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Champion Idea: Maxwell, the Gentleman`s Fist

Billcurme··3 votes·811 views

This is an idea Ive had for a while. Just a fun gentlemanchampion for the league. This is still a work in progress, so all feedback is REALLY appreciated. If you disagree with an idea, Id be more than happy to hear your thoughts. (though I prefer actual constructive criticism then simply this is bad and you should feel bad)

Alright, after some discussion in the comments, I think I've found some healthy alternatives for his abilities

Maxwell, The Gentlemen’s Fist Appearance: Tall, muscular. Neat brown hair and moustache. White dress shirt, brown pants, white dress gloves, monocle. Skin Ideas: Brawler Maxwell: Blonde hair and moustache, hands wrapped in cloth, no shirt. Detective Maxwell: Deer-Stalker cap, Sherlock Holmes-esq wardrobe, pipe. Lore:

Statistics: Health: 440 (99) Hp Regen: 6.0 (0.75) Mana: 200 (36) Mana Regen: 6.5 (0.35) Range: 125 Ad: 57 (3.4) AS: 0.64 (+3%) Armour: 18 (3.8) MR: 30 (1.25) MS: 335

Abilities: A Gentleman’s Challenge (Innate): Maxwell periodically strikes at his opponents honor, challenging them to fight him head on. Every 20 seconds, Maxwell's next auto attack against an enemy champion will taunt the target forcing them to attack him for 1 second.

A more solid and thematic passive, this allows Maxwell to force enemys into combat, sticking to them and forcing them to strike him head on.

Fisticuffs/Cross Counter (Q): Maxwell empowers his next 3 basic attacks, increasing their damage and attack speed. If Maxwell lands all 3 basic attacks against the same target, the third attack launches as a powerful uppercut, knocking the target into the air for 1 second.

While On the Defensive, Maxwell instead gains access to Cross Counter. After a brief delay, Maxwell offers a false opening to his opponents for 1 second. Any non-minion damage that Maxwell would take during this time is blocked, and causes Maxwell to lash out with a powerful strike to all enemies within melee range. If Maxwell does not block any damage during this time, he instead take increased damage for 1.5 seconds.

Fisticuffs is a more solid mechanic for Maxwell's kit, encouraging Maxwell players to attempt to string his passive together with a flurry of attacks that ends with a decent crowd control. Cross counter on the other hand, fits better as a secondary ability to Maxwell's main damage, and is a lot healthier with a delay.

Nerve Strike/Backstep (W): Maxwell launches a quick attack at target enemy champions Nerve Bundle, damaging them and reducing their attack speed for 2 seconds.

If Maxwell is On the Defensive, he instead gains access to Backstep. Maxwell quickly leaps backwards from the direction he is facing.

Nerve strike is a better idea for a 'beat them down' mentality, allowing you to safely wail on your opponent while helping minimise their retaliation. Backstep is more or less the same as before, just a lot more fluid and sane.

Instill Fear/ Inspire Courage (E) Maxwell shouts, lowering the armour and magic resist of enemy champions in front of him for 2 seconds. If Instill Fear hits 3 or more targets, the cooldown of A Gentleman's Challenge is reduced by 5 seconds.

While on the Defensive, Maxwell gains access to Inspire courage. Maxwell lets out a rallying cry, increasing nearby allied champions armour and magic resist for 2 seconds.

Instill Fear is a deadly debuff in the right circumstances, allowing Maxwell to lower the resistances of nearby enemies, allowing both himself and his allies to potentially deal tons of damage to even the tankiest of foes. Inspire Courage is much the same, instead potentially allowing your allies to weather an otherwise deadly storm of damage.

On the Attack/On the Defensive (R): Maxwell starts with a point in this ability. While on the Attack, Maxwell gains bonus attack speed and deals additional damage to opponents facing him.

While on the Defensive, Maxwell reduced damage from enemies he is facing, and gains bonus armour and magic resist.

This just maxes more sense as a stance ability.

All in all, I feel like Maxwell’s kit helps give the feel of a true boxer. It rewards quick thinking, good positioning, and good predictions of when an enemy champ will go for the kill. It is not without its flaws, and certainly has its weaknesses, but I feel that a good Maxwell player could make the best of any situation. Particularly, I feel that a good Maxwell player will get a truly rewarding experience as he leaps and counters his way out of dangerous situations, punishing those that push their luck against him.

Quotes:

Selection: A refined taste.

Starting the match: First the battle, then tea. A gentleman’s presence is needed here, it seems. Not yet! I haven’t finished grooming my moustache!!!

