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The Hidden, Colorful New Mage - Theories?

Oleandervine·8/10/2018, 3:24:56 PM·12 votes·14,456 views

https://nexus.leagueoflegends.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Roadmap_1-min_y1hc9pggnkdowohy0l2p.jpg

In the Roadmap, they teased an upcoming champion, "a rather colorful mage that won’t stay hidden for too much longer." What's also notable is the line at the end, where again they mention "the **colorful new mage **currently in hiding"...

This leads to some questions. We can see from the teaser image that a hibiscus like flower will play into the mage in someway, either as an iconic accessory, or some indication that it may have something to do with plants. We also see an interesting sigil under the flower, that looks strikingly tribal, but island tribal in a sense.

If I had to guess, I'd say that this new champion is going to be hailing from the islands around Bilgewater, possible one of the natives, of which Illaoi is a part of. The sigil being tribal is what brings me to this, and the fact that it's a little more jagged, and not flowy and fluid tends to push this away from Ionia. If we go by the brightness and whimsy of this teaser, this could also mean this new mage is the first light-hearted champion to hail from the Bilgewater region, if they are indeed from that area.

In terms of the "colorful" aspect, I'm not entirely sure what this could imply, as Lux is already affiliated with light and rainbows, so having another light based mage would step on her themes. That leaves us with the flowers as a hint - flowers come in many colors, and a garden of them can be extremely colorful.

Then comes the other term they repeated when referencing this mage - hide. This is particularly interesting because the specific way they brought it up a second time implies this term isn't a coincidence. This could imply that this is a mage who either has stealth, or utilizes bushes in a new way...

And this lead to my theory - here we have a mage, symbolized by a flower and the term "hide." If this is a plant mage of sorts (even though this would be stepping on Zyra, I feel like there's more to explore in that theme), this could imply that the mage can somehow use bushes as an offensive tool, which is a very unique thing that's never been done before. We've come close with the Teemoing and Teemo setting fire to the bushes, and Ivern similarly comes close with conjuring shrubs and gaining bonus when entering them - but neither instance has actually used bushes as catalysts for spells. It's just a thought of mine about this new champ, and I'm very curious to see what they're like. What are your thoughts?

50 Comments

DwarvenGiant8/10/2018, 4:43:23 PM7 votes

I think someone on the Boards, among the first theories on this champ, posted one about the champion being at the very least associated with the chameleon, for its an animal known to utilize camouflage and hide by shifting the pattern of colors and shapes presented on its skins and adapting to the environment.

Sounds interesting enough.

The jagged mark reminds me of Bilgewater as well, especially when considering the Hawaiian vibe with how the flowers are designed.

I think it was the Rioter WAAARGHbobo who once mentioned that the Serpent Isles have many "great spirits" or "gods" (like Nagakabouros) that their cultures and religions are based on- So, I thought that maybe this champion could indeed be a native to one of the Serpent Isles and possibly related to some kind of a great spirit associated with the imagery of a chameleon-like creature.

Maybe.

SSmotzer8/11/2018, 5:07:47 AM6 votes

My guess is it's the ink mage Riot has been working on. Instead of painting shapes with black ink, which would take time, you just swipe with a color instead.

My guess on the lore is it is a Freljordian girl, who was born color blind. Then one day, she finds a flower growing out of the ice, and the weirdest part is she can see the colors. Then she follows a path of flowers to a magical paradise hidden in the Freljords, like Shangra-La of the Himalayas, and the fairy lands of Celtic folklore. Then, like Lulu, she left with magic, but instead of a friend, like what Lulu always wanted, the girl was able to take the colors of the paradise with her, so she may paint the white snow of the Freljords any color she wishes.

