Harrowing

The Harrowing is an event to commemorate Halloween festivities in the world of Valoran. It introduced a few temporary cosmetic changes to the game (items, maps), and some Limited Edition skins and runes. The event started on October 18th and culminated on October 31st, 2010. In 2011, there was another Harrowing which lasted from October 19th to October 31st.

Lore

Each calendar year, the celestial bodies of Runeterra align in a particular astronomical event. This lengthy occasion -- beginning with a partial eclipse on the 18th of October and culminating in a full solar eclipse on the 31st of October -- is of one of the most significant holidays in Valoran. The alignment occurs annually around the time of the harvest, and is known as the Harrowing due to its dusky setting. For obvious reasons, the occasion is marked by superstitions surrounding the world's dark denizens, creepy crawlies, and things that generally go bump in the night.

While rural folks still believe that this is a time of great foreboding, most of Valoran has taken to commemorating the Harrowing through a bit of good, clean fun. Citizens of the city-states don monstrous costumes and exchange holiday sweets with one another as part of the revelry. Large costume parties, where patrons wear either light or dark costumes (with the intention of either warding off or confusing evil) are quite popular, and those of opposite colors are encouraged to exchange gifts with one another. However they're celebrating, all across Valoran, spirits are as high as the night is long.

As with all things Runeterran, the League is a major participant in the holiday festivities. Summoner's Rift is decked out with special lanterns to provide lighting (and a bit of atmosphere) during any scrimmages that take place during the eclipse. Minions are also decked out to honor the occasion, and even some champions choose to join in the merrymaking, donning costumes before they take to the battlefield. Additionally, the alchemists of the Institute of War brew special holiday concoctions, and the rune forges produce special runes for summoners who display valor during this time.^[1]

Champion Skins

Some limited edition champion skins were released for a few League favorites who were really in the spirit for the Harrowing.

2010 Harrowing
- Lollipoppy
- Pumpkinhead Fiddlesticks
- Nosferatu Vladimir
- Mundo Mundo
- Kitty Cat Katarina
- Zombie Ryze

2011 Harrowing
- Bewitching Nidalee
- FrankenTibbers Annie
- Definitely Not Blitzcrank
- Haunting Nocturne

2012 Harrowing
- Zombie Brand
- Headmistress Fiora
- Pirate Ryze

Features

Limited edition Holiday Runes
Some sinfully sweet editions of your favorite in-game consumables
Frighteningly festive costumes for your minions
A sinister overhaul of Summoner's Rift featuring a more nocturnal motif
A terrifying new login screen to get you in the mood

Runes

6 special holiday runes were released and they were only available from October 18 to 31.These runes can be located in the Tier 2 section of the store. All of them however were Tier 2.5 Quintessences:

Quintessence of the Piercing Screech (Tier 2.5, +1.75 Magic Penetration)
Quintessence of Bountiful Treats (Tier 2.5, +24 Health)
Quintessence of the Speedy Specter (Tier 2.5, +1.39% Movement Speed)
Quintessence of the Elusive Werewolf (Tier 2.5, +1.39% Dodge)
Quintessence of the Witches Brew (Tier 2.5, +4.56 Ability Power)
Quintessence of the Headless Horseman (Tier 2.5, +3.08 Armor Penetration)

Items

Some items received a new temporary icon to celebrate the festivities:

Candy Corn (replacing the Health Potion)
Mana-Encrusted Apple (replacing the Mana Potion)
Piece of Blue Candy (replacing the Elixir of Brilliance)
Piece of Green Candy (replacing the Elixir of Agility)
Piece of Red Candy (replacing the Elixir of Fortitude)
Pumpkin Guise (replacing the Haunting Guise)
Frozen Brain (replacing the Frozen Heart)

Map

The Summoner's Rift was replaced with a seasonal variant that includes many Harrowing holiday elements. It also contains Easter Eggs:

To the right of the blue team's top tower is a blue slab surrounded by green smoke. Urf the Manatee's Ghost (complete with name and description) will appear when a Champion stands near the gravestone. ^[2]
Bringing Warwick over in the Urf skin prompts Urf's Ghost to throw his spatula at Warwick and shake his head, as seen here
The extreme lower right has 3 coffins, containing the rumoured heroes Averdrian, Plant King, and the Voodoo Shaman. This could be interpreted as a "nail-in-the-coffin" confirming their cancellation. ^[3]