Can we finish the Elderwood skin line?

Tentakill Myself·Oct 29, 2015·18 votes·16,662 views

I really like the effects on Elderwood Bard. How about:

Elderwood Varus (ADC)

Elderwood Maokai (Top)

Elderwood Zyra (Mid)

Elderwood Kindred (Jungle)

65 Comments

RiotKindlejackOct 30, 20157 votes

What do you think the story is behind Elderwood? Or is it just 'majic wood and blue mumus'?

ArcticSiriusOct 30, 20155 votes

Protectors of nature rising up against the [insert opposing skin line here] to defend and preserve nature itself (so maybe friends of maokai in another world?)

Also, have you seen VegaColors' idea for Elderwood Kindred? It's simply fantastic with Wolf's mask there and those colours they've picked out! (though part of me want Lamb to have a mask as well)

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20152 votes

{quoted}

Protectors of nature rising up against the [insert opposing skin line here] to defend and preserve nature itself (so maybe friends of maokai in another world?)

Also, have you seen VegaColors' idea for Elderwood Kindred? It's simply fantastic with Wolf's mask there and those colours they've picked out! (though part of me want Lamb to have a mask as well)

Yeah I'm always keeping an eye on Vegacolours great ideas. Interesting take on Elderwood. I feel the same way actually, defender of the forest realm.

ArcticSiriusOct 31, 20151 votes

It reminds me alot of the night elves in wow and the ancients. Big ol tree guardians and/or whatnot that protect nature and all it's being. Now I'm reminded of Cenarius and how that could look as a Hecarim (legendary) skin :V But ya plenty of room to develop an AU here

EvilMerodachOct 31, 20152 votes

{quoted}

Yeah I'm always keeping an eye on Vegacolours great ideas. Interesting take on Elderwood. I feel the same way actually, defender of the forest realm.

When I 1st saw Elderwood Bard, or...Bard in general, I thought of this- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEs3FRZP4ns

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20151 votes

{quoted}

When I 1st saw Elderwood Bard, or...Bard in general, I thought of this- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEs3FRZP4ns

Ooh yeah. Have you ever read Flesh and Blood by Graham Masterton?

Photos of GhostsNov 2, 20151 votes

If you don't already, I highly suggest every artist at Riot to listen to some good ole prog. It contains fuel for various and colourful feelings. A good starting point can be googling mah name ;^3

NiyumiOct 30, 20156 votes

Have you ever played Ori and the Blind Forest? I think of the Elderwood theme as something like the light spirits; they're spirits that take care of the forest (Does Runeterra have a forest?) and protect it and its residents from anything that would harm them. They're more benevolent, and will occasionally help people lost in the woods -- like, you know how they say dolphins will help people lost at sea? These spirits will act in much the same manner, guiding people out of the forest when they can't help themselves out.

However, when someone or something threatens their forest, they will retaliate as needed. So a few powerful champs in the line would do good.

I donno. I could probably come up with a great big story for it all, but I'll leave that up to you Riot guys.

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20153 votes

{quoted}

Have you ever played Ori and the Blind Forest? I think of the Elderwood theme as something like the light spirits; they're spirits that take care of the forest (Does Runeterra have a forest?) and protect it and its residents from anything that would harm them. They're more benevolent, and will occasionally help people lost in the woods -- like, you know how they say dolphins will help people lost at sea? These spirits will act in much the same manner, guiding people out of the forest when they can't help themselves out.

However, when someone or something threatens their forest, they will retaliate as needed. So a few powerful champs in the line would do good.

I donno. I could probably come up with a great big story for it all, but I'll leave that up to you Riot guys.

Yeah well when we made Elderwood Bard we definitely had a small amount of story driving the design and I'm always thinking about how to expand skin lines. I like the idea that they will help people through the woods, unless they are a threat!

NiyumiOct 31, 20152 votes

Well a concept doesn't just appear from nowhere, now does it? :P Even silly skins probably have some kind of story or idea that led to its creation -- even the "Definitely Not ____" skin line. xD

You know what else would be cool? Say you have this whole Elderwood line, and they're benevolent forest spirits -- what if you had something like... Moldwood/Rotwood (or some name like that -- elder has a more benign connotation, while mold or rot is more malignant feeling -- and both are generally associated with passage of time/age) that creates a bit of a dichotomy; where the Elderwood are there to help the forest and preserve the peace, while the Moldwood see humanity and the world as a threat, and violently try to expand the forest's influence and remove those "threats" from the forest (so, even though they think they're doing good, it's really not). You could have them directly oppose each other and duke it out, or the Elderwood could go and try fixing the issues that the Moldwood cause, though no one trusts them because they look and act a lot like the Moldwood (so they guide people in secret, gentle nudges here and there, rather than full on appearances). Could make a bit of an interesting AU and storyline to pursue, imo. :3

Potential Elderwood champs: Bard, Soraka, Galio, Anivia, Yas, Leona, Braum, Taric, Ali, Ashe, Jayce, etc. Not sure if all of them could be made into a dryad-like thing, but they, thematically, fit what I think Elderwood represents. More "guardian" like figures, who are more peaceful than violent, and don't necessarily want to see the world burn -- or in the case of someone like Yas, they're not some psychopathic murderer, they're just doing what they need to survive (the defender part?).

