New Vlad looks hella fun

Blood Magicks·Apr 20, 2016·28 votes·3,386 views

http://i.imgur.com/JE3epEq.webm

http://i.imgur.com/jY2ngBl.gifv

Am hyped. Am capable of waiting, barely. Nice one, Stashu, this can turn out amazing if tuned right.

~~I like his little ballet hop~~

48 Comments

WadeWilson1337Apr 21, 201610 votes

Hes actually quite weak, possibly the weakest of the 6 major reworks. His E costs 10% of his MAXIMUM health. Know who else is infamous for that cost? Aatrox , you dont want to be compared to Aatrox at all at the moment.

His Q does slightly more healing on PBE than it does on live if you get the Q onto an enemy champion. However, your E no longer gives you hp back because theres no spellvamp, so your sustain in lane and your quick powerspike with item 3145 is gone. Also, your E doesnt pass through targets, so your waveclear isnt anywhere near as consistent/safe and can actually lose you alot of fights from being minion blocked.

I have legitimately never seen a Vladimir on PBE not feed yet, and he just looks SO weak. No one who has tested him has said he is strong or even good. He is going to need quite a few buffs or tweaks before he actually gets put in a good position.

MasqureManApr 21, 20161 votes

{quoted}

Hes actually quite weak, possibly the weakest of the 6 major reworks. His E costs 10% of his MAXIMUM health. Know who else is infamous for that cost? , you dont want to be compared to Aatrox at all at the moment.

His Q does slightly more healing on PBE than it does on live if you get the Q onto an enemy champion. However, your E no longer gives you hp back because theres no spellvamp, so your sustain in lane and your quick powerspike with is gone. Also, your E doesnt pass through targets, so your waveclear isnt anywhere near as consistent/safe and can actually lose you alot of fights from being minion blocked.

I have legitimately never seen a Vladimir on PBE not feed yet, and he just looks SO weak. No one who has tested him has said he is strong or even good. He is going to need quite a few buffs or tweaks before he actually gets put in a good position.

I actually think they will end up increasing the health cost of his E if the other numbers stay the same. It may not come through on numbers, but his mid to late game E hits like a truck. And the slow combined with the low cd and Q's haste (and the new he tech belt that goes well with him) means it's hard for people without high mobility to get away from him, which is one of his major issues on live before Rylais.

The explosiveness of his E makes him seem like a bigger threat

Smug YuiApr 20, 20169 votes

Before anyone says this is broken, the Malzahar was at fault in this play, because he should know not to stay there with low health when an enemy has an ability with a range close to Vladimir's E.

Blood MagicksApr 20, 20164 votes

Not broken. Has solid outplay potential and a fair shot at being balanced. My boy will finally become a healthy young man.

EDIT: By the way, Malz's mistake was assuming he could target Vlad before the E channel was over.

Malicious MetalApr 20, 20168 votes

Hope you know how to share. I might just add another health-based tanky AP champion to my roster :^)

Blood MagicksApr 20, 20162 votes

Of course I will share, especially with you. Now, about those filthy former Riven mains getting their greasy hands on my precious Vlad, that I'm less happy about. But it might be a necessary evil.

SuperCosmicHoboApr 21, 20161 votes

That's true, since sanguine pool gives speed boosts, it's his fault for going too close. And tbh, Mal is more broken than Vlad. It's like having a void elise.

Smug YuiApr 22, 20161 votes

In the 4/11 PBE cycle they nerfed his W not to spawn more voidlings, when they attack. So no more level 3 dragon.

SuperCosmicHoboApr 25, 20161 votes

Lol whoa? lvl 3 dragon? What about yorick's lvl 1 dragon?

Count ZubatApr 20, 20166 votes

Wow, this trick looks amazing. It's awesome they made such a synergy between his abilities :) When I first saw that Vlad rework, I thought W would cancel E's channel, but seems like it doesn't.

WoonStruckApr 20, 20164 votes

New Vlad still has a lot of issues that old Vlad had.

The ability to access his kits power in teamfights is his largest issue. Q doesn't help with that, although it could potentially be because of the blood rush being buggy (Q MS doesn't activate after the first proc in the game) There are many games where I'm extremely fed as Vlad and I can't do anything simply because their team won't ever come near me because of how scary I am, and there's nothing I can do about that at all. You can't even pressure lane when you're fed. The only way to be useful is to have your team pressure, while you're a "don't engage on us" threat, or to split-push. Not satisfying.

