Favourite DOTA Strategy - Storm Spirit Strategy

	Raijin Thunderkeg - Storm Spirit Range: 600 | Move Speed: 310 Primary: INT Str: 22 + 2.5 | Agi: 17 + 1.5 | Int: 23 + 2.6 Damage: 45 - 55 | HP: 568 | Mana: 299 HP Regen: | Mana Regen: Attack Speed: | Armor: 1
	Electric Rave (E) Transfers mana into pure electric current at a rapid rate, increasing the Storm Spirit's attack speed by 20% for 6 mana per second. Level 1 - 20% Attack Speed Level 2 - 40% Attack Speed Level 3 - 60% Attack Speed Level 4 - %80 Attack Speed Mana Cost: 6/9/12/15 Cooldown: Comment: One of the cheapest skills in DotA. At Lvl4 it increases 80% AtkSpd = approximately 4000 Gold ! This skill makes him a terrific DPSer with god-like attack speed.
	Barrier (R) Shields a target with Raijin's discharged mana, resisting spell damage while under the effect. Lasts 20 seconds. Level 1 - Prevents 150 magical damage. Level 2 - Prevents 300 magical damage. Level 3 - Prevents 450 magical damage. Level 4 - Prevents 600 magical damage. Mana Cost: 75 Cooldown: 15 Comment: Free-600 magical damage = 75 Mana ?! This 'll help to tear apart almost all base Int heroes ! Use this to block some nasty finishing spells like Lion's Finger of Death, Lina's Laguna Blade, Zeus's Thundergod`s Wrath ...
	Overload (V) Each successful attack builds up a static charge, eventually releasing in the form for an electrical burst. The burst deals damage and does a minor Purge-like effect to the attacked foe and nearby area. Level 1 - 8 Attacks, 30 Damage Level 2 - 7 Attacks, 45 Damage Level 3 - 6 Attacks, 60 Damage Level 4 - 5 Attacks, 75 Damage Mana Cost: Cooldown: Comment: Overload makes a great synergy with Electric Rave ! Be one of the heroes whose Attack Speed is highest, Raijin may cause to enemy AOE slow/purge effect every second.Remember this: Overload is non-orb effect and it 's not bad as many people thought. Stacked perfectly with E.Rave, Overload is superb HARASS tool!
	Lightning Grapple (G) Creates an electrical attraction between the Storm Spirit and a target area, pulling him and all nearby units to that point. Level 1 - 600 Cast Range Level 2 - 900 Cast Range Level 3 - 1200 Cast Range Mana Cost: 100 Cooldown: 35 Comment: [DS need some to updated frequently T_T because at lvl 3 Lightning Grapple has 1400 Cast Range]. This is one of the best ultimate skills in DotA if used properly ! Lightning Grapple is kind of mass AoE BLink/Swap/Hook which can make a lot of combo-kill which requires a lot of training ! Lightning Grapple Guide is separated section which is not for novice players due to its hardship of use ! No kidding T_T !

Skill Build: 1. Electric Rave 2. Overload 3. Barrier 4. Overload 5. Barrier 6. Electric Rave 7. Electric Rave 8. Lightning Grapple 9. Barrier 10. Overload 11. Lightning Grapple 12. Electric Rave 13. Barrier 14. Overload 15. Stats 16. Lightning Grapple 17. Stats 18. Stats 19. Stats 20. Stats 21. Stats 22. Stats 23. Stats 24. Stats 25. Stats

Item Build: 1. Power Treads (1850) +65 Run Speed +35% Attack Speed +10 Selected Attribute Boots of Speed + Gloves of Haste + Boots of Elvenskin or Robe of the Magi or Belt of Giant Strength + Power Treads Recipe Scroll Fundamental item for many heroes from the start, included Raijin. 2. Null Talisman (485) +3 to All Attributes +3 Intelligence Mantle of Intelligence + Circlet of Nobility + Null Talisman Recipe Scroll Nothing is better than a couple of this - very cheap and nice source of Dps and Mana. 3. Maelstrom (3360) +6 agi +25 dmg Orb Effect: Chain lightning (20% chance to cast on target, 150 dmg, hits 3 targets). Orb effects do not stack Boots of Elvenskin + Mithril Hammer + Maelstrom Recipe Scroll Bread & Butter item ! MUST HAVE THIS ASAP ! 4. Oblivion Staff (1925) +50% Mana Regeneration +6 Intelligence +15 Damage +10% Attack Speed Quarter Staff + Robe of the Magi + Sobi Mask Another great addition for damage, mana regeneration and attack speed ! 5. Eul`s Scepter of Divinity (2800) +100% Mana Regeneration +18 Intelligence Charged: Cyclone 6 Charges 5 Second Duration 600 Range 20 second cooldown Robe of the Magi + Void Stone + Staff of Wizardry + Eul`s Scepter of Divinity One small step for Guinsoo 's Scythe Of Vise... One giant leap for victory ! 6. Guinsoo`s Scythe of Vyse (5175) +150% Mana Regeneration +25 Intellegence +35 Damage Activate: Polymorph 600 Range 3 Second Duration 23 Second Cooldown 100 Mana Cost Oblivion Staff + Eul`s Scepter of Divinity + Guinsoo`s Scythe of Vyse Recipe Scroll This stick has everything that you desire : attack boost, attack speed (exchange from mana) and Polymorph ability ! 