Darius Ultimate Skin (The Executioner)
I'm a relatively new player to League, but I find myself so drawn to Darius that I can't really play other characters. I try but it's just not the same, whatsoever. Heck... it's to the point that my MMR is at a level from playing Darius that I can't even compete in other lanes half the time because I go against players with the same MMR in a lane I'm a true newbie at. Anyway, I would love to have a hand in Darius' ultimate skin. My art skill is in decline because I never practice anymore but I have some ideas I would love to give. I would also love some real feedback on this. I know everyone has their opinion... but I feel like Darius is my baby and my input really is for the best possible product. Obviously I'd love others opinions and added ideas. If we can keep the toxicity to a minimum, that would be awesome. (Again... new to everything about League. I would love to hear back from someone who actually has a hand in creating these skins, you guys do some great stuff)
First, I will try my best to describe what I think the skin should look like. My goal is to stay true to Darius while creating the image of a skin much more BA than what he currently has. (Dunkmaster skin is a neat idea, but completely falls out of his lore... that's my only complaint) I feel the Ultimate skin should hold true to Darius' history, as well as highlight the deadly monster he truly is.
As you gaze upon Darius, The Executioner, a mixture of awe and terror overcome you. The jet-black hair highlights the youthfulness of his face. The battle scar on his left brow belies his youthfulness, as does the penetrating gaze of his haunting, blue eyes that glow with an inner fire. (basically a blue/white fiery look similar to how the axe head is... this glow will actually be the form of his eyes, similar to the Lord Darius splash art, but with a more narrow and sinister look) The stern expression on his face is an indication of how serious he takes his role in creating a more powerful and united Noxus. The gleaming black bands of mental that cover his full plate armor allow light to reflect off the plates beneath, giving off a shimmering blue-gray light that nearly match his eyes. A gleaming black skull is superimposed upon the chest of the armor. The shoulders of his pauldrons are formed to match the likeness and material of the one on his chest. The eye sockets of the skulls glow with the same inner blue fire as Darius' eyes. (the skulls lack a bottom jaw for a more sinister appearance) The gauntlets are peppered with a mixture of 1 to 2 inch bladed spikes all along the forearms (not just the top, but all around the forearm) The backs of the gauntlets that cover his hands are formed into the likeness of skulls as well, matching the others. (they will have the blue fire as well... the top of the skulls will be at the knuckles while the teeth will be pointing towards the arm itself) The knuckles each have a 2 inch bladed spike protruding from them. His biceps and triceps are exposed. The kneecaps of his leg armor (the leg armor has the same setup as the chest armor... as far as the bands of metal covering the plate beneath but with less of the shimmering light, if any) are also formed into a skull shape, matching the rest. The armored boots are covered in 1 to 2 inch bladed spikes, fully covering the shin and calf region to match the gauntlets. His cape, attached with chain and metal clasps of silver where shoulder and chest meet, is made of pure shadow that almost seems to absorb the light. Its form is constantly shifting and moving, like an unholy black flame. Held in both hands is a massive, crescent bladed axe with a large spike made of onyx and blue-white flames. (the blade and spike are made of fire that flickers constantly) An ivory skull is attached to the bottom of the shaft as a counter weight, with sparkling ruby eyes. A skull is located between the blade and spike of the axe, on both sides. (these two skulls are are slightly raised from the surface of the onyx and have the ruby eyes as well) Along the shaft are several protrusions to keep his hands from sliding.
I apologize if my writing skills are lacking... it's been a long time since I've flexed this particular creative 'muscle'. Anyway, I would love to read opinions and even get some input by other Darius fans as to what they'd like to see, or add to what I've mentioned in the above. (By the way League Staff... if you guys would like me to flesh out Darius' past a bit more, as well as his current present.. feel free to let me know, I'd love to have a hand in this champ. Also... if there is a lot more info on Darius other than his lore, could someone point me in the direction? That's the main reason I offered to flesh him out more, I can't seem to find much on him other than that. I'm very very new to the forums/boards, so if there is something similar to this out there, I apologize in advance.) 