Movement: Cheerio. But of course. Here? Indeed. Such lovely scenery. I’ve always been one for a nice stroll. I could go for some tea right now. With class. My moustache is tingling The game is a foot. Quite. Onward then. I wonder what I’ll have for dinner. Maxwell hums Maxwell whistles

Attacking: En Guard! Prepare yourself, ruffian! A tad uncivilized. Cowards! Ruffians! Roguish Thugs! Prepare for a truly glorious beating. Civilized violence. Ha-Ha! A fine solution to disagreement. Time for fisty-cuffs! Stand and deliver, sir! I name you a coward! Do not turn away, you villain!

Joke: Maxwell takes out a telescopic cane and leans on it, but it folds under his weight. This attire is in-appropriate for battle! Someone, fetch my fighting-trousers at once! Poise, refinement, and gr-oof!-ace.

Joke near enemy Caitlyn Caitlyn: Ah my dear sheriff! Fancy meeting you he- ahh!

Joke near enemy Ezreal Ezreal: Work hard, Ezreal, and you might one day be as refined as me-ahh!

(I’m open to other jokes near enemy champs. This is just an idea of what he might have)

Taunt: How can you hope to win with such uncivilized techniques? You are unfit to drink tea with. I thumb my nose at you.

Taunt near enemy Braum Braum: Such poise, such grace. Sir! You must tell me who manages your moustache! Your moustache! It may actually be a match for mine!

Taunt near enemy Ekko Ekko: And I thought Ezreal was bad.

Taunt near enemy Ezreal Ezreal: How about you explore the backside of my hand, Ezreal. Hmph. Spoiled child. Arrogant brat.

Taunt near enemy Jayce Jayce: Finally, an opponent with some class. Ah Jayce. Let us make this battle the most refined any has ever seen.

Taunt near enemy Jinx Jinx: Have you no shame? Covered in guns… not much else, it seems.

Taunt near enemy TahmKench Tahm Kench: Though you talk with class, you let yourself be consumed by hunger. A ravenous beast, dancing on strings of his own desires.

Taunt near enemy Taric Taric: Your armour is incredible! I can see myself in every facet!

Taunt near enemy Vi Vi: Ah, the delicate lady with her gloves. You strike without grace, Vi.

Taunt near enemy Gentleman Chogath Cho’gath or Gentleman Gnar Gnar: They’ll call anything a Gentleman these days. I don’t like your tweed, sir!

Again, this is a work in progress. Id love feedback and tweaks for the idea. Also, as you may have noticed, there is no lore for this champion. I had some lore written, but then riot removed the league from their lore... So any lore ideas for this fine gentleman would be lovely.

8 Comments

Ipols2 votes

Really nice concept, i remember a rioter saying that braum will always be considered facing towards where he's walking due to code restrictions, so i guess your champ would have the same problem xD Maybe he should have his r aviable since level 1 but without the bonus stats Untill 6? Idk

Billcurme1 votes

I had been contemplating that. I do like the idea of his r being a 4-ranked ability. Definitely something to consider.

FloRaider422 votes

Theme: Gentleman Boxer

Lore: Old Lore is better than no Lore, in my opinion.

Visuals: Maybe it's just me, but he sounds like a Debonair or Gentleman Skin of another champion. (Default skin could be a Brawler and Gentleman his first skin)

Passive: Discourages Chasing and favors slugfests while bringing a new twist to an old passive. Only problem is that it could feel rather stale depending on the rest of the kit (kinda expecting a taunt, since you lose a lot of damage when chasing).

Q-Ability: A small Lee Sin R come to mind (not bad, but not great either) What if he doesn't get AA (against Mages) ? It is an interesting idea though and I like that clever enemies can "guide" you into unfavourable situations.

W-Ability: Sounds like a very basic dash and why does he need to move away from the cursor when the effect stays the same anyway ?

E-Ability: Reminds me of the defensive Q and Fioras W. That said an AA version seems like a good idea. Only the tankyness reduction (AOE abilities will be your undoing) and the fact that AA proc it (Very easy to get the effect off) feel like they need tweaks. Why is this the only ability without two versions ?

Ultimate: I think that you should move the "reduced damage when facing" to the passive (passive increases or reduces damage depending on stance).

Overall: I feel like the kit has some repetitions (Defensive Q and W, both serve to escape) and some problems with it's playstyle (You benefit greatly from facing enemies and sticking close, but your abilities either CC them or get you away from them). However it seems like an interesting concept and with some minor tweaks it could be great.

FloRaider out summoner 31

Billcurme1 votes

Thanks very much for the reply!

Concerning your different comments and concerns:

Lore: Tl:Dr of old lore was he was a gentleman in Piltover who gets scolded by some other Piltover and Demacian champions for his belief that the League of Legends is beneath the upper class, and decides that as a Gentleman of Fine Breeding, he needs to shape up and represent the better part of Runeterra.