TricolorStar8/11/2018, 6:20:50 AM5 votes

It's probably going to be a Vastaya, guys. The last Vastaya champions were Xayah and Rakan, almost 2 years ago. There's also more hints here:

  • "Hidden" can refer to the natural glamor that Yordles have, but it likely refers to the color-shifting abilities of animals, specifically chameleons and other reptiles. Vastaya are able to naturally change the color of their body and appendages, although it's much easier for some than others, as it reuires a fair amount of Rakan's magic in "Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow". As well as this, Vastaya are known to be excellent at hiding themselves from humans by blending in to their surroundings.
  • Vastaya are known to use traditional symbols and face-paint on their bodies and clothing, which matches the image seen underneath the flowers (it resembles a sun or an eye, in my opinion). They like to tattoo themselves as well, but favor the areas around the eyes it seems, and that symbol is perfect for going around your eyes.
  • The flowers seem to be a form of Hibiscus, which real-world chameleons and reptiles are known to enjoy eating
  • The flowers also have the same physical attributes as the other flowers from Ionia seen on Universe page and the new interactive map. Ionia is the only known natural habitat of the Vastaya, disregarding highly mobile or migratory species like the Marai
  • Reptilian Vastaya do exist, although none have been seen in game. There's a species known as the 'strig' who are reptilian butterflies, which combines the lizard theory and the flower imagery. It's high time one was introduced to round out the variety of Vastaya we have in the game.

Thank you for coming to my T.E.D talk.

ExpStealer8/10/2018, 7:49:37 PM4 votes

Ryze. The answer is always Ryze.

Beached Manatee8/10/2018, 3:33:41 PM3 votes

Maokai

Please End Mee8/10/2018, 9:51:36 PM2 votes

HOLY SHIT I JUST REALIZED SOMETHING BIG!!

When looking at the flowers, I noticed one big detail that was missing. Hibiscus have long, typically yellow, stalks in their centers. These flowers are missing that. When looking up more flowers, the ones in the art most closely align with not hibiscus, but hyacinth, which actually has a story behind it.

In Greek mythology, it's believed Apollo created the hyacinth after his lover, who was named Hyacinth, was murdered. The story is quite simple and small. Hyacinth was a boy, so beautiful, that both Apollo and Zephyrus, the west wind, fell in love with the boy. Hyacinth chose Apollo, Zephyrus got jealous and then murdered Hyacinth out of jealousy.

If those flowers are indeed hyacinth, and not hibiscus, and Riot knows the story behind the flower, then they might just be releasing their next LGBT champion. I just hope there's more personality and actual plot around the champion, and their story isn't entirely about them being "gay" or whatever, like they did with Varus.

Of course, it could be neither hyacinth or hibiscus, but just a flower, and not any specific species of flower.

Camille Ferrøs8/10/2018, 4:06:26 PM2 votes

Likely its going to be a Yordle

LittleOak8/10/2018, 6:21:00 PM2 votes

I like the ideas but where we just got Pyke as the latest new champion, they're not going to give us double Bilgewater back to back. I'm pretty sure they're never done that in any release before, or if they have, it's only been Ionia (because like half the champion roster is from Ionia or has something to do with it. Personally, the flowers remind me of something out of a Karma splash art, leading me to believe this will be an Ionian champion, but I would also really like to see the team's take on this champion being for The Shadow Isles!

If the champion is based off a chameleon, I think it would be a fun and fitting story to have them be happy and whimsical from the shadow isles, beating back the darkness as a one man army, and hiding when outnumbered/outmatched. All of the shadow isles are specifically brooding champions or harbingers of undeath, and I think having this "odd one out" character would be a good fit. It brings to mind Ornn being a Freljordian demi-god. When they first revealed "the next new champion is going to be a different take on the Freljord" everyone was SUPER intrigued and was wondering what could possibly be on the horizon, and they revealed Ornn and even though he was terrible gameplay-wise, he gained a HUGE group of fans in the community immediately. The fire guy from the land of ice was super fun and interesting and I think playing as "the upbeat happy-go-lucky mage from the land of sorrow and death" would be JUST as fun to play.

With my fingers crossed, I will toss my hope for the lore into the ring. The champion is an Ionian mage who, while traveling to Targon (maybe, based on map and trajectory), sailed too far out around Bilgewater and got caught in the mist of the Shadow Isles. Some plot later about how he got shipwrecked, he now skirts around the Shadow Isles, fighting back the army of the dead, while still keeping his head up as a survivalist mage, avoiding certain confrontations and trying to find a way to eventually sail away from the Shadow Isles. Maybe has a relationship to Karma, Irelia, or Ivern maybe, while also having lines ingame towards/agaisnt Kalista, Yorick, Thresh, Mordekaiser, and Karthus.

