I play at just below top ELO level, and this guide has helped me a lot. I love ryze, and I had used similar items to you generally, but the little descrepencies you discuss really helped me alot. I really enjoy your choice of masteries/summoner spells, as those definitely seem like the best choice. After playing a few games, I've realized that survivability/proper positioning is absolutely the most important aspect of playing Ryze, and is the only thing that separates good Ryze players from worthless garbage.

Good read. +1

Does strength of spirit apply every second, or every 5 seconds? If it's per 5 like the description suggests, it's only 3 mp/5 at 1000 mana, which is awful. If it's per second like the mana one in utility, then it's pretty good at 15 mp/5 for 1000 mana.

According to the www.leaguecraft.com champion builder, it's health per second. I have yet to see them incorrect.

I think I'll definitely try this out next time I play ryze. It's not like he needs the 15% magic pen from offense. He can 0 out penetration on most people just with flux.

Lichbane is a definite alternative to Rylai's, although I think that Archangel's is actually better than Lichbane on Ryze, so if you are not needing any additional Hp (which is the primary reason I go Rylai's) then I would recommend Archangel's, as it gives a BIG boost to your hp regen from Strength of Spirit and also gives a big boost of damage to Overload. Nothing wrong with Lichbane though, and once Ryze gets the big beef coming in the next patch (including an increase to his physical attack range, thank GOD), Lichbane will be very viable on him.

That is correct. Strength is per second, which makes it freaking awesome!

Exactly right, and after you have the core three items (Veil, Mejai's, Sorc Boots) just grab a Void Staff if everyone is stacking MR. It is cheap and comes in small pieces.

Thanks for the feedback, glad I could help! After playing a variety of styles with Ryze (CD/survivability, pure AP, Hybrid AP), I have found that all of them work much much better with Ghost/Flash and Strength of Spirit, and the positioning advantage that Ghost and Flash give you. A Ryze that charges in with 600+ AP and crushes one hero and then dies in every combat is not as useful as one who wounds heroes badly, gets away, and then returns to wound/kill again and again.

Cleanse is something I have been toying with because there are some moments where I really could have used it. Ghost/Cleanse or Flash/Cleanse are both decent choices on Ryze, but I think that Ghost/Flash edges out Cleanse just for the amazing offensive/defensive variety both spells give you. If Ryze ever gets to top ELO play (maybe after this latest beef comes through), Cleanse might be a legitimate alternative to Flash, just because of the heavy stuns/CC in high level play.