Riot Games has given us a sneak peek at Mordekaiser, the next League of Legends champion. This fighter is the master of metal.

Riot Games has given us an exclusive first look at Mordekaiser, the next champion who will be entering battle in League of Legends. This sinister fighter is known as the Master of Metal, and with good cause; he can smash multiple enemies with his Mace of Spades attack, and his Iron Man passive ability makes him a tough adversary.

You can read more about Mordekaiser's background and abilities after the jump.We've also added four screenshots of Mordekaiser in action to our League of Legends gallery.

Hero Type: Fighter

Lore

During the winter solstice, on the darkest day of the year, a being like no other emerged from the forgotten alleyways of Noxus. Standing eight feet tall, and concealed within a razor-sharp armored shell, he came to be known only as Mordekaiser. The nature of what lies beneath his carbonized carapace is a popular subject of speculation. Many allege that he is a mortal man with a heart that has hardened to iron. Others insist that he is a dark specimen of the undead. But there are some who whisper warnings that he is merely a foreshadowing of something terrible and unprecedented yet to come. Despite the public conjecture and curiosity, none have discovered what lies beneath his alloyed exterior. What is known is this: Mordekaiser arrived unannounced at the Institute one day and, with a rasp that crept ice up the spines of all within earshot, requested to join the League of Legends.

Upon glimpsing his fearful visage, most keep their distance, fortunately unaware that his touch bears a sinister scourge. Those who stumble within his grasp fall victim to incurable maladies.  In fact, Mordekaiser seems mystically attuned to sickness, as if it feeds and comprises part of his chilling essence. He now stalks the slums of Noxus, drawn to the plague-ridden and diseased. However, there is something in his clever tactics, something in his noble stance, something in the tone of his unearthly commands that has led many to believe that Mordekaiser is more than just a foot soldier. Some see the distinguishing characteristics of a general. While many have learned to accept the evidence of this unsettling possibility, a lingering question keeps them wary at the witching hour: If Mordekaiser is a general, what nightmarish legion lurks at his command?

"The common perception is that the encompassing armor protects him, I fear that -- for the fragile time being -- it actually protects us."

Ability Descriptions

Mace of Spades

On next hit, Mordekaiser swings his mace with such force that it echoes out, striking up to three nearby targets, dealing his attack damage plus bonus damage. If the target is alone, the bonus damage is doubled.

Creeping Death

Unleashes a protective cloud of metal shards to surround an ally, increasing their armor and magic resistance, and dealing damage per second to enemies caught in the cloud.

Siphon of Destruction

Mordekaiser deals damage to enemies in a cone-shaped area in front of him. For each unit hit, Mordekaiser’s shield absorbs energy.

Children of the Grave

Mordekaiser curses an enemy, stealing a percent of their life each second. If the target dies while under the effect of the curse, their soul is enslaved and will follow Mordekaiser for 30 seconds. During this time, Mordekaiser gains some of their ability power, attack damage, and health.

Iron Man (passive)

20% of the damage dealt from abilities is converted into a temporary shield, absorbing incoming damage.