Dear DrmDestryr,
Even in ranked matches, there are trolls that gg as soon as a hero is picked on their team. Can we ever be free?
-Hipple
Dear Hipple,
As much as I would like to proclaim the coming of an era of peace, I am by no means a deity, and if I were a deity, I can’t even promise I would be one of peace. I am, however, a mortal with the power of pity and mute.
Ignoring the trolls that are simply there to say mean things because they’re at the age when insults are hilarious (let’s all not pretend that age never happened), let’s take a look at those toxic players that are toxic for other reasons.
Chances are, these types of mean players have a lot of bad things going on in their lives at the moment and yelling at strangers on the internet is their only hope for release. Since they can usually find people to engage them, they’ve learned to associate insults with a surge of that addicting feeling – anger. It’s something that makes us all feel bigger and stronger than we are as it causes a rush of adrenaline. This rush is very much enjoyed by the body that will then crave more and more, turning what was once a simple insult into actively searching for players that will fight back.
To respond, ask them if they’re okay. Tell them you understand they’re upset (probably because your team is losing) and lend an ear if they have anything they want to talk about. I’m sure they’ll probably call you some form of expletive, but the damage is already done. You have diffused the situation through kindness. If they try to start it back up, keep on with the concern. A lot of people just need another to vent to, another to help them figure out why it is they’re feeling upset.
Maybe, just maybe, instead of muting yet another player, you’ll find yourself with a reformed spammer. If we all agree to do this, we can at least lessen the amount of grumps in the game and turn it into the friendliest MOBA.
-DrmDestryr
Dear DrmDestryr,
You talk a lot about ranged assassins, but what about melee? What about Illidan? Why is he difficult?
-RumpleStilt
Dear RumpleStilt,
It is indeed a failing on my part for not diversifying, however that is no longer! I have made a promise to myself in purchasing Illidan that I would finally have a sweet, in-your-face damage outputer. Fortunately for me, he’s easy to learn, hard to master. This means I have a lot to learn. Even though there is no longer the Mark of Azzinoth to constantly have to curse people with, that doesn’t mean ol’ grumpy pants is any easier.
So Much Focus
You are always going. Period. You have no mana limitations. The only thing that prevents an ability from going off is its cooldown, and attacking reduces this cooldown, so you should be always attacking. Plus, since your attacks heal you as well, you should rarely, if ever, have to head all the way back to base. When you go in with Illidan, you better be focused and ready to go.
So Much Knowledge
Illidan is not invisible nor does he have a notable escape mechanism (save the tiny range of Sweeping Strike). This means you must have knowledge on your side when the inevitable team fights happen. Granted, this is a trade out for how much damage output you have. The team fights really depend on you targeting one hero and taking them out and immediately jumping to the next. But you can’t simply just dive into every fight. How many levels ahead are they? Who should you focus? When is it time for you to go in? Do you give chase or stay with the team? Does the other team have any stuns left? Should you target heroes with escape mechanics? All of this in a split second has to be assessed before making the decision to commit to the assault.
So Much Determination
Illidan’s body language is very different from that of other heroes I’ve played. The Shudderbug Step is not something he is fond of. He prefers stepping in and dropping the mic. In 1v1 encounters, you have to be unflinching, trusting that you’re doing enough damage to heal you for more than they can hurt you. When there is a good Illidan, you see him coming and immediately back away because if he gets a hold of you, it’s game over… for a few seconds… depending on the game timer.
-DrmDestryr
Ask DrmDestryr is your weekly Q&A/advice column for Heroes of the Storm. Have a question for DrmDestryr? E-mail her your mental musings at drmdestryr@gmail.com or send happy twoughts her way @DrmDestryr.