Gab Hernandez 
Arcane Season 2 has plenty of exciting storylines, but the Black Rose faction and its mysterious dealings may need more explanation.
Ranking #1 over 60 countries, Arcane Season 2 is undeniably a massive hit. Despite the three years between seasons, fans quickly jumped back on the hype train. From the rising tensions between Piltover and Zaun to the evergrowing instability of Hextech, there’s so much to bite into, story-wise.
However, one storyline may seem confusing for those who aren’t familiar with League of Legends lore. Ambessa Medarda was little more than a side character in Season 1, but she plays a more significant role in Season 2. All her desperate plans stem from her feud with one of Noxus’ most dangerous factions: the Black Rose.
What is the Black Rose in League of Legends?
The Black Rose is a secret organization of powerful mages and nobles who manipulate Noxus behind the scenes, as they do in Arcane.
League of Legends champions LeBlanc and Vladimir founded the cabal before the dawn of the Noxian empire. From the shadows, they prod their chess pieces into play, through magic and deceit. Only those in the highest echelons of power are aware of their existence.
In the lore, Swain, the current ruler of the Noxian empire, thought he destroyed the Black Rose as a young man. However, a rise in political tensions has revealed it was merely a ruse, and Swain aims to end the cabal once and for all. As for their appearance in Arcane, the Black Rose seems deadset on destroying Ambessa Medarda’s family. Based on Mel’s findings, they played a role in her brother’s mysterious death.
As for why the Black Rose is chasing Ambessa in the first place, the season hasn’t been revealed just yet. Still, the Black Rose will undoubtedly play a huge role in the Zaun-Piltover war. By kidnapping Mel Medarda in Episode 3, the Black Rose effectively took away the only council member willing to make peace with Zaun.
There are multiple hints that the Black Rose founder LeBlanc may appear in Arcane Season 2. Of course, the biggest hint is the Black Rose itself, especially with its sheer power. Plus, the appearance of shadows that look like LeBlanc in the trailers did not go unnoticed among fans.
Some fans even theorize that LeBlanc is already in the show, albeit disguised with magic. As Noxus’ role in the story grows, direct intervention from one of its most powerful mages may come sooner rather than later.