Potential Mold/Rotwood: Rek (not a war-lover, but very territorial), Aatrox, Diana, Hec, Voli, Brand (would be weird), Noc, Mao (thematically, he's dissimilar to the others, but he's more of an angry spirit than a peaceful one), Malz, Sion, Kayle, Karth, and etc. Very aggressive champs who are war-lovers or want to push their ways onto the world and control people.

Just throwing ideas at you. I really love forests in video games (Lost Woods / Kokiri Forest, anyone?), the abundance of life in that kind of environment, the ideas you can come up with when there are plenty of places for darker things to hide... and I love the color green. :P We need more green / nature-y skins! xD

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20151 votes

{quoted}

Well a concept doesn't just appear from nowhere, now does it? :P Even silly skins probably have some kind of story or idea that led to its creation -- even the "Definitely Not ____" skin line. xD

You know what else would be cool? Say you have this whole Elderwood line, and they're benevolent forest spirits -- what if you had something like... Moldwood/Rotwood (or some name like that -- elder has a more benign connotation, while mold or rot is more malignant feeling -- and both are generally associated with passage of time/age) that creates a bit of a dichotomy; where the Elderwood are there to help the forest and preserve the peace, while the Moldwood see humanity and the world as a threat, and violently try to expand the forest's influence and remove those "threats" from the forest (so, even though they think they're doing good, it's really not). You could have them directly oppose each other and duke it out, or the Elderwood could go and try fixing the issues that the Moldwood cause, though no one trusts them because they look and act a lot like the Moldwood (so they guide people in secret, gentle nudges here and there, rather than full on appearances). Could make a bit of an interesting AU and storyline to pursue, imo. :3

Potential Elderwood champs: Bard, Soraka, Galio, Anivia, Yas, Leona, Braum, Taric, Ali, Ashe, Jayce, etc. Not sure if all of them could be made into a dryad-like thing, but they, thematically, fit what I think Elderwood represents. More "guardian" like figures, who are more peaceful than violent, and don't necessarily want to see the world burn -- or in the case of someone like Yas, they're not some psychopathic murderer, they're just doing what they need to survive (the defender part?).

Potential Mold/Rotwood: Rek (not a war-lover, but very territorial), Aatrox, Diana, Hec, Voli, Brand (would be weird), Noc, Mao (thematically, he's dissimilar to the others, but he's more of an angry spirit than a peaceful one), Malz, Sion, Kayle, Karth, and etc. Very aggressive champs who are war-lovers or want to push their ways onto the world and control people.

Just throwing ideas at you. I really love forests in video games (Lost Woods / Kokiri Forest, anyone?), the abundance of life in that kind of environment, the ideas you can come up with when there are plenty of places for darker things to hide... and I love the color green. :P We need more green / nature-y skins! xD

Thanks for the thorough reply! Yes, every skin has at least some thought that goes into the story behind it - this helps by establishing creative limitations and giving the final design a coherent feel.

We also talk a lot about opposing skin lines (Commando/Crimson Elite, Warden/Marauder, Arcade/Boss etc.) that allow us to create some tension and action within an alternate world, so you're Elderwood/Rotwood idea is pretty on-point.

On the subject of Green and Nature-y skins we catually try them from time to time, but green is a very hard colour to make work as a primary on Summoner's rift and making things leafy only worsens the situation! It can certainly be done, I think the TF Lore skin was the latest example, but yeah green skins are tricky.

NiyumiOct 31, 20151 votes

If you don't mind my asking, what's the story behind the Definitely Not line? Is Blitz trying to fit in with humanity? Is Udyr trying to... you know, I don't know what Udyr's really up to. What's he doing? xD

Yeah, a story isn't much of a story unless there's some kind of struggle, huh? Otherwise it'd be really one-sided and kind of bland.

Well, darn. Why is green so tricky? Is it because it blends in with all the rest of the green on the map, or is it just kind of ugly? What about a skin/champion that's not leafy green and all that on the champion itself, but the effects and spells have a lot of that nature feel to them (Nid, the Elderwood Bard, so on) -- how hard is that to pull off?

