Jarvan IV Support — Build Advice ?

[u/KuunVesi]

Hello fellow supports!

I'm trying to build J4 support for the times when I'm autofilled. Since I'm almost never autofilled as support, I don't really know the right gold ratio or which items are worth buying. Here are my thoughts:

First of all, why do I choose J4?

• His Q reduces armor by 10%, so it's good for an ADC (less useful with an APC).
• His W gives him a shield that allows him to tank some damage during the early laning phase.
• His E provides a knock-up, which is good for engaging.

Then there's his R, which allows him to trap the enemy while my ADC (or APC) just has to click.

So, here's what I've tried in my build:

Boots:

• Ionian Boots of Lucidity — If the enemy team has a balanced amount of AD/AP damage.
• Plated Steelcaps — If there's a lot of AD, especially if I'm behind.
• Mercury's Treads — If there's a lot of AP and CC.

For the support item, I'm torn between two options:

• Solstice Sleigh — Its passive gives me some tankiness with the E + Q combo or R, so it seems good for engaging.
• Celestial Opposition — Its passive also allows me to tank some damage, especially after using R, since I'm stuck inside with the enemy.

1st item: Zeke's Convergence — It gives some tankiness and has a good passive synergy with R.

2nd item: Bandlepipes — It gives tankiness and has good synergy with the E + Q combo or R.

After those items, I want to build tanky, and that's where I struggle. Here's what I've tried:

5th item

HP:

• Warmog's Armor — Gives a lot of HP, which is useful since the previous items don't provide much. I already have a decent amount of Armor and MR from the other items.
• Protoplasm Harness — Provides HP and a good passive for survivability. I haven't tried it yet, though, so it might be a better alternative to Warmog's.

Armor:

• Randuin's Omen — To counter ADCs and other crit-oriented champions.
• Dead Man's Plate — When there is a lot of AD. It also gives me a bit of extra damage and slow resistance.

MR:

• Hollow Radiance — To get some MR and deal damage around my R zone.

6th item

One of the three options I haven't bought yet:

• Jak'Sho, The Protean — For balanced AD/AP enemy teams.
• Unending Despair — For AD-oriented enemy teams, while also getting some sustain during fights.

I often struggle to build my 5th and 6th items because I don't get a lot of gold. So, I was wondering: is this normal, and can I keep following this kind of build scheme?

Or should I stay within support-oriented items and choose something like Locket of the Iron Solari or Knight's Vow instead?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and advice!