So, Vlad buffs. Let's talk about them.
On the PBE we've got:
- +3 base AD
- Some attack speed stuff
- Transfusion (Q): AP ratio increased to 60% from 55% Base damage increased to 80/100/120/140/160 from 75/90/105/120/135 Crimson Rush's Double damage (100% extra) lowered to 85%
- Tides of Blood (E) [now mentions brief 15% slow on second cast]
What does this all mean, at least in my eyes?
The first two are little buffs to his last hitting and more importantly, AA-weaving and harass for just that little bit extra damage. The former means very little, since dedicated Vlad players already have his CSing with AA's down, but the added bonus of AA harass is nice. It's not game-changing, but it's nice.
The Transfusion changes are a net buff. The losses on Crimson Rush's damage by 15% will be at least partially mitigated by the 5% Ratio buff and +5/10/15/20/25 at each level base. I was hoping they'd touch the base healing a little, but I suppose that would probably asking for a bit much (Vlad's early should remain weak), and I'm overall happiest that they didnt touch the Crimson Rush heal, since it's independent from the damage.
Tides of Blood's change is...interesting. From what I can tell, snapcasting E rather than holding it still gives you a small slow. Compared to the 40%-60% you get from holding the full charge, it's very small, and against anyone with Swiftness or Tenacity Boots, will be nearly unnoticeable. However, that 15% slow from a snapcast E might just be what you need in some situations to help close the gap, whereas charging for the full slow would've let them get away. Even if it's only useful in very specific situations.
Basically, buffs are buffs, that's what this E change is.
Overall though, I'm extremely happy. Base Q being better is what a lot of Vlad players - myself included - have wanted. As great as Crimson Rush is, Q feels like fodder for half the time, so this is just wonderful. Getting some help with lasthitting and harassing is always nice.
If we could get that 5 MS back, I'd be a very happy blood man.
