Bard, the Wandering Caretaker

A Superb Villain·Feb 24, 2015·29 votes·10,272 views

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i91rTzaapD0/VOzMtT1QM5I/AAAAAAAAkcw/9bfKkSY-O2U/s1600/Bard_Splash_WP.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3CBWDJlZb0

http://www.surrenderat20.net/2015/02/bard-wandering-caretaker-revealed.html

So, he's a wandering, cosmic being with curious spirits that flock to his presence, places shrines where he wanders and is a support, suggesting a benevolent demeanor.

Honestly, it's like Soraka's great uncle that embarrasses the family every reunion with his mischief. What do you think of him? Faction association? Lore? Appearance?

83 Comments

LANWhaleFeb 24, 20159 votes

I am now convinced that Jax is a spiritual being. Jax , but then what does he represent? If Bard is benevolent being, is Jax the opposite? Or does he represent the will power in all of us? Hm....So many possibilities rushing threw my head....

But besides that, hm probably no faction (unless you count the people who name their race after him). Lore? I say wait for his preview since they always have something to show at the end. Perhaps there will be the thing we might be asking for.

SharjoFeb 24, 20155 votes

I'd assume Jax is more grounded in nature, as a guardian of Ionia's wilderness and stuff, with his lamp being his way of lighting a path through the terrain. A few people brought this up when discussing Jax without the League a while back as him being some kind of important Ionian figure, perhaps a master martial artist or guardian of some kind that was roused to come to the forefront when Noxus invaded Ionia.

A Superb VillainFeb 24, 20152 votes

{quoted}

I'd assume Jax is more grounded in nature, as a guardian of Ionia's wilderness and stuff, with his lamp being his way of lighting a path through the terrain. A few people brought this up when discussing Jax without the League a while back as him being some kind of important Ionian figure, perhaps a master martial artist or guardian of some kind that was roused to come to the forefront when Noxus invaded Ionia.

I love this theory so much, especially since it gives an excuse for him to keep the lamppost without the Institute of War to impose restrictions. It also helps to explain how Ionia managed to repel Noxus, a numerically superior nation with mercenary assistance from Zaun. Ionia's greatest legends came to the island nation's defense.

SharjoFeb 24, 20152 votes

It's one of the things I actually really like from World of Warcraft; the legendary creatures of the world actually come and fight alongside mortals during the darkest times. There are quest-lines revolving around helping those ancient beings out and them fighting alongside them in battle, and with folks like Soraka, Bard and potentially Jax and Ao Shin, I feel a similar vibe; Ionia needs some help, and so the legends of old come around again to give it a hand, and show these invading Noxians just what they were messing with! To me it's almost as if when things like this happen, it's like everything unites for a common goal; people aren't cowering, praying to their gods and guardians, they're fighting alongside those gods and guardians!

Also adds an interesting vibe for me to the Noxus - Ionia conflict: "You brought mercenaries and technology from Zaun? Well we brought guardians of natural and interstellar beings!" Perhaps this is how they plan to resolve the conflict completely since Noxus hasn't been booted out yet, I mean what better way to send a message to your enemies than literally having your gods come around and slap them in the face?

GunpointFeb 24, 20151 votes

No, Jax is Gragas's drinking buddy. He's a guy, who is good at fighting. Mabye he just thinks his robes and goggles are cool? Also, his voice totally suggests the opposite of any sort of otherwordly being. He's practically Brolaf in a hoodie.

LANWhaleFeb 24, 20152 votes

Maybe, but who knows. We only have Bard to go off of to disprove it. As well we have not got a VO of Bard so we don't how he talks as well. For all we know he can end every sentence with the word, "dood" or " totally gnarly".

Or he can talk like a stereotypical hippy. I actually hope he talks like this but he will probably talk like some higher being I suppose.

test accountFeb 25, 20151 votes

I hope we get a "Chill Bard" skin eventually, with new surfer-guy style VOs. He refers to meeps as "his gnarly lil' bros," gives updates on his progress in collecting them "Twenty lil' bros! Most excellent," ushers the team through his magic doorway with stuff like "Time for another excellent adventure, dudes," etc.

