ILLAOI

THE KRAKEN PRIESTESS

Classical splash art of Illaoi - league of legends

Icon of Illaoi - league of legends

Illaoi in game PNG - league of legends

Informations about the champion Illaoi:

Title: The Kraken Priestess

Pronouns: She/Her

Release Date: November 24, 2015

Primary: Fighter

Secondary: Tank

Region of Illaoi is: Bilgewater.

LORE OF ILLAOI

Illaoi’s powerful physique is dwarfed only by her indomitable faith. As the prophet of the Great Kraken, she uses a huge, golden idol to rip her foes’ spirits from their bodies and shatter their perception of reality. All who challenge the “Truth Bearer of Nagakabouros” soon discover Illaoi never battles alone - the god of the Serpent Isles fights by her side.

All who encounter Illaoi are struck by her presence. An intense woman, the priestess is fully committed to the experience of living. She takes what she wants, destroys what she hates, and revels in everything she loves.

However, to truly know Illaoi you must understand the religion she has devoted her life to. Nagakabouros, the deity of her faith, is usually depicted as an enormous serpent head with tentacles spiraling around it in endless motion, with no beginning and no end. Also called The Mother Serpent, The Great Kraken, or even The Bearded Lady, Nagakabouros is the Serpent Isles’ god of life, ocean storms, and motion. (The literal translation of its name is “the unending monster that drives the sea and sky.”) Central to the religion’s theology are three tenets: every spirit was born to serve the universe; desire was built into every living being by the universe; the universe only moves toward its destiny when living creatures chase their desires.

Lesser priestesses are tasked with maintaining temples, calling holy serpents, and teaching people the ways of Nagakabouros. As the religion’s Truth Bearer, Illaoi’s role is to serve the god directly by unblocking the flow of the universe. To this end, she has two sacred responsibilities.

The first duty of a Truth Bearer is to be the spearhead in the war against undeath. Having fallen outside of the normal flow of the universe, the undead are considered an abomination against Nagakabouros. While it is the responsibility of every priestess of the Kraken to protect the indigenous population from the Harrowing, a Truth Bearer directly engages its most powerful spirits and drives the Black Mist back.

Second, Illaoi is tasked with seeking out individuals of great potential and challenging them with the Test of Nagakabouros. This task is the burden Illaoi’s title reflects. With her massive, holy relic, The Eye of God, the Truth Bearer strips the subject’s spirit from their body then forces them to stand against her to prove their worth. She does this knowing those who fail will be completely annihilated, for the great Kraken has no tolerance for cowardice, doubt, or restraint. But destruction is never the goal. Survivors of the ordeal are forever changed and often find the will to pursue their true destiny.

Though Illaoi is the most powerful and respected Truth Bearer in a hundred generations, it is where she has broken the traditions of her faith that speaks the most about her. Having completed her training as a Truth Bearer, and at the height of her power, Illaoi left the golden temples of Buhru for the squalor of nearby Bilgewater.

The pirate city is the only place foreigners are permitted on the Serpent Isles, viewed as a fetid gutter by Illaoi’s people. Previous Truth Bearers ignored the city and viewed the arriving foreigners as little better than untouchables. Illaoi broke with tradition when she chose to protect residents of Bilgewater from the Harrowing, or even more controversially when she decided that some of its residents had souls worthy of the great test. Despite this, only a handful of temples have been opened in the city, and very few paylangi (islander slang for residents of mainlander descent) have ever been permitted inside. Regardless, it is Illaoi who has brought the widespread awareness of the Mother Serpent to Bilgewater, and it is her indomitable spirit that has brought her religion into favor there.

Rumors persist that Bilgewater’s most bloodthirsty and infamous pirate had his heart broken by the towering priestess. To anyone who has ever met her, this is no surprise. Illaoi’s rough manner belies subtle intelligence, strength, and a magnetic confidence.

Many seek Illaoi’s favor and welcome her to Bilgewater... yet everyone fears being tested by the Kraken’s Prophet.

“There can be no rest. We are the motion.”

