The Problem with Manaless Champions
Manaless champions are very annoying early game, but are generally given their mana-less state based on their lore and kit. For example, Garen only swings his sword in different ways, so he doesn't use mana. Ninjas, Monks and most AD assassins (poor
) use energy, as they just jump around and throw things (Lee Sin's jump, Zed's shadows, and Katerina's magic damage are not magic I promise). Even Riven, who uses a magic sword, derives her power from her sword and therefore uses no mana. However, aren't there quite a few champions who should fall under this category?
Caitlyn
: Shoots things. All she does is shoot and lay traps. Plenty of people do this irl and, as far as I know, nobody in existence has mana.
Corki
: Same as Caitlyn.
Darius
: Swings his axe in different ways. Sure, the heal is odd, but then again so is a giant sword falling from the sky.
Gangplank
: Shoots, puts down barrels full of gunpowder, eats in a Runescape-esque fashion, and tells his ship where to shoot. Magic?
Graves
: Same as Caitlyn.
Jarvan IV
: Swings and throws his standard. Maybe his W is somewhat magical. Giant swords.
Kha'Zix
: Uses his insect body to perform his abilities. No magical skills; he would be better suited with energy.
Master Yi
: Attacks rapidly, meditates, runs fast. Meditate seems somewhat magical but it is based off of a mana-less real-life action. Giant swords. This one is the most debatable.
Pantheon
: Throws spear, attacks fast, blocks, jumps. His jump is exaggerated but... giant swords.
Reworked Poppy
: Gets her energy from her weapon. What's your excuse, Riven?
Singed
: Let's out gas, throws down slime, throws people, drinks some kick-ass energy drink. Not very magical.
Teemo
: Shoots poisonous darts, runs, puts down poisonous mushrooms. Not very magical.
Talon
: Sure, his blades levitate and he has rogue-like invisibility... giant swords.
Xin Zhao
: His only magical component is his heal... giant swords Riot, giant swords.
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On the flip side:
Akali
: Magical sparkling shroud and AP damage.
Dr. Mundo
: Magical healing powers and can summon salt.
Garen
: Magic shield, GIANT. SWORD. OF DOOM.
Katerina
: Magic damage. Other than this it makes sense.
Kennen
: Literally becomes electricity.
Rengar
: Healing, turns invisible like Talon. Poor Talon.
Renekton
: Similar ult to Nasus, which is magical.
Shyvana
: Turns into a dragon, breaths fire, fire circles around her without lighting herself on fire like Mundo. Not magical at all.
Vladimir
: ...How is anything he does not magic?
Yasuo
: Because controlling wind isn't magical.
Zed
: Living shadows and teleportation, along with a magical mark, definitely aren't magic.
I'm not saying any of these champions need changes. I'm just saying that, in many cases, whether or not a champion uses mana is not based on what the champion does, but on balance.