Some Notes on Builds

Okay, so under normal circumstances, I am not an advocate of building Deathfire Grasp on Xerath. For my playstyle, I attempt to maintain the absolute maximum distance from the other team at all times while hurling out spells. I feel like this is the most effective way to make use of the champion's unique strengths. Xerath has the ability to burst a carry down (almost from full) from half a map away, sometimes from the jungle or from outside the Baron pit, that kind of thing. If DFG had range comparable to the rest of Xerath's skillset then it might be a good idea, but I'm typically not comfortable putting myself that close to my opponents.

There is one exception, though. Though I generally try to avoid picking Xerath against comps that include instant gap closers, sometimes it is inevitable. I can't always be last pick and I don't usually get to play mid when I am, so if I end up picking Xerath against instant gap closers, I should probably get DFG. It provides me with an instant nuke that I can throw out to defend myself. In conjunction with Mage Chains + Arcane Barrage, it may be enough to net me a kill against melee champions that dive on me. At the very least, it makes them seriously reconsider their actions.

Also, I've experimented with two major build paths on Orianna: First is the double gp10 into Rabadons route. This is probably a pretty good build if I don't expect to be interacting with the opposing laner much. If I expect to play aggressively, it's probably better to go double dorans into Abyssal Scepter. This is most likely also the better build if I'm having a rough time in lane. Early Chalice into Negatron is also something to consider if I'm eating too much harass.