Larsène, The Blood Rose
Larséne, the Blood Rose A cunning and charming thief, Larséne relishes in the thrill of the chase, and the rush of the heist. Her mysterious aristocratic lineage grants her super-human physical abilities, at the cost of her being forced to indulge in the consumption of blood to maintain her vigor and composure. A Vastayan of honor and noble upbringing, Larséne resolves to prey on the filth of society, only consuming the blood and stealing the wealth of those she determines to be guilty and wicked, delivering a swift and savage justice outside of the law. She will enact her vengeance and justice, one cut at a time. And what better place to find such malevolent scum than the League of Legends?
Larséne Lore: A Rose, Nurtured by Blood
Larséne was born fatherless, an heiress to a noble family in Noxus. Hers was a family of wealthy feline Vastayan whose ancestors abandoned their tribal heritage, and amassed a great wealth over generations of funding Shuriman expeditions and excavations. Larséne was born crying, mewling with an insatiable, unknown desire for days, with her condition worsening by the hour. Her mother’s milk would not satiate her, and her mother and grandfather grew desperate. At one last attempt to feed her before her likely early death, Larséne instinctively bit deep into her mother’s bosom with her teeth, drawing copious amounts of blood. Larséne’s mother reared in shock, nearly dropping the newborn before noticing that the babe eagerly lapped and suckled at the wound, drinking the blood with an inhuman vigor. Larséne’s mother understood what this meant, as she had hoped Larséne would inherit nothing from her father.
Larséne grew up never even knowing her father’s name, as her mother spoke little of him. She didn’t even know where he was, as his wanderings could have led him anywhere in all of Valoran. She lived a life among nobles, privileged with a private education that sharpened her natural wit. Larséne’s mother was her primary source of sustenance, to hide her inhuman need as much as possible. Every day she would drain out more blood for the daughter she loved, uncaring of the circumstances of her birth or how mischievous she became in her actions. Larséne developed the habit of kleptomania, for seemingly just the thrill, as she seemed to relish in the attention she got in her scolding. They had the money to purchase whatever she could have wanted, yet she stole small inconsequential trinkets in her youth. Larséne greatly enjoyed attending high-society masquerade balls with her mother, building upon her families’ reputation of dignity and grace, and dancing for the enjoyment of others. With her feline grace and her physical abilities well beyond someone of her stature, she performed acts of breathtaking acrobatics, astonishing all onlookers with her exceptional talent and mastery over her own body. She loved every element these parties, the masks making for an air of mystery and allure, the people creating the perfect audience of refined taste for her performances, to the fine delicacies from around the world. She grew into womanhood learning many talents, from fencing to finance, medicine and high-society courtesies, mastering them all. Her mother could only look on with pride in her eyes as she passed the years tending to her beloved rose garden, despite her body slowly withering from the daily drain of blood, and her mind weighing heavily on the secrets she bore alone.
On the eve of Larséne’s 19th birthday, she awoke to the crash of glass, as a hooded intruder burst through her bedroom window. The burglar recovered quickly from his entrance, and began to charge at Larséne, brandishing a saber over his head. Larséne sat up quickly, causing her head to spin as she recognized the imminent danger, and threw her bedspread in the intruder’s face, briefly entangling him. Larséne then leaped from her bed, grabbing her mounted practice fencing blade, rebounding off the wall with a hiss, striking out with the cold steel against her attacker. The assailant had already untangled himself from the frilly bedspread, and parried her blow with nothing short of masterful skill and reflex. They began to exchange blows, neither gaining an advantage over the other. Larséne steeled herself, grounding her stance and swinging with all her might. The seasoned criminal moved to block, but the motion was futile against her inhuman strength. The practice blade’s edge might have been dulled from the desperate struggle, but the steel was solid and well-crafted, cleaving the man’s saber and gut with nothing but brute strength. The intruder collapsed onto the floor with a cry of pain, and gushed blood and gore into the finely detailed woodwork. Only moments after, another scream pierced the night. It could only have been her mother.
