This is my first guide. Just going to be short and to the point. Hope you enjoy =) *Note make sure you know Vlads passive before you knock the item, rune, mastery choices.

The magic penetration is self explanatory; best choice for any AP class, in my opinion. I prefer the cooldown reduction runes, because along w/ cd boots, spirit visage, and skills from the mastery tree you are almost maxed out in cd reduction. I prefer the health per level runes due to the fact, that at level 6 you have surpassed the base health runes (175 health from runes and 138 health from masteries = 313 bonus health at lvl 18). The AP rune choice... everyone wants early dmg, and 15 ap is about as good as it gets w/o giving up other key starters.

These are the masteries I use, not much else to say. *Note that one point in summoner's wrath gives the boost to both summoner spells.

From the games I have played with Vlad, these are my favorite items on him; sometimes subbing an item for void staff if the other team is building some magic resist (usually spirit visage, Rylaia's, only Will of the Ancients if someone else has already built). Every stat on every item is used and with Warmog's fully capped out you will have over 5.2K health. The items also give you over 600 AP (690ish with surge active, and don't forget the 14% increased dmg for those infected with ult). The order of purchase allows you to lane longer than your opponent, and due to the passive you can deal quite a bit of harrassment throughout the laning phase. You will also be very tanky after Warmog's is finished.

The skill sequence is pretty obvious, get your ult whenever you can and you're Q is your bread and butter. I choose to max the E skill instead of alternating with W because of the CD you will have. It allows you to have to very quick spells at around 2.5ish seconds of cd. Your W skill will do a lot of damage once you have all your health items, but I use mainly for escape, slow, and positioning until it is maxed out.

I prefere these summoners spell to ghost and the nerfed flash for a couple reasons. One, you can get the boost on both spells with one mastery point. Two, Your W ability allows you an escape. Three, play smart, don't overextend when you have no vision and these summoners spells will pay off dividends early all the way to late game.

So this is the Vlad build that I use, hope you can find use of this guide and please leave feedback, suggestions, or comments. =)

In ranked play I would only use Vladimir if you are guaranteed a solo lane. Sharing cs with another player is not good, because the advantage you gain from having an early warmogs won't be there. Duoing will make you feel way behind unless it's with a tank or support.