User blog comment:SamuelKeller64/Umal the Elder Guard/@comment-7709681-20160214221222/@comment-26958736-20160215001748

Thank you for the review, and I do understand what you are saying by his lack of uniqueness (though I'm glad that at the least he seems fun to play in some regard). If we look at what he has: slow, airborne CC, stun, defensive buffs, shield, movement speed bonus, and AoE CC. This basically makes him like a combined version of Janna or Braum. The one uniqueness that I see Ulma having is his reliance on front-line combat and dealing great AoE damage compared to Braum's tanking or Janna's backline support. The only front-line AoE tanky support we really have at the moment are Nautilus (with his massive slow and AoE shield passive), Braum again (that amazing ult and stun passive), and Thresh (hooks for days). I think I should emphasize on his reliance on being more damage-based as well as his CC and tankiness, and possibly remove his ally buffing as a compromise. That of course leaves the question on what to do with his W or E, as his Q and ult showcase what I really envisioned for him. One of the original ideas I had for him was an active Bond of Stone ability, but I thought that was a little uninventive considering we have a direct example of it in the game and a very popular one at the moment.

I've got a couple ideas of course. A taunt would really solidify his status as a tank, but run the risk of turning him into another Shen, Rammus, or Galio. Not to mention I believe he has plenty of CC from his Q and ult. A simple AoE DoT wouldn't hurt, but is honestly pretty boring and makes him have an ability that consitutes as a Sunfire Cape. I could give him a parry like Fiora's, dealing massive damage to the first spell that hits him as well as a dash to the enemy, and that option seems the most appealing to me. I was debating about some other form of utility to give him, perhaps a heal or a semi-ward (think Caitlyn's W), but none really seem fitting for him, even as a support. Any propositions would be appreciated, but what you have done is more than enough.