Larséne dashed out her room, running down the halls of their spacious manor, cutting down intruders as she ran, with too many dying in a flash of steel and spray of blood to count. Resistance grew as she reached her mother’s room, and she was filled with enough rage, surprise, and worry, that she smashed in her mother’s bedroom door, breaking it into pieces. As Larséne burst into her mother’s room with her bedclothes soiled by gore, a hooded figure leapt out the broken window, his metal-lined cloak rattling heavily in protest to his acrobatic maneuver. All Larséne could hear was the soft gurgling of her mother bleeding on the floor, choking on what little blood she had left. Larséne fell to her knees next to her, her eyes filling with tears. Larséne’s mother reached out weakly, cupping her daughter’s cheek, staring deeply into her crimson eyes for one last time. She did not thing of her rapidly-ending life, only that she saw so much of Larséne’s within her. The eyes of her father. However, she knew Larséne’s path forward would become steeped in blood like her father, though only she had the potential to be something more. She opened her mouth to speak, but only allowed more blood to enter her lungs. It was too late for her to say anything to Larséne. She smiled weakly, before closing her eyes forevermore.
Larséne’s eyes settled into rage-filled slits. Her hands shook, and her claws unsheathed, as she envisioned of how she would find them buried in the throat of her mother’s murderer. Still hissing with fury, she probed a finger into the wound that had killed her mother. The wound was savage, a wide, deep cut that had gushed blood profusely. Larséne took one lick of her finger, tasting her mother’s sweet, already cooling blood for the last time, before she swore an oath. A depraved and pitiful oath, to kill her mother’s killer, and make them, and all like them, pay for their sins. With their ill-gotten possessions, and their blood. Larséne grabbed her mother’s masquerade mask off of her jewelry cabinet and donned it, leaving a bloody handprint across it as she pushed in place. She was ready to begin her bloody vengeance, her savage justice. Her new life of running the family business, attending masquerade balls, and stealing everything from those who even dared to steal everything she cared about from her.
Ability set:
Passive: Larceny >At 2 minute intervals during a game, Larséne identifies the (semi-random) location of a Treasure within the enemy jungle for Larséne to steal. (These Treasures are stolen by moving directly over them, and Treasures linger on the map for 2 minutes.) (Everyone can see the location of Treasures on their mini-map, with a delay of them disappearing on the map for enemies on the map to prevent giving free information.)
>When Larséne successfully steals a Treasure or kills an enemy champion, she gains a stack of Loot, (Larséne can only have a maximum of 5 stacks of Loot at any time,) to spend at any uncleared camp to instantly clear it for free and reward Larséne with its gold and experience. (Costs only 1 stack per camp.) (By clicking on the large monster of the camp in melee range. 1-second channel as Larséne quickly and brutally murders the camp’s denizens. Cannot be used if the camp’s large monster has already been slain.) (Larséne flavorfully leaves a rose in all enemy camps cleared using Larceny. Just for flavor.)
>Additionally, gold is added to Larséne’s Stash equal to the gold Larséne receives for killing the camp using Larceny The Stash is a deposit of gold in the shop that allies can use to purchase items if they do not have the gold to purchase their desired item with their gold, withdrawing gold from the Stash (on purchase) to enable the purchase.
“Use wisely, the fruits of my bloody work.”
Q: Gut Cut:
>20/30/40 Mana Cost (at ranks 1/3/5)
>6 second cooldown, unaffected by normal CDR
>60/90/120/150/180 + 80% of Bonus AD
>Larséne draws the blade from her sword-cane and quickly slashes in a wide arc in target direction, (400 units range outward) physically damaging all enemies hit, and applying on-hit effects to the closest enemy. (Can Critically strike.) (Cooldown reduced by bonus attack speed, up to 50% CDR.)
>Gut Cut blocks the first (and only the first) projectile (excluding tower shots, and ranged minion attacks) it touches. >>Gut Cut deals 50% bonus damage to monsters.
W: Rose Thorn:
>50 Mana Cost (at all ranks)
>10/10/9/9/8 second cooldown
>Larséne hurls a dagger in target direction sticking to the first enemy champion, large monster or wall (natural, player-made terrain or structure) it hits.
>If the dagger sticks into an enemy champion or large monster, they are slowed by 30/35/40/45/50%, and Larséne gains true sight of them for 4 seconds. Larséne viciously rips out the dagger on her next auto, (or Gut Cut if on-hit effects are applied,) causing it to deal 60/70/80/90/100% of Larséne's total attack damage as a bonus true damage bleed over 2 seconds, healing her for 100% of the bleed damage as it's dealt, and refreshing 50% of Rose Thorn’s cooldown.