Sorry for pestering you so much, by the way. :P Just like picking developers' brains, since one of my dreams is to go into video game / entertainment as a writer / artist / musician. xD

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20152 votes

{quoted}

If you don't mind my asking, what's the story behind the Definitely Not line? Is Blitz trying to fit in with humanity? Is Udyr trying to... you know, I don't know what Udyr's really up to. What's he doing? xD

Yeah, a story isn't much of a story unless there's some kind of struggle, huh? Otherwise it'd be really one-sided and kind of bland.

Well, darn. Why is green so tricky? Is it because it blends in with all the rest of the green on the map, or is it just kind of ugly? What about a skin/champion that's not leafy green and all that on the champion itself, but the effects and spells have a lot of that nature feel to them (Nid, the Elderwood Bard, so on) -- how hard is that to pull off?

Sorry for pestering you so much, by the way. :P Just like picking developers' brains, since one of my dreams is to go into video game / entertainment as a writer / artist / musician. xD

That's an awesome dream and one I had myself until this year! I work with writers, musicians and other artist on a daily basis. There's is an incredible pool of talent at Riot and it just keeps growing.

DNBlitzcrank was a Halloween inspired skin, Blitzcrank dressing up as 'Person in disguise' as you might see at a Halloween party. Udyr getting the name 'Definitely Not' probably didn't have enough thought put into it, because he Definitely IS Udyr - not satisfied with one costume like Urf Nami, he brought a costume for each of his different aspects and switches them as required. It's a fun idea that had been a concept for a number of years at Riot, ever since Ironstylus came to work dressed as a parrot (which he actually did again yesterday for Halloween). Basically the Halloween and April Fool's skins were much like Pool Party but instead it's a dress up party (and Amumu is always forgotten).

You're right about the green, it's because it blends into the map a lot. That's really a red flag in our game because no matter what we are designing from particles to pick-ups, gameplay and thus clarity are paramount. No matter how cool it is, if it creates a frustrating play experience we need to find a different solution. Often we shift either hue, value or saturation to address this. So you could make it more yellow/blue, bright/dark or grey/neon to get away from the specific colour of SR. Although we need to playtest and run them around in the river and warmer/cooler parts of SR too. We solved Cutpurse TF by reducing the saturation and shifting the hue towards a blue-green. The hardest is if we want to do something like Maokai with rich green leaves and wood because that should be the same colours as SR and if we change it then it doesn't look like lush vegetation.

NiyumiOct 31, 20151 votes

I just hope that dream comes true. ^^ I didn't know you were so new though -- congrats!

Haha, he came in dressed like a parrot? xD All these video game companies sound so laid back and fun; Carbine has Nerf wars occasionally, and they troll each other in the office. Sounds a lot better than some stuffy office that's super serious business 24/7 (I know there's a lot of work involved, but it's still more casual and lax than a typical office job). :P

Yeah, just imagine someone like Teemo wearing the same colors as the ground - he'd be invisible! Maybe more skins like Woad / Sherwood Ashe, where green is more of an accent color. :P

Thanks for answering all my questions though, I do appreciate it! ^^

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20151 votes

{quoted}

I just hope that dream comes true. ^^ I didn't know you were so new though -- congrats!

Haha, he came in dressed like a parrot? xD All these video game companies sound so laid back and fun; Carbine has Nerf wars occasionally, and they troll each other in the office. Sounds a lot better than some stuffy office that's super serious business 24/7 (I know there's a lot of work involved, but it's still more casual and lax than a typical office job). :P

Yeah, just imagine someone like Teemo wearing the same colors as the ground - he'd be invisible! Maybe more skins like Woad / Sherwood Ashe, where green is more of an accent color. :P

Thanks for answering all my questions though, I do appreciate it! ^^

Thanks for asking! I really enjoy chatting on the forums and being as candid as I can. I resolved that as a long time player and member of the community I'd always take time out of my nights/weekends to keep providing context on the forums.

You're right that it's a fun environment and one I'm really grateful for every day - because it's all thanks to our players that we get to do our jobs. But working in games can be high pressure and stress too. You're working alongside amazing talent and everyone is pushing to improve and there's a lot to live up to. It's really satisfying work but expectations are high from players and colleagues. Have you ever heard of impostor syndrome? It's totally real. One of Riot's core values is 'Take play seriously' and part of that is knowing that sometimes amidst the super serious meetings the best thing to do is dress like a parrot and play some arams.

Green as an accent colour is a great way to go!

NiyumiNov 1, 20151 votes

Well, kudos to you, Mr. Developer Person. A lot of companies these days are so standoffish and aloof, and you never know what they're thinking or doing outside of press meetings and public statements and whatnot. Nice to be able to just sit down and talk to someone, right?

