Aurelion Sol, the Star Forger

Background

Born in the crucible of the universe and as ancient as time itself, the celestial dragon Aurelion Sol has spent aeons crafting the magnificent celestial bodies countless civilizations would look up to in amazement. Among the many fledgling species who would ponder the origin and meaning behind the breath-taking firmanent, he chose the ambitious, thriving people of Targon to reveal himself to. Revealing himself in an awe-inspiring display of cosmic wonders that circled the dragon's massive body, the Targonians, rightfully amazed by his magnificent appearance, named the star forger Aurelion Sol and presented him with a beautiful, ornate crown adorned with dazzling star gems.

However, the crown, he would soon learn, was not an offering of respect, but shackles they would use to subdue his will, guiding his destructive forces towards their enemies and conquering countless worlds in their wake. He agonized over his fate, yet whenever he tried to defy his new masters, he felt one of his stars forever vanishing from existence. Resigning himself to these lesser tasks while seeing his talents go to waste, he fought Targon's wars for millenia, as their empire spread across the stars.

Yet, just when he had given up hope to ever bask in the glow of a newly born star again, he felt the grasp onto his essence weakening. The commanding voices, once unified, wavered. Quarreled amongst themselves. Grew silent. He did not know what had thrown Targon into such disarray, but he knew he had to seize the opportunity, a chance to overthrow his captures. And it is thus that he returned to the world where it all began: Runeterra.

Overview and Playstyle

As his title implies, the Star Forger bends the celestial forces to his will in order to fight. He is constantly circled by three stars that orbit him at a fixed rate and are responsible for a majority of his damage. As such, Aurelion Sol has to be weary of his and the enemy's position at all times to maximize his potential.

While he can't reliably reposition himself during fights, proper use of his ultimate can push back any adversaries trying to jump onto him, conveniently knocking them into range of his orbs. Out of combat, he also gains the ability to fly over great distances in order to create advantages for his team.

Abilities

Center of the Universe (Passive): Three stars are constantly orbiting Aurelion Sol, damaging any enemies hit.

Starsurge: Creates a disk of stardust that travels in a direction, slowly expanding over time. The disk explodes upon reactivation of the ability or if it travels beyond Aurelion Sol's reach, stunning and damaging any enemy in the area.

Celestial Expansion: Passively increased the damage dealt by the three orbs. Can be toggled on to push their orbit to the Outer Limit, while also increasing their damage further. While on the Outer Limit, they will drain mana from Aurelion Sol.

Comet of Legend: When not in combat, Aurelion Sol can use Comet of Legend to travel vast distances, flying over terrain. Taking damage, however, will force him to land.

Voice of Light: Projects a blast of pure starfire in a direction, damaging and slowing all enemies. Nearby enemies are also knocked back to the Outer Limit.

Ao Shin Legacy

In Fall of 2013, developer Riot Games first confirmed an upcoming dragon champion called Ao Shin, giving an early preview on his themes and possible kit. The water-controlling guardian who would bless his allies with soothing rains while sending devastating storms towards his enemies had to be delayed multiple times, citing problems creating a fun, interactive kit as well as thematic inconsistencies. In late 2015, it was announced that Ao Shin had been cancelled, but a lot of the design had been moved over to an upcoming dragon champion who would later be revealed to be Aurelion Sol.