—From The Twenty Wisdoms of Nagakabouros

ILLAOI VOICE - League of Legends

FUN FACTS ABOUT ILLAOI

1. Champion Design Inspiration:

- Illaoi's design was inspired by the Lovecraftian horror genre, particularly the concept of ancient, powerful beings beyond human comprehension. Her appearance and abilities reflect this theme, with tentacles and references to ancient rites and rituals.

2. Voice Actor:

- Illaoi is voiced by Martha Harms, who also voiced other League of Legends champions like Lissandra, Rek'Sai, and Quinn. Harms brings a commanding and authoritative presence to Illaoi's voice lines, perfectly capturing her confidence and strength.

3. Connection to the Serpent Isles:

- Illaoi hails from the Serpent Isles, a region in the world of Runeterra known for its dangerous waters and mysterious inhabitants. She serves as a spiritual leader and protector of her people, using her knowledge of the "Great Kraken" to guide and empower them.

4. Tentacle Mechanics:

- Illaoi's unique mechanic revolves around her tentacles, which she can summon and control to attack enemies. Each tentacle spawns near impassable terrain or structures, such as walls or destroyed turrets. Illaoi's abilities interact with her tentacles, allowing her to deal significant area damage and heal when enemies are hit.

5. Easter Egg - Tentacle Slam:

- If Illaoi hits a champion with her ultimate ability, "Leap of Faith," and the champion is killed during the duration of the ability, a special Easter egg occurs. A giant tentacle will slam down onto the location where the champion died, adding a flavorful and satisfying visual effect to Illaoi's ultimate.

ABILITIES OF ILLAOI

Passive - PROPHET OF AN ELDER GOD

Illaoi and the Vessels she creates spawn Tentacles on nearby impassible terrain. Tentacles swing at spirits, Vessels, and victims of Illaoi's Harsh lesson. Tentacles deal physical damage to enemies hit, and will heal Illaoi if they damage a champion.

Q - TENTACLE SMASH

Increases the damage dealt by Tentacles. When activated, Illaoi smashes down a Tentacle that deals physical damage.

W - HARSH LESSON

Illaoi leaps to her target, dealing physical damage and causing nearby Tentacles to also swing at the target.

E - TEST OF SPIRIT

Illaoi rips the spirit from a foe's body, forcing it to stand before her. Spirits echo a percentage of the damage they take to the original target. If killed, or if the target gets too far from the spirit, the target will become a Vessel and begin spawning Tentacles.

R - LEAP OF FAITH

Illaoi smashes her idol into the ground, dealing physical damage to nearby enemies. A Tentacle spawns for each enemy champion hit.

ILLAOI ABILITIES COMBOS

Illaoi E - league of legends

1. Harass Combo:

- Start with "Test of Spirit" (E) to summon a spirit and tether it to an enemy champion.

- Follow up with "Tentacle Smash" (Q) to slam the ground near the tethered enemy, damaging them and spawning a tentacle.

- Use "Harsh Lesson" (W) to perform a quick auto-attack reset and deal additional damage to the tethered enemy.

2. All-In Combo:

- Engage with "Test of Spirit" (E) to summon a spirit and tether it to an enemy champion.

- Use "Leap of Faith" (R) to unleash Illaoi's ultimate ability, slamming tentacles in a wide area around her and empowering existing tentacles.

- Follow up with "Tentacle Smash" (Q) and "Harsh Lesson" (W) to deal massive damage to multiple enemies, especially if they are grouped together.

3. Lane Clear Combo:

- Use "Tentacle Smash" (Q) to damage and clear minion waves, positioning yourself to hit as many minions as possible with the ability.

- Follow up with "Test of Spirit" (E) on an enemy champion to harass them while simultaneously spawning a tentacle.

- Use "Harsh Lesson" (W) to quickly finish off low-health minions or to trade damage with the enemy champion if they try to engage on you.

4. Disengage Combo:

- If you're being chased or engaged upon, use "Leap of Faith" (R) to create a wide area of effect around you, summoning tentacles to attack nearby enemies.

- Follow up with "Test of Spirit" (E) to tether an enemy champion and discourage them from continuing the engage.

- Use "Tentacle Smash" (Q) to damage enemies in the area and slow their pursuit, giving you an opportunity to retreat to safety.

5. Teamfight Combo:

- Position yourself in the middle of the enemy team and use "Leap of Faith" (R) to initiate the teamfight, unleashing tentacles in a wide area.

