Who they are
Xin Zhao fought as a slave in Noxian pits before meeting King Jarvan III and choosing to serve Demacia's ideals instead of returning to Ionia. He became a trusted advisor and friend to the royal family.
He ultimately sacrificed himself by becoming host to the fallen god Zaahen to stop a demonic threat.
Their story belongs to Demacia and also touches Noxus and Ionia. A proud kingdom behind high walls that fears magic.
Their story, step by step
- Step 1
Cabin boy of the Viscero
Xin Zhao was born in Raikkon, Ionia, and grew up as a cabin boy on the fishing ship Viscero. He was close to a crewmate, Bo Yang, whom he saw as a brother.
- Step 2
Captured by Noxus
When their ship strayed into Noxian waters the crew was seized. Xin killed a Noxian soldier with a mop stick to protect his shipmates, which impressed his captors enough that he and Bo Yang were spared while others were sent to the Reckoning Pits. He took the name Viscero and became a feared arena fighter.
- Step 3
Kalstead
Under a decree from Boram Darkwill, Xin and Bo Yang were freed to fight abroad as mercenaries. At the Demacian-held fortress of Kalstead, Xin fought Dauntless Vanguard soldiers and beat many, but Bo Yang was killed. Xin was imprisoned instead of executed and asked to see King Jarvan III.
- Step 4
Choosing Demacia
Jarvan III heard Xin's story and, moved by his ideals of mercy and honor, offered to pay for his return home. Xin chose to serve Demacia instead. He became the king's seneschal and friend, taught Prince Jarvan IV, and swore to Tianna Crownguard that she could execute him if harm came to the king.
- Step 5
Back to Ionia
In Navori he met the Kinkou master Kennen, who told him of Ionia's suffering. At the Temple of Koeshin, demonkin broke in from the Spirit Realm, and Xin fought alongside the Kinkou warrior Yunara. His Demacian spear broke in the fight.
- Step 6
Zaahen
Kennen explained that Darkin had returned and sought to free the fallen god Zaahen. Xin chose to fight, and with Yunara and Kennen entered the Spirit Realm. Atakhan, with LeBlanc, had already reached Zaahen. Xin was fatally wounded protecting Yunara, took Zaahen's glaive, and persuaded the god to merge with him as host. Xin's spirit faded, and the joined being killed Atakhan and made LeBlanc retreat.
Turning points
- Killing the Noxian soldier to protect his crew
- Choosing to serve Jarvan III rather than go home
- Entering the Spirit Realm to stop Zaahen being freed
- Taking Zaahen's glaive and persuading the god to merge with him
Where their story stands now
Xin Zhao is dead as a mortal, and his spirit is bound inside the Temple of Twilight in the Spirit Realm as Zaahen's host. Yunara hid the truth from Demacia, so the official account of his death is incomplete. It is unknown whether he keeps any agency of his own or can reach the living.
Who they are tied to
- Jarvan IV →Xin taught Jarvan IV martial arts, governance and Ionian philosophy and was like family to him, though Jarvan IV was told only a softened version of how Xin died.
- Kennen →Kennen met Xin in Navori and explained that Darkin were stirring and trying to free Zaahen, and he went with Xin into the Spirit Realm.
- Yunara →Yunara fought beside Xin at Koeshin, saw his sacrifice, brought his broken spear back to Demacia and hid the truth of his fate.
- Zaahen →Xin persuaded the fallen god Zaahen to merge with him, so that Xin's spirit became Zaahen's host.
Where this fits in the story
- Demacia · step 1
A refuge from the Rune Wars
Demacia was founded as a refuge from the Rune Wars, when World Runes reshaped entire nations. It built its identity on order, law and keeping magic at arm's length.
- Demacia · step 2
Petricite and the fear of magic
The Demacians discovered petricite, a magic-dampening stone, and made it central to their defense. Persecuting mages became state policy, carried out by the Mageseekers.
- Demacia · step 3
The long rivalry with Noxus
Demacia and Noxus fought for generations. One of the best-known clashes ended with the Noxian Sion killing King Jarvan I.
- Demacia · step 4
Turmoil at home
The assassination of King Jarvan III shook the kingdom, and Sylas rose against the persecution of mages. The cruelty of the Mageseekers is now openly questioned, and Jarvan IV rules a kingdom that is changing.