7. Eye of Skadi (7050) +200 Hit Points, +150 Mana +25 to All Attributes Passive: Frost Attack -20% Attack Speed -30% Run Speed 2 Second Duration for ranged heroes, 3 seconds for melee heroes Melee Eye of Skadi is an orb effect, and does not stack with orb effects; Ranged Eye of Skadi is NOT an orb effect, and stacks with some orb effects. Ultimate Orb + Ultimate Orb + Point Booster + Eye of Skadi Recipe Scroll Frost orb-effect DOES STACK with Maelstrom/Mjonnir ! No one can outrun you ! 8. Mjollnir (6760) Thor's magical hammer, made for him by the dwarfs Brok and Eitri. Gives +35 Agility, +35 damage, and a 20% chance to release a 200 damage Chain Lightning. When a hero with the Static Charge buff is attacked there is a 20% chance that a 200 damage Static Charge will strike the attacking unit. Static charge activates at most once per second (50 mana cost). Maelstrom + Eaglehorn Upgrade from Maelstrom... DPs monster ! 9. Boots of Travel (2700) +90 Run Speed Active: Teleport 60 Second Cooldown 3 Second Cast Time Boots of Speed + Boots of Travel Recipe Scroll Mobility is the top priority of DotA. I 'll explain why only get this after finishing DPs items.

Early Game: Some words before I start my guide... My guide is a bit different from the other ones for its game-time section and level cap because of his dependence on item. My guide is gonna be LONG ! Make sure you have at least 20 minutes to read and... ONLY RATE my guide if you really read it all and understand everything in my guide ! Anyone rate my guide under three stars please let me know what the problem is ! Clear man ? Let's get into my first guide ! Level 1 -> 10 Why you should play this hero: * If you are beginner, simply pick Raijin since he is really easy-2-use but strong ! * If you have ever wished to play one of Mangix Primal Spirit then play Raijin - Storm Spirit ! * If you have ever dreamed about a hero with unmatchable attack speed ... he owns it ! Pros-A splendid farmer High Int + Str Gain ! Terribly Strong at Late game ! Quite Good Team Combo Skills Maker ! Cons-Lousy Agi gain Item-dependent Require Precise Timing Ability for Ultimate Skill * STARTER SET for a 5 vs 5 match : My ItemBuild is progressive not consumable (i.e RoR, Tango or Ironwood Branch..) ! Why ? Since Raijin is very item reliant, he need fundamental item - Null Talisman which gives you decent mana and damage at start. Clarity Potion is a key to prolong Electric Rave. Flask allows you to heal 400 HP in 10 second which always comes in handy. STAY BACK & DO NOT get hit when you "relax" or you 'll waste precious 100 gold for nothing ! If you face Bristleback please assure you stay away from him for at least 800 range when you use Flask. His spikes hurt don't ya know ? * LANE CHOICE AND SITUATIONS : Mid-lane is the best beginning for Raijin. When the hero who solo in mid-lane 'll be main power for whole team in early-2-mid game, Raijin have an ability to farm/harass/deny so astonishingly. You may end your perfect early game while your opponent has to come the fountain at least twice ! If you can't pick mid-lane because of your hot-headed teammates, simply pick any spare lane. Your way on becoming the Ownag3 won't be stop by whatever ! - 1 on 1: Best assumption ever 1.Melee: You can end up his pathetic early game by decrease his EXP to almost zero and force him come back to the fountain if he want to farm or harass you ! 2.Ranger : Just a little threat. Be wary of orb-effect skill heroes like Drown,Bone or Aiustha. Deny and farm effectively. Only strike back if you get hit. Stay away from battlefield when use Flask or Clarity. 3.Nuker : Except Ogre Magi and Earth Shaker, they are mostly ranged. What differentiates Nuker(s) & Ranger(s) ? They are capable of dealing massive damage just in a flash by using many terrifying spells ! Make sure that you learn 1 or 2 level for Barrier skill. You take great advantage because Barrier only need 75 mana while other heavily-nuke skills need at least more than 100 mana plus Barrier has very short cooldown - 20 seconds. - 2 on 2: Hidden Risks 2 Melee(s): SWEEEET ! Max out Overload as soon as possible then you cannot stop laughing because your enemy can do nothing but try to stay away from your sight ! If they are stubborn you may force them to come back the fountain for 2 or 3 times ! 