>If the dagger collides with the wall of terrain or a structure, it attaches to it for the next 4 seconds, providing vision in a small area around it. Larséne can move over that spot of the wall it to retrieve the dagger before it expires and refresh 50% of Rose Thorn’s cooldown.
E: Feline Agility:
>80/70/60/50/40 Mana Cost per active cast
>4 second cooldown between active casts
>Passive: Larséne seamlessly transitions to running along or clinging to the walls of impassable terrain (player-made, natural, and structures) when moving or standing alongside it, gaining 10/15/20/25/30% bonus movement speed while moving and ignoring unit collision.
>**Active:**Larséne can activate Feline Agility to leap to target location. The maximum distance Larséne can leap increases the more units she continuously travels along a surface with Feline Agility's passive. (Bonus range is quickly and gradually lost if Larsène moves away from the wall, allowing for forgiveness with pathfinding.) (Minimum 400 Units, Maximum 800 Units.) (1200/1100/1000/900/800 Units traveled required to reach the maximum leap distance.)
>(The maximum distance Larséne can leap at any time while running along or clinging to a wall is displayed in a faint circle around her.)
>(Larséne can cast any other ability while leaping with Feline Agility, but Larsène loses the passive component when the active component is on cooldown.)
R: Heartbreaker:
>100 Mana Cost (at all ranks)
>60/50/40 Second cooldown
>150/200/250 + 80% of bonus attack damage
>Larséne dashes a large, (800 Units, cannot go over walls) set distance through target enemy champion, (within 400 Units cast range) dealing heavy physical damage over 2 seconds and inflicting Grievous Wounds for the duration to all enemies she dashes through.
>Gold is added to Larséne's Stash if Heartbreaker kills an enemy champion, equal to half what she received for the kill.
>(Larséne automatically retrieves her dagger from Rose Thorn if the impaled enemy is the target of Heartbreaker, triggering its effects, and extending the healing Larséne receives from it to include the damage Heartbreaker deals.)
Gameplay/Ability Notes and Discussion
Passive: Larceny: Appropriately ties into Larséne’s thief theme, which is admittedly not an entirely unique concept. The competitive role of Nunu as a jungler is to make the enemy jungler as useless as possible through easy counter-jungling, while also bringing best-in-class neutral objective securing capability. Larséne’s niche is to appropriately starve her opponent jungler of gold and experience while assisting her allies who may be struggling, and become a near-uncatchable split-pusher in the late game through a high-risk, high-reward assassin mindset. This balances out and reinforces Larséne’s imposing strength against solo mages or ranged carries, and escaping unfavorable situations, but comes with complete lack of significant teamfight relevance and defensive abilities providing her safety in such circumstances.
Q: Gut Cut: Bread and butter damaging ability allowing Larséne to perform her basic clear, as well as fight enemies, while encouraging squishy builds with its crit and attack speed interactions. The projectile block may be a sticking point for many people in terms of balance, however I feel it makes Larséne objectively powerful at escaping being caught by projectile-based immobilizing crowd control while fleeing or invading, and increasing her threat to mages and ranged carries that find themselves alone and in her sights. However, by only blocking one projectile, even with a low cooldown, does very little to save her from focus or being immobilized in a clustered environment while surrounded by enemies or team-fights in general. Situational strength, that allows for reflexive skill, and badass moments, especially combined with wall-running and leaping. (like leaping in front of a caitlyn bullet and parrying it for the save.)
W: Rose Thorn: Increases single-target damage, only source of non-physical damage, allows for scouting of brush or fog of war while infiltrating enemy territory, sustains her in the jungle, and is punished for missing. Multipurpose, allowing for correct and incorrect usage. A reasonable and balanced ability in my opinion.
E: Feline Agility: Is what allows for her to feel like a cat, and a burgler. A powerful movement tool that allows her to navigate the map quickly, make escapes, and capitalize on openings. Can be noted that when Larséne dives onto a carry in the middle of a lane or river, is essentially a useless ability after the fact, and is solely reliant on her ultimate as a limited-options escape should the prey be too strong or the situation go south.