I haven't heard of impostor syndrome, let me go look that up-- haha, that actually describes a lot of my mindset (thanks depression! -shakes fist-); even when I play a game incredibly, or do a really nice painting, or whatever, I always tell myself that it's just a fluke, or I was carried, or the other team was bad, or that it's actually an ugly drawing, or I can't actually play that song, so on. Is Impostor Syndrome a common thing in gaming (or at Riot specifically)? I imagine it's satisfying though to make something and see other people just absolutely fall in love with it -- I get a fuzzy feeling when I make a food or something and people really enjoy eating it.

... I can imagine someone walking into a business meeting dressed as a parrot though. xD

-pokes Mr. Skin maker person and whispers- Greeeeeeeeeennnnnnn... -slips into the shadows and disappears-

RiotKindlejackNov 2, 20152 votes

{quoted}

Well, kudos to you, Mr. Developer Person. A lot of companies these days are so standoffish and aloof, and you never know what they're thinking or doing outside of press meetings and public statements and whatnot. Nice to be able to just sit down and talk to someone, right?

I haven't heard of impostor syndrome, let me go look that up-- haha, that actually describes a lot of my mindset (thanks depression! -shakes fist-); even when I play a game incredibly, or do a really nice painting, or whatever, I always tell myself that it's just a fluke, or I was carried, or the other team was bad, or that it's actually an ugly drawing, or I can't actually play that song, so on. Is Impostor Syndrome a common thing in gaming (or at Riot specifically)? I imagine it's satisfying though to make something and see other people just absolutely fall in love with it -- I get a fuzzy feeling when I make a food or something and people really enjoy eating it.

... I can imagine someone walking into a business meeting dressed as a parrot though. xD

-pokes Mr. Skin maker person and whispers- Greeeeeeeeeennnnnnn... -slips into the shadows and disappears-

Yeah unfortunately there is always a lot I can't talk about so there will always be that conservative impression despite my best intentions. It does hurt to see people speculating about the "LC$", missing features and Riot's choices and being unable to give people a better view into Riot or any sort of information that wouldn't just cause further frustration.

Impostor Syndrome is common enough that we have people give talks on how to cope with it, and it happens at any company that has a lot of world class talent. The people around me all have a reputation, have worked on other big games in the past or created their own games, have achieved so much already I try not to think about it too much. One of our principle artists has been working in animation since Anastasia, the other designed the characters of Team Fortress 2... one of the people I play Pathfinder with designed Stephen Hawking's computer and worked for NASA! It's crazy if I think about what the people I talk to have done. I think it's natural for humble people to feel this way, and it's humble people who are constantly working hard to improve. Arrogant people who take too much pride in their achievements tend to plateau, so you might consider it a blessing in disguise.

You're right though, while I never feel like my work is good enough it absolutely makes my day when I see a player using a skin I worked on and having fun. That's the best part of my job by far. So keep cooking food and making art, if only to see the smiles on the faces of the people you care about!

Thanks for chatting!

Stars ShaperOct 31, 20151 votes

Too bad we already have both Marauder and Warden ADCs, I was hoping on Varus getting one (but he still might count as a Midlaner doesn't he? wink wink)

SuperLuigiLXIVOct 31, 20153 votes

If you guys do more Elderwood skins, what are the odds of seeing Elderwood Keeper Wukong? MonkeyKing

RhenowareOct 31, 20152 votes

[deleted]

NiyumiOct 31, 20151 votes

What in the world? xD What does that have to do with anything?

TomeRiddleNov 1, 20152 votes

{quoted}

Yeah well when we made Elderwood Bard we definitely had a small amount of story driving the design and I'm always thinking about how to expand skin lines. I like the idea that they will help people through the woods, unless they are a threat!

But not all the spirits of the forest are good. How about an Elderwood Syndra skin, Putting mysterious balls of light (something like the lights that the tree in the movie "brave" makes) to mislead people into dangerous parts of the forest. will-o'-the-wisp style.

RiotKindlejackNov 2, 20151 votes

[{quoted}](name=Not a Dead END,realm=EUW,application-id=A8FQeEA8,discussion-id=Q8g0PchO,comment-id=0003000100000001,timestamp=2015-11-01T18:48:15.359+0000)

But not all the spirits of the forest are good. How about an Elderwood Syndra skin, Putting mysterious balls of light (something like the lights that the tree in the movie "brave" makes) to mislead people into dangerous parts of the forest. will-o'-the-wisp style.

It seems we are on the same page! Forest spirits can indeed be cruel and I don't think that's something we would shy away from.

