In the earlier lore of the Runeterra Universe, the Institute of War played a significant role. It was an organization created to govern and regulate conflicts between factions and champions. The primary purpose of the Institute of War was to provide a controlled environment where disputes could be settled without endangering innocent lives or causing widespread destruction.
The Institute of War facilitated this through the use of summoners, individuals with the ability to harness magic and summon champions to fight on their behalf. Summoners acted as conduits, controlling and communicating with the champions during battles. These battles, known as the League of Legends, were highly structured and followed a set of rules.
The League of Legends served multiple purposes within the lore:
Conflict Resolution: The Institute of War offered a controlled arena for factions and champions to resolve disputes through combat rather than all-out war. It provided a diplomatic alternative where conflicts could be settled, reducing the scale of destructive conflicts.
Champion Showcase: The League of Legends allowed champions to showcase their skills and abilities, attracting attention and fame. It acted as a platform for champions to prove their worth, gain recognition, and increase their influence.
Stability and Balance: The existence of the League of Legends helped maintain a fragile balance of power among factions and champions. It prevented any single faction from dominating and ensured that conflicts were contained within the confines of the Institute.