Overview
Julian, the Scarlet Raven, is a unique Assassin/Mage hybrid who wields a Scythe, Sword, and Chain. Unlike other heroes, Julian has no Ultimate skill; instead, his 3 basic skills can be upgraded to Level 5. His gameplay revolves around his Passive "Smith's Legacy": casting two different skills enchances the third, granting enhanced Basic Attacks, high Magic Lifesteal (up to 45%), and resetting all cooldowns to 7s. He is primarily played as a Jungler due to his fast clear speed and gank potential, utilizing his mobility and burst combos to eliminate squishy targets instantly.
Strengths
**Massive Burst Damage:** Capable of deleting low-HP targets instantly with the correct skill sequence (1-2-3 or 2-1-3). * **High Sustain:** Passive grants significant Magic Lifesteal, allowing him to survive team fights without building full lifesteal items. * **Mobility & Invincibility:** Skill 2 (Sword) provides a gap-closing dash with invincibility frames, making it excellent for dodging skill shots and initiating fights. * **Cooldown Reset:** Passive reset mechanic allows for continuous pressure and frequent skill usage in extended fights. * **Versatility:** Can be effectively played in Jungle, Mid Lane, or EXP Lane depending on team composition.
Weaknesses
**High Skill Ceiling:** Requires precise skill sequencing and animation canceling. Wrong combos result in significantly lower damage output. * **Mana Dependent:** High mana consumption early game requires careful management before obtaining core items like Feather of Heaven. * **Vulnerable to Hard CC:** Can be chain-stunned or locked down easily if his invincibility (Skill 2) is on cooldown or used incorrectly. * **Squishy:** Has low base defense; relies entirely on lifesteal and positioning to survive. If burst fails, he can be easily counter-attacked. * **Countered by:** Tanky compositions with high Magic Resist and heroes with long-lasting Crowd Control (e.g., Khufra, Franco).
Jungle Item
Julian the Scarlet Raven is a versatile Assassin and Fighter hybrid who excels at dealing massive burst magic damage through his unique skill mechanics. Unlike traditional heroes Julian has no Ultimate skill. Instead his three basic skills Scythe Sword and Chain can be upgraded to level 5 and his passive Smiths Legacy allows him to enhance every third skill cast. As a Jungler Julian shines with his fast clear speed strong gank potential and exceptional mobility. His enhanced Skill 2 Sword provides invincibility frames making him slippery in fights while his enhanced Skill 3 Chain offers reliable crowd control. When played correctly Julian can delete enemy carries in seconds while sustaining himself through magic lifesteal. This guide will teach you the optimal jungle pathing combo sequences build adaptations and macro strategies to dominate with Julian from early game to late game. Master his skill sequencing and you will become an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Difficulty Very High Role Jungle Primary Mid Lane Secondary Damage Type Magic Damage Playstyle Burst Assassin Flanker Pick-off Specialist
Mage Emblem
Why Mage Emblem: - Julian deals primarily Magic Damage from his skills - Magic Penetration from Rupture amplifies burst combo damage - Synergizes perfectly with his skill-spamming playstyle
Assasin Emblem
Alternative: Assassin Emblem with Killing Spree for more mobility-focused playstyle, but Mage Emblem provides superior damage output for Julian's kit.
Battle Spell
**Retribution is mandatory for Julian as a Jungler.** It provides essential jungle clear speed, objective control (Turtle/Lord), and gold income through jungle items. **Why Retribution:** - **Fast Jungle Clear:** Julian's combo-based kit synergizes with Retribution to clear camps in under 2:30 minutes - **Objective Secure:** Ice Retribution provides slow for securing Turtle/Lord and chasing fleeing enemies - **Gold Advantage:** Jungle item upgrades provide necessary stats and gold generation **Techniques:** 1. **Use on Big Monsters:** Always save Retribution for the largest jungle monster (Golem/Red Buff) for maximum damage and faster clear 2. **Ice vs Fire:** Ice Retribution recommended for ganking (slow synergy with Julian's kit); Fire for faster clear speed 3. **Objective Steal:** Keep Retribution ready for Turtle/Lord contests - Julian's burst + Retribution can secure objectives 4. **Gank Tool:** Use Ice Retribution slow to close gaps before landing Chain (Skill 3) combo **Upgrade Priority:** Max Retribution first for increased damage and objective control. Upgrade to Ice Retribution at earliest opportunity for enhanced gank potential.
Retribution
Retribution is mandatory for Julian as a Jungler. It provides essential jungle clear speed objective control for Turtle and Lord and gold income through jungle items. Why Retribution Fast Jungle Clear: Julians combo based kit synergizes with Retribution to clear camps in under 2 minutes 30 seconds Objective Secure: Ice Retribution provides slow for securing Turtle and Lord and chasing fleeing enemies Gold Advantage: Jungle item upgrades provide necessary stats and gold generation Techniques 1. Use on Big Monsters: Always save Retribution for the largest jungle monster like Golem or Red Buff for maximum damage and faster clear 2. Ice vs Fire: Ice Retribution is recommended for ganking due to slow synergy with Julians kit. Fire Retribution is for faster clear speed 3. Objective Steal: Keep Retribution ready for Turtle and Lord contests. Julians burst damage plus Retribution can secure objectives 4. Gank Tool: Use Ice Retribution slow to close gaps before landing Chain Skill 3 combo Upgrade Priority: Max Retribution first for increased damage and objective control. Upgrade to Ice Retribution at the earliest opportunity for enhanced gank potentia
Best With Khufra
Julian synergizes exceptionally well with hard engage tanks. These heroes provide reliable crowd control that sets up Julian's burst combos. When the tank initiates and locks down enemies, Julian can flank safely and delete priority targets. The CC duration gives Julian time to position and execute his full combo without interruption.
Watch Out For Hanabi
Hanabi has no escape skills and relies on positioning. Julian's mobility and burst damage overwhelm her easily. Julian can flank and delete Hanabi before her team can peel. Her immortality passive doesn't save her from Julian's sustained damage.