Taric?

Krizalid··114 votes·26,938 views

192 Comments

RiotKindlejack83 votes

I am loving all the speculation around these mysterious happenings. You guys are the BEST! <3 <3 <3 #TR-8Rwouldbeproud

Ralanr37 votes

You know us, we love to spec-WHAT DOES THE THUNDER MEAN?!

Chrige25 votes

Thunderlords of course.

nun013 votes

AO SHIN IS HERE BABY!

Singady5 votes

#deadeyeisacoverup

Leadpaintchips4 votes

#Grassyknoll

Rew7119 votes

I wish, Gypsylord is the one commenting on this every time there's a update using a "!" for Zed, a "!!" for Sona, and more likely going to use "!!!" and "!!!!" for Garen and Vi... he stated that this champion was one "we had not seen yet" meaning since we saw and know of Ao Shin, it can't be him... this also means it shouldn't be Taric... the files speak of someone named Jhin... we hear a gun shot fired... we have all the typical roles filled (Zed = Mid, Sona = Support, Garen = Top, and Vi = Jungle) but we are missing one of the five players... the last two times we saw things happen to the champion page we got Jinx and Kalista... I'm betting its a new champion who's name is Jhin and that he is a marksman.

kaltenashes3 votes

i hope its a teaser to his new champ, saving ip right now, <3 his designs

hope its not a marksman tough, another one so close to kindred maybe a ranged fighter/bruiser that goes bot lane (inspired by morde) XD

Spizzle90005 votes

I really like how this is looking, but I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a mage that uses guns. I know I sound like an idiot, but, think about it: they haven't released a legitimate mage since Azir, nor have they reworked a mage recently. Nothing new in the realm of immobile mages for like a year. Assassins? Ekko. Bruisers/tanks? Illaoi and 3manyreworks5me (Juggernauts/Poppy). Supports? Tahm Kench AND Bard. Marksmen? Kindred.

I feel like based upon the look of these things, it'll be a mage/marksman who dual-wields old-fashioned revolvers. I'm probably crazy, but I mean there's Deadeye. He'll probably build AP and stuff but go bot lane because lately Riot's been trying to switch the game up (and screwed up with Morde kinda :'( I cry every time). Maybe a bit like Varus?

Radioactive Man6 votes

A spellslinger is a pretty great archetype but we already have Lucian so I don't think it'll fall under that umbrella though I would totally main a dual wielding space cowboy type mage.

V The Support V1 votes

"it'll be a mage/marksman who dual-wields (old-fashioned) revolvers" [zombie-brand-facepalm]

So MissFortune or Lucian .

Another dual gun wielding champ would be stale and redundant.

Spizzle90002 votes

True, but how else can we explain the gunshot? We haven't gotten a mage in absolutely ages, so I'm only guessing here. It would be redundant, but, how many bruisers with large weapons do we have? A lot. How many mages who throw magic at people are there? A lot. How many assassins with short blades are there? A lot.

V The Support V2 votes

You make a great point. I will concede that there are many venn-diagram(ish) like champs/abilities currently, However, the champs released in 2015 set the bar fairly high for diversity. It would be nothing but a disappointment (for me) if it was another gun slinger.

Knowing Gypsylord's history, it doesn't matter what this champ is intended to be, because it will be awesome at all lanes.

UltimateOlive2 votes

It could be an 'old-fashioned' lever action rifle. At the beginning of each teaser there is a sort of "ka-chunk" noise, followed by the gunshot/thunder. I hope it's not what people are speculating where each of his abilities is a status effect related to the 4 teasers. That would probably be pretty overpowered, and what kind of ADC has that many disables? I don't know. I just hope it's a cool champion rather than something unoriginal.

Fishtaco8 votes

LIGHTNING SHEN

Neomea1 votes

It's a gunshot echoing in the distance.

Ralanr1 votes

It sounded more like thunder. I went hunting over Christmas and they do not sound similar.

Neomea2 votes

You should go back to the videos and listen again, particularly to right before the gunshot you can very obviously hear what could be either a bolt action reload or possibly a pump action.

Nahara9 votes

{quoted}

#TR-8Rwouldbeproud

... wait, the guy from Star Wars?

Oshlet5 votes

WHAPPITYWHAPPITYWHAPPITYWHAPPITY

Ralanr3 votes

Well...now I need to watch that film.

