Arcane Act 3 is coming out this weekend and I’m sure fans have a ton of questions and speculations in mind. Now, before Act 3 comes out and Arcane is officially brought to a close, we want to talk about one character in particular: Ambessa Medarda. It goes without saying, major spoilers ahead.
Who is she?
Ambessa Medarda, a general from Noxus, was introduced in the latter half of Arcane Season 1. While initially portrayed as a character whose sole purpose was to be Mel’s mom and to complicate the situation, Ambessa has turned out to be a much more complex character.
For starters, the end of season 1 gives us a small insight on why she pushed Mel away. While it wasn’t clear if reconnecting with her daughter was all she wanted in Season 1, she becomes more fleshed out in season 2. Kicking things off, the start of Season 2 is punctuated by the occupation of Piltover by Ambessa and the Noxians. Not only has she managed to take over the council, but she also successfully incited Martial Law in Piltover.
Might Makes Right
This is where I take the chance to ramble a bit. Noxian principles have always been an interesting take on the concept of strength. During the end of Season 1 leading up to season 2, we get small insights on her principles and beliefs. Like all Noxians, she values strength above all else. Strength is the means through which anyone can attain what they deserve. It is on this absolute core tenet that all of Ambessa’s decisions are made.
She believes that might makes right. When she chastises Mel for not being more aggressive, she shows that aggression is the key, even in diplomacy. Above everything, she hates cowardice and weakness over a lack of aggression.
In Noxus, they believe in the three principles of strength. Known as the Trifarix Doctrine, strength is composed of three aspects: Vision,Might, and Guile. Vision is the ability to plan and set a goal. Might is the power to bend your environment to your will. Guile is the cunning and wit that compliments the first two principles.
In Season 2 episode 6, Ambessa teaches these principles to Caitlyn. She then shares that she has discovered a 4th principle: Sacrifice. This principle heightens the other three and raises all else. The strength born of suffering and the will to attain it no matter the cost.
Her Goal
Over the course of season 2, we discover more and more about Ambessa’s character and what she’s after. Initially, fans thought she coveted control of Piltover but it turns out to be much more complicated than that. It’s revealed in the show that Ambessa has managed to anger the Black Rose Cabal. She moved to Piltover after the supposed death of her son, Kino. Speculations point to the Black Rose being the cause of this.
As revealed in episode 4 of Season 2, Ambessa is trying to gain the use of Hextech to combat the Black Rose. Unfortunately for her, no other scientist can replicate the work Jayce and Viktor have done. This desperation has pushed her to find alternatives. Weapons that can help her achieve victory over the Black Rose. This is mainly why she wants to capture Warwick after she encounters him back in episode 4.
While we don’t actually know her full goal other than fighting the Black Rose, we do know that she’s not just after power. Ambessa is a decisive and cunning individual. She grew up on the battlefield and almost died on it. It would be too much of a cop out if we find out all of this has been for a simple power struggle. Regardless, we’ll know everything when Act 3 drops this weekend.
Want to know more about Arcane? Check out our previous articles!