LANWhaleFeb 25, 20152 votes

Ya see, it practically rights it self!

Heh, one can even be.

The power within.

Wow dude, not so fast.

*See you on the flip side! *(when he goes threw his tunnel)

Grouchy PoroFeb 25, 20151 votes

Ult: Just chill, Bros

Q: Just slow down.

Take a moment to breathe, man.

W: We can save this for later.

Just in case, bro.

LANWhaleFeb 25, 20151 votes

Ult- Wow, this stuff is way to gnarly for me.

Q- This is just a mess, man.

W- This stuff is off the wall dood!

E- Righteous! Righteous!

These are of course examples, I just hope this happens at one point in Bard's skin line.

Doctor LeonFeb 24, 20157 votes

I can't wait to see what his personality is like on PBE

A Superb VillainFeb 24, 201522 votes

Soraka "No one expects the banana."

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIXAtALk7WQ/VOzO47kryxI/AAAAAAAAkdM/T45K01ISpMw/s1600/asdadasdtg.jpg bursts through a wall

"No one expects me; it runs in the family!"

WaffletimewarpFeb 24, 20158 votes

[{quoted}](name=A Superb Villain,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=F3upqsgL,comment-id=00030000,timestamp=2015-02-24T20:06:44.203+0000)

"No one expects the banana."

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIXAtALk7WQ/VOzO47kryxI/AAAAAAAAkdM/T45K01ISpMw/s1600/asdadasdtg.jpg bursts through a wall

"No one expects me; it runs in the family!"

And now I need buy him to find a macro that types Oh Yeeaaaah! in all caps when my team uses his E.

NorthernDruidFeb 24, 20154 votes

Soda mascot skin confirmed!

Something to go with brolaf.

OwltearsFeb 24, 201510 votes

Now you're thinking with Portals

The Red WardenFeb 25, 20153 votes

He has none, his VO is just random noises. His animation show some character, but the lack of voice feels like wasted opportunity.

His voice is basically the sounds of his special effects.

A Superb VillainFeb 25, 20156 votes

A pity, to be sure. I am suspect they intended it to sell the whole "incomprehensible, incredibly ancient, celestial being."

Personally, I would have preferred understandable speech, something to give him a bit of character rather than solely embodying his purpose on the cosmic scale. A similar demeanor to Braum, but far more mischievous, and of course a thoughtful hint of shrouded wisdom, like a grandpa that tries to impart sage advice through cheesy metaphors so he can laugh about it while you try to wrap your head around the meaning.

Perhaps he could have had a few poignant lines as well, recounting tales he once witnessed in person and the people who have long since passed on.

"I knew your forebears. The weight of their legacy is great." JarvanIV "The stars were in your eyes once, no more." Lissandra "My, but the apple does not fall far from the tree." Ashe "You cannot hear them, but the stars still sing your praises." Soraka

Also, Riot really missed out on his joke:

"Stay a while and listen!"

The Red WardenFeb 25, 20153 votes

Before the VO was released I also thought he would sound like Braum but that he would talk about what is happening currently but then switch to talking about events from a 1000 years ago without realizing it.

test accountFeb 25, 20153 votes

I think I just lost all my steam as far as being excited for this champion. That was fast. Also, a damn shame :/

Edit: Scratch that. Wind chimes are cool. Rehyped.

Grouchy PoroFeb 25, 20151 votes

He speaks with only the sound of bells and his horn. No actual words.

His personality seems kind of 'spring in his step, jolly fat guy' sort of like budda now that I think of it. That's all I get from looking at his emotes though.

HunieHunieFeb 24, 20155 votes

I am too excited for this champion.