DrBiju11 votes

lol someone made a lol skin out of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjHq4fgovOc

Stars Shaper5 votes

Then hear mine:

The animated portraits actually depict the new Champion's Q, W, E and R skills

Radioactive Man5 votes

So an armor break, a silence, a dot and an execute? Well'p I'm out see you in twenty nerfs fellas.

La Bello8 votes

{quoted}

I am loving all the speculation around these mysterious happenings. You guys are the BEST! <3 <3 <3 #TR-8Rwouldbeproud

TR-8R

lol you mean the guy from the new Starwars movie?

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xtp1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/12331618_983244888384241_1470511626_n.jpg

Rendarkan4 votes

you know what I found interesting... the last few champions have been Spirits in some way. Bard TahmKench Kindred and Illaoi brings her god and rips out the spirit.

GooseHawk1 votes

I recall a while back Rito was talking about a storm based spirit champ, looked like a dragon. Anyone think that could be it? I do like the duel-wielding, spell-slinging space cowboy, though. I'd be down for that.

Paletongue2 votes

You are referring to Ao Shin.

He was confirmed to not be in production due to technical difficulties, and wouldn't be picked up for a while.

That is, unless a Rioter is blatantly LYING to us!

GhastlyGhoulMan3 votes

{quoted}

#TR-8Rwouldbeproud

TR-8R. "Traitor".

WHO IS THE TRAITOR??!!

Necromancer12213 votes

please dont rework taric... he doesnt need it :( taric is my main, and i play him jungle most of the time, but do we really need to rework him? If he is played correctly, he can get 30 kills in 1 game. i dont understand why he needs a rework. He isnt really balanced... but he isnt broken, so just nerf him!! Dont rework him! he isnt broken! Dont do it! Please Riot dont!!

RiotKindlejack10 votes

Hey there friend, I need to tell it to you straight - Taric is getting reworked.

As a fellow lover of gems, as many Rioters are, I know how you feel. It took me some time to come around and let the rework into my heart. All I can say for now is that champ up are doing a fabulous job!

Ralanr2 votes

Not an Outrageous job?

Bârd5 votes

Give it to me straight doc,

is he still outrageous?

RiotKindlejack15 votes

Truly

HandheldBrandon2 votes

WAPPITYWAPPITYWAPPITYWAPPITYWAPPITY!

DankDaTBoi16 votes

Rework Yorick
Garen ≠Omen of Pestilence Sona ≠Omen of War Vi ≠Omen of Famine Zed ≠Omen of Death

[zombie-brand-mindblown]

LoL Ergo Urgot9 votes

Why is Sona War?

Heretic Lunari14 votes

Plot twist:Zyra is the one who killed Zed.

TBG4 Nomad11 votes

Why would Taric hit Zed, Vi, Sona, and Garen? And your 4 Stones theory, doesn't explain why butterfly/dove's are flying by Sona's picture.

TheFireFlight32 votes

He came looking for booty.

Taric

missinggrave9 votes

Oh! I have an answer for that one! :)

If we look at the (( thankfully unaltered )) lore of Taric, we have some insight as to the connections of plants and gems. Some of these direct quotes including:

"It is the magic of the earth, drawing power from the resonance of crystals and gems."

"Despite his burgeoning understanding of herbs, plants, and animal medicines, it was the power of gems that most fascinated the growing boy."

and finally one that I will connect to soon, "Despite missing his homeland, Taric is happy to fight in the League, serving as a protector for all who seek one."

As we can see, Taric is not only connected to gems, but all of nature as well and has a great understanding for relating subjects! His preference of course leans towards gemcraft which would explain the unique color schemes and patterns while the nature theme relates to the small animals and plants. Finally, none of the above portraits seem to be in pain nor are they fully conscious either. While it may be a stretch, Taric acting as a protector could put people at peace and/or daze them (( think like his stun )) to create such an effect. Sona specifically is notable as he's considered an ally/friend to Taric as found on his champion page and would be a direct connection between the two.

EDIT: With some further referencing from other threads I'd also like to add further speculation on relating these icons/images to Taric. While of course it may not be Taric there are some strikingly similar messages between him and the theories found on the forums. Let's first look at some of the major speculations.

"Deadshot": First and foremost it should be noted that there's a gunshot-like sound and flowing effect as if Sona and Zed were shot within their respective photos (( Sona in the throat, Zed in the eye )). Many take this to mean less of literal bullet but a representation of the characters with the position of the injury. Sona's inability to voice her own opinion but literally and metaphorically resulting in her being silenced and Zed's search for things that should never be seen. It's as if the champion's update/creation in mind is aware of the sins or faults of those it's opposing.

