Testable Cernunnos Joust Build

I have a slightly different opinion here. I agree with some of what boogie suggests, but will explain my thoughts on a preferred item combo and order.

First, let's talk about skill leveling. Boogie's absolutely right here; in most cases, you'll usually want to target maxing one ability ASAP, then moving onto the next priority. In this case, first priority is usually Bramble Blast. Why? Although the burst damage itself isn't very high, it's his wave-clear ability and has a large, easy-to-confirm poke function. Generally, then, you should have this ability maxed by level 10.

Next priority depends on your preference and needs... Horn Charge, which has partial escape function, usually wouldn't be leveled next (similar to most other escape abilities), but the damage is actually very nice, with good scaling, and increasing the level also reduces CD. If you find you're able to be aggressive due to teamwork or being up in levels, this is a good one to level. Otherwise, you'll concentrate on Shifter of Seasons.

Talking about Seasons, it's actually interesting that you incorporate Runeforged Hammer. Most people will generally stay in Summer Heat for the bonus damage, but I do like the idea of the slow being used to increase your overall damage. 15% extra damage from Rune's passive might in fact be higher than Summer Heat, and the added control from mainly using Winter Chill is great for the team.

Side note for Boogie, if you do build crit, it's Rage or Wind Demon usually, as preferred by the builder...so, not Rage then another item, but rather Rage or WD, followed by Deathbringer, which should basically always be the 2nd crit item.

Anyway, let's talk about your items and item order.

• For Cern, since he doesn't have an attack speed steroid, I'd generally keep away from crits. I agree generally with Boogie's build direction, focusing on power, pen, and attack speed.
  
  
• In the case of Cern and the way his wave clear works, I feel that Bluestone Pendant is a superior starter item to Death's Toll. Bramble will easily get the BP passive damage off, and if you can get that poke on enemies, it'll chip away at their low early game health. Getting DT means you'll have to continue hitting the minions to get the benefit of the passive, and between you and your teammates (or if you're getting hard pushed), you may not get very many basics in.
  
  
• I'm okay with either Warrior Tabi or Ninja Tabi as the boots of choice. Warrior has an early game edge in damage (especially for abilities), but Ninja will help set you up as you get further into your build.
  
  
• However, I don't agree with yours and Boogie's preference for Asi as the 2nd main item. You're really going to want power (especially if you choose Ninja) in the early game...Asi has none. The early pen is nice, but remember you're still going to be battling over waves, and pen does nothing to minions. The attack speed is also nice, but your DPS will be hampered some because of no power. This is why Asi is often seen in a Trans build (Trans, Tabi, then Asi)...because Transcendence provides plenty of power, so you can then sacrifice some in getting Asi, because it then provides things Trans doesn't (lifesteal + AS). Without that power, it's just going to be less effective (remember, lifesteal amount is from the amount of damage you deal, so it's less effective without that power). You also say in your writeup that Asi can be dropped for Jotunn's Wrath or Titan's Bane. Jotunn's, for teamfight function, is an option (but probably not the best), but TB isn't a replacement for Asi...it's an alternative to The Executioner (and you wouldn't get it as a 2nd item!), so I suggest you fix that statement.
  
  
• As such, in the 2nd spot, I generally would suggest Shifter's Shield if you want the protections, or otherwise you'd consider Transcendence (or Devourer's Gauntlet, or Jotunn's Wrath if you really want that CDR).
  
  
• Again, I really like the idea of Runeforged Hammer...it's an interesting idea that might in fact be effective if using Winter Chill. Boogie's right, it's not usually a hunter item, but in this specific case, it could maybe work. But I'd like to see how the rest of the build turns out to make sure there's a place for it. I think it'd be better to get it later in a build in most cases, and think that pen/protection reduction would be a higher priority, as it'll likely increase your damage more than the 15% from Rune's passive.
  
  
• Shifter's is absolutely an option (especially if you don't get Trans or Devo's), so I'm going to consider this a good option overall. Thus let's talk about Ichaival. Since its nerf several patches ago, it's really not preferred and doesn't provide as much of a DPS boost. Also, it's a bad idea to get it late in a build...the whole idea behind it is that it's a bridge item whose cheap price allows you to get a nice early-game power spike (and specifically to help with boxing an enemy ADC in-lane (usually Conquest). This is just not the place for it. You also say in your writeup that Qin's Sais or Transcendence are substitutes for Ichaival. No, Trans should be built way earlier, but yes, Qin's is an option in the 5th spot.
  
  
• The Executioner should be built earlier in almost any build.

As such, I think Ichaival should be tossed. Exe should be built earlier (though TB is also an option, depending on how much AS you build from other items).

I'll offer some general builds, some of which try to incorporate Runeforged. I won't list starter (again, Bluestone Pendant is probably preferred if you do get a starter at all) in these lists.

• Build 1 (w/ Trans): Transcendence, Ninja Tabi, Asi (optional lifesteal if preferred in this position), The Executioner, Qin's Sais, Situational ( Shifter's Shield if preferred, The Crusher in the 6th spot, Brawler's Beat Stick (in the 5th slot before Shifter's if anti-heal needed), Bloodforge 6th if you didn't get Asi and want lifesteal).
  
  
• Build 2 (w/ Devourer's): Devourer's Gauntlet, Ninja Tabi, The Executioner, Qin's Sais, 2x situational ( Runeforged Hammer, Shifter's Shield if protection preferred, The Crusher, Brawler's again if anti-heal needed, etc.).
  
  
• Build 3 (no stacking): Ninja Tabi, Shifter's Shield, Asi (optional lifesteal if preferred in this position), The Executioner, Qin's Sais, Situational ( Runeforged Hammer, The Crusher, Brawler's Beat Stick (if anti-heal needed), Bloodforge if you didn't get Asi and want lifesteal)).

I think these item progressions are going to provide you with a better power curve. Would like to hear your thoughts.