In my opinion, Vlad is one of the strongest mage in this game. If he's played correctly, he will tank and carry your team. You can use sanguine pool to avoid attacks or just to slow//damage enemies. His healing ability is just way to crazy and makes him able to lane without going back to the base for years. Also, try to alway keep tide of bloods with 4 stack which will give him higher regeneration and more damage. If you are playing againts some crazy AD champions, I suggest to take zhonya for armor or if other team have more Ap champions, get abyssal Scepter. I use only Ap runes cause it increase early dmg//health of vlad. Magic pen have a max of 46% which is done with void staff. Enjoy my guide.