Thematically, its a very cool rework, but it didn't really fix any of Vlads issues, outside of making him less reliable.

Overall, current numbers are a heavy nerf so far, while he's already weak, but it does add a lot more depth to his kit.

BaculusApr 21, 20164 votes

The new Vlad is an all around nerf. All of his numbers were butchered and the new E is actually much, much, much weaker than the old one. While the old one wasn't flashy, it wave cleared like a boss and did tons of damage while stacked. Just because a playerbase couldn't use an ability isn't much of an excuse for destroying a champion.

DorkunedAurasApr 21, 20161 votes

it's not that they didn't know how to use it, the problem was that it was very low counterplay.

Because both his damage abilities were targetted, and his ult might as well be, he had the old ryze problem of "if you're in range, you're doomed, if you're not, you're safe". Combine that with his health costs not existing later on, He needed some work.

I'm not stating whether or not this is better, but at least there's more counterplay and risk/reward.

Billy VoHagenApr 22, 20161 votes

I'm pretty sure Riot said they wanted to keep the numbers lower initially to see how it is, then buff it where need be.

Over InnsmouthApr 21, 20164 votes

groans orgasmically

MasqureManApr 20, 20163 votes

He's really fun! I've been playing Vlad since release and i enjoy how powerful he feels now

MrBuffingtonApr 20, 20161 votes

I just tried him out on PBE; I think you're spot on. I don't really have a sense of his damage on live, but his rework feels really powerful, even though his damage numbers have been tweaked (his first two Qs are weaker, but his third is crazy powerful). He's really fun.

Spizzle9000Apr 20, 20163 votes

I'm super hyped but his numbers look too low imo, plus it looks like he will be forced to build tank

Blood MagicksApr 20, 20164 votes

I agree the healing numbers aren't amazing and Grievous Wounds will make it worse. Stashu said he'll follow the stats and see if he can fix some of it.

Otherwise excuse the shameless lore spam but I remember talking to you about Vlad lore once. Will you be interested in a fanfic TheUntitledKing and I wrote expanding his lore? No is an acceptable answer but other Vlad mains seem to like it: http://archiveofourown.org/works/5772199/chapters/13302433

Spizzle9000Apr 20, 20161 votes

Yeah, I think he looks glorious other than his numbers, which I think might get a bit of raising, or perhaps I'm just bad at judging power based upon numbers alone (the latter is more likely).

I will have to give it a look!

Spizzle9000Apr 21, 20162 votes

Okay, so I read it, and it is one of the best damn things I've read in a long while. It just seems so very Vladimir, and, were those some allusions to your other story, the Pawns one, I believe?

Also, who did the art in the beginning? That was excellent as well!

Blood MagicksApr 21, 20162 votes

Art is by this fella, he's amazing: http://berylcirclet.deviantart.com

Actually yes, it counts as a prequel to Pawns. Wish Riot-senpai would notice it, everyone says it's the most Vlad thing to ever Vlad.

crippler38Apr 21, 20162 votes

curiosity engaged, will read later and if I am disappointed expect scathing reviews and the lamentation of your woman (vayne looks like she needs some clown schooling)

Blood MagicksApr 21, 20161 votes

Feel free to leave a review whatever you think!

Spizzle9000Apr 21, 20161 votes

Ah thanks!

I do believe that they would definitely have a problem with how graphic it can be at times, as well as the sex/kinkiness that goes on xD But, other than that, I do think they should definitely include this in his long lore (if he ever gets it), especially as it intertwines with Darius, Swain, LeBlanc, and hints at Sion.

Blood MagicksApr 21, 20161 votes

We tried to tune down Square One specifically for the purpose of making it accessible, but you are right, the lore department could skip over the more disturbing parts (am I correct to think the prostitute murder chapter was the worst in that sense?). But then this is Vlad, he's meant to be twisted and terrifying, you cannot possibly imagine him existing as a real person without having committed the crimes he commits in the fic.

Otherwise I agree, King and I discussed the lore of this very carefully because it ties with Vlad so damn well.

