Naafiri: The Canine Darkin of the Shuriman Desert
There's a new player on the fields of the Shuriman desert, and she's far from your ordinary champion. Named Naafiri, she's a pack of Shuriman dune hounds led by a single Darkin spirit, making her the latest addition to the League of Legends champion roster.
The Lore
Naafiri is not your typical Darkin, her spirit bound to an ancient throwing dagger, which found its way into the collective consciousness of a pack of Shuriman dune hounds. She has learned to survive and thrive in the harsh Shuriman desert by sharing a symbiotic relationship with the pack, which became a means of survival in the harshest of climates.
Initially, Naafiri resented the idea of her spirit being stuck amongst a group of dogs. However, she quickly realized that this relationship was what enabled them to survive in the Shuriman desert's harsh climates. She considered there was something that the Darkin could learn from her new pack. In a way, she has achieved a sort of 'evil enlightenment,' letting go of her sense of self, but for sinister reasons. She wants the Darkin to become the dominant lifeform in Runeterra again, and this abolition of ego is her means of getting there.
The Abilities
Naafiri's abilities are centered around her pack, emphasizing her unique identity as a pack rather than a single entity:
- Passive - We Are More: Naafiri spawns Packmates that attack the targets of her attacks and abilities.
- Q - Darkin Daggers: Naafiri hurls up to two daggers, each inflicting bleed, or each inflicting bonus damage if the target is already bleeding. Packmates leap to attack champions hit by this skill.
- W - Hounds’ Pursuit: Naafiri and her packmates dash at an enemy, colliding with the first champion hit and dealing damage2.
- E - Eviscerate: Naafiri dashes and damages enemies in an area, recalling and healing her Packmates to full.
- R - The Call of the Pack: Naafiri empowers her pack and spawns additional Packmates, gaining a burst of speed and vision and a shield when she attacks a champion. On the first champion takedown, all effects are refreshed.
These abilities allow Naafiri to play in an aggressive, assassin-like style, with her Packmates playing an integral role in her playstyle. They're not just mindless minions; they're packmates who help Naafiri secure kills and make significant contributions throughout the game.
In Conclusion
Naafiri is a unique champion that blends the power and lore of the Darkin with a fresh take on pack dynamics. Her design and abilities offer a unique gameplay experience, embodying the fear and adrenaline rush of being hunted by a pack of wild dogs. Her addition to the game enriches the diversity and depth of the League of Legends champion roster, offering players new strategies and experiences to explore.
Whether you're an assassin enthusiast looking for a new champion to master, a lore lover intrigued by the Darkin's evolving story, or a player who enjoys unique and innovative champion designs, Naafiri awaits you in the Shuriman desert. Are you ready to run with the pack?
To learn more about the recent changes in the game, visit our latest post.