QuikSlingaAug 22, 20161 votes

What about an Elderwood Kindred Kindred i love kindred and would love to see that theme implemented on kindred since her released skins dont really fit kindred's theme/ character

SolideusOct 30, 20153 votes

Was it inspired by "Over the Garden Wall", perhaps? That was the impression I got.

Tentakill MyselfOct 30, 20152 votes

{quoted}

What do you think the story is behind Elderwood? Or is it just 'majic wood and blue mumus'?

I think Elderwood is a representation of cosmic / unnatural beings in another timeline to make them seem more natural.

Chromatic EagleOct 30, 20152 votes

Skins have story? After Blood Moon I start to think Riot just goes with "What looks cool".

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20152 votes

[{quoted}](name=Chromatic Eagle,realm=NA,application-id=A8FQeEA8,discussion-id=Q8g0PchO,comment-id=00030004,timestamp=2015-10-30T16:21:33.103+0000)

Skins have story? After Blood Moon I start to think Riot just goes with "What looks cool".

Yes we talk a lot about story and thematic when developing a new skin line or expanding on an old one. Blood moon is admittedly a bit of a catch-all for Japanese aesthetics but there is some thought behind each one. The original skins were part of an Ionian performance during the Blood Moon, Thresh, Kalista and Elise were how those champions might manifest in Ionian legends and Zilean is the leader of a cult that performs evil rituals on the Blood Moon.

Something like Project is more cohesive and specific (which is largely due to the skins being developed all together) but it really depends what direction would better serve the skin.

Chromatic EagleOct 31, 20152 votes

Still feels weird for Zilean to be that. Why not Karthus?

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20152 votes

[{quoted}](name=Chromatic Eagle,realm=NA,application-id=A8FQeEA8,discussion-id=Q8g0PchO,comment-id=0003000400000000,timestamp=2015-10-31T15:06:21.374+0000)

Still feels weird for Zilean to be that. Why not Karthus?

We could still do a BM Karthus, but Zilean seemed like a great choice - floating around in long robes, with spherical magic that counts down to the blood moon and a giant dial that tracks the phases of the moon. If the blood moon is an astrological event then Zilean is perfectly poised to take advantage of that, and when he does he can even resurrect the dead! It's definitely a departure from his base character though so I understand why it feels weird.

nosafterburnNov 1, 20151 votes

Could we possibly hope for a future Chosen Zilean skin cause he would make a great jedi consular. Floating and everything like he does.

PapaGreg21Oct 31, 20151 votes

{quoted}

Yes we talk a lot about story and thematic when developing a new skin line or expanding on an old one. Blood moon is admittedly a bit of a catch-all for Japanese aesthetics but there is some thought behind each one. The original skins were part of an Ionian performance during the Blood Moon, Thresh, Kalista and Elise were how those champions might manifest in Ionian legends and Zilean is the leader of a cult that performs evil rituals on the Blood Moon.

Something like Project is more cohesive and specific (which is largely due to the skins being developed all together) but it really depends what direction would better serve the skin.

What you guys consider having "story" is completely the opposite of what 99% percent of the public considers story. Riot actually creates some really great stories (Harrowing was great) when they want to so it is frustrating to hear rioters say things like "every skin has a story." If I have to create a story in my mind based on the appearance of a skin, that does not count as you giving something a story.

RiotKindlejackOct 31, 20153 votes

{quoted}

What you guys consider having "story" is completely the opposite of what 99% percent of the public considers story. Riot actually creates some really great stories (Harrowing was great) when they want to so it is frustrating to hear rioters say things like "every skin has a story." If I have to create a story in my mind based on the appearance of a skin, that does not count as you giving something a story.

What I mean is that internally we create a backstory for skins to help us design them. If we do a good job some of this will come through in the final product, but right now our approach is to leave the interpretation of skins more open because there's no need to close doors on player's interpretations. If one player sees a reference to Anime in Star Guardian Lux, another player envisions an alternate timeline where Academy Lux and her friends are secretly defenders of the galaxy and yet another player imagines that Lux moonlights as a magical defender of Demacia because she is shut away studying during the day by her over-protective brother, who are we to tell them otherwise.

In the Project universe Fiora saved Yi, but are they lovers or old friends? Perhaps Fiora leads a resistance and they've never met until that moment? Is Lucian allied with them or did they hire him on for that one mission? Skins is about setting a stage and inspiring players. Personally I'd love to do some solid 'Skins' stories, but considering the core lore is only just starting to gain momentum it could potentially be confusing right now.

Chromatic EagleNov 1, 20151 votes

So what's the story behind Infernals and Demon Vi? Any connections with a skin line?

What about Aether Wing Kayle, Blade Morgana or her rose dress? Pulsefire Ezreal?

