New 120 ap item?
So with deathfire grasps removal we're kind of in the dark about the new 120 item as I Haven't seen anything regarding that. It's definitely needed. I mean look at the AD counter part. Essence reaver, bloodthirster, Infinity edge, mercurial scimitar. they have 4 BF sword items and we're down to two Needlessly large rod items. I'm ok with there being 3 NLR items as I think a 4th would up the ap scalings a ridiculous amount but here a couple thoughts as to why 4 wouldn't be too bad if we can mitigate the impact.
first off is the mana vs no mana champions would have to decide on these items. secondly, it would be an all in or out deal with ap champions deciding on just a zhonyas or getting that banshees/guardian angel. I'm not very good at this but here are some Ideas for a 3rd 120 ap item and maybe a 4th if you consider mana.
Item idea one shurellias fury 120 ap passive: 15% cdr (we also really miss that cdr from DFG) unique passive - frenzy: kills and assists grant bonus movement speed that decays over two seconds. (this would push assassins a little back up from the removal of DGF without increasing their burst) note that this could also be changed to just kills to up the risk for assassins and the cdr can remain at 10 though personally I think this item should be a staple with another cdr item even though it might be tricky to balance.
components : Needlessly large rod (1600) , fiendish codex (820) combine cost (850). total cost (3270)
item Idea two timeless guardian 120 ap 200 hp passive: 25% base mana regen passive: 50% base health regen unique passive - life shackle: killing monsters or minions restore 10 hp and mana over 6 seconds (effect cannot stack more than twice) unique passive - protector or runeterra: kills and assists grant a 30 (+15 per level) shield that decays over the next 6 seconds (effect cannot stack more than twice)
components: faerie charm x 2 (180 each), NLR (1600), Rejuv bead (180), ruby charm (400). combine cost (850). total cost (3390) note: the reason I don't want to give this item forbidden idol is because the 10% cdr would be busted with all the perks already on this item. This item is more for mana consuming casters for extended teamfights, like athenes but with more defensive stats rather than just mana back and it's less impactful and will only become increasingly impactful the longer the fight drags out. this item also helps the game in a progressive style as the components are a lot but they wont be super impactful and are relatively cheap until you finish it.
this may seem slightly over the top to some people but consider the pseudo defensive items on BF's side. magic resist and a cleanse, mana regen and life steal, lifesteal and a shield thats pretty big. 3 items that provide some kind of defensive capability or sustain and it's still top on the damage side of items. I'm not trying to make the items balance each other out by being similar because then casters, assassins and mana consuming ability power mages would lose their identity with attack damage assassins and marksmen. instead, with a speed boost and cdr and some nice sustain in lane without added burst damage or a significant game changer like a 2 second invulnerability, we don't get anything crazy impactful but we get great sustained teamfighting items that will really have a nice visual effect as well making you feel like the purchase was worth it.
I was thinking that shurellias fury could be combined with morellonomicon while timeless guardian would suit athenes better, or even morello as well for those only wanting one damage item.
lastly, for those thinking this mana regen would be too much, tear of the goddess and catalysts are often used together for ultra sustain and a really late game composition. this way you hit your sustain mid game without it being overpowered but you don't get that late game scaling like tear does. it also doesn't contain a sapphire crystal to avoid stacking that much ap with a mana scaling item.
I suck at names and I obviously don't know much about balance but these are some Ideas to fill the void left by DFG. I'm almost forced into 3 defensive items or double morellos which i'm sure riot never intended on having. I hope someone reads this and feedback is greatly appreciated. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM please