The next champion to hit the Summoner’s Rift will be Kayn, the Shadow Reaper. According to the blurb on the League of Legends site, he is an Ionian assassin, a user of shadow magic. “He audaciously wields the sentient darkin weapon Rhaast, undeterred by its creeping corruption of his body and mind.” Kayn must tame the blade in order for him to take full control of his body and mind. He’ll then become the Shadow Assasin. If he cannot tame the powerful scythe, Rhaast takes control of him and reaps a path of havoc in its wake.
Players will have a unique experience when playing the character. I mentioned that this would be the case. In an article I wrote a few weeks ago, I discussed the implications of a mysterious image that was meant to be associated with the release of a new champion. The news given to us with the image said that this new character would be the first transforming champion to hit the Rift since Gnar. It also said that he or she would be completely unique. I’ll admit that I was wrong though; this new champ is most certainly not from the Void (sad face).
Kayn hails from Ionia and is a member of the Order of Shadows, the same organization that Zed and Shen are from (both have rcently formed a temporary alliance to find and kill Jhin). Although Kayn, Zed, and Shen were all on the same side, the order split and Kayn decided to side with Zed. He then began training as Zed’s apprentice. While in the midst of his training, he found the Darkin Scythe, Rhaast, the weapon he battles with for control of his mind and body. The theme is similar to that of Aartrox, who battled his blade and won. Back to the good stuff. Kayn has the ability to transform alright, but it’s one that depends solely on who you decide to hunt down.
Kayn’s fate is determined by you, the player. If you decide to hunt down ranged opponents, then you’ll be able to access the Shadow Assassin. If you decide to hunt down melee champs, then you’ll gain access to the Darkin Scythe, Rhaast. You have the ability to change whether you want to play the Shadow Assassin or Rhaast by focusing a certain class of champion. This decision should be based on the game you’re playing. If your team needs a tank, then it’s recommended to use Rhaast. But if the enemy team has a ranged champion (get that pesky Draven out of here) carrying the game, the Shadow Assassin can take care of the problem.
See how in the first snippet of this clip, Kayn tanks his way to the kill. In the second part, he sneaks his way around to pick off enemies one by one. It’s important for future Kayn players to understand that he has the ability to be a tank or an assassin. Different damage outputs will be based on the class you ultimately decide to go with. But, you also have the chance to change your class mid-game to fit your team’s needs, an aspect of the game we haven’t seen before.
His other abilities are dependent on which class you’re playing with. His Q has an additional effect if you’re playing as Rhaast, while his E makes him move even faster if he’s the Shadow Assassin. His passive gives the Shadow Assassin bonus magic damage for the first few seconds of combat with an enemy, while giving Rhaast spell vamp. His W and R have effects for both the Shadow Assassin and the Darkin Scythe. There are choices to be made when it comes to Kayn, so choose wisely and play as if your life depends on it. For the Shadow Reaper, it does. He’ll most likely be playable in two weeks, the standard amount of time to wait after a champion reveal.