Spizzle9000Apr 22, 20162 votes

Yeah, I'd have to say the murdering of the prostitute was the worst, although it might be a tad over the top to put in the fact that Vladimir is the product of a mother and her son copulating. Him appearing to be a tad albino (at least in Blood Lord and his old splasharts and stuff) is explained well by this, but incest might be a tad excessive.

I may be wrong, especially as League of Legends lore seems to be getting progressively grittier and darker. Honestly, I really like how he's a product of incest though as it gives a good reason behind Vladimir's blood lust (at least preceding his becoming a blood mage) and how he looks. I give it a 10/10 because I can imagine him doing literally everything in your lore!

Blood MagicksApr 22, 20162 votes

I don't think inbreeding is that taboo tbh if it does make it to the lore it will be someone calling him inbred and Vlad being extra offended.

Spizzle9000Apr 22, 20161 votes

True enough, but mother and son? Although I can see Vlad pretending to be super offended xD so sassy

Blood MagicksApr 22, 20161 votes

Well, brother and sister is too overused, father and daughter is too dark even for me, mother and son is sort of inbetween. I had also recently read the story of a girl who was a product of a similar thing and was genetically all messed up too.

EDIT If a new VO ever happens one of his jokes could be "Enough with the sandwich jokes."

Spizzle9000Apr 23, 20161 votes

Fair enough. Also, I don't get the joke >< please explain, comrade

Blood MagicksApr 23, 20162 votes

Inbred=in bread=a sandwich

It's a disguised pun.

Spizzle9000Apr 24, 20161 votes

Clever!

Sahn UzalApr 20, 20162 votes

RedMercy le gawd summoner 31

DREADN0UGHTApr 20, 20162 votes

I don't think I can emphasize enough on the hype I'm on right now.

UmirinmahgainsApr 20, 20161 votes

I have a feeling Vlad will get gutted shortly after release. 2 of his abilities scale with hp, and his Q gives him a massive amount of healing for the 3rd proc while being on a very short cd at max rank. There is a lot of room to abuse a full tank Vlad build, especially with the buffed spirit visage healing. I'm thinking item 3116 item 3065 item 3158 item 3068 item 3742 would be quite effective. Even more so considering the AP > HP, HP > AP scaling he has. Meaning he will have relevant damage due to HP scalings, massive sustain, and be absolutely unmovable in laning phase. You could probably not buy Rylais and do full tank but I think the 100 AP, 400 hp and slow are valuable given his low CDs on Q and E, and the item working strongly with his passive. item 3116 item 3065 item 3001 item 3151 would be disgusting vs a heavy AP team.

Pierce The VealApr 20, 201610 votes

{quoted}

I have a feeling Vlad will get gutted shortly after release. 2 of his abilities scale with hp, and his Q gives him a massive amount of healing for the 3rd proc while being on a very short cd at max rank. There is a lot of room to abuse a full tank Vlad build, especially with the buffed spirit visage healing. I'm thinking would be quite effective. Even more so considering the AP > HP, HP > AP scaling he has. Meaning he will have relevant damage due to HP scalings, massive sustain, and be absolutely unmovable in laning phase. You could probably not buy Rylais and do full tank but I think the 100 AP, 400 hp and slow are valuable given his low CDs on Q and E, and the item working strongly with his passive. would be disgusting vs a heavy AP team.

1 AP for 25 hp. To that means 100 for 2500 hp. Sort of lame/really low tbh.

UmirinmahgainsApr 20, 20161 votes

{quoted}

1 AP for 25 hp. To that means 100 for 2500 hp. Sort of lame/really low tbh.

True, but highly relevant damage if you consider it's coming from someone who has built full tank or nearly full tank. Someone who cannot be moved from a split push scenario without at least 2 people, and also brings a good deal to the table in a teamfight. Lacks hard cc though. Time will tell. I have a feeling we will be seeing him rise to pick/ban status shortly after release.

Pierce The VealApr 20, 20164 votes

{quoted}

True, but highly relevant damage if you consider it's coming from someone who has built full tank or nearly full tank. Someone who cannot be moved from a split push scenario without at least 2 people, and also brings a good deal to the table in a teamfight. Lacks hard cc though. Time will tell. I have a feeling we will be seeing him rise to pick/ban status shortly after release.

I'm betting he'll be more relevant, but probably not pick/ban.

