Background :
LEGO General Vex, stands as a significant antagonist in the "Ice Chapter" of Ninjago, Season 11: Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu, masterminding much of the conflict through manipulation. He was a Formling, a species capable of shapeshifting into animals, but Vex was "formless," unable to find his own animal form. This insecurity drove him mad, leading him to believe his people mocked him. He left the village, and held a deep resentment, seeking revenge against those he perceived as having wronged him. This personal grudge shapes his entire role in the Never-Realm's eternal winter.
Appearance :
Vex's appearance clearly indicates his high rank within the Blizzard Samurai. His minifigure has a gunmetal gray armor and a helmet. In addition, his unique printed head features, which include a mustache, sideburns, and a gray area around his glowing eyes. His design reflects his cold, nature, aligning with the ice-themed aesthetic of his army and the frozen Realm he helps control. These visual elements help establish his presence and distinguish him from the more generic Blizzard Samurai minifigures.
Role :
His primary role involves manipulating a mindless Zane into becoming the ruling Ice Emperor. After Zane was banished to the Never-Realm, Vex found him attempting to reboot his mech and, overhearing that unplugging the mainframe would erase the Nindroid's memories, he pulled the plug. He then lied to Zane, telling him he was the Ice Emperor, the rightful ruler of the Never-Realm, and Vex was his loyal advisor. Vex handed Zane the Scroll of Forbidden Spinjitzu, which granted the Power of Ice, and persuaded him to conquer the Realm as revenge for being "overthrown". This manipulation caused an eternal winter and decades of suffering for the Realm's inhabitants.
Interactions :
Vex interacts with several key characters throughout the "Ice Chapter". He constantly advises and manipulates Zane (the Ice Emperor), using him as a puppet to enforce his will and to freeze the Formlings village and nearly eliminate all Yetis. Vex nearly cause the entire extinction of the Yeti species, making Krag one of the last survivors who later helps the Ninja. His actions directly affect the Formling twins, Akita and Kataru; where Boreal, the Ice Dragon captures Kataru. Akita consequently seeks revenge against the Vex and Ice Emperor. Vex particularly can't stand Lloyd, who travels to the Never-Realm to find Zane and restore his memories. He actively tries to destroy Lloyd and his allies, seeing him as a threat to his power.
Journey :
Grimfax, is the original ruler of the Never-Realm castle, who eventually allies with Lloyd and Kataru against Vex. Using a dark ice crystal, he watches Kai, Jay, Cole, and Nya, reach the castle. Vex orders the Ice Dragon, Boreal, to capture Lloyd and return him to the castle. After Lloyd is captured, Kataru and Grimfax team up and battle Vex and Blizzard Samurai inside the castle halls. Ultimately, his downfall arrives when he attempts to end Lloyd. Vex. uses the word "protect," which triggers Zane's memory recovery. Zane destroys the scepter, breaking Vex's power and freezes him in ice. Recognized as the true tyrant, Vex is then banished to the furthest outskirts of the Never-Realm by the Formlings and Grimfax.