Woodsy2575Feb 24, 20155 votes

I don't care if Riot calls him a support, I'm jungling with him

NotParadoxFeb 24, 20151 votes

Im sure a lot of people will. Just remember what the point of a jungler is, in the beginning it was to give more exp to your group and be able to gank people. He can do that as a support, so you can have two people doing that.

I still think hes a bit stronger as a support for 3 man ganks mid with stasis tower diving. Or 2 person counterjungling.

Woodsy2575Feb 24, 20153 votes

I just hate to leave an adc alone, they're so damn helpless

PartholonianFeb 25, 20151 votes

That's why they suggested Caitlyn , for her ability to take care of herself until he gets back.

aaronconlinFeb 25, 20151 votes

I've already been planning my builds and ways to make it work. It'll be hard since he has one damaging ability but his auto attacks get enhanced periodically, he will move around the jungle incredibly fast and get free experience doing so. Plus, he can put health packs around the jungle or lanes, to support every Lane at once

Maybe something like: item 3117 item 3025 item 3068 item 3190 item 3725 item 3023

He only has two scaling abilities so I feel like his builds can be a little out of the ordinary and still work

GunpointFeb 24, 20155 votes

"The celestial vagabond known only as Bard dwells beyond the physical universe in realms unknown to man. Manifesting when others threaten the cosmic equilibrium, the ancient caretaker acts with speed and intent, only returning to his endless watch once he has steered Runeterra from catastrophe." Seems like a summary, but pretty sure this is Riot's lore for him. Sad isn't it.

Doctor LeonFeb 24, 20154 votes

Maybe it's just how Celestials dress. Celestial faction in new lore? Dunno. Maybe he actually is Soraka's grandpa.

RavenKouhaiFeb 25, 20154 votes

I feel like he and Soraka should be best buddies and drink tea together.

Doctor LeonFeb 24, 20152 votes

I'm guessing Ionia if anything. My friend immediately texted me "Is that grandpa udyr"

A Superb VillainFeb 24, 20155 votes

He certainly does have an Ionian aesthetic going on, what with the red, green, and beige, loose robes. Perhaps a representation of ancient Ionian design adopted by the people who lived on the island and came in contact with Bard?

GunpointFeb 24, 20152 votes

"The celestial vagabond known only as Bard dwells beyond the physical universe in realms unknown to man." Also, Udyr is from the Freljord.

MrBuffingtonFeb 24, 20152 votes

Definitely feels like a relative of Soraka; their particle effects are very very similar as well, they both have the healing/caretaker vibe too. I'm really excited, I love roaming as support (Janna is my main just because of all the MS).

meohmichaelFeb 24, 20152 votes

Will he be available for testing on the PBE today?

GatiFeb 24, 20152 votes

Just an opinion, you guys can open up the thuth to me if I'm wrong, but

Bard's E and R seem useless, Whats the purpose of E of enemy's can go through? And R does no dmg, and if you do land it, you can't do any dmg to them since their in a "stasis"... It's like Lissandra ult, or a free item 3157 for them...

Please don't downvote, explain it...

SpecterVonBarenFeb 24, 20154 votes

In terms of his R, I'll give you some scenarios.

"Okay we have to engage on the enemy so they can't just run away as soon as Amumu gets here. Oh crap, I think we might be f$%^&, R!" Amumu comes in, q's to the enemy and ults just as the stasis wears off, giving Bard and his ADC the chance to finish them off before they can do the same to them.

"Oh no, Veigar just got ulted by Zed and he's about to die when it goes off! R!" Veigar turns invincible just before the mark goes off, allowing him to survive.

"Ugh, we can win, I know we can, we just need to get to their ADC, but we can't get past the frontline.... R!" R's the enemy frontline, allowing his frontline to engage on the ADC and kill them before their team comes out of stasis.

Grouchy PoroFeb 25, 20151 votes

The one thing I thought of was denying Ziggs with his anti-split push bomb. Lewl, you want to clear that creep wave? Too bad!

