Talk:Vladimir/@comment-3238314-20110622165147

I suggest we shift this from being outraged about vladimir getting nerfed to "how to build vladimir to fit his current strengths?".

I'll start. My opinion is that now will of the ancients, spirit visage, and ionian boots are a standard requirement. Before, Vladimir could run fine with just ap items, no cdr, no spell vamp. He used to heal enough from Q, and his transfusion was manageable on a 3 second cooldown.

There are a few problems to be faced: Vladimir is a battle mage. He's not the type that moves in, unloads, leaves. TBH, he feels very similar to Ryze in this matter. He stays in the fray, tanking some damage, and constantly unloading low cooldown, lower damage nukes. Now, his cooldowns have grown, so we really need to keep them short, hence ionian's and spirit visage. Since his healing's been shot, we need spellvamp, hence will of the ancients.

The biggest part i want put into perspective is that now SPELLVAMP is healing. This means that Tides of Blood affects it. Unless there's something classified that i don't know, 4 stacks will increase your spellvamp by 32%, making it IMPERATIVE to keep 4 stacks up at all times, especially when you're near engagement. Also, it will be affected by spirit visage, which means a total of 42% increase in vladimir's TOTAL healing. Hence spirit visage is mandatory.

There are 2 more items that you should get. First is Rabadon's Deathcap. This doesn't require explanation. nearly any caster should have it. Vlad isn't one of those who don't. The other is Rylai' Crystal Scepter. I've seen people go without it after the nerfed effect on Q. I think that's stupid. Vladimir can spam Aoe. he can keep an entire team slowed down, even if it's a little bit. Also, it gives 677 hp and 92.5 AP. I don't think there's an item that has as much synergy with Vladimir except for the new effects of Spirit Visage.

The last item is at your discretion, but i strongly recommend choosing between: Void staff, if your opponents stack high ammounts of magic resist; Abyssal scepter: if they stack low or moderate magic resist; Zhonya's Hourglass, is you find yourself against many DPS and you could need that second invulnerability spell.

Enjoy