Alright so to start things off, I really like Taric's current kit and don't believe it needs anything more than visuals and animation changes. Being kind of a taric top main in s4 i'm really worried that Riot will deter him from the top lane completely.
So my question is can we get any context as to what his kit includes or if top will still be viable for him. Also how gorgeous are the gems?
His Kit needs a large overhaul. It truly does. It is simply a point and click stunning, healing and buffing/debuffing fiesta that has a) no counterplay b) has absolutely no plays/is pretty boring in general (i play taric top/support a lot too, and trust me im not playing him because i like his kit in this current state, i like his character and design. He could be so much more than he currently is). With this im not saying that he is weak, he is the exact opposite actually (even though some people think he's worthless atm, he is not). He is super strong against AD and even AP champions will have problems because of his strong heals (when some health is built) and strong damage.
Now his visuals/character/VO. Terrible model (actually the model is still from 2009 and by golly some other champs and league itself looked ugly these times), pretty good splash art (thats btw still not on the level of current champions) and terrible skin splasharts (except Blood Stone Taric, but that ones from 2011, so no wonder why it's better than the others). But overall a very good design (a fabulous, charming protector thats into gems. Not something that you see everyday don't you?). His voice over is pretty clear, which i like but still is far too short (in my opinion, the same voice actor should be used for his rework but maybe with more bass in his voice).
So now things that are stated: His passive is the most post-rework spell of all. Still has a heal, strong cc and some sort of auras (all in a more interesting way). Has a gamechanging ultimate and the situationally strongest spell in league. Will still be outrageous (still is into gems and is kinda funny but not a complete joke). Still scales with armor and loves items like Iceborn, Thornmail or Frozen Heart. Is still very Juggernaut/Tank like (has still no real escapes and is slow). Large changes visually and kit wise (mostly his Q W E and R). Is not far off anymore (voice actor found, only lore and completing visuals remaining, next rework to be shipped). Has a timing based skillcap and most of the stuff he pulls of can be very strong if timed/used right. He is pushed towards a more support direction, but it may be possible that he has some good matchups in top/jungle too.
Well and thats most what we know to this point. Just don't worry about Taric too much. They will probably treat him well and it's said he will feel pretty similar but in a different way. And it's not too far away from that we know more about his rework/he hits PBE. ^^
You ask far question not sure by so many down vote btw all your questions have been answered I don't have the time to find the quotes right now but it goes like this all of his abilities will be competly changed he will have a heal that's all we know , his pasive will be sumlar to live, and yes he can still top and jungle depending on match ups