Blood MagicksApr 20, 20161 votes

Same here, I feel like (and hope) he'll sit on 49-51% winrate depending on meta and will fit in the right team comps without being obnoxious.

WoonStruckApr 20, 20161 votes

{quoted}

True, but highly relevant damage if you consider it's coming from someone who has built full tank or nearly full tank. Someone who cannot be moved from a split push scenario without at least 2 people, and also brings a good deal to the table in a teamfight. Lacks hard cc though. Time will tell. I have a feeling we will be seeing him rise to pick/ban status shortly after release.

He was not full tank or anything close to full tank before. He will be much closer to tank now.

item 3116 item 3089 item 3065 will be core. Rylai's is practically necessary to function still, while Deathcap pushes his Q, both healing and damage, farther than any other single item. This is important because AP is horribly slot-inefficient on him now. His ratios were gutted with this update. Spirit Visage provides the function of both a defensive/offensive/sustain buy now. Its too good not to get.

item 3742 item 3143 item 3083 will be the situational items. Both of the armor/hp options provide better maneuverability in fights, so long as you don't auto attack late game with DMP. Warmog's allows you to push without killing yourself, as well as do a better job at staying healthy as a front-liner (which he is much more of now); also 10% CDR now. Do note that HP has better damage scaling on him now than AP. Again, AP is horribly inefficient to dedicate yourself towards now.

item 3157 item 3001 item 3135 item 3053 item 3190 will be extremely situational buys. They are not efficient purchases on him now, but do have situations that they perform very strongly in.

Note that Zhonya's is no longer core. The AP dropping significantly, not offering HP that he needs now, and the active not meshing with his new kit's pattern all work against it. Plus significantly longer CD on the active.

Void is no longer core either, due to AP being so inefficient on him now. If enemies are buying MR, yes, it becomes a very good damage item. However, often times, the suitability via a tank item will do more for you. It won't be a 3rd slot damage item anymore. Pretty much only going to be used when everyone is stacking MR.

A 10-30% CDR rune page will be used on him. Likely 20% most of the time, but I'd rather stick with Swifties, Mercs, Tabi, Sorc, etc so 30% for me. Swifties+Stormraider's Surge OP.

Kuroi86Apr 20, 20161 votes

Oh, wow, didn't see that coming. o.0

Tbh, having tried him, Vlad' early game feels weaker than ever, once you get rolling though, you are going to be hitting like a truck.

SuperCosmicHoboApr 21, 20161 votes

Yeah, the only thing I see in a lot of pbe, is that he lacks more healing sustain than damage. But Riot did say that they intended to make Vlad stronger since he no longer has his little book. item 3152 I've played Vlad for a while and I think this will stop his lackluster in games and allow counter-playing against him.

Kuroi86Apr 21, 20161 votes

It also gives him a somewhat clear window of power, when your enhanced Q is prepped and ready to chunk someone.

SuperCosmicHoboApr 22, 20161 votes

Lol a 2.5 seconds window of power. That's when you either commit or use it on a minion. But yeah, his healing is op on that one hit, but healing isn't too sustaining like the old one. Max q in the old one was like... Some where around 210 heal per q. and this one's like around 71 for each q until the strong one procs, which is like 500. So it actually heals more or close to around the same old vlad, but e kinda makes him less sustainable since it takes like 10% (Rough estimations). Propbably use 2 to 3 e before even getting the strong proc on q. Which is like 30% of your health already and in a dangerous situation, the proc hardly gets you anything back since you w your way out leaving you with 50% usage of health or so. (Very rough estimations) Idk, let's see when it comes out, I'm kinda hyped about the new Vlad!

Kuroi86Apr 22, 20161 votes

The great part about his new E though is that once you've got it leveled and pick up a little bonus health, it hits like a truck. And if you've got your ult on someone, you can deal some massive damage with an enhanced Q and charged E.

SuperCosmicHoboApr 25, 20162 votes

Still not as sustainable, which is probably why Vlad's ult heals. And I do think it was a good idea to make his ult heal, kinda fits a tad-bit better.

BloodyTomponApr 21, 20161 votes

I haven't played him, but on paper I was expecting people to find him a little dull. His abilities are improved, granted, but the cool downs on his abilities are increased. I was expecting people to feel like they had nothing to do for a few seconds. Interesting...