Visuals: Main reason I had wanted to make him a Gentleman first is because all of the 'Gentleman' champions seem like an afterthought, kind of like all the skins themselves. Also, I first designed him back before even Debonair Jayce was out, so the concept still seemed fresh :P

Abilities: Passive: I do agree that it might be a little stale. In my very first draft of this champ, this had been a passive ability of a taunt of his. However, I do feel it syncs very well with his 'image' as a gentlemen and a boxer.

Q: Offence - Yeah, I can see where it might look like a simple re-hash of Lee's Ult. Another possibility I had thought of was him having some sort of variation on a delayed uppercut. Not sure how that would work, though it might help synch more with his 'don't chase, slug it out' mentality Defence: I might just make it into a 'next time Maxwell would take non-turret damage, though the coding for AOE's would be a little challenging.

W: This ability had started completely as the backstep, going with the idea that he was a top-laner that specifically had a button to 'get out of trouble', with the Lunge aspects of the ability only coming to mind later. I might consider removing the duality of this ability, returning it simply to an ability meant to carefully measure the distance between you and your opponent, once more helping solidify the 'slug-it-out' mentality.

E: I will admit that losing all of his stats might be a little too harsh, as yes he will be wrecked by AOE's. Maybe only half of his defensive stats? Still makes him a tempting target, but not quite as punishing? Or perhaps have it so that he sacrifices some health, and if he doesn't get proc'd, the health stays lost? As for proc'ing it with auto attacks, maybe add in something that it has to be a champ auto, to prevent a minion walking up and proc'ing it. Main reason i didn't give this one two abilities is because it felt both defensive and offensive, so I felt adding another ability would be redundant.

Ult: Might be possible, though to me it makes it seem like the ult no longer gives you that much for leveling it up, as now you only get attack speed in one stance and bonus defence in the other. I have been wondering if it could be another 4-level ability, with a point in it at the start.

Overall: The points you raised are very valid. I'll definitely need to think about maintaing a cohesive playstyle while also maintaining the 'theme' I'm going for. Thanks again for the review! I'll definitely take your comments to heart while working to turn Maxwell into a bonafied champion idea!

FloRaider422 votes

The lore isn't bad per se, but I think it has the same problem as his default skin. How is a Gentleman versed in hand to hand combat and in such a peak pyhsical condition ? I think it would be easier, if the Gentleman skin wasn't his default, since it makes more thematic sense and might be more acessible.

Well some passives aren't gamechanging and only help to improve the playstyle of the champion. That said changing it to give stat benefits depending on stance seems to make sense to me, since currently he deals increased damage and recieves reduced damage when he is on the defensive.

My problem with E is that it's impossible for enemies to stop their fired AA and cast spells when the effect starts instantly resulting in good players always being able to get off this effect. Fiora has a delay for example.

Stance change abilities hardly have powerfull effects and only the additional abilities that you unlock with it are the real power of the ability.

Billcurme1 votes

Lore: I hear what you're saying here, this would just prove to be a very big challenge for me personally, as Maxwell was specifically created to fill in the gentleman stereotype. His personality, abilities, quotes, and appearance were all moulded specifically to fit that stereotype, so I have trouble being able to come up with anything that would be a healthy alternative.

Abilities: As for the abilities, I have taken a look at them, and you're right - they could use some work. I think I've whipped up some alternatives that I might edit into the original post.

Innate - A Gentleman's Challenge: Maxwell periodically strikes at his opponents honour, challenging them to fight him head on. Every 30 seconds, Maxwell's next auto attack will taunt the target, forcing them to attack him for 2 seconds. If Maxwell kill his target in that time, A Gentleman's Challenge's cooldown is reset. A much more intuitive passive that allows good synergy with his 'stand and fight me' mentality and playstyle.

Q - Fisticuffs/Cross-Counter: Maxwell empowers his next three attacks, increasing their damage and attack speed. If Maxwell lands all three attacks against the same target, the last attack strikes as a powerful uppercut, knocking the target into the air for 1 second.

While On the Defensive, Maxwell instead gains access to Cross-Counter. After a brief delay, Maxwell enters offers a false opening to his opponents for 1.5 seconds. Any non-minion damage that Maxwell would receive during this time is blocked, and causes Maxwell to lash out with a powerful strike against all enemies within melee range. If Maxwell does not block any damage during this time, he instead takes increased damage for 2 seconds. Thought these two abilities would fit better together. Fisticuffs gives more of a wind-up - and thus counter play opportunities - to his crowd control, while the new version of cross-counter still has the risk-reward aspect, but the delayed start-up means enemies aren't accidentally activating it with a wayward auto-attack.

W - Nerve Strike/ Backstep: Maxwell launches an attack at target enemy champions nerve bundles, damaging them and reducing their damage for 2 seconds.

