Checking Surrender@20 for some knowledge on the Swain changes...

That fucking sucks. I honestly had a positive outlook going in when trying to find these changes, my first thought was that they'd just put his damage amp on his Q, making it so they can break away his damage amp, and making it so you'll want to go with a close range Q, to get the most damage out of it, hence why they stated that he's sturdy, and they like that aspect of him. They just shat in the face of this Swain player.

Swain was my first Mastery 5 champion, and the champion I have played the most and with success. He was my first RP champion, and Tyrant was my first Skin purchase. Fun fact, Tyrant Swain came out ON my birthday, May 23rd. I only learnt this a few days ago, and it made me adore Swain even more than I already did.

How the hell does this promote a more active combat pattern? It makes it obsolete! If they wanted to enforce a more active combat pattern, they should've moved his Damage amp onto his Q, reduce the duration of his E significantly, but make consecutive strikes on the tormented target extend the duration. Additionally changing it so it deals the first tick of damage immediately, so it can be a secondary "auto" or csing, but at a detriment, because you've just lost a good chunk of your damage. It enforces smart play, active combat, and an enjoyable, non play-style changing mini-rework, and would only truly need number changes, not a fundamental mechanical rework of an ability. FUCK, why! I trusted riot to actually do a GOOD job with him, not.. THIS!

I am really, REALLY hoping this is just a case of us both overreacting, and it truly isn't as bad as you say, but even I have my doubts. I knew as soon as I read that they changed the mechanical targeting of his Q, there would be something significant gone. This is disheartening. I had hope, for once in my goddamn life, that something shitty wouldn't happen to something I like, but no, no no, I've learnt my lesson this time. Goddamnit.

Post rant edit: These are my thoughts hearing about said changes, I have yet to actually witness them with my own eyes, and I've only taken this other Lovely Swain main's opinion to formulate a pre-witnessed semi-opinion. Once I've actually gone and evaluated the changes myself, I'll make my final decision on what I wish to believe. Between posting this rant, and scouring the boards, I have discovered they have also increased the amount of Ravens he summons to five from three. Any Board dwellers coming by this post should take the above reaction lightly, as it is just a knee-jerk reaction. Think of it as a "right-brain" reaction, whereas this edit is the "left-brain" response. To those that will more than likely come by and say "Why not just delete this if you dislike how you reacted?" I answer, is simple. I leave these types of posts to ensure I learn from any ignorance or arrogance that came with said reaction. Consider it "positive reinforcement" to avoid said ignorance and arrogance in the future. This has worked for five years, so I have no intention on stopping. If you find my insistent swearing or other things, feel free to downvote this.

Have you posted about this on the PBE? I'm assuming you've been testing him there.