[Rework Concept] -- TRISTANA, The Yordle Cannoneer
http://static.zerochan.net/Tristana.full.1634320.jpg
With the new Marksman changes, many champions evolved new and unique playstyles, cementing their roles as unique characters. Tristana didn't change quite as much: Riot mentioned trying to push her into more of a caster role instead of that of a heavy auto-attacking late game monster, but her changes didn't really push her far enough in that direction, in my mind.
Here's some thoughts towards pushing her towards more of that caster role, opening up a few build paths and really encouraging her to get into the fray.
This version plays like a less brawly Graves: a carry who jumps around from close range fight to close range fight dealing high single-target damage, yet is significantly more vulnerable than Graves if she gets caught out of position.
THOUGHTS AND CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM APPRECIATED
#[Passive]: HEAVY ARTILLERY The range of Tristana's basic attacks and abilities is increased by 0-119 (based on level), for a total range of 500-669 range. Targets within the first half of her range increment take 6 + (3 * character level) bonus damage (between 9 and 60, depending on character level).
The addition of damage makes Tristana a little more dangerous at close range, which fits nicely with her leaping-into-battle concept.
#[Q]: BIG BLAST Tristana fires a cannon blast in a line out to her auto-attack range, dealing between 50% and 150% total AD in physical damage to enemies struck, with closer targets taking greater damage. Big Blast can damage towers.
Cooldown: 8 / 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 seconds
As you'll see in the new Rocket Jump, this version of Tristana is designed to emphasize jumping into combat and fighting at close range. She can be a long-range siege unit, but her real potential unlocks if you can strategically jump around the fight, picking off opponents at close range before jumping back to safety.
It also means she has several build paths. The low cooldown means that Trinity Force / Essence Reaver becomes pretty strong on her, and Infinity Edge / Attack Speed Item is still a powerful opening as well.
#[W]: ROCKET JUMP Tristana dashes to the target location, dealing 50 / 80 / 110 / 140 / 170 (+50% AP) magic damage to all nearby enemies on impact and slowing them by 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60% for 1.5 seconds.
If Tristana strikes an enemy champion, she gains 30 / 45 / 60 / 75 / 90% attack speed for 5 seconds.
Whenever Tristana takes down or detonates Explosive Charge at maximum stacks on an enemy champion, Rocket Jump's cooldown is reset.
More power is pushed into landing Rocket Jump, encouraging Tristana to really use it aggressively. She now gets most of her power by jumping into the fray and fighting, instead of keeping her distance.
#[E]: EXPLOSIVE SHOT PASSIVE: Enemies explode when slain by Tristana's basic attacks, dealing magic damage to all nearby enemies.
ACTIVE: Tristana places an explosive charge on the target enemy or enemy turret. After 4 seconds the charge explodes, dealing physical damage to nearby enemies. The damage is increased by 20 / 40 / 60 / 80 / 100% when used on a turret.
Tristana's basic attacks and abilities against the target increase Explosive Charge's damage by 30%, stacking up to 4 times for a maximum 120% increase, upon which the charge also detonates instantly.
Tristana loses her increased blast radius, and gains extra damage against towers to keep up her seige power despite losing her reliably access to a great attack speed steroid.
#[R]: BUSTER SHOT Tristana fires a massive cannonball in a line, dealing 225 / 300 / 375 (+100% AP) magic damage and knocking back targets it hits 400 / 500 / 600 units. Enemies closer to Tristana take up to 50% additional magic damage, and are knocked back up to 50% further.
A bit of a raw damage nerf, but it can now hit multiple targets. I feel making it a skillshot is just a little better for her new up-and-in-your-face playstyle, as it allows her to clear out a small area of multiple enemies if she absolutely has to.