Tabu - The Voodoo Shaman was a canceled champion from League of Legends' early development phase. As one of the last voodoo shamans from Jugos, he traveled with gypsies to demonstrate his culture's mystical powers, collecting various magical artifacts along his journey.

Found in the beta files circa March 2009, Tabu's design shared thematic elements with Dota 2's Witch Doctor and may have influenced the development of Swain. His cancellation was symbolically confirmed during the 2010 Harrowing event, where his coffin appeared alongside those of other canceled champions Averdrian and Gavid.

Abilities:

Enfeeble (Passive)

• Aura that reduces nearby enemies' damage by 15%

Tattoo

• Links to an ally or enemy champion for 20 seconds
• Linked targets share damage or healing effects

Circle of Ancestors

• Area-of-effect ability that damages enemies and heals allies

Pacify

• Temporarily pacifies targeted enemy unit

Soul Drain

• Tethers to target enemy
• Deals damage while healing Tabu for the same amount

Legacy:

• Several of Tabu's ability icons were repurposed for other game elements:
  • Circle of Ancestors icon became the Crest of Cinders buff
  • Tattoo icon was used for the Crest of Insight buff
  • Soul Drain icon became Baron Nashor's Voracious Corrosion
  • Pacify icon was reused for Mocking Shout
  • Enfeeble icon represented the Cold Steel passive

The name "Tabu" is a wordplay on "taboo," reflecting the champion's mystical nature and forbidden practices.

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