I'm thinking.
Runeborn Xerath is definitely my fav Xerath skin ala Splash art and concept ( just like Earthrune Skarnerscarn is my fav skin ingame)
But what actually bothers me about Runeborn Xerath before and after rework is his lack large surfaces to allow rune inscribing. What MAKES Earthrune scarner is the detailing on his claws balancing out the rest of the model and tying into his crystal tail...
Xerath on the other hand is just a collection of small stones and a WHOLE TON of green particle effects which pull away from the model work even more. Instead of changing the rock colour, I think a larger chest and shoulder pads with deep blue rune inscriptions like the splash art suggests and skarner has ingame would go a long way. I mean I want the RUNEBORN Xerath not the GREEN Xerath in the same way the RED Xerath is different and ultimately inferior to the SCORCHED EARTH Xerath.
The much more substantial chest and form on scorched earth Xerath was a design direction I would have really liked to see on the Xerath rework models - I think it would have given the texture artists a lot more space to establish identity outside of broad particle colours.
The close up view looks amazing with the particles off - it's just all lost ingame. I mean even keeping the blue interior lolking displays would add a ton to contrast and make the greens pop instead of wash.