R: Heartbreaker: What fulfils Larséne’s assassination fantasy. Cuts through an enemy, while creating space to watch them bleed to death. Thematically fitting to character. Only source of teamfight relevance. Able to be used to juke pursuers, however is risky to use while ganking as it could place her within turret range, depending on angles. Can be noted that Larséne cannot travel more than 800 units distance, as when cast from max range, 400 units to reach them + 400 units past them, or just 800 units or slightly less when used point blank. Must be used in conjunction with Feline Agility to make an escape over a wall.
Champion Counters and Match-ups:
Good against Larséne:
>Poppy: Poppy's entire kit has all the tools to keep the Blood Rose away from her carries and pin her down in teamfights, creating a zone that the even the most aggressive Larséne's must keep in mind when choosing their time to strike. On top of this, Poppy has the natural resistances to shrug off Larséne's single-target damage.
>Lucian: Lucian, from a carry standpoint, is the ideal ADC to bring to bear against the Blood Rose's form of justice. With no high-priority single projectiles to block, as well as exceptional kiting and dueling ability, Larséne's options against Lucian are severely limited when fighting in open spaces.
>Caitlyn: Despite having an ult that is easily deflected by Larsène, Caitlyn can zone her out by placing traps near walls, and is capable of kiting and attacking from outside Larsène's range.
Bad against Larsène: >**Anyone who relies on a single projectile for CC, Safety, or damage. (ie Nidalee, Lux, Xerath, etc.)
Champion Quotes: (WIP, subject to second thoughts and much regret.)
General Quotes:
>"I promised my mother I would stop stealing. I could never stop, and I won’t stop.”
>"Thieving is in my nature. Why not line my pockets with the wealth of the wicked?"
>"My thieving is my compensation for making this world a better place, one singular strike at a time."
>"In blood, I paint this world's brighter future."
>"By blood, be undone."
>"I will not cower. I will stand in defiance, and by my own hand, enact my vengeance upon the filth of this world."
>“Divine justice is an illusion. Ours is a world of wealth and debt, and I WILL collect my dues.”
>“I live for the chase, and for the singular strike that takes everything from those whose ill-gotten wealth catches my eye.”
>“These days, when people who see me dance, it’s usually the LAST thing they see.”
>“A thief can take more than just money...”
>"I aspire to steal more than money, i will take EVERYTHING from the scum of this world."
>"I will create fear in anyone who dares commit sin. I WILL reform this world."
>"I'd gladly go to hell... There's more criminals there anyway."
>"This world has been changed by bloodshed before. What's the difference in my work?"
>"What reforms the wicked? When they realize they have nothing left, I strike the final blow."
>"Who better than I understands the workings and motivations of scum and villainy?"
>"This world has wronged me. I will drown in an ocean of blood for my vengeance."
>"Thief rule number 1: Harm not the innocent."
>"Thief rule number 2: Take everything you can."
>"Thief rule number 3: Leave. No. Witnesses."
>“Thieves who only take gold truly do not understand the scope of their trade.”
>“I deliver a performance of flashing steel, and spraying blood. I am never out of step.”
>“I’ve heard a saying about a black cat that crosses your path. Rings true for my adversaries.”
>“The Blood Rose shall steal everything from the wicked. Their money, their love, their blood, and their life.”
>“The fleetest of foot gets not only the prize, but also lives to brag about it.”
