A New Type of Support?

No this isn't a post about Redemption and how it shook the support role rather a post about what makes Vel'koz and Brand valid support picks?

I know they're not traditional supports but it seems they still function well in the role, more so than other mid-lane mages. If we look at the support role in general there are many types of supports but they all boil down into having one or more of three major attributes (peeling, buffing, and cc..ing). So the obvious answer would be that both Brand and Vel'koz have cc in their kits so that's why. However, if we look at other mid-lane mages like Ziggs or Veigar who also have powerful cc in either kits, they do not fare as well the other two as supports. Okay so its not just cc and they can't buff or peel for their allies without items..... So what makes these two special?

It can't just be damage because then we would see Kassadin and Fizz down bot lane... but maybe its how their damage is distributed? They both have massive team fight potential with damage that hits multiple targets, but then why aren't Annie and Karthus buying sightstones? Okay so maybe it's about cooldowns, an artillery mage that can cast spells over and over again is bound to be a good support. No... because Lux and Xerath are considered troll picks.

Why are these two doing so well as supports? They don't fit into any previous category that supports are defined as but still they thrive in the role. Even though Karma, Zyra, Morgana, and other mage supports can deal good damage they at least have shields or ways to make the enemy think twice before flashing onto the adc (traits a support should have), Brand and Vel'koz have none of that. What about a combination of aoe, low cd, cc? Well Annie, Lux, Xerath, Ziggs, and many other mages do have all of these in their kits but somehow Brand and Vel'koz take the cake.

My guess is that their passives give them an edge on the competition, that being percent health damage. I'm not 100% sure why but its the only thing that sets them apart from the rest. I guess this, combined with the other things above, makes them valid enough to be considered supports.

What do you think, is this new aoe percent health damage artillery mage support (that was a mouth full) good?