2 Rangers/Nukers: Don't try to provoke the creep by attacking their heroes. Last hit and deny when required. Tower hugging is usual if you face dangerous rangers like Enchantress or OD. 1 Melee 1 Ranger: Hit a melee hero if he wanna last hit or deny. Stay back immediately when you grab creep's attention. It's best to have your ally to be a ranger one to keep the advantage. If your ally is a melee hero, cover him when he gets hit. NOTE: Aiustha The Enchantress 's Impetus and Harbringer 's Arcane Orb can strike through any type of damage reduction and spell reduction skills/items included Barrier ! Watch out ! One small tip for you: DO NOT DIE AT EARLY GAME AT ANY COST ! * TACTIC AND STRATEGY: (read carefully !) Farm like mad and deny like freak. Remember this : Overload bonus damage WORKS on allied creeps but do not included mini AOE purge-effect ! Someone said that Raijin is a paradox with main Int attribute and godllike attack speed. It 's not true! Mana is his main source of his attack speed so he MUST be Int base hero to maintain his Electric Rave ! Don't hesitate to turn on Electric Rave when you want to "eat" whole the tower or harass/farm creeps even to deny your creeps. Try to maintain Electric Rave as long as possible with a couple of Clarity Potion ! Every hero from the start just has so-so attack damage so faster attack speed will give you more advantage ! * FARMING: As I said, Raijin is quite adept at farming but is only from mid-game after owning Maelstrom. Raijin is gifted with cheap skill 1 and skill 3 so farming/denying is not "too" hard for him ! * PUSHING: Don't attempt to push at early-game with Raijin, your only task at this stage is farm,farm and farm. Early-pushing is very stupid due to some reasons: - As long as the enemy's 1st tower is existed, your farming ability is existed too! - Pushing too deep into their base cause you lots of ganking risks which lead to the death... * HERO KILLING: Do not join any battle in this time ! Raijin is quite weak early-2-mid game. If you feed more than 2 lives... you are extreme unlikely to be strong in the mid-game as late-game. Your teammates may call you a coward T_T. You don't need to show your killing potential unless the situation forces you into it (i.e rescue friends, get ambushed,etc). Do not ever initiate the battle, stay calm and counter if they force you to do it. *TIP$, TIP$ AND TIP$: How to harass efficiently ? With your Overload and right timing you can annoy your lane's rivals alot ! Take a look at this picture : "Each successful attack builds up a static charge, eventually releasing in the form for an electrical burst. The burst deals damage and does a minor Purge-like effect to the attacked foe and nearby area.". Yeah ! Got it ? To own with Raijin, you must be really good DotA player. You do not only have to last hit/deny successfully but to build up your Overload by hitting the creeps constanly. When you can see the his hands got charged, simply attack their main heroes. Just only one hit - buffed one ! By repeating doing this you can harass them quite well without any counter because Overload can purge them in really short time - just fit for you to come back position. Then what defines his superior harass ability ? Try this Advanced Harass Method : build up your Overload but please, do not give their heroes that hit. Let the creep who is nearest him take it ! OFMG ? What am I planning to do by dealing just 75 Dmg? Tickling him right ? HELL NO ! With super attack speed from E.Rave you should be able to this trick quite frequently. You indirectly hurt your enemies without getting a counter hit which is very rare and precious point for every non-orb-walking heroes like Raijin. Take this as your greatest advantage since you have godly attack speed and the AOE of Overload is 350 if I recall correctly. * ENDING EARLY-MID GAME: Play wisely and best situation should be 1-0 (you 're Sentinal). You should 've farm a lot and deny a lot too! If you farmed and pushed really well and took the dominance : Don't misunderstand why you are so rich ! It's the end of Raijin's early-game when you reach level 11 ! If you haven't made really good progress then: If you are really skilled player (like me ^_^) you should have 1 or 2 null talismans , depends on your dominance and visiting times back to the fountain to recharge mana and HP. Medium Goal: * Must farm MaelStrom. * Do not die at any cost. Read more >> Options >>