RiotKindlejackNov 2, 20151 votes

[{quoted}](name=Chromatic Eagle,realm=NA,application-id=A8FQeEA8,discussion-id=Q8g0PchO,comment-id=000300040000000100000000,timestamp=2015-11-01T04:45:55.761+0000)

So what's the story behind Infernals and Demon Vi? Any connections with a skin line?

What about Aether Wing Kayle, Blade Morgana or her rose dress? Pulsefire Ezreal?

A lot of talk about solidifying style guides and stories behind skin lines is very recent and something I have been personally spending a lot of time on so some older skins don't have as much to them, although I find it an interesting challenge to go back and try and flesh them out!

We were spitballing the other day about our 'future' skin lines and how they are different. Blade Mistress Morgana and Aether Wing Kayle are definitely opposed, they seem to be taking inspiration from SC and serving as a 'one off' rivalry (although then there's Blade Queen Lissandra and I guess I'd have to ask Zeronis about that one).

PFE was the first straight sci fi skin. There was an idea recently that the Reaper-esque Eternum would be the villains in his dire timeline. Sounds cool to me.

Project has forces on both sides of the law, with the connecting themes being cybernetic enhancement augmenting powerful digital magic. They are definitely in a future that could incorporate other skins though, anything in that 'Ghost in the Shell' or 'Metal Gear Revengeance" era.

Infernal has the most solid backstory, serving as the dark force opposing Arclight in a more Diablo-y kind of fantasy world. Some demons are malicious like Nasus, stoic like Galio or playful like Vi. The Arclights are champions chosen by the mighty deity Vel'koz to hunt down and stop the demons when they manifest. I specifically asked Pan about the setting of the Demon Vi to make sure he was thinking about the plane that the demons spring forth from when painting it.

Chromatic EagleNov 2, 20151 votes

So Blade Mistress and Aether Wing share the same universe?

What about those Riot skins? Do they have any ties to the Officer skins?

RiotKindlejackNov 2, 20152 votes

[{quoted}](name=Chromatic Eagle,realm=NA,application-id=A8FQeEA8,discussion-id=Q8g0PchO,comment-id=00030004000000010000000000000000,timestamp=2015-11-02T03:44:47.116+0000)

So Blade Mistress and Aether Wing share the same universe?

What about those Riot skins? Do they have any ties to the Officer skins?

The Riot skins riff off Riot Cops and don't really have a story beyond that (although I like to think of them doing a roll call like the ending of the animated series C.O.P.S.), sort of like Riot Girl Tristana was just playing off the Riot Grrrl movement. The Officer skins are more like Halloween costumes than actual Police and likewise the 'Robbers' that share that universe are very light-hearted.

https://youtu.be/iZEZLnqKGWg

4NoxiousHoursNov 2, 20152 votes

{quoted}

The Riot skins riff off Riot Cops and don't really have a story beyond that (although I like to think of them doing a roll call like the ending of the animated series C.O.P.S.), sort of like Riot Girl Tristana was just playing off the Riot Grrrl movement. The Officer skins are more like Halloween costumes than actual Police and likewise the 'Robbers' that share that universe are very light-hearted.

https://youtu.be/iZEZLnqKGWg

Pssst check my Succubus Kayle Thread (;

Chromatic EagleNov 2, 20151 votes

I don't mind light-hearted skins having their own universe and story. Not everything has to be edgy or badass. No offense.

EvilMerodachNov 1, 20152 votes

{quoted}

In the Project universe Fiora saved Yi, but are they lovers or old friends? Perhaps Fiora leads a resistance and they've never met until that moment? Is Lucian allied with them or did they hire him on for that one mission? Skins is about setting a stage and inspiring players. Personally I'd love to do some solid 'Skins' stories, but considering the core lore is only just starting to gain momentum it could potentially be confusing right now.

IMO, Fiora and Yi weren't friends. She didn't even seem to trust him much, seemed wary, like she might have to kill him when he starts to drift into his memories. I think Leona died protecting the others. (Unless that was her ulti at the end when Yi/Zed collide. We didn't see her, except her shield is in a corner before Yi blacks out.) So they were shorthanded, and Yi was the 'best' fighter, but unstable, so might turn. Zed was also unstable and did turn, probably because of his shadow powers corrupting his new body. Unsure why Yi was unstable though. Maybe because what was done to him went against his Wuju training so his sub-conscience is fighting back?

I really want to know why Yi's 'memory' of Zed looks like Forsaken Olaf.

http://i.imgur.com/8LH7Qs9.png

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/leagueoflegends/images/d/d2/Olaf_ForsakenSkin_Ch.jpg

Feels like there could be something there. Skin lines could be connected by Forsaken= bloody past/feudal era, PROJECT = bad future/(Rush-) Red Sector A+"2112" time. Repeating history, but with shinier weapons?