Connection to Taric: Assuming that Taric is the correct champion to be looking at, we can look at some of his quotes for further references to these subjects. The major ones in this case being these three: "More than just precious stones, I bring you an ancient power." "Magic has ruined this land." "You face unblemished power." Notice that Taric seems to hold a much different form of power than others in Runterra. His gems seem to hold something pure and he even goes to far as to say that magic as a whole has ruined Runterra. If his gems are supposedly pure and he's aware of magic's corruption, then it'd be safe to assume he has some sense of clarity on the subject of how magic works and what it would take to use specific means of such power. Sona's instrument and the forbidden shadow arts that Zed possesses are noted to have lead to the demise of those close to them which would explain their tainted history. Finally, as a side-note, Taric does of course have that beautiful point-and-click stun that is impossible to miss, thus "deadshot" could describe the ability itself being used. It even has a sudden burst of sound along with shatter to compare to the gunshot-like effect.

Garen's shattering: It's also been noted that Garen is found to be splitting apart. The notable references to Taric are obvious from the visuals, however many also view it as how Garen seems to be breaking under the pressure of holding such responsibility towards Demacia. So much responsibility that it's essentially his entire character and if he were to voice his own opinion it would be shatter his entire core personality.

Connection to Taric: Aside from the previously noted visuals, Taric also has the ability Shatter. Passively, this creates an armor for his allies, however much like it's name can also shatter away the enemies' defenses. Considering Taric is a defender and healer, it could be safe to say that Taric could either protect Garen's image or shatter it to pieces. Even more still, he has quotes relating to one's mentality such as, "Emerald for insight" and "With clarity."

Vi's fire: Finally the most speculated one of all is Vi. While there's many theories, not many people seem to have found a concrete theory to expand on for Vi. This is mostly due to how vague it is in nature compared to the easily debated subject matter in the previous icons and pictures. Personally, I believe it makes sense to connect the fire to a more metaphorical representation of the champion much like the others just for consistency. Therefore, it seems like the fire could be representing Vi's passion and drive towards hunting down Jinx but as a result also terrorizing those around her without intending to due to her "Overkill or no kill" nature. Though this one is up for discussion as others see fit.

Connection to Taric: Back to quotes again, as they seem to fit rather nicely with Vi's fiery personality. "Ruby for vigor." "You are nothing more than glass, waiting to be smashed." Ruby could be the gem that Taric would use to describe people like Vi and when it comes to his enemies, he shares a similar tune to Vi ready to smash first and ask questions later. However, unlike Vi, Taric holds the ability to RESTRAIN himself and therefore is willing to put Vi at rest. Not to say that he'd kill her, but the icons do resemble a more peaceful tone between all of them and Taric could hold the ability to put people at peace. After all, if we look at his lore it's clear he more likely wants to stop the threat with peaceful resolution - even if it requires brute force to restrain others - as in his lore he's described as "one who used the power of earth to preserve and protect" and not one who destroys and rampages.

YCitizenSnipsY2 votes

Good theory, though I don't know why he would be assulting a Demarcian, two Ionians, and a Zuan/Piltover resident.

Starfish H9 votes

Because they all want something.

Garen wants to stop being a military officer and be with whom he loves which is a Noxian. However he has to live with a mask over him to be the figure the public wants him to be. A normal good Demacian hence his face breaking.

Sona wants a voice to be with others. Hence the throat mark.

Vi wants what her heart desires to go back and being in a street gang with no rules and laws to follow, hence why the "fire" is starting at her heart.

Zed wants to things back to what he was. A normal good ninja who just wants to be his master's favorite student. He wants peace and to be back with others, hence the Cherry Blossoms to represent peace and quiet.

Ralanr2 votes

I would love to know Katarina's side of the relationship.

Seriphym1 votes

Nowhere does it say Garen is in love with Kat, in fact the actual lore on their pages speaks more the effect of an adversarial respect, and Kat???

She couldn't care less.

Blue Moon Wolf2 votes

well, it has been hinted at with a few champs with their unique interactions. Like how TahmKench says something about not starving your heart and how he offers to take each of them to the other one. Then Garen unique taunts for kat are kind of flirty. I personally like to think he hits on Kat and it just annoys the hell out of her :p

Seriphym2 votes

I agree it has been "hinted at by "other" champions, but it has never been verified as cannon.

That being said I completely agree with your personal perspective on the situation.

[slayer-jinx-wink]

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