Ambessa Medarda

> I would set the world ablaze to protect our family.
>
> Ambessa, "The Monster You Created"

**Ambessa Medarda** is a powerful warlord and stateswoman in Noxus. She is the estranged mother of Mel.

## Biography

### History

> I will give you the world, child, *if* you prove you can take it.
>
> Ambessa to Mel, "The Monster You Created"

When she was ten, her father brought her to the aftermath of the Battle of Hildenard to collect weapons from the fallen in exchange for a gold coin each, exposing her to death at the tender age.

She tried to imbue the same principles in her two known children, particularly in her daughter Mel, whom Ambessa tried to mold into a warrior and leader willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure their survival from a young age. This seemingly proved futile, however, as her son Kino preferred diplomacy over war, and Mel adapted his way of thinking and came to see war and killing only as a last resort.

> Because you weakened me! I couldn't endure the look in your eyes whenever I made the decisions—the necessary decisions to keep us safe!
>
> Ambessa on why she sent her own daughter away, "The Monster You Created"

Eventually, she sent Mel away from their home to Piltover, pointing out that her sentimentality would work well among the "soft-spined idealists", and would later use the excuse that it was for her to oversee their family's interests in the city. In truth, she sent her away because she could no longer bear Mel's disapproval of her decisions.

### Season 1

Mel eventually came to power in Piltover as a Councilor and the wealthiest person in the city, and she would later sponsor the research of Jayce Talis into Hextech that then revolutionized trade and travel in the world, thus having a hand in Piltover's undeniable progress.

Apparently too distracted to have been able to do anything at the time, her son Kino was killed by a man who earned his ire. Ambessa realized that the man was not done with his grudge and would strike again and could have enough resources to potentially overpower them. To aid their victory in a potential war, Ambessa visited Piltover in hopes of getting her hands on weaponized Hextech.

Having heard news of the city's ongoing conflict with Zaun, she tried to convince both Mel and Jayce to finally engage the undercity in war and use his Hextech weapons for it. Mel determinedly refused and convinced the Council to avoid any war-inciting actions as well, but Jayce was swayed enough to attack one of Silco's Shimmer factories with Vi. When Jayce accidentally killed a boy, however, Jayce completely changed his mind.

Mel confronted her about her manipulation of Jayce and she finally told Mel about the impending conflict at Noxus. She then asked Mel to let the war happen, after which she would be welcome back home and at her side. Mel would ultimately turn down the offer, taking off her family ring as she agreed to Jayce's proposal of peace with Zaun by granting them their requested independence.

## Appearances

 "Happy Progress Day!":*Absent*
 "The Boy Savior":*Alluded to only*

## References

1. ↑ *League of Legends* loading screen tip during the airing of *Arcane*.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ben St. John, Mollie St. John (writers) and Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord (directors) (November 20, 2021). "Oil and Water". *Arcane*. Season 1. Episode 8. Netflix.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Christian Linke, Alex Yee (writers) and Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord (November 20, 2021). "The Monster You Created". *Arcane*. Season 1. Episode 9. Netflix.
4. ↑ Nick Luddington (writer) and Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord (directors) (November 6, 2021). "Some Mysteries Are Better Left Unsolved". *Arcane*. Season 1. Episode 2. Netflix.
5. ↑ David Dunne (writer) and Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord (directors) (November 13, 2021). "Happy Progress Day!". *Arcane*. Season 1. Episode 4. Netflix.