A Superb VillainFeb 24, 20155 votes

Magical Journey is a very powerful tool; sure, enemies can go through it, but would you really be willing to follow Bard through a wall when you can't see what is on the other side? Best case scenario, it's just Bard trying to escape. Worst case, the entire team is waiting for you to take the bait after Bard Q's you to the wall you come out of, or any teammates following you. Conversely, Bard can use it to grant otherwise immobile champions a way to instantly dive the enemy's backline. Imagine your team is trying to take Baron/Dragon. Suddenly, a portal appears behind the objective... and out pops Annie with a Tibber's stun ready. The rest of his team immediately follows while everyone is reeling from a flaming, bear hug.

Tempered Fate is exactly what it's name implies, an ability that can change the course of the game from any position on the map. Picture two teams waiting to engage, one hugging their tower, the other looking for an opening. With little warning, Bard ults the team trying to dive. For a few precious seconds, no one can move or be hurt. It doesn't seem like much, until you see his team getting into optimal position for a wombo-combo. Orianna puts her ball on Udyr who casually strolls into the middle of the team. The second Bard's ult wears off, boom.

flibitydooFeb 25, 20151 votes

{quoted}

Just an opinion, you guys can open up the thuth to me if I'm wrong, but

Bard's E and R seem useless, Whats the purpose of E of enemy's can go through? And R does no dmg, and if you do land it, you can't do any dmg to them since their in a "stasis"... It's like ult, or a free for them...

Please don't downvote, explain it...

E is a one way gate

and one funny scenario you could pull off is a legendary bait

where you put bard alone, then the enemy seems him, chases him. Bard Es into a wall and the enemy team goes into the portal

at the end of the portal is Bard's whole team who proceed to aoe them into dust.

his R is an aoe zhonyas that can be used on enemies and allies. It can be used to set up other abilities on enemies (such as veigar's event horizon or nunu's ultimate), or it can be used to save your team from that yasuo/orianna ult.

KING OF MASKSFeb 25, 20152 votes

He reminds me of Dawngate. Bard, Shaper of Caretaking.

TheTyeGuyFeb 25, 20152 votes

He looks like something inspired by Waystone. . .

Rip DG. . .

hartarFeb 24, 20151 votes

It does have a Asian Style, like Ionia. The first thing that came to my head when i saw him was Miyazaki.

A Superb VillainFeb 24, 20151 votes

Quite a few people are suggesting this was an inspiration to his design; I can see the resemblance in aesthetic qualities and narrative.

WillowranFeb 25, 20151 votes

How will Bard make money, anyone know? If he's spending half his time roaming the map to find his chimes, won't that mean that he's missing out on gold from support items, which require you to stay in lane?

libraryseraph Feb 25, 20152 votes

yeah i want to know this now

ScorpoisonFeb 25, 20151 votes

If you get item 3303 you make decent money while roaming. What you do, from my understanding, is set up 1 or 2 shrines and make sure your adc is safe, go roam to find some chimes, poke other lanes / gank (which his ganks are really good because of his slow-stun on q and the massive slows you can get with meeps) and rinse and repeat.

Grouchy PoroFeb 25, 20151 votes

I'm thinking a frost queen's claim would work best on him since it generates gold over time and when you show up in a lane you can expend the item's passive then drop off a health pack and be on your way.

Civil DawnFeb 25, 20151 votes

I hope Bard's voice is fun-loving, friendly, warm, and welcoming kinda like how Braum's personality is :)

I imagine Bard to be like that traveling grandpa that tells great stories :)

XulsigaeFeb 25, 20153 votes

He only has music as a 'voice.' It's creative but doesn't allow him to tell his own lore. Puts him with Gnar and Rek'sai. I personally don't like the trend.

Civil DawnFeb 26, 20151 votes

{quoted}

He only has music as a 'voice.' It's creative but doesn't allow him to tell his own lore. Puts him with Gnar and Rek'sai. I personally don't like the trend.

Oh... I don't like that either ;/