Devinatiol8/10/2018, 8:12:12 PM2 votes

There is an island west of Targon that seems like it may be a bit more tropical than the Bilgewater Archipelago, and while Illaois people are inspired on the Maori it seems and these flowers and sigil do feel very pacific islander in nature I feel like they may not be the same people, given how much Bilgewater and Nagakborous has influenced the islands there and made it rather dirty and more technologically advanced than a tribal territory. Anyways I could see this introducing us to one of the other locations on the map that was not previously labelled but yet clearly shown.

Joydragon2310/22/2018, 9:30:13 PM2 votes

My theory is that this champ will have a lot to do with prepping fights ahead of time, something similar to Teemo shrooms and Jhin traps. I wouldn't say it's too far fetched to say that this champ will be able to use these prepped "flowers" to stealth or fire abilities from similar to how lulu can fire from pix. I would also assume that this champ is likely a Yordle as we haven't gotten one in some time and will probably be an ally of Ionia. The word choice they used implies the champ can stealth or at the very least disguise itself as flowers perhaps. While There is too much possibility to have an accurate guess and too little information to make an informed theory, I do think it's likely that this champ will thrive from being in the fray of battle, using the prepped flowers and environment to maximize teamfight potential. Assuming the champion is Yordle they will likely be very enthusiastic and hopefully have an outgoing and encouraging personality like Lux. Lastly based off all the previous releases this champion will most likely have a lot of utility in his/her kit buffing allies or debuffing enemies and knowing riot they'd probably like to make her capable of being a jungler as the mage count in the jungle is low.

P.S. There is also a chance that the champ will be able to use/hide inside/disguise itself as jungle monsters as I have heard that in nunu's rework trailer skuttle was caught using the ghostblade passive.

RyzeTheSmurfMage8/10/2018, 6:50:32 PM1 votes

He is probably from a tribe from Kumungu Jungles if your theory is right

M00ndanc38/10/2018, 5:38:32 PM1 votes

I think it might be a yordle

Bootleg Gay10/26/2018, 10:29:14 PM1 votes

I hate to say it, but hidden makes it seem like it's gonna be a Yordle. I honestly really don't like Yordles, and I'd kill one for a Klondike Bar, but the hints point to it.

Bandle City is a hidden realm only seen by Yordles, or those that know how to find it, and they're typically the jolly, bright natured champs you're supposed to want to hug. (Save for Kled?)

With new info on Yordles from the Veigar lore drop, the unlikelyhood of a third Ionia champion this year, (Counting Irelia and Akali VGU's), and the teaser image, it's just got to be.

As for the kit, well, it's really up on the air. Jhin had flowers in his teaser, but it's only an aesthetic to his kit, and Zoe had bubbles for a teaser, but she's a celestial mage, not a bubble mage. To me the flower is just a way to throw us off, and that symbol on the ground is probably the super important part. If the champ has anything on it's kit, it'll be stealth/camouflage, and an indicator like that.

Please End Mee8/10/2018, 9:13:16 PM1 votes

I hope it's a male Enchanter/Mage, similar to Karma, which is something I've been wanting for awhile. Sure there's Rakan, but his personality.. is kinda annoying, and I hate it when things are overly flamboyant. All I want is a male Enchanter/Mage with a personality more akin to that of Janna or Soraka. Not everybody has to have attention grabbing lines and kits, sometimes it's nice to be looked over and in the background.

Also, about the Zyra. I feel that Zyra expresses the more unbridled fury of nature, where as this champion, just guessing from the art, might express a more calm, defensive side of nature, taking a more peaceful stance.

ThatDamnedYordle8/10/2018, 5:10:12 PM1 votes

I really hope we get that art themed mage I've been wanting

Terozu8/10/2018, 11:08:30 PM1 votes

That flower is nothing like a hibiscus.

BLACK REALM GOD8/11/2018, 5:05:26 AM1 votes

it's a vastayan chameleon. he/she changes the way plants work and which part of the jungle he/she is in will change his/her color. that's my guess. either that or he/she is a champion that is already shown on a splash art.

