Volamel
2017-04-28 01:40:10
““Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.” He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran towards him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” — Luke 15:17–20
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This is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It is a story of the youngest of two brothers taking is inheritance and squandering it away in youthful exuberance. He returns home to his father and older brother, poor, meager and weak. Expecting his father to have disowned him, he his surprised to see his father compassionate and celebratory of his return. This biblical story draws parody to Team SoloMid’s (TSM) AD Carry, Yiliang "Doublelift" Peng and his eventual redemption coming in the 2017 Summer Split.
First, we have to mention the team itself. Team SoloMid is as original as original gets. We know the story: Reginald is removed from Counter Logic Gaming (CLG) during a primordial-time for League of Legends, he creates his own team to crush and enact his revenge on his rivals CLG. Not only has this team lasted the longest, they’ve been in every single NA LCS Grand Final since the inception of the league (the only team to do it, might I add). Not only that, but, TSM is also the only team to be featured in every League of Legends World Championship.
TSM has only ever had three AD Carries throughout their storied history within the League of Legend’s sphere. Shan “Chaox” Huang, Jason “Wildturtle” Tran and now Doublelift, are the chosen few CEO Reginald has chosen as worth to carry the black and white mantel. All within the top tier in their heyday, it was Wildturtle that remained on the team the longest. Bearing three full seasons of NA LCS, three finals appearances and multiple MVP worthy performances, Wildturtle is without a doubt a mainstay of the TSM brand. Alas, 2015 did not bear any fruit for Wildturtle, as he was benched for Doublelift.
After a convincing win over Cloud 9 during the 2016 Summer Split of the NA LCS, Doublelift needed to recharge. The demanding schedule of a professional League of Legends player wore him to the bone. He left the team and the community with this note:
“I am not so talented as many believe. The quality that has kept me domestically dominant for five straight seasons isn't nature, it's determination. So many of my peers from Season 1 lacked the fire and willpower to be the best, and they have long faded away. When I do something, I put my heart and soul into it, striving to achieve greatness.
That's why it's time for a small break. After our convincing performance in Summer, NALCS Spring is considerably less appetizing. Streaming and creating content is something I've always wanted to focus on, and it's the perfect time to do it. I'll come back if the team needs me - better than before, and better than ever." [1]
Being one of the most decorated Western players to play the game, Doublelift’s name is synonymous with two things: hard carry performances and spectacular mechanics. Graduating top of his class from “Chauster’s School of Hard Knocks”, Doublelift learned early on in his career how to carry games. He did so with impeccable technical skill. But, as the game evolved and more talent was nurtured, his mechanics did not shine as bright as they once did. As more and more contestant’s challenged him for the throne of North American AD Carry, he honed and developed his leadership skills, knowing that this would be invaluable in the future. This all happened over a six year time span (‘11-’17), across multiple different teams (Curse, Epik Gamer, CLG, TSM, Team Liquid) and hundreds of hours played. Doublelift needed a break and to be fair, he did deserve it. It just felt odd that after such a demanding turnaround season for him and TSM that now would be the time he wished to act on his urge to rest.
Not only did TSM lose a fantastic player, but they lost a pivotal part of their leadership in game. Yes, Doublelift was an incredibly skilled mechanics-focused player, but he brought a stern leadership that helped them push through an arduous Summer Split.
As Doublelift embarked on his hiatus, TSM were left with many questions, scrambling to fill the large shoes that laid empty. They needed someone will equal mechanical skill and the ability to leader their troop into battle. TSM found salvation within former teammate, Wildturtle. Just as Doublelift fell in TSM’s hand in the perfect time, as did Wildturtle. If we remember correctly Wildturtle was benched for Doublelift in the past, could this play parody to current events? Every credible source says otherwise, but the uncertain is ever certain in this day in age.
He would return to a reforged TSM. Hardened in the fires of determination and the willingness to outpace and outwork the competition. He returns to a more vocal and strengthened Kevin "Hauntzer" Yarnel. He returns to the “Human Looking Glass”, Dennis "Svenskeren" Johnsen. He returns to the “Gatekeeper of NA LCS Titles” and the everstrong, Soren "Bjergsen" Bjerg. And he returns to his partner in crime — his protege — in many ways, Vincent "Biofrost" Wang.
Whatever decision may come, this will be a momentous occasion for the North American League of Legends Championship Series. For TSM, their beloved brother has returned home and he will be greeted with open arms. For Wildturtle, he once again will lower his head and step away from the spotlight. The lamb has returned home, the stable is whole again, and the NA LCS will be reeling in glorious ramification. For the other teams of the league, I leave you with a simple prayer:
“Our Father who art in heaven,
Doublelift be thy name.”
May the Summer be kind to you all, I wish you the best of luck.
You are going to need it. The lamb has returned home.
Written by: @Volamel
Images courtesy of LoL Esports Flickr, TSM, and Riot Games.
