I have seen this build in action. It was very entertaining and different. IMO Using the ring on swain doesn't give the best sustain and you really have to play passively. It was a very slow start but well worth it towards the end.

Thank you both for your time to read through this and thank you again xMrSchmidtx for explaining the brackets.

To reply to Schmidt: I do understand where the extra stats come in and why you feel its important, however the way I play Swain is passively until I back to pick up my Catalyst, boots, and Hextech. I still have the harass and LOTS of farm. I have tried to pick up Shield and Ring but both do not let me stay in lane for the same amount of time. The shield has armor on it, if I notice there is a Caitlyn in mid of course I will go with the shield for the armor(maybe Ill add that in, thanks for reminding me). At least give the 13 potions a try and see how it helps you.

To reply to Snecker12: I know most people play Swain as a high AP, mid sustain mage and stays AROUND the teamfights to pick off the few that get too far away from their tank, but the way I play with my premades it works with us. Most of the time my teammates play supercarries and I play as a high DPS, high sustain, tanky mage. Both are completely legitimate. I posted this because it is off-the-wall and it works. I do not have mana issues with the Seals of Clarity and with my jungler allowing me blue. We always keep red and blue buffs in both jungles warded so I almost never have an issue picking it up.

Both of you, thank you again for posting on this and not just saying F U NUB.

I have to say I'm not a big fan of this kind of tanky swain, but I can see the point to it. Although I would squeeze in an archangel's or maybe even 2 because it gives you insane AP and mana bonuses while making it possible to sustain ravenous flock for a long time due to mana regen. bonus. Also I would, well, start with a Doran's ring or an amplifying tome and a health pot. The first gives you oh-so-needed mana regen. and health as well as AP, and the second one just AP and health regen. That being said if you want a tanky swain, this is the guide for you, though many prefer full AP swain, me included :) Also I would correct your spell sequence a little bit and max laserbird second as it makes you very capable of killing enemies early but nevermove - not so much, though it does help to have it at lv1 for the roots. And another thing xD Rabaddon's is a wise choice as it also adds to the tankyness with the massive AP boost.

I know you said not to comment negatively because of the health pots, but I just can't see how I couldn't. The main issue with pots isn't the heal, it's the fact that they don't lend you any stats. If you're having that much trouble with survivability early game go with a Doran's Shield instead, the health regen makes up for no health pots. Or go with boots and 3x. Whatever. Point is, you have increased stats to show for your efforts.

Also, for the "little icon things" all you need to do is put the name in brackets Swain
[ignite]] [decrepify]] [ravenous flock]] etc etc etc

just add another [ in the front

Anyway, good guide lol