Mid Game: Level 11 - 20 MID GAME IS THE TIME FOR RAIJIN TO SHINE (he shines already ^_^ ) IF ONLY YOU DID REALLY WELL IN EARLY GAME (obviously) ! * FARMING : Once you get Maelstrom - 1st core item , farming is never easier. Maelstrom does stack with Overload plus Electric Rave (aka Electric Rape) which make Incredible Trio ! Those sweeet steps can be described like this: when the 1st melee creep comes, turn Electric Rap3 on, attack 2nd melee creep.... It takes 4~5 second to wipe them out all (no more kidding !). You are RICH ! * PUSHING : At this rate, pushing just like a piece of cake. Your crew of creeps loses only 1~2 members while they lose all ! You with your crew may march into enemy's base and take down any obstacle ! Remember : Keep an watchful eye on the miss ones, mid-game is the time every one looking for fresh blood ! Lone wolf die soon ! Always come back after destroy a tower, greed is dead if you want to grab enemies attention by pushing to fast. ...So you can push quite fast then win? NO! As stated before, faster the pushing is, more possibilities you get from ganking. Only push with some support from your allies and make sure you have 1 or 2 Scroll of TP in your inventory. If you can, carry some Wards to prevent yourself from ganking while you are pushing. Oops I forgot the URL of Art of Wards in http://forums.dota-allstars.com T_T. Luckily I found that Nova 's method is nearly as good as it ! Honestly I swear that I have never ever use wards O_o because I'm play very carefully and most of pub-gamers are noob ^_^! (pls PM me if anyone know Art Of Wards URL) * HERO KILLING : As I mentioned before, Raijin is very easy-2-use hero hence his killing method is easy too ! Take a look on the map, determinate which tower is being attack by enemy heroes, turn on your Rave & teleport there. Lightning Grapple to nearest hero while press "A" button and click like mad on him... Die.. Raijin is very strong solo hero due to his godlike attack speed and the "Incredible Trio". At Lvl 16 you should have Guinsoo Scythe - 2nd core item. Maelstrom is best because of its superior farming ability and greatly stackablitity with the other skills. Guinsoo's Scythe of Vyse is second the best because it provides huge damage, good mana regeneration and an ability to turn you into GOD-LIKE - Polymorph. With your (again ^_^) "Incredible Trio" , 3.25 second is enough to bury alive any hero even a living castle like Centaur WarChief or WindWalker as Gondar or Rikimaru. At the end of Mid-game with your ultimate farming ability, you should own Eye Of Skadi - 3rd core item. Now you can pawn every hero even the toughest ones like Naix, Void, PA .... Remember this: If you aren't amateur you should have known that Cold effect of Eye Of Skadi IS STACKABLE with Chain Lightning orb-effect of Maelstrom/Mjollnir OR life-steal orb effect of MoM/Satanic Helm ! DotA is the team-game. Don't be a ruthless player who think himself is the best and always blame everyone for his own fault. Join a gank when you are asked for and stay back whenever you sense the danger (pros call that Sixth Sense ^_^). In the higher level game, a sensible will never try to take a hero kill if that causes you severe damage or death. Please keep this in mind that even you can get that kill, dying once will definitely rob your time and gold ! *TIP$ TIP$ TIP$: Read this carefully or die of knowledge's insufficiency ! - Always have at least 2 Scroll Of Town Portal. Whenever you return the fountain, buy one SoTP. Use it to move to desired location in no time. 270 gold is nothing compare to your terrific farming ability ! In this great mind game, mobility is the first and above-all key of victory. So why don't you get BoT first ? No way ! BoT need totally 2700 gold which definitely slow down your Core Item build. - Lightning-orb-based spells (such as Weaver's Geminate attack and Maelstrom or Entangle of Syllabear's pet) do not trigger unless you specifically order your hero to attack a particular target. If your hero auto-acquires a target, the spell may not trigger unless you specifically (re-)command your hero to attack that target. Source: http://www.dotastrategy.com/forum/ftopic4386.html Original Source: http://forums.dota-allstars.com/index.php?showtopic=12&hl=glitch - Your only defensive skill - Barrier cannot be more helpful. Since it can block 600 magic damage with very cheap cost, you can spam it every time on you to save your life or the main tanker when you face strong nukers. - Get Sheepstick over Eye Of Skadi because its effectiveness on you since you are Int based. - This bold bad boy is totally your menace if he has decent items. Your relatively main source of power is mana but he can break it quite fast ! Try not to fight him 1 on 1 without core item set or he 'll wipe you out with Mana Void ! GG... ENDING INVENTORY In your item building progress, you can sell your power tread/null talisman to have more slots or gold. If you don't farm very well or die sometimes(3 times is max!) : Core Item Set 'll be finished by this stage if you are experienced player : With Core Item Set, please feel free to activate your Electric Rave all the time and deactivate it when your mana pool reachs 1000. Once you get M'jollnir do not forget to spam the Static Charge whenever it is available. Medium Goal: * Finish Core Item Set. * Destroy all lane towers. * Get the "GOD LIKE" streak. Read more >> Options >>

