@Meddler Is there an insight we can have on Xerath's direction?

Hello there!

Would just like to inquire about the direction of xerath, as my main I had wanted to know more about the direction riot was heading with him. I've noted that on the mage buff, they are directly buffing his stun and ult. However i feel like riot doesn't have a real embodiement of where they want to go with him. As an xerath main i personally would like to see the embodiment of what he is supposed to stand for pure, raw energy. His old kit gave more of that feeling:

Ascended Form (passive): Xerath feeds on arcane power, becoming increasingly resilient to physical harm; granting him 15% of his ability power as bonus armor.

Locus Of power: Xerath immobilizes himself at his location, granting his spells 400-range and gaining bonus magic penetration.

Mage Chains: ACTIVE: Xerath deals magic damage to an enemy and marks them with Mage Chains Unstable Magic for 3 seconds. Unstable Magic will trigger if a marked enemy is hit by one of Xerath's spells, stunning them for 1.5 seconds.

Arcane Barrage: Xerath calls down a blast of arcane energy, which strikes after a 0.5 second delay dealing magic damage to enemies within a 200-radius. Arcane Barrage can be recasted up to two more times in the next 12 seconds.

I can understand the reasoning for his rework, as originally you stated he would blow up the nearest target, would it be so hard though to incorporate a system that reward him from playing afar and punish him if he is close?