@Shrieve, @Meddler Mid-Season Tank Update [Zac]: Stretching Strike Concept
So earlier today, I decided to check out Surrender@20 for the latest news/PBE Updates & I noticed that there was an article about Zac & the Mid-Season Tank Update. Incase anyone want's to check it out for themselves: http://www.surrenderat20.net/2017/02/red-post-collection-zac-in-tank-update.html After reading it & looking at what they wanted to improve about Zac, I noticed that they were aiming to give his [Q]: Stretching Strike some changes considering how it was described as "Stretching Strike does little to explore the stretching punch idea and ends up having a very similar output to Unstable Matter (AoE damage when you’re right next to someone)". Now an Idea popped into my head after reading this and another as I'm typing this. Instead of just being a Damaging AoE Ability without CC, why not make it a form of AoE CC (albeit, mildly potent as he will have this as a regular ability).
Concept#1 ✪ The "TimeWinder" Concept: In this concept, Zac would punch out like he would normally in an AoE Skillshot, however the animation would be slowed down the closer the punch animation until it reaches the max distance. Enemies hit by this part of the Ability would be slowed by [x%] of their movespeed for [x] Seconds. On the rebound, anyone hit by the AoE then would be either be;
- Stunned for [X] Seconds, I can imagine it would be perhaps a stun lasting between [0.25 to 0.50] Seconds to keep it from being too strong. This could allow Zac to inflict additional CC during his ganks After using [E]: Elastic Slingshot. This could also be used in teamfights as well as a well timed Stretching Strike during a teamfight could possibly stun crucial targets like the AD Carry, Supports or AP Carry. Also think it could fit the whole "Stretchy" aspect as well.
- Increased Slow Percentage, This could allow Zac and/or a teammate to have enough time to close in on a target during a gank.
Concept#2 ✪ "Knock it Off" Concept: In this Concept instead of a simple slow, this version would introduce yet another Displacement [Knock Back] to his arsenal. Zac would punch out in an AoE Skillshot like he does currently, however instead of Slowing a target, Zac's Stretching Strike would either Knock Aside enemies or Knock them back.
- Knockbacks: In order for Zac to perform a Knock Back, The Front (or the Pointy-end) of the Projectile has to make contact with the Target. As a bonus effect depending on how far the target is from Zac, this could be a gentle nudge or Heavy Punch that sends Opponents flying backwards. This opens up a variety of uses, where a Jungle Zac can Insec a Target towards his teammates after using [E]: Elastic Slingshot to get behind them. This could even be used to Peel off pesky Assassin's from your Carries (Tanky Support Zac?) during fights.
- Knock-Aside: In order for Zac to perform a Knock-Aside, The Left & Right sides of the Projectile would have to make contact with his target. Unlike the bonus's he gets from landing the Knockback, his target will be pushed aside instead. This would push targets to the side instead, similar to Draven's [E]: Stand Aside (Minus the Slow, this could be implemented however).
Whether or not these abilities have high scaling AP Ratio's or scale off Zac's Maximum HP, would be entirely up to the team behind his Gameplay Update. I just wanted to share some Ideas that literally sprang up in my mind upon seeing that they selected Zac to be a candidate in the Mid Season Update. Any feedback (Positive or constructive) or Critique is happily accepted.
"Everybody's a Critic.." - Zac 