- Follow up with "Test of Spirit" (E) on a priority target, allowing you to damage them and spawn additional tentacles with "Tentacle Smash" (Q).

- Use "Harsh Lesson" (W) to quickly burst down squishy targets or to deal sustained damage to multiple enemies in the chaos of the teamfight.

BUILD OF ILLAOI

source: www.leagueofgraphs.com

RUNES OF ILLAOI

TIPS ON HOW TO PLAY WITH ILLAOI

1. Master Your Tentacle Placement:

- Illaoi's tentacles are crucial for her damage output and zoning potential. Learn to position yourself near walls and terrain to maximize the effectiveness of your tentacle spawns. Place tentacles strategically in lane to pressure your opponents and control key areas of the map.

2. Manage Your Mana and Cooldowns:

- Illaoi's abilities have significant mana costs and cooldowns, especially early in the game. Be mindful of your resource management and avoid spamming abilities unnecessarily. Use your abilities strategically to harass opponents, farm minions, and set up tentacle spawns without running out of mana at critical moments.

3. Abuse Your Power Spikes:

- Illaoi has strong power spikes at certain levels and item breakpoints. Levels 6, 9, and 11 are particularly potent for her ultimate ability, "Leap of Faith" (R), which significantly increases her teamfighting presence. Additionally, completing core items like Black Cleaver or Death's Dance can greatly enhance her dueling and survivability.

4. Split Push and Draw Pressure:

- Illaoi excels at split pushing thanks to her strong dueling potential and ability to pressure multiple lanes simultaneously with her tentacles. Push side lanes aggressively to draw enemy attention and create map pressure. Use your presence to force enemies to respond to you, allowing your team to secure objectives elsewhere on the map.

5. Position Effectively in Teamfights:

- In teamfights, position yourself to maximize the effectiveness of your tentacles and ultimate. Look for opportunities to engage on clustered enemies with "Leap of Faith" (R) and use your abilities to zone and disrupt enemy formations. Prioritize high-priority targets with "Test of Spirit" (E) to force enemies to either fight at a disadvantage or retreat.

TIPS FOR COUNTERING ILLAOI

1. Avoid Fighting in Close Proximity to Tentacles:

- Illaoi's tentacles grant her significant zoning and damage potential. Try to avoid fighting near her tentacles whenever possible, as they empower her abilities and allow her to win extended trades. If you can't avoid fighting near tentacles, prioritize destroying them to reduce her threat level.

2. Interrupt Her Test of Spirit (E):

- Illaoi's Test of Spirit (E) ability is a crucial part of her kit, allowing her to summon a spirit that tethers to an enemy champion and spawns tentacles when damaged. If you're tethered by Illaoi's Test of Spirit, focus on breaking the tether by damaging the spirit or moving out of range to prevent her from maximizing its effectiveness.

3. Punish Her Cooldowns:

- Illaoi is reliant on her abilities, especially her Test of Spirit (E), for trading and dueling effectiveness. Try to engage on Illaoi when her abilities are on cooldown or when she's low on mana. Punish her for using her abilities recklessly by capitalizing on the window of opportunity to trade or all-in.

4. Bait Out Her Ultimate (R):

- Illaoi's ultimate ability, Leap of Faith (R), significantly increases her damage output and dueling potential in teamfights and skirmishes. Try to bait out her ultimate before committing to a fight, as fighting Illaoi while her ultimate is active can quickly turn against you. Disengage and re-engage once her ultimate is down to gain the upper hand.

5. Build Grievous Wounds:

- Illaoi relies on her innate sustain to survive extended engagements. Building items with Grievous Wounds, such as Executioner's Calling or Bramble Vest, can significantly reduce her healing from abilities like Harsh Lesson (W) and Death's Dance. Apply Grievous Wounds to Illaoi to mitigate her sustain and increase your chances of winning trades.

6. Coordinate Ganks with Your Jungler:

- Illaoi can be vulnerable to jungle ganks, especially when her Flash is down or when she's pushed up in lane. Coordinate with your jungler to set up ganks on Illaoi, as she lacks reliable mobility and crowd control to escape sticky situations. Focus on chaining crowd control to lock her down and secure the kill.