The Black Rose in Arcane Season 2, explained

Arcane Season 2 reveals to us that the Black Rose is also involved in the events of Piltover and Zaun. Who, or what, exactly is the Black Rose, and what are they capable of? Check out this quick explainer to learn more.

The Black Rose is a cabal, a hidden political faction, led by the aristocrats of Noxus. It is said that where Noxus has control, they do, too.

They are headquartered in The Immortal Bastion in Noxus' capital, Noxus Prime. The cabal keeps a close eye over Noxian politics, on top of implanting spies across different areas and territories across Runeterra.

Their primary purpose, apart from expanding their reach and influence, is to prevent the return of Mordekaiser, or defeat him once more should he be revived.

They are led by a pale woman known by many names. To League of Legends players, she will be familiar as LeBlanc. LeBlanc is a master manipulator and deceiver; she has had a hand in events in Noxus for the over one thousand years that it has existed. In fact, the entire reason why the Black Rose has control over the Immortal Bastion is because LeBlanc kept the fortress for herself after causing Mordekaiser's downfall.

Despite her influence, LeBlanc is a mysterious figure even for Black Rose members. Over time, the cabal would earn new members. Vladimir, Elise, and Cassiopeia are the most notable among them, for LoL players.

As of Arcane Season 2 Act 1, Ambessa Medarda tightens her grip around Piltover's political goings-on. Thus, it's no wonder that LeBlanc and the Black Rose are aware of her actions.

Their first direct appearance was in Season 2 Episode 3 "Finally Got The Name Right." Ambessa Medarda met with Amara, a member of Piltover's merchant guild, aboard her warship.

Soon, it was revealed that Amara was a member of the Black Rose. It also seemed that someone else was speaking through her - maybe even LeBlanc herself.

Rictus, Ambessa's guard, had items with Noxian engravings, similar to the Kaenic Rookern item and Riven's blade, that seemed to temporarily dispel the Black Rose's magic. It would appear that Ambessa had an idea that the cabal would be coming for her. She also insinuated that they were responsible for the death of his son.

Mel Medarda is also within the cabal's reach. Later in the episode, she and her assistant Elora are shown caught in vines, with the latter sprouting a Black Rose on her face.

There's a possibility we've already seen LeBlanc in one of the Arcane Season 2 trailers. Mimicry is only one of her many abilities, after all.

We can expect the Black Rose to have a more significant role in the coming acts of Arcane Season 2. In fact, their symbolic flower even made it to the opening sequence of the series.

Stick around esports.gg for more Arcane Season 2 news and updates.