Late Game: Level 21 - 25 I WONDER IF THE GAME HAVE COME THIS FAR... The game should really end when you reach God-like and have Core item set. However, you are still struggling with them... This is quite a big problem because you/your teammates let them farm like mad! Raijin has a tremendous power to bring down anyone. It's the truth but only apply for early-mid game. In late game, there are two type of hero 'll dominate Raijin if him can farm : 1.Critical Damage Dealer : They are capable of dealing > 1000 dmg each hit which 'll tear your team to thousands of pieces. You hold the victory from the start if you farm/deny/push/harass/kill effectively. The winning must be fast, short and merciless. Number-one solution for them : harass and deny. If you accidentally let him farm and get desired item set, it may be unlikely to stop them... 2.Permanent Basher: (aka Forever Hypnosis) The most feared killers in DotA - the permabashers. It's not fun to watch you - Full HP and him - 1/10 HP but you still die due to his permastun! Like Critical Dmg Dealer, they are unstoppable in late game. They 'll toy with you then kill you ferociously. Number-one rule: push hard ASAP, harass like mad, deny AMAP. So it 's impossible to stop those "monsters" ? Luckily, everything can be solved with smartness O_o ! NOTE: The following solutions is applicable for situation if your team didn't focus-fire properly the hidden threats. Early-mid game ganking method is the most important key to stop them from becoming the true god. *SOLUTION 1: Banish forever ! May be killing them is a nightmare for you then just destroyed their Ancient Tree /Frozen Throne ! But how ? If you are pro, please do not blame me because you should have known this : every hero in your team buys Eul 's Scepter of Divinity and Guinsoo 's Scythe Of Vise if you have spared gold ! Even Agility/Strength one must get this too ! After this step the match will conclude for sure. Rush into enemies 's base, destroy everything included creeps, towers, building and kill interupters when they dare to face you ! Wait for the true confrontation - Critical Dealer/ Permabasher appears ! Immediately cast Cyclone/Polymorph on him ! One by one repeat doing this while the remained teammates are crushing their base ! Glorious vitory >_< ! Get Eul 's Scepter of Divinity over Guinsoo 's Scythe of Vyse due to its very long "banish" duration : 5.6 seconds , much longer than 3.25 seconds for Polymorph. What your team requires is his vanishment, you can do everything as long as he vanishes ! (I don't mean to get 6 Eul. I just want to show you its importance and effectiveness !) This solution is really helpful if... If the enemy 's team has only one critical dealer/ permabasher. If they have more than one then I have to sadly tell you that you are loser because your mercy that you/your teammates let them farm like mad T_T . ....Permabash...... .....1000 DPS..... If you see that enemy get one of those deadly hero after you choose Raijin. Tell your teammate to choose one deadly hero too (hope they didn't made a decision &_&). Tell them to get the permabashers over critical dealers because they are most effective heroes by the late game ! AFAIK, bash Exploitation - permabash of Barathrum can be done by a sequence of multi-animation canceling. I have done it only twice in 6.44 and 6.46b version ! ************************** *SOLUTION 2: Deadly Reflection This solution should works no matter how strong they are ! The quest must be carried on from the start of the match. If they have chosen the permabasher(s), your teammate must choose Tanker/Reflect Dmg Heroes. The item build must have at least: 2x Blade Mail up to 3, 2 x HoT up to 3! The reflectors 'll be your team 's counter method against those "monsters". Best nominees for this risky task should be: Centaur Warchief, Neurubian Assassin and Axe. The God Of Unfortune may hate you so much if your arch enemy manages to buy 1 Black King Bar because reflected damage is magical type... ************************** ULTIMATE ITEM SET : Raijin is SUPER heavily item-dependant so the good item build affect to his power entirely ! There are many ways for you to build up Raijin Ultimate Item Set. After you get all 4 core item included: BoT, EoS, Guinsoo, Mjollnir then last best two items should be two of these : Provides +965 HP and 11 HP regen per second. 