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A love letter to Karma

BlackDragonIV·7/19/2014, 4:45:52 PM·14 votes·2,399 views

Dear Karma,

I'm sorry that your were replaced... They said it was only a rework, that you would remain, only changed... But instead they only crafted a replacement. Someone different, and gave them your name.

I've missed you so much. The Fields of Justice have changed, and will be doing so again soon, and you won't get to see it. Many do not even know you existed, let alone remember. You abilities, skills and talents were among the best in the League, and for that you were sentenced to exile. A lack of understanding and appreciation amongst novice summoners. A portrait, like the rest of the champions, was made for your entry to the League, when you joined your portrait was something to relish, It's very creation shown to the world in appreciation, and I hope you took the highest of honor in that ceremony. The new champions don't get that privileged anymore, not even your replacement received that honor.

Since I've seen your replacement on the battle field, I have longed to witness your abilities again. I sincerely miss everything about your interactions throughout the Fields of Justice. The way you maintained control of the battle field, huddled and fought with and against the toughest of allies and enemies. Your fearless stride into the frey and the discipline taught through your most powerful of arts.

One day you will asked to return, and I hope that above all you accept this offer, not for Riot. But to lead your people, your allies, your friends, and your summoners to victory. On the Fields of Justice you shall return.

I met you on February 1st, 2011. It feels like only yesterday I had paid my dues to ally with you in the fields. 3150IP, and we would be partners forever. They lied.

However as a summoner, revenge and war amongst my people would not settle my disputes. So I fight another battle. One of love and compassion. One to restore the rights to the Field of Justice to the worthy. And you, my dear, Are of the worthy.


To Riot: Since I've played the replacement. I haven't been doing any of my favorite things in lane... I don't R+E my allied minions to damage enemy champions because my Q is in range. Wave clear feels like every other champ because now all I do is throw skill shots until it dies instead of using my combo including W and R+E. And worst of all. I find myself regretting it when I shield allies for a speed boost instead of an actual shield. And it doesn't stop there... Because when I get low I don't feel strong. I don't feel like Karma, I don't feel the burning spirit of leadership, the duty and perseverance for my people. I become frightened and cautious.

There is something so incredibly tangible about my experiences with Karma's real kit. It was more thematically accurate on a deeper level. The level of teamwork and leadership. Something just felt so amazing about fighting in the middle of of your team. Being surrounded by your allies being your best position. Now the replacement just sits in the back. Always maintaining distance like everyone else who isn't Melee. And supporting your allies feels superficial. You simply shield them and damage the enemy. You don't FIGHT WITH THEM. You don't MOVE WITH THEM. And most of all you don't PROTECT THEM anymore. You just go about your business and contribute numbers.

It's become a battle of statistics rather than choices.

It took me awhile to understand what I missed about Karma, and why I've missed it as much as I have. But now that I've had time to clear my mind and understand. The real Karma. Pure and true, was one of the best champions ever brought to the Fields of Justice.

If you are reading this and agree with me. Thumbs up this post and reply! Even if your just saying "HELL YEAH" every little bit helps. Riot needs to know that reworks and remakes are different. And that removing a character is never a solution.

27 Comments

Krizalid Brando7/19/2014, 9:15:35 PM4 votes

It's pretty romantic, but I love new Karma. You know, like she was a grey mouse in school and then boom, she becomes very cute and I wonder "How didn't I notice her before?".

AK47WOLF7/19/2014, 11:31:01 PM3 votes

It sucks that things got changed so much. Current Karma might not be overpowered, but she's way different. She's also now one of the most toxic champions to lane against. It's utterly annoying.

BuffySummerss7/20/2014, 12:01:44 AM3 votes

I miss her too :/. I mained the old Karma and loved every ability she had. I also liked how she looked, but now its kinda meh. Her traditional skin and Sakura skin look like glorified bathrobes :c and the back part of it moves in a wierd way.

Hyrum Graff7/19/2014, 8:19:27 PM3 votes

...but I lurve replacement karma </3

On the note of feeling powerful vs scared when I'm low HP: I don't feel powerful, but if I have my ult up, I'm also looking for opportunities to bait the enemy into trying to dive or engage on me, only to shield and ult-w.

While I get where you're coming from and I would also be heartbroken to have new karma taken away from me, I also understand that for the first couple years of making this game, Riot didn't have a clear direction for where the game was going, what to do to make it better, etc. Now they have clear guiding principles, and they're doing a gradual rework of the whole game from the ground up, to bring everything into accordance with their principles, which will hopefully result in a game that's more fun to play.

Khodexus7/19/2014, 8:33:49 PM3 votes

I read this, and while I never got to experience the original Karma, I think I can understand how you feel because it's how I'm feeling right now about the changes in the pipeline for Sona. I bought Sona and thoroughly enjoy her as she is now, but she won't be Sona anymore for much longer, unless Riot takes the hints with their hyper-down-voted rework article and realize that people don't want her to lose her identity as the queen of Auras.

I feel for you. I've tried the current incarnation of Karma, and didn't really care for her.

I'd love for a chance to try something more thematically similar to the original Karma, just to see what it was like. Even if it was updated, perhaps with season 4 support scalings.

Here's hoping Riot pays attention to threads like these.

Healyourownbum7/19/2014, 6:38:28 PM2 votes

Very well written thank you. I have the same problem with Skarma she does help some what but not as much as Karma could. I still miss her loads and all my friends are getting tired of me nagging about it lol..

Zarkkast7/19/2014, 6:51:44 PM2 votes

Maybe someday Riot will realize that a rework is not supposed to completely wipe a character from existance and bring her back. Bring Trundle back. This is obviously not gonna happen, but one can dream. Worst thing is, I think more champions will receive this treatment. I don't think we'll ever see Sion again and I smell many stupid lore changes coming.

MrBuffington7/20/2014, 2:55:38 AM1 votes

I didn't get a chance to meet the original Karma (I only started playing after they reworked/replaced her), but I do enjoy this Karma. I can relate to one point you made, which is shielding allies for the speed boost. It's something I love and hated about Karma, where I could do (more or less) what Lulu did in two spells with only one, but at the same time, it was awful when I wanted to rush to an ally's aid, only to realize I already used my shield to speed myself up to get in range to shield them, or other situations where I know I could save two allies by shielding one and speeding the other up, but I have to choose one or the other.

RapturesWeapon7/22/2014, 12:57:03 AM1 votes

I love her even more

Khmera7/22/2014, 9:31:10 AM1 votes

I still feel for her, I'm so glad you brought this.

P.S. I love her new look though.