Champion(Directed) Quotes:
>“Wha-Who are you?” -Aatroxx
>“Could you be…? No… Impossible…” –Aatroxx
>“Stay out of my path, mad one. Or you’ll lose more than your sanity.” –Shaco
>“We both seem to enjoy what we do. The difference between us is that I at least try to hide my insanity.” -Shaco
>“Catch me if you can, dog.” –Warwick
>“You only want gold? You know there’s more to take, right?” -Sivir
>“I cannot tell if you are kin, or just some naïve, simple human who thinks herself a hunter.” –Nidalee
>“Rengar, let us see who will turn tail THIS time.” –Rengar
>“Darling, Can you even keep pace?” –Rengar
>“I always did love seafood…” –Nami
>“A soul-thief? A Kinsman? We’ll get along fabulously.” –Ahri
>“Oh, you wish to abandon your heritage? Do you have no pride, fox?” –Ahri
>“So… Selfish.” -Ahri
>“Dear, if you wish to woo your love, you should stop throwing knives at him.” –Katarina
>“Dance with him, lovebird.” -Katarina
>“Try and kill me, wraith. I won’t be stopped by some tale told to scare children.” -Kalista
>“Talon, you are such a simple-minded thief. There is more to take than just a life…” –Talon
>“A cape of blades is just. Too. Obvious.”-Talon
>“I’d recognize that cloak anywhere.” -Talon
>“How much were you paid to kill my mother, murderer? Ill cut you for every coin!” -Talon
>“Aw Crap! It’s the fuzz!” –Vi
>“Ah! A rat! Kill it! KILL IT!” –Twitch
>“AH! Rat!” -Twitch
>“Even your presence is a crime. Blegh…” –Twitch
>“The Black Rose? A secretive society with an unknown, less-than-savory agenda? Tell me more…” –Leblanc
>“By your outfit, I assume you LIKE being cut.” –Leblanc
>“The Black Rose will wither once again, if I have anything to say about it.” -Leblanc
>“You’re mad. Brilliant, but mad.” -Jhin
>“You, would make for an interesting dance partner.” –Jhin
>“What’s the story behind your mask, murderer? -Jhin
>“You lack subtlety.” –Vladimir
>“Um… Am I supposed to be laughing? You look like a Ballroom clown.” –Vladimir
>“Just how much blood have YOU stolen, hm?” –Vladimir
>“There can only be one Blood Thief.” –Vladimir
>“You know, the cat GUTS the early bird.” -Swain
>“TURN IT UP! I want to dance to this!” –DJ Sona
>“You should perform in Noxus! They certainly could use some lightening up.” –Sona
>“Oh… A new toy…” Purrs -Amummu
>“A blade that just can’t help but get bloody. I sympathize, wanderer.” –Yasuo
>“We both seek a justice outside the common law.” –Yasuo
>“A swordsman with little left for me to take…” -Yasuo
>“Draw your blade, Swordsman. We shall see whose resolve is sharper.” –Yasuo
>“Accepting power has made you strong, but it comes with a steep cost, pup.” –Avowa*
>“You will learn that there is little good in this world. You do what you must to make the difference for the better.” -Avowa*
>“I hope you find vengeance and redemption, pup. You might be more deserving of it than I.” –Avowa*
>“I like you, cousin. You help me, I’ll return the favor. Thief’s honor.” -Avowa*
>“You might be Kin. You might be innocent. But if you stand in my way, I will end your quest for justice. Without hesitation or remorse.” –Avowa*
*Quotes directed toward the character of my last champion design
Kill Quotes:
>“Thank you for your patronage.” –Any Champion
>“Don’t mind if I do.” -Any Champion
>“Your donation is much appreciated, love.” –Any Champion
>“Darling, keep yourself together. You’re spilling out all over my feet.” –Any Champion
>“Like tipping a wine glass.” Chuckles -Any Champion
>Purrs into a chuckle “How delightful.” –Any Champion
>“Blood for gold.” -Any Champion
>“I should expand into this business.” -Any Champion
>“Blood, for Blood.” -Shutdown
>“In the end, I will be the last killer standing.” -Shutdown
>“I’ve already forgotten your name.” -Shutdown
>“I’m only getting started!” –Killing Spree
>“My rise to fame!” -Killing Spree
>“The Blood Rose cannot be caught!” –Rampage
>“Unstoppable! The riches of this world are mine!” -Rampage
>“The Blood Rose has become an immortal legend!” -Legendary
