Ardan is a very versatile character. He can be used as support, as a jungler, or as a protector. My personal preference is to use him as an offensive character, starting in he jungle and building into a massive game-winning destroyer. His Heroic Perk - Julia's Gift - seems to be only moderately helpful so far to me, but his Blood for Blood and Gauntlet abilities are quite powerful. Vanguard is much more useful on your teammates than yourself, making him a valuable team member.

The gist of Ardan playing is to quickly stack Vengence and then use Blood for Blood, rinse and repeat. Use Gauntlet to trap enemies for a final kill. And use Vanguard to get a save on an ally and keep your team in the game.

Start off with the Ironguard Contract and a couple of Halcyon Potions. This lets you get going in whichever role you wish to play - Ardan is very versatile in this regard. My next item is the Sprint Boots, followed by Oakheart and then the Swift Shooter. This gets you to the early stages farming tasks.

As the game progresses, it's important to equally level your skills, working toward Journey Boots, Swift Shooter and Crucible. Before going for any of these level 3 items, get all the Level 2 items - Travel Boots, Dragonheart, Blazing Salvo and Lucky Strike. This ensures you are rounded enough to take some punishment, move fast and dish it back out.

Going for the core items, my first choice is Swift Shooter, followed by the Journey Boots. Ardan thrives on speed, letting you use Blood for Blood every few seconds.

Once you have your core of Journey Boots, Crucible and Swift Shooter, I usually next work toward Sorrowblade - what's the point of hitting fast if you don't also hit hard? After completing that, I work on Aftershock - it's valuable in that it reduces the countdown for Gauntlet as well as providing some crystal for improved damage dealing with Blood for Blood.

For that last slot in long games, it really depends on what your opponents are using.

Crystal heavy? Try the Fountain of Renewal or Aegis
No defense? Try Tyrant's Monocle
Lots of health? Try Serpent Mask Eve of Harvest
Lots of armor? Try Breaking Point

More to come...