Lore:

Even though Noxus prides itself on being free from monarchy, albeit via questionable means, which more often than not includes the slaying of all who opposes them, It is a deep secret, known only to few, that there is a clandestine group sitting in the shadows, pulling the strings of the marionettes, with no one ever realizing that they're being controlled. To most, this group doesn't exist; but to some, this group is known as the Black Rose. More ancient than Noxus itself, these conspirators have had a hand in several of Noxus' key events and revolutions, though their influence has long overstayed its welcome. Now, there are those who seek to absolve the world of them, and whether all of these people are associated with one another or not, they share the common goal of destroying the Black Rose. One of these peculiar individuals goes by the name of Bracken. The personal bodyguard of one of the most elite generals in all of Noxus, it wouldn't be too hard for him to eavesdrop on any material his employer might be talking about. Though obviously in a high place, Bracken couldn't waive away the feeling that he is a mere guard, even if he has among the most important tasks. He always sought more, especially out of a desire to prove himself, though never found the opportunity to do so. However, thanks to his position, he was able to collect various pieces of information from eavesdropping alone, without even being part of the conversation, and without even making himself a presence, even when he was always there. But the most interesting collection of knowledge he happened to be acquire was all the things to know about the place known as the Meadow of Crimson Clouds. A realm beyond Runeterra, inhabited by beings who are neither good nor evil, neither angels nor demons, but only wish to establish a "professional" relationship with whomever seeks their company. Bracken decided to make good of use of this information, and collected all the pieces he needed in order to reach the Meadow. With everything necessary in place, Bracken made his way to the Meadow of Crimson Clouds. A place which is exactly what its name describes: a vast meadow of red, basking under clouds as crimson as blood, and not a soul in sight. Confused, Bracken knew not what to do in a place where wherever you go, you will always be in the same place. But a peculiar figure made its way towards Bracken from the distance. As it approached him, his image became clear; a giant centipede-like creature with fangs and teeth protruding from every corner of its body. The creature introduced himself as the Rodent, and from a distance he felt Bracken's wish to undo the Black Rose, even though the Rodent knew not who they are, but only Bracken's ambitions. The contract was simple: the Rodent will bestow Bracken with the power necessary to defeat those he wish to defeat, but in return, the Rodent will gnaw endlessly on his arm, down to the bone, only to be healed again, in a cycle of destruction and rejuvenation, only ending with the demise of all the members of the Black Rose. Realizing the stakes, Bracken did not think twice about sealing the deal. And with that, he returned to Runeterra from where he entered the Meadow, with the first sensation that he felt was the shredding of the skin of his right arm. There he was the Rodent enveloping it with his flesh, as the pain was only nullified by the never-ending healing. Now with the power necessary to accomplish his goal, the only reminder that Bracken has that he must abide by the contract is that unless he succeeds, the pain will never go away. But then again, if he doesn't succeed, the Black Rose will continue to prevail. The pain is but a reminder that he must succeed… and he will… by gnawing on their rotten flesh, for they have long overstayed their welcome. The Black Rose will wither into darkness, never to be heard from again. But Bracken will be the one to pluck the petals… violently.

Appearance:

Bracken takes the appearance of personal bodyguard to an elite Noxian general (whatever that may look like) (Frankly, I never had a specific image for Bracken). The Rodent, much like the lore suggests, looks like a giant red centipede-like creature with fangs and sharp teeth protruding from all over his body. While connected to Bracken's right arm, his arm looks like miniature version of the Rodent, albeit arm-shaped, with one maliciously-looking eye on the palm of the hand, and the other eye on the back of the hand.

Lore:

The stroke of a paintbrush can be very exquisite in its movement. Whether it be filling the canvas with colors or writing your name in an elegant style with the blackest of ink. Some people even find the motion of the brush more pleasing than the product it would leave behind. Although this statement is more particular to the people who use it, rather those that indulge on the sight of a painting. Maikol is one such person. An Ionian whose mastery in calligraphy is second to none, the way he moves the paintbrush against the canvas whenever he writes in giant black letters are as swift and smooth as the swing of a sword. In fact, the movements of his arms were so elegant and perfect that many have wondered how come he never became a swordsman. A question to which he responded by saying: "I paint with black; not red." And this remained true for many years. Maikol would go on to become a famous calligrapher, and he couldn't enjoy his profession more. However, all good things must come to an end, as it would not take long for that to change. How that would change? Well… Noxians, of course. Always bringing havoc and chaos wherever they are not welcome, and this couldn't be more apparent than the invasion on Ionia. Wishing to protect his family and friends, Maikol put aside the brush and the first time in his life, held a sword in his hand instead. Though natural with the brush, not the same could be said about the sword, and it showed on the battlefield. Not even a minute into a fight, and his left hand was crushed by the mace of a Noxian soldier, the hand which he used to write all this time. So time has passed, and the invasion failed. And though Ionia has prevailed, Maikol did not. And as time went by, he only grew more and more frustrated over his inability to draw like in the days of past, all because of crushed bones. And at the pinnacle of his grief, a note suddenly came to him from a secret admirer: "Find the Kirizumi." Knowing not what the note had meant, but Maikol no hope as he is right now. Though it took him years, the culmination of his search finally had him the middle of a grove somewhere in Ionia. There, he found a chest. And inside the chest, a sword, sharp and shining, and a paintbrush together, with the hilt as the handle and the pommel as the bristle. At first, Maikol knew not what he was holding. But the enigmatic weapon soon revealed its true majesty: a device which responds to the passion and spirit of the holder. Even with a broken hand, Maikol once again became the great calligrapher known in his prime, as the Kirizumi responded not to his body, but to his spirit. Although little did he know of the true nature of the Kirizumi, as he would very soon find out. After completing his first commission upon returning back to work, Maikol would soon here of the client's death at his home, a place Maikol never stepped a foot in. Though seemingly dead from a regular heart attack, there seemed nothing out of place with the circumstances… except for one thing: the deceased was lying in a pool of ink. And that moment, Maikol realized: the Kirizumi is not a charity, but a partnership! In exchange for giving him back his talents, it asks for a price. Though Maikol knew he was innocent, he feared that Ionia would see him as the culprit. So he went incognito, and set himself a new mission: slay every Noxian on the borders of Ionia. This would accomplish two things: The first, convince Ionia that he is still loyal to his homeland. And the second, to claim as many lives so that the Kirizumi would satisfy when writing with it, lest the lives of Ionians are claimed instead. So for the time being, Maikol will paint with red… not black.

Appearance:

Maikol is an Ionian man his in early 40s with a constant disgruntled expression on his face. He wears an Ionian attire that combines of both soldier and artist. His left arm is disfigured from scars. He wields the Kirizumi which, as the lore describes, is a katana whose hilt is the handle of a paintbrush and the pommel is the bristle of one. He also carries with him flammable equipment.