Would like to see Forsaken Fiora/Leona especially/Yi, Zed, etc. And PROJECT Olaf/Jayce. Or is Forsaken Jayce even connected to Forsaken Olaf? They seem a lot different. And there was the obvious Star Wars connection between Jayce/Yi, but not so obviously connected with Olaf other than the name.

{quoted}

Ooh yeah. Have you ever read Flesh and Blood by Graham Masterton?

Nope, but I might if has a killer-Bard-pig thing. Sounds fun. Kind of out of the habit of reading atm. Moved to different state and got a new job..just haven't picked up a book in a while..

RiotKindlejackNov 2, 20151 votes

{quoted}

IMO, Fiora and Yi weren't friends. She didn't even seem to trust him much, seemed wary, like she might have to kill him when he starts to drift into his memories. I think Leona died protecting the others. (Unless that was her ulti at the end when Yi/Zed collide. We didn't see her, except her shield is in a corner before Yi blacks out.) So they were shorthanded, and Yi was the 'best' fighter, but unstable, so might turn. Zed was also unstable and did turn, probably because of his shadow powers corrupting his new body. Unsure why Yi was unstable though. Maybe because what was done to him went against his Wuju training so his sub-conscience is fighting back?

I really want to know why Yi's 'memory' of Zed looks like Forsaken Olaf.

http://i.imgur.com/8LH7Qs9.png

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/leagueoflegends/images/d/d2/Olaf_ForsakenSkin_Ch.jpg

Feels like there could be something there. Skin lines could be connected by Forsaken= bloody past/feudal era, PROJECT = bad future/(Rush-) Red Sector A+"2112" time. Repeating history, but with shinier weapons?

Would like to see Forsaken Fiora/Leona especially/Yi, Zed, etc. And PROJECT Olaf/Jayce. Or is Forsaken Jayce even connected to Forsaken Olaf? They seem a lot different. And there was the obvious Star Wars connection between Jayce/Yi, but not so obviously connected with Olaf other than the name.

Nope, but I might if has a killer-Bard-pig thing. Sounds fun. Kind of out of the habit of reading atm. Moved to different state and got a new job..just haven't picked up a book in a while..

The phantom in Yi's memory is an unknown samurai, perhaps a true adversary or possibly just a product of his corrupted memory? Forsaken Olaf was a recolour skin back when Olaf launched, way way waaaaay back in the day and isn't related to Forsaken Jayce. Although if we ever get around to a visual update for Olaf it would be pretty cool to give him laser axes and a hood!

I moved to LA from Australia for this job and I'm starting to get homesick, I know how hard it can be living in a strange place full of boxes! Good luck to you >:D

KougaOct 31, 20151 votes

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What you guys consider having "story" is completely the opposite of what 99% percent of the public considers story. Riot actually creates some really great stories (Harrowing was great) when they want to so it is frustrating to hear rioters say things like "every skin has a story." If I have to create a story in my mind based on the appearance of a skin, that does not count as you giving something a story.

I'd say that aesthetic is its own kind of story, though. Take the PROJECT skins - even though they released a ton of story via the Overdrive video, if you look just at the skins themselves you get this sense of "what would these Champions be like in a futuristic setting" - it is its own story. Its not explicitly stated but its story telling just as much as VO lines and even their animations lend to their character's story. Gangplank's new mech (hextech?) arm is part of his story, even if you didn't read the Bilgewater event.

Why is Dragonslayer Braum a Dragonslayer? And how would his story be different than Dragonslayer Pantheon or Dragonslayer Vayne? For the latter two I imagine its all about glory; they wear the skin of their fallen foes. Braum, on the other hand, maybe he protected a town from a dragon gone mad, but he adorns the skin not so much as a trophy but as a tribute to the beast.

Or not, who knows - but just having those skins present gives them some story.

Photos of GhostsNov 2, 20151 votes

Majic wood and blue mumus sounds fine.

2000boxesOct 29, 20153 votes

why would varus get an elderwood skin?

Iceborn PippinOct 29, 20151 votes

{quoted}

why would varus get an elderwood skin?

Why would Varus get an Arctic Opts or Arclight? Because you can consider skins as alternate realities for characters. Some skins like Tyrant Swain or Queen Ashe are canon because they were part of the story.

