DFG, Zhonyas and Deathcap represent the Staff, Shield and Magician's Hat
Don't know if anyone else noticed this but..
- DFG was the ultimate Staff. It granted you power beyond this world. Blast your enemies to smithereens ! Hence, DFG ensuring 100-0 burst.
is the ultimate shield. It grants you the ultimate protection - an impenetrable shield that protects you from all forces, physical and magical. So powerful that it even freezes time !
is the ultimate hat. It gifts you with infinite knowledge and wisdom - sharpening your mind and stengthening your magic far greater than any other artefact.
Together, they make the** Ultimate Trio**, which is probably the original intention. (Harry Potter anyone?) With the removal of Death Fire Grasp, the ultimate trio is in a state of imbalance.
Luden's Echo had better be a staff because if it turns out to be a piece of stone like many of the new items (ZZrot, Bami Cinder, Wriggles, Ardent censer.. JESUS CHRIST), we won't have an 'ultimate Staff' anymore.
Anyways this has nothing to do with game balance, just aesthetics. Have a nice day.
TL;DR The trio of items were created to represent the most powerful staff, shield and hat for a mage. I hope Riot doesn't forget this when designing Luden's Echo.
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and other staff-like items just don't cut it.