their king and their nation. The Mage King himself had valiantly resisted Shuriman rule, but despite his efforts, he was ultimately defeated in battle. In a final, heartbreaking act of loyalty, the Kohari committed ritual suicide in honor of their fallen leader. Their bodies were displayed by the Shuriman Emperor as a grim reminder of the consequences of resistance, with the bones of the Mage King impaled above the city gates.

Jax’s father had witnessed these horrific events firsthand. The image of the decaying bodies of the Kohari and the Mage King’s remains left a profound impact on him, and he passed this legacy of pain and defiance onto his son. This deep connection to Icathia’s tragic past fueled Jax’s desire to see his homeland restored to its former glory.

Determined to reclaim Icathia’s honor, Jax committed himself to the study of arms. He sought out the best weapon masters in Shurima and learned from the elders of his own clan, honing his skills with every weapon he could find. It was during this time that Jax began his journey toward becoming the master of all weapons, a path that would define him for centuries to come.

Fall of Icathia

The downfall of Icathia began with a catastrophic event that would forever change the fate of the nation and its people. A powerful earthquake struck the coastal province of Saabera, uncovering something ancient and ominous buried deep beneath the earth. This newly unearthed force was known as the Void, a mysterious and terrifying power that defied comprehension. The Icathian mages, desperate to break free from Shuriman domination, believed that this force could be harnessed to defeat their oppressors once and for all.

Saijax Cail-Rynx Kohari Icath’un, now a skilled warrior, was tasked with the critical mission of protecting these mages as they studied the Void. Despite his dedication to the Icathian cause, Jax quickly grew concerned about the dangers posed by this uncontrollable force. As a master of weaponry, Jax understood that the first step in mastering a weapon is how to wield it without harming yourself. His instincts told him that the Void was far more dangerous than the mages realized, and he began to harbor deep reservations about the path Icathia was taking.

However, the desperation to overthrow Shurima’s rule blinded the Icathian leadership to these dangers. The council of Icathia, emboldened by the promise of the Void’s power, crowned a new Mage King and set about rebuilding the Kohari, the elite warrior order that had once protected Icathia. Jax, despite his concerns, was among the first to join the ranks of the reformed Kohari, and his prowess on the battlefield quickly made him a prominent figure in the new Icathian army.

The early battles against Shurima were marked by surprising success. With the power of the Void behind them, the Icathians managed to push back the Shuriman forces and even claimed a few victories. Jax himself achieved the near-impossible feat of defeating an Ascended warrior, a god-like being who had been the backbone of the Shuriman army. But these early victories would soon give way to unimaginable horror.

As the Icathian mages unleashed the full power of the Void, it quickly became clear that this force was beyond anyone’s control. The Void did not distinguish between friend and foe; it consumed everything in its path. The very fabric of Icathian society began to unravel as the Void spread, destroying not only the invading Shuriman forces but also the land and people of Icathia. What had started as a desperate bid for freedom turned into a nightmare of annihilation.

Realizing that all was lost, Jax fled the battlefield, leaving behind the smoldering ruins of his homeland. He was one of the few survivors of the catastrophic event, but the loss of Icathia and the failure to protect his people scarred him deeply. In the aftermath, Jax returned to the ruins of Icathia, prepared to end his own life in the tradition of the Kohari. However, in the midst of the devastation, he discovered a still-burning brazier stave—one of the weapons used by the mages to contain the Void’s power. This stave, still alight with elemental fire, became a symbol of hope for Jax, a reminder that all was not yet lost.

With renewed resolve, Jax took up the brazier stave and forsook his former name, adopting the moniker "Jax" as he embarked on a new journey. From that day forward, he would be known as the Grandmaster at Arms, a warrior dedicated to finding a way to combat the Void and reclaim the honor of his fallen homeland. This stave became a symbol of hope, the "last light of Icathia", representing the flicker of resilience Jax now carries with him.

The full horror and chaos of this event are vividly depicted in the short story "Where Icathia Once Stood," which can be read here. The story follows Axamuk Var-Choi Kohari Icath’or, a tragic witness to the fall of Icathia, whose memories and identity unravel as the Void consumes everything.

Recent Events

After the fall of Icathia, Jax dedicated his life to a singular mission: rebuilding the Kohari and preparing to face the Void once again. Carrying the brazier stave, a weapon infused with elemental fire capable of harming the Void, Jax roams the world as a vagabond warrior. This stave, representing the last hope of Icathia, is not just a weapon but a symbol of Jax's unyielding resolve to prevent the same destruction from befalling the rest of the world.

Jax's journey has been long and arduous. Over the centuries, he has faced countless opponents, each encounter testing his skills and endurance. Despite his relentless search, none of these challengers have proven strong enough to stand alongside him in the battle against the Void. His travels have taken him across Runeterra, where he continues to seek warriors of unparalleled skill and courage, those worthy of joining his cause.

One such encounter is detailed in the story "None Shall Pass," where Jax finds himself on a bridge in Demacia, blocking the way of all who dare to cross. After defeating numerous Demacian warriors, each unworthy of his cause, Jax meets Fiora, a duelist of extraordinary skill from House Laurent. The two engage in a fierce duel, with neither emerging as the clear victor. This encounter with Fiora, who matches Jax in both skill and determination, leaves a lasting impression on him. However, even she, despite her remarkable abilities, does not join his cause, and Jax continues his search for warriors who can stand against the Void.

Jax's journey is far from over. His quest to rebuild the Kohari and prepare for the inevitable confrontation with the Void drives him forward. He wanders the world, ever vigilant, ever seeking, hoping to find those who possess the strength, courage, and will to fight by his side in the ultimate battle against the darkness that consumed his homeland. Until that day comes, Jax will not rest, his brazier stave burning low but steady, a beacon of hope in a world still threatened by the unimaginable horrors of the Void.