Any long-range mage who might want to use Abyssal Scepter essentially wastes a huge portion of it because they can't safely use its aura. If they're close enough to use the aura, they're probably going to die because they're not being safe.
I question why it's still kept as an aura instead of applying a debuff on dealing spell-based magic damage that lowers enemy MR.
FACE THE WlND5 votesOkay? I don't see the issue. Mana items are bad on manaless champions because it's a wasted stat...
MotrColt1 votesAbyssal scepter is generally made for long range mages however, it is most often bought currently for when you want to be able to 1v1 better in lane mid lane. It has other uses of course but this is the most relevant one.
Mana items however are not made for manaless champions.
This is a problem because this aura range makes it bad on the champions who should make the most use out of it.
RiotMeddler9 votesAbyssal Sceptor's designed to be an item for short-medium range magic damage dealers, offering them a mixture of the ability to survive in the middle of a fight and an aura that rewards them for being there. There's some tension there for some champions as to whether or not they should take it, with their team's composition and how they expect the game to go major factors in whether or not it's worth them picking it up. That's something we think's valuable, since it offers a game understanding check that doesn't have a constant right answer, unlike many other item options. A version made for long range mages by contrast would instead likely just end up as a must buy, offering both stronger poke and resistance to both enemy poke and all ins.
TLDR: Range restriction makes whether or not to get Abyssal a game dependent choice on many champions.
darkdill1 votesSo... in other words, a Lux can't get high MR without getting shot in the foot somewhere down the line, right?
Eagleheart4 votesSo... in other words, a Lux can't get high MR without getting shot in the foot somewhere down the line, right?
In other words, Abyssal is an item who's primary audience is these champions: 
(And others, looking for close range spells.)
Or, to spin it another way: A long range mage can pick up abyssal to punish a melee champion for going in on them. (
and other midlane assassins with gapclose stuff.)
Make sense?
FACE THE WlND1 votesWell you wouldn't build Abyssal if your problem is getting fked by AD assassins.
RiotMeddler7 votesReally long range champions will pay a price for that range. Some of that price will be that they won't always get the same degree of power from defensive itemization.
Or, if you were just interested in talking about Lux specifically, then no, Lux doesn't drive all our AP item decisions and does have to follow the same principles that apply to similar champions.
Eagleheart1 votesReally long range champions will pay a price for that range.
Hey Meddler, did I guess right in my post above?
what you deserve1 votesThoughts on making Spirit Visage apply to shields as well as heals? Would help some of our immobile poke mages like Lux and Karma without being too strong.
macromite1 votesit would be fairly neutral. and imagine the problem cases. some characters get big shields.
Big Lincoln1 voteswell there'd be a few problems with that amongst tanks with shields 
and any health stacker buying sterak's or maw
what you deserve1 voteslol good point
Automatis1 votesReally long range champions will pay a price for that range. Some of that price will be that they won't always get the same degree of power from defensive itemization.
Or, if you were just interested in talking about Lux specifically, then no, Lux doesn't drive all our AP item decisions and does have to follow the same principles that apply to similar champions.
I feel like the real question being asked here is, why isn't there a MR option for mages that can't use abyssal effectively? Not a different abyssal, something entirely independent. Are our gameplay options A) have no MR and die or B) be forced to take a suboptimal item?
You could argue that mages can build 
, but AD Champions are allowed 
, which fits seamlessly into almost any AD champion's build. Why should one class be forced to build class neutral items and forsake their progression when other classes have multiple options that fit right in there? 
There has also been no MR + mana item since banshee's veil. This rework seemed like an optimal time to introduce an item that could help both siege mages and mana tanks. 
.
Why are you guys being so light on items for the mage rework? AD Champs got 3 new items (4 if you count both LWs) and a number of items reworked into viability. For mages you're giving 2 items and taking 2 away (
). It doesn't really feel like their itemization is being refreshed like the juggernaut/adc reworks accomplished.
SaltyKracka2 votesBasically? Because range and CC are the greatest safety steroids.
If you've got the kind of range that Lux and Xerath have, you're supposed to be squishy as fuck.
Automatis1 votesBasically? Because range and CC are the greatest safety steroids.
If you've got the kind of range that Lux and Xerath have, you're supposed to be squishy as fuck.
Except there are plenty of non-MR defensive options for them.
And the downside of having range and cc is supposed immobility and mana hunger, not denial of itemization.
That's a terrible philosophy. "We can't strategically balance the downsides of your long range kit so you just don't get choices as other champs".
There's already plenty of downside to playing a mana hungry, immobile mage that needs more time to scale than 
SaltyKracka1 votesYes, there are already plenty of non-MR defensive options for them. They don't always synergize perfectly with all of these items either.
By the same token, long-range mages are perfectly capable of building MR items including Abyssal Scepter. They just have to be willing to accept the trade offs inherent in the choice.
Also, Athene's wasn't deleted. Sure, it's not the same item for the same niche, but only WotA was flat out cut.
alfavhunter1 votesSo... in other words, a Lux can't get high MR without getting shot in the foot somewhere down the line, right?
Well if you are vs a dive heavy enemy you still get use out of the entire item when they jump onto you, and if they are AP damage you get full benefit when they are close to you, but still just out of range for a good bit of thier damage (think fizz AP melee range damage but you root him as he came to you so he is close enough to get MR shred and that extra MR you are rocking helped you survive his combo
Let's say you are Liz VS xeroth, do you build this item now? Maybe depends if you feel you can afford to lose some AP for a little better survival Vs his damage, and hay you have a shield on Liz so it's probably a decent (not nessesarly the best) choice
Every item has a use, but no item will always be the most useful
Profirix1 votesWill Aurelion still be able to use Abyssal and get the benefit at his outer limit?
FACE THE WlND1 votesHi Meddler! I like you.
Zok721 votesIf that is the case can you delve somewhat into the philosophy which states assassins should have access to durability? Shouldn't assassins have similar vulnerability to artillery mages and gain safety through their mobility instead of through durability or range? Or addressed another way, if the intended counterplay to an assassin is "group so you can kill the would-be assassin before they kill their target" then isn't giving them access to durability removing an intended weakness of assassins? I certainly think abyssal's MR reduction aura is an assassin tool, but should that be coupled with the MR which is clearly more intended for battle mages or possibly AP bruisers/juggernauts?
SaltyKracka3 votesAbyssal isn't supposed to help long-range mages. It never was, it never has, and I would be very surprised if it were ever going to.
macromite3 votesabyssal isn't an item for high range mages. mr and the aura are both wasted stats if you play them correctly.
darkdill1 votesAnd in the inevitable game against someone like Leblanc?
AHeroNamedHawke4 votesAnd in the inevitable game against someone like Leblanc?
Then you have 1100 range
Should high range mages also be incredibly tanky when they finally get engaged on?
macromite1 votesif it comes down to it you can just wave clear. tower will be enough early to defend you, and if it isn't most higher range mages have short disruptions. use your range and disruption to defeat the target closing the distance, as they close the distance preferably.
EcchiOtakuTM1 votesHence why riot even said they're still working on an item for long range champs....