2000boxesOct 29, 20151 votes

[{quoted}](name=Iceborn Pippin,realm=NA,application-id=A8FQeEA8,discussion-id=Q8g0PchO,comment-id=00000000,timestamp=2015-10-29T22:01:58.412+0000)

Why would Varus get an Arctic Opts or Arclight? Because you can consider skins as alternate realities for characters. Some skins like Tyrant or Queen are canon because they were part of the story.

but you do realize that varus's job was guarding a pit of sludge, which is called the blight, and eventually jumped into said pit of sludge to become more powerfull. and you can't say that elderwood would be the non sludge for of varus because arclight is already seen as varus before the blight infected him. IMO elderwood skins should go to only deities or champions that are known to come from nature ex: bard would be a deity and he has an elderwood skin. A champion from nature would be someone like maokai or malphite. the only marksmen i can see that actually could fit an elderwood role would be either kindred, teemo, or ashe

Iceborn PippinOct 29, 20152 votes

{quoted}

but you do realize that varus's job was guarding a pit of sludge, which is called the blight, and eventually jumped into said pit of sludge to become more powerfull. and you can't say that elderwood would be the non sludge for of varus because arclight is already seen as varus before the blight infected him. IMO elderwood skins should go to only deities or champions that are known to come from nature ex: bard would be a deity and he has an elderwood skin. A champion from nature would be someone like maokai or malphite. the only marksmen i can see that actually could fit an elderwood role would be either kindred, teemo, or ashe

Explain Arctic Ops Varus. He wasn't guarding a pit of sludge. Why does he have all this high tech gadgets instead of blight magic? ALTERNATE REALITIES. He could have still been guarding something important, found high tech gear and utilized that after a raid occurred on the compound.

This is what we call in the business "Fluff" or "Flavor". Mechanically, nothing changes but the character's outfit and abilities will change. For instance, Ashe can have a "Corruption/Blight" skin, and that would transform her into Varus AND if you really wanted to make an interesting parallel, you would add "Iceborn Varus" so his abilities are ice-themed and his outfit looks like someone from Freljord. For a preexisting example of this compare "Classic" Xerath to "Scorched Earth" Xerath; going from lightning/plasma to fire/lava. If your not satisfied there is also "Cryo Brand" which turns him into a frost mage and you can treat his passive "Blaze" instead as "Frostbite".

Elderwood Varus. Varus was guarding the great heart of a tree. His village gets raided. He falls into the tree and becomes transformed by it.

2000boxesOct 29, 20151 votes

[{quoted}](name=Iceborn Pippin,realm=NA,application-id=A8FQeEA8,discussion-id=Q8g0PchO,comment-id=0000000000000000,timestamp=2015-10-29T22:21:05.357+0000)

Explain Arctic Ops Varus. He wasn't guarding a pit of sludge. Why does he have all this high tech gadgets instead of blight magic? ALTERNATE REALITIES. He could have still been guarding something important, found high tech gear and utilized that after a raid occurred on the compound.

This is what we call in the business "Fluff" or "Flavor". Mechanically, nothing changes but the character's outfit and abilities will change. For instance, Ashe can have a "Corruption/Blight" skin, and that would transform her into Varus AND if you really wanted to make an interesting parallel, you would add "Iceborn Varus" so his abilities are ice-themed and his outfit looks like someone from Freljord. For a preexisting example of this compare "Classic" Xerath to "Scorched Earth" Xerath; going from lightning/plasma to fire/lava. If your not satisfied there is also "Cryo Brand" which turns him into a frost mage and you can treat his passive "Blaze" instead as "Frostbite".

Elderwood Varus. Varus was guarding the great heart of a tree. His village gets raided. He falls into the tree and becomes transformed by it.

ya but it is slightly belieavable that xerath could have scorched earth skin. Instead of radiating arcane energy he could just be radiating heat energy. But for a guy who is covered in magical pollution to be transformed into a guy covered in nature. That just clashes too much with his origins. Arctic ops could just be varus on mission for vengeance in the freljord.

Iceborn PippinOct 29, 20153 votes

{quoted}

ya but it is slightly belieavable that xerath could have scorched earth skin. Instead of radiating arcane energy he could just be radiating heat energy. But for a guy who is covered in magical pollution to be transformed into a guy covered in nature. That just clashes too much with his origins. Arctic ops could just be varus on mission for vengeance in the freljord.

And Arclight Varus clashes with his origin if you want to look at it that way. Your point? You don't seem to be understanding what I am saying to you. Gangplank has a "Toy Soldier" skin that turns him and his barrels into toys. Rammus gets turned into a bug with his Shurima skin. Ryze gets turned into a zombie with his Harrowing skin.

Elderwood Varus is not, I repeat NOT, taking away from Varus's backstory. Varus still keeps his backstory as he falls into a pit of sludge. The SKINS that a champion gets are flavorful takes (Alternate Reality or Canon) on a character that DO NOT change his kit mechanically by any means, only aesthetically.

If your still not understanding what I am saying, go onto google and learn about "Fluff" and "Flavor" when it comes video games.