An idea for Zeke's Herald

Sir ArmaMalum·Jun 29, 2014·2 votes·238 views

## Current Problems

So I think we can all agree that this item is, at best, underused. And there are many factors to that ranging from efficiency to current meta, but personally I'm focused in two major problems with the overall design.

####1) Incompatibility

Who do you get this item on? No, seriously, who? The support is a little bit happier with it than before but will still more than likely not use the aura themselves, and since they're the ones who will always be in the aura no matter what, it still feels wasted on some level. The adc however can use all of the stats to varying success, but the lack of damage capacity makes this feel like a wasted slot. Maybe your bruiser or tank? Well that leads into y next problem.....

####2) Aura Placement

Zeke's aura buffs teammates. Simply put it's a defensive aura, because it will be most effectively used within your own team. Whereas an 'offensive aura' in my eyes would be something like sunfire's cape or omen, where it de-buffs or damages enemies. Because of the current Zeke's aura being on the former end, it makes getting this item for a frontline champ who will dive or disrupt enemies kind of a trap, because your team will probably not be using it effectively. Overall I simply don't like the aura itself either, because it's not noticeable compared to other auras and champs who benefit enough from lifesteal to make it noticeable should already have their own personal source, diluting Zeke's effect.

##The Idea

So the logic behind my idea is solving both of the above problems with two thoughts. a) Choose a role that it's designed for, in this case I chose adc (marksman) and b) changing the actual mechanics of the aura.

Zeke's Herald

Builds out of: + +

60 AD | 20% crit chance | 200 health | Unique Active: Zeke's Influence

Zeke's Influence: (Range: 400) Targeted aura castable on self or ally, enemies have Grievous Wounds applied while they are within the aura, lasts 5 secs. 90 sec cooldown

The reasoning for this aura change (yes exec calling would prob have to be hypothetically changed as well) is that it give the option to place an offensive aura as a defined choice, brings in a new source of GW that can be used against or for anyone on your team, and still limits the GW aura (which can prove to be very powerful if used right) to either need an ally present or the adc in question to sacrifice range.

######Note: This is my first pass at an item, so if the exact numbers are off in your opinion I apologize.

6 Comments

JackYAquaJun 29, 20141 votes

The stats' worth places this item in line with the four big ones for Marksmen (IE, BT, Botrk & Mecurial), and for 5 seconds AoE GW I doubt Marksmen would buy it ^^
I think such an item would be better in Youmuu's price range.

Sir ArmaMalumJun 29, 20141 votes

Yeah there was a reason I didn't bother with a price just yet. Baby steps. I definitely want to make the final price a bit on the expensive side, getting this too early can means aggressive fighter supports would have yet another AoE to their early game arsenal.

GW is such a fickle mechanic. It's very niche, but can seriously counter some champs if used right. While Xyph has convinced me the mechanic itself isn't great, I think the main reason it's so unneeded right now is that it traps a lot of players as far as effect goes. Exec Calling brings in an effect that forces the marksman to attck the tank or fighter that has the amazing regen, which is what that champ usually wants. My thinking was that allowing the GW to essentially act on its on allowing the marksman to focus who they want as well as giving a nice bit of synergy between teammates might make GW a bit more noticeable.

Angry MonsterJun 30, 20141 votes

The health does not make sense for an ADC. Health on a item tends to make it more of a general thing instead of a specific role.

Sir ArmaMalumJun 30, 20141 votes

My thinking was that the short range and niche nature of the aura meant this item itself would be putting the adc in a bit more danger than normal, so the bonus health would be to take the edge off. Similar to Phage.

Angry MonsterJun 30, 20141 votes

Phage only builds into 1 item and again its a multi lane item. Which is also in this really niche spot. Most adc can not get it due to their kits.

The stats just do not make sense overall for an ADC. Use on your self or other(what adc does that? not even pros) adn the health.

Drop the multi active ( make self only liek ghost) then drop the health and some AD(10 at most) and you got a ghost blade equivalent item.

Another weird thing about this item is the crit chance. AD with crit is rare right now.