>“Aww, you all shouldn’t…have…?” –Triple kill
>“IT’S A BLOOOOODBATH! HAHAHAHA! -Pentakill
>“A beautiful garden of crimson gore!” -Pentakill
>“Your bitter blood betrays your twisted soul, Hemomancer.” –Vladimir Kill
>“What an amateur.” -Vladimir Kill
>“I’ll take more than just your money, Sivir.” -Sivir Kill
>“So, sweet … A shame I had to kill you.” –Lulu Kill
>“What an innocent soul… … Oh well.” -Lulu Kill
>“No need to be so hot-blooded. ^ . ^” –Brand Kill
>“Should’ve just told me what you knew…” –Leblanc Kill
>“Knowledge is power, but not the only kind.” –Leblanc Kill
>“Well. I certainly enjoyed that.” –Leblanc Kill
>“I think I’m going to be sick…” –Twitch Kill
>“A rat, caught between the hunting cat’s paws. Poetry.” –Twitch Kill
>“Not an actual vampire, love. Next time, get it right.” -Vayne Kill
>“Your struggle amuses me.” -Vayne Kill
>“You’re naïve, girl. We’re ALL monsters.” -Vayne Kill
>“We’re a lot alike, you and I. But now your dead.” -Vayne Kill
>“All bark, no bite.” –Nasus Kill
>“No… There is no way…” –Aatroxx Kill
>“But this blood… This taste…” –Aatroxx Kill
>“Just WHO was he? Guess I’ll never know…” -Aatroxx Kill
>“For my suspicions, what a disappointment.” -Aatroxx Kill
>“Oh, I thought I had broken him. Ill ask one more time. Tell me, demon, WHO ARE YOU? -Trigger Aatroxx revive
>“What hot blood...” –Rengar Kill
>“The blood of a foolish hunter, made all the sweeter.” -Rengar Kill
>“With strong blood like this, he might have had a chance.” –Rengar Kill
>“Mmm! Fresh fish, My favorite.” –Nami Kill
>“Sorry, Kin. Circle-of-life kind of thing.” –Nami Kill
>“I wish you had just stopped and walked away…” –Avowa Kill*
>“You just had to make me feel guilt for once…” -Avowa Kill*
>“Genuinely, we could have been allies…” -Avowa Kill*
*Quotes directed to the character of my last champion concept.
Ability Quotes:
>“I’ll just take this…” -Steals Treasure, Poached Jungle Camp
>“They won’t miss it. Probably.” -Steals Treasure, Poached jungle camp
>“BLEED FOR ME!” -Gut Cut
>“BLEED OUT!” -Gut Cut
>“Parry!” -Block any projectile -Gut Cut
>“Nice Try!” -Block any Projectile -Gut Cut
>“You’re not my type!” -Block Ahri’s Charm -Gut Cut
>“DENIED!” -Block Ahri’s Charm -Gut Cut
>“The law cannot touch me!” -Block Caitlyn’s Ace in the Hole -Gut Cut
>“You never learn!” -Block Rengar’s Bola strike -Gut Cut
>“Thanks, I love fish!” -Block Fizz’s Chum the waters -Gut Cut
>“Time to die, Love!” -Heartbreaker
>“WEAK!” -Heartbreaker
>“Sorry to break your heart, love!” -Kill with Heartbreaker
>“Mmua. Goodbye.” -Kill with Heartbreaker
Item Quotes:
>“As long as it leaves some for me.” –Bloodthirster
>“Basically, a get-out-of-jail-free sword. Nice.” –Mercurial Scimitar
>“A helpful tool.” -Mercurial Scimitar
>“Ravenous, eh? Oh, don’t worry dear, you’ll get plenty.” –Ravenous Hydra
>“I can hear singing...” –Ruby Crystal
>“LOOKS like blood.” –Health Potion
>“A good enough substitute.” –Health Potion
>“Can’t argue with a classic.” –Blade of the Ruined King
>“With an edge as sharp as this… There will be blood.” –Infinity Edge
>“Thunderknife! Ho?” –Statik Shiv
>“Ah! A blade that wishes to dance? I’m smitten.” –Phantom Dancer
>“A second chance.” –Guardian Angel
>“I can’t help but feel my mother’s pride… And her disappointment in me.” –Guardian Angel
>“A mask for my mask… As pointless as it sounds.” –Liandry’s Torment
>“I already have a hat.” –Rabaddons Deathcap
>“I like my weapons with a bit more bite.” –Frostqueen’s Claim
>“A remarkable artifact… Pricey, though.” –Triforce
>“My kind of cloak.” –Edge of Night
>“I prefer footwear with heels…” -Boots of speed
>“Put it on my tab.” -Any Item
>“Bill my estate? No?” -Any Item
>“Oh, that looks nice…OH, HEY! I WAS JUST LOOKING… AT THIS. TRINKET. Heh…” -Any Item
Concept of Larsène by me, Outfoxer. Art commissioned from Innervalue of Deviantart, and is still technically a work in progress. Any and all constructive feedback for any facet of her design is welcomed and appreciated. [slayer-pantheon-thumbs]