AnAggravatedPimp8/10/2018, 4:15:57 PM1 votes

http://dawngate.wikia.com/wiki/Zeri

Jean Backdoor8/10/2018, 3:36:01 PM1 votes

I personaly bet that this colorful mage is a Yordle from Bandle City. Yordle have affinity with magic, mystical things and whimsical stuff, and a mage described as colorful fits quite well Bandle City. Beside Bandle City is one of the nation who still need a event and lore update like the other nations did.

IllusionLord3338/11/2018, 3:53:36 PM1 votes

To the best of my knowledge Demacia, Bandle City, and the Shadow Isles are in need of lore updates. I doubt this new champion is Shadow Isles or Demacia (the other teased Champion seems Demacian), and it could likely be Bandle City (who is very overdue for a lore update). Then again, this new champion could have no faction... All we can do is keep theorizing.

PulpieMilk8/12/2018, 4:02:44 AM1 votes

I think those flowers are called Distictis buccinatoria

Makarakarn8/12/2018, 7:17:26 AM1 votes

Well let's put on our thinking caps. Colorful..mage..in hiding..flowers sitting on top of a very ionia-looking symbol..

My guess: A vastayan mage who is some kind of chameleon type creature. As for their magic type..? Uhh idfk flower magic maybe (Also they made a point of saying the word "mimicking" so that could do with their magic, or maybe they are based off of some type of animal/insect whatever that mimicks something else)

mrmeddyman8/12/2018, 7:41:01 AM1 votes

Colorful Yordle mage

She's/He is hidden because they live in Bandle City which is also hidden. I don't think it's a stealth mage.

Chrysi78/13/2018, 1:38:06 PM1 votes

I don't think it copies on Lux at all. She seems more like the burning part of light, not color or rainbows at all.

Herlgar8/17/2018, 7:58:38 PM1 votes

No one thought it might be the return of Tabu the voodoo guy?

clover that crow9/27/2018, 2:12:24 AM1 votes

I want a hero that's kinda like kindred. Correct me if I'm wrong, but kindred isn't affiliated with any place except the representation of death. I want this new champ to be a jungle mage based on the idea of life. Like kindred,s/he'll thrive most in he jungle. And the idea is this mage is the life representation and reborn souls like flowers. I would like it to be a deer themed masked spirit that grows flowers. It can revolve around bushes for the hiding part or the jungling could fulfill that theme. If it's male, I imagine it as a gentlemen character who guides souls in the dark with a path of bright flowers in the dark abyss of death. If it's female, I would like it to be a free will spring maiden who enjoys meeting and guiding new souls to reincarnation .

The Space Cowboy8/10/2018, 5:55:14 PM1 votes

I think their hints imply that the mage is already a part of league. Perhaps they are a part of the map environment ready to become animated or a secondary character ready to take the stage.

Robertsmash8/10/2018, 5:56:21 PM1 votes

Yordle would be great to get some modern lore on their species and Bandle City. They've mentioned they have some yordle stuff in the works, so this seems natural.

Bluewave010110/22/2018, 1:14:34 AM1 votes

I would think that the new champ could hail from Bandle city, as the symbol underneath resembles the newish symbol for it. But, I looked at the newer interactive map that Riot released and Ezreal’s field notes that were more recently added. The two notes named “Paretha” and “The Deep Jungle” both reference something named “the taffa flower.” He drinks taffa flower water and thinks that he sees himself behind a tree and that a tree is following him, this is probably a hallucination, so that’s what the flower induces. I read all of those field notes and this is the only time he references a flower, leading me to believe that Riot did this on purpose. In the Paretha one, he also talks about a lady village shamen that told him his soul is entwined with that of the Aspect of the Wanderer. He then says, “I didn’t peg her for a Targonian. . . But I suppose looks can be deceiving.” Basically saying she could be an Aspect. In ancient times, Shamans would induce hallucinations on themselves to see “visions” by taking some sort of drug or plant. So if she’s a Shaman, she would probably use the taffa flower for this purpose. If she’s an Aspect and uses the taffa flower, which may be the colorful flower in the picture, I think that this could be a possibility for this new champ, maybe using the power of hallucination grown by her relationship to an Aspect of mount Targon. I personally think this is a really cool idea and hope it wasn’t to confusing!