While On the Defensive, Maxwell instead gains access to Backstep. Maxwell quickly leaps backwards from the direction he is facing. Nerve Strike is an interesting damaging ability, meant to help Maxwell win trades. As it seems pretty defensive, I'm open to the idea that he lowers something other than damage from the attack. As for Backstep, you were right - leaping back from the mouse is stupid. This is much more cohesive, meant specifically to gain some distance from his enemies. Also, while I like Roll, which could replace Backstep here, I fell Backstep was more thematically correct, which is why I slotted it in here

E - Oppressive Presence/Inspiring Defence: Maxwell's ferocity and strive to win intimidate his opponents, passively lowering their attack speed while near by.

While On the Defensive, Maxwell instead gains access to Inspiring Defence. Maxwell's impeccable footwork and defensive technique inspire nearby allies, increasing their armour and magic resist. I feel that Maxwell has a very authoritative, almost leader-like quality to him, that would naturally aid his allies and hinder his enemies.

R - On the Attack/On the Defensive Maxwell starts with one point in this ability. While on the Attack, Maxwell gains attack speed, and deals additional damage to enemies that are facing him. While On the Defensive, Maxwell takes reduced damage from enemies he is facing, and gains passive armour and magic resist. You were right with how it felt he both did more and took less damage while in his defensive stance. This way, he has to choose to deal damage, or tank damage

FloRaider421 votes

Lore: I hear what you're saying here, this would just prove to be a very big challenge for me personally, as Maxwell was specifically created to fill in the gentleman stereotype. His personality, abilities, quotes, and appearance were all moulded specifically to fit that stereotype, so I have trouble being able to come up with anything that would be a healthy alternative.

Well currently his abilities still seem a bit off and I guess it's easier to change the abilties to be more "classy" than changing his entire characterisation.

Innate - A Gentleman's Challenge: Maxwell periodically strikes at his opponents honour, challenging them to fight him head on. Every 30 seconds, Maxwell's next auto attack will taunt the target, forcing them to attack him for 2 seconds. If Maxwell kill his target in that time, A Gentleman's Challenge's cooldown is reset.

Taunt duration might need to get looked at. The closest we currently have is Rammus taunt (melee and one person) and his taunt lasts 1.25-2.25 seconds. You do have a much longer CD, but since it can be reset you can potentially taunt the entire enemy team with the right comp. I think changing "target" to "enemy champion" would be a good idea as otherwise you would have a hard time csing without losing the taunt. Personally I would prefer less duration and lesser CD (maybe even an ability that reduces said CD), since waiting 30 seconds to engage or pick a fight seem a bit long.

Q - Fisticuffs/Cross-Counter: Maxwell empowers his next three attacks, increasing their damage and attack speed. If Maxwell lands all three attacks against the same target, the last attack strikes as a powerful uppercut, knocking the target into the air for 1 second.

While On the Defensive, Maxwell instead gains access to Cross-Counter. After a brief delay, Maxwell enters offers a false opening to his opponents for 1.5 seconds. Any non-minion damage that Maxwell would receive during this time is blocked, and causes Maxwell to lash out with a powerful strike against all enemies within melee range. If Maxwell does not block any damage during this time, he instead takes increased damage for 2 seconds.

Offensive Q reminds me a bit of Riven's combo. Combined with the taunt you are almost guarenteed to get the knockup which seems a bit unfair. Defensive Q seems a bit healthier with the delay, but with your long taunt you can potentially always use the effect (not really a bad thing, but the damage would suffer).

W: Damage reduction is a nice effect, but it can feel very weak, since you are very unlikely to notice that an enemy dealed less damage (especially when said enemy is fed) E: Not really a fan of auras myself (very little gameplay and oftentimes unclear), but that doesn't mean it's a bad ability. Don't know if a shout would be better (visual and audible cue, overall stronger effect). R: :D

Overall: The passive is nicely integrated in the kit, since almost all abilities benefit from it and it fits his gentleman character to fight for honour. He does lack mobility as off now, which makes him more of a Juggernaut, but I feel like he does need a way to get to more mobile opponents.

Billcurme1 votes

I personally am not a fan of the E's, so reworking them wouldn't be a problem. I had originally been toying with one of them being a skill-shot taunt where he throws a glove at someone. Maybe instead, the skill shot could damage and slow them, and resets or reduces the CD on his passive, giving him more gameplay options.

As for his Passive itself, I had actually feared the Duration was too long (as I hadn't looked up anyone elses to compare) so knocking it down to 1 second is easy. I had also been toying with the idea that activating his abilities ticked down a counter to activating his taunt,similar to Annie's passive.

As for a gap-closer, I do understand the need for him to get to his opponents, I'm just not sure how to work that in thematically, as there aren't really any good 'gap-closers' in more traditional fighting styles. The idea of the skill-shot slow could work, but I'm not sure about the other E ability. Perhaps a defensive 'slip' (popular move in boxing) where he dodges past an attack to move in for a strike? Not sure how that would work, to be honest.

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