I just did a game where I started with Boots, Sapphire Crystal, Ruby Crystal and Health Potion's
Built Ionian Boots of Lucidity and two Rod of Ages and began a 3rd rod of ages.

I couldn't tell much difference in damage or survivability. But the very early CDR was awesome.
I'm wondering if this build is better or worse than than the normal build.

I won with 2nd to most points and 9/5/14. Kinda normal.
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Earlier today I began with Tear, and then built Ionian boots, 2 rod of ages and archangels staff.
Won with 2nd to most points and 19/6/14.

I think its viable. Not building armour/magic resist mana items.
if they build mr though you are toast. It'd be better to have sorcerers shoes and glacial shroud.

hi, I apologize for my teammate who shared my ID at mobafire and trolled around. Next time ill tell him not to do this again. Sorry!

Well it all depends on the game sometimes i go with ROA first sometimes not so its not always that order :)

I often did go tear of goddess first.
I have found that even without boots, I can stay up top without dying. And there isn't a problem getting up there in time.
Either way, both methods work well. I recommend either of them.

I'm liking the early double catalyst, but I feel right after the 1st catalyst and tear that glacial shroud should be top priority.

Hextech revolver can be good on ryze if you don't trust your teammates. It gives him greater 1 vs 1 capability, and that's about it.
For a pro team, I've found that spellvamp on ryze is unnecessary.
Also for the gold you spent on Will of the Ancients, you could have upgraded Catalyst -> Rod of Ages.

ROA upgrade - Cost 1710

• +160 health (later becoming +340) and 123 magic burst damage increase (later becoming 192).

Will of the Ancients - Cost 2100

• +25percent SV and 108 magic burst damage increase.

Perhaps I can clarify that this is a damage build for Ryze.

In the guide I do tell you to stay back, but you obviously didn't read it.

In response to your "without flash you die":
I don't usually take flash because with this build he can take some hits, especially if you have the Relic which is preferred to be on Ryze. If you need to get away quickly just GHOST if it is off cooldown. Flash is definitely a a good option for those who don't like Promote.

In response to your suggestion for Rabadons and/or Abyssal Scepter early game:
For the combo Overload, Spell Flux, Rune Prison, and a second Overload.
You'll realize that 1 AP only is 1.35 more damage onto that burst.
6.4 mana built on him would give him the same damage as 1 AP on him.
You'll find that with Ryze, building mana on him gives him more damage than building only AP items.

That's the same build i use tho i like to go with Tear of the Goddess first and boots. And then i get 2 Catalyst the Protectors and one Sapphire Crystal after that i go with Will of the Ancients.

hmm. good build, Ryze is definitely a great dominion player, but if your using him as a damage soaker your playing him wrong. 1v1 he has his neverending prison so you can't touch him, and in team fights, someone else should tank it, he needs to peel them off and destroy. if he's targeted, your teamates should do the same, but without flash you die. (it happens) plus the money you waste on odyns veil or frozen heart is a rabadons or an abyscal sceptor that doesn't destroy the enemy.