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Shadow Isles Champs' Bio Stories vs. Shadow and Fortune

TBakes·10/30/2015, 8:07:59 PM·5 votes·727 views

I just wanted to say that I really like the contrast in perspective between the stories for each of the Shadow Isles Champs in their updated lore (Hecarim, Mordekaiser, Kalista, Thresh, and Karthus) and the Shadow and Fortune stories. When reading from the perspective of these champions the reader can feel their thirst and embrace of the darkness that they find.

> Behind the door, a man whimpered. Thresh sensed his pain, and was drawn to it. He knew the man’s suffering like an old friend.

> But they were mortal and Hecarim savored the meat-stink of their fear.

However, in Shadow and Fortune the tone is, for the most part, fearful. It encompasses the chaos and sinisterness of the events unfolding in Bilgewater. When reading from this perspective the reader feels a sense of urgency and terror at what might happen as the Black Mist approaches.

> As the Shadow of War emerged further from the mist, Miss Fortune saw he was no mere horseman. Cold dread settled upon her like a shroud at the sight of the monstrous creature.

> Men and women screamed as the howling storm of dead spirits filled Cutpurse Square, slashing with claws that froze their blood or reached into chests and sundered hearts with terror. Seven were dead, maybe more, their souls wrenched from their fallen corpses to turn on their comrades.

I like the contrast between these two perspectives. It is exciting to read from the perspective of the Shadow Isles Champions, because they have this power and manipulation about them. It's as if the reader is getting inside the head of a magical psychopath. On the other hand, you get to see how several other "legends" react to them. Miss Fortune is confident, yet fearful. Lucian has sort of a calm, detached need for vengeance. Olaf is a bit of an adrenaline junky who is taking this whole thing a bit lightly. Illaoi resorts to spiritual energies in a sort of stubborn-old-woman way.

I am curious who everyone's favorite character has been in these new stories. Do you tend to enjoy reading from Hecarim's perspective as he tramples over everyone in his path to satisfy his lust for battle? Or do you feel more drawn to the reserved nature of Lucian avenging his lost love?

6 Comments

Ralanr10/30/2015, 8:38:41 PM7 votes

I enjoy Olaf due to how outlandish he reacts to the scenario and why it works with his character. He's not afriad, disgusted, or anything other than happy to get a chance to die in battle. His reaction to hearing that it happens every year paints this best. He's a madman to Bilgewater, but this is normal in his culture, or he takes it to logical extremes. He's a man who fears his fate and does everything in his power to prevent it.

Lucian does have the whole, "Quite badass" vibe going, but I'm thankful that he doesn't overload with it (or maybe he does, I don't see it). He's not complaining to others about his pain, none of that "You could never understand!" crap. He's aware of his flaws (or what he perceives as flaws) and actively tries to oppress them. What I love the most about his character is the growth, he starts off wanting revenge, being very bitter. But he becomes warmer after his fight with Thresh, his goal isn't to avenge Senna anymore, but to free her. Killing Thresh is just a bonus. I doubt he'll find a desperate fisherman anytime soon, though I think Olaf could give him a ride...after he gets/steals a boat.

Now (and this is disappointing really) I didn't grasp much of Miss Fortune's development since I never read the Burning Tides (I had it open in a tab and I forgot about it, then lost it). Rafan steals the show as her chain to the world, making sure she isn't lost in her own ideas of what she needs to do or be. He's a damn good first mate (I don't know if he is) and a clear example of the honor in Bilgewater. That being said, I do like that Miss Fortune feels like something more than a sex symbol (Looking at you, classic Miss Fortune Splash!). She feels like a person (Within reason of the story).

Side note: I think Captain Fortune Splash art is the best splash art for her and the best skin.

Illaoi wasn't around much to get too deep, but her surface gave clear points to her character and I think everyone took a liking to her. I'm excited.

Though there are two elephants in the room. Gangplank is one, the other is Fizz Nautilus and Nami.

The second elephant leads me to think they'll be using these champions somewhere else. Nami might go to a Mt. Targon storyline (Moonstone and junk) which I would like to see (Mainly because I want to see Mt. Targon). Fizz could have connections to Bandal City, perhaps a storyline in which Tahm is the antagonist? Nautilus...is troubling.

Tin hat thought: Black goo that infected whoever Nautilus was before, possible relation to the black goo that Varus protected and absorbed?

As for Gangplank...I don't know where he is. Maybe he's gonna make his move after the harrowing? Maybe he's off somewhere making deals or recruiting people.

Great story nonetheless. Looked forward to each one everyday. I hope we'll get others like that. And I really need to write some fanfiction.