Tabu was a canceled champion concept for League of Legends, originally designed as a Voodoo Shaman. As one of the last voodoo shamans of Jugos, he traveled with gypsies to share his culture's mystical powers, collecting shrunken heads and soul-containing vials along his journey.

The champion was discovered in the beta files from March 25, 2009, where he was referred to as the "48th Slave." His development was officially confirmed as canceled during the 2010 Harrowing event, where his coffin appeared on Summoner's Rift alongside other scrapped champions Averdrian and Gavid.

Abilities:

1. Enfeeble

• Passive aura reducing enemy damage by 15% in vicinity

2. Tattoo

• Links to ally/enemy for 20 seconds
• Shares damage with linked enemies
• Shares healing with linked allies

3. Circle of Ancestors

• AOE spell affecting targeted area
• Damages enemies and heals allies within range

4. Pacify

• Temporarily pacifies target enemy

5. Soul Drain

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

Historical Notes:

• Several of Tabu's ability icons were repurposed for other game elements:
  • Circle of Ancestors → Crest of Cinders buff
  • Tattoo → Crest of Insight buff
  • Soul Drain → Baron's Voracious Corrosion
  • Pacify → Mocking Shout

The champion's design shows thematic similarities to Dota 2's Witch Doctor (Zharvakko), and some elements may have influenced the development of Swain's character.

His name is a wordplay on "taboo," reflecting his mystical and forbidden powers theme.

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