30% Evasion +30 damage +30%IAS +4.3 armor ~ 30 agility ~ 30%IAS 15 armor + 55% attack speed +75 damage & 20% Chance 2.2x Damage Multiplier +75 Damage and +15%IAS +100 Damage to Target 0.01 Second Stun 30% Chance I 'll show you 4 best (may be not *o* )item builds : BUILD 1 : ALL-AROUND with HoT and The Butterfly * Vital Info : 3728 HP + 22.2 armor ~ 57% damage reduction + 30% evasion + 30 damage * Good : Very stable build with alot of HP/Dmg Reduction as the high rate of Evasion ! * Bad : Such a waste of his killing potential ! *************************************************************************** BUILD 2 : CRAZY TANKER with HoT and Assault Cuirass * Vital Info : 3728 HP + 32.9 armor ~ 70% damage reduction. * Good : Defensive build which make you a living castle, very "hard" to kill. * Bad : Since he is gifted with killing potential so this build may be wasted ! *************************************************************************** BUILD 3 : IMPENETRABLE with The Butterfly and Assault Cuirass * Vital Info: 2763 HP + 37.2 armor ~ 73% damage reduction + 30% Evasion + 30 damage * Good : Almost impossible to kill him with this item build ! God-like attack speed ! * Bad : Not really reliable build, waste his killing potential ! *************************************************************************** BUILD 4 : BRUTAL MURDER with Buriza-do Kyanon and Monkey King Bar * Vital Info : +150 damage + 20% Chance 2.2x Dmg + 30% Chance 100 Bonus Dmg Mini Stun * Good : Fully release his TRUE indentity - killing machine with huge attack damage and god-like attack speed ! * Bad : Fragile build with low HP/Dmg reduction and no evasion ! Just like an assassin... *************************************************************************** Sadly no item build is flawless @_@ ! Every build has its good/bad aspects. Choose your Ultimate Item Set carefully ! My only advice is watching the conditions wisely and take aim at best item choice for each match ! Read more >> Options >>

Conclusion: ITEMS WHICH ARE BAD TO GET & SITUATIONAL ITEMS : ****ORB-EFFECT ITEMS NOT MAELSTRON & MJOLLNIR**** All orb-effect items excepted Maelstrom/Mjollnir is strongly recommended not to buy. Gifted with unmatchable attack speed which is granted from E.Rave, Chain Lightning will trigger a lot for sure ! One more thing that Raijin greatly benefits from Chain Lightning : it "chains" - hitingt multiple targets at once fantastically improve farming ability and killing possibility. ****MEKANSM/NECRONOMICON/DAGON/LOTHAR'S EDGE**** Raijin is a battle mage. Leave Mekanms for more supporting heroes. Necronomicon is not needed since Raijin is definitely DPSer with awesome attack speed.Buy Dagon if you LOVE kill stealing, completely loses its effectiveness by the late game. Lothar's Edge no comment ! ****OTHER ITEMS THAT BAD FOR RAIJIN**** Hand of Midas suits farming, so what's Maelstrom for ? If you opted to play permabash job, please play Void or Barathrum... Almost non-damage items like Blood Stone and Aghanism's Scepter are totally waste of gold on Raijin. If you think Barrier is not good enough to nullify spells then get you own gold to buy HoD. Barrier is basically a spell block for Raijin with 20s cool down... ****SITUATIONAL ITEMS**** Black King Bar is recommended if their team planned to have some early-push with all Intelligence based heroes. I rarely own Divine Aegis synergy unless someone in my team accidentally dropped his Divine Rapier. Replace 2 last optional item with that god's synergy. ************************** Mocking & Counter Section : 1. M: Why Maelstrom/Mjollnir man ?! Raijin is Int hero ! You dumba$$ ! C: Ok man. As I said Raijin has quite "fast" attack speed. 150/200 bonus Chain Lightning from Maelstrom/Mjollnir is just too tempting to pass ! 2. M: Finally, which item build is the best ??? C: As I said: Every build has its flaw. If you are perceptive you can choose it wisely by yourself. 3. M: Where the hell is your "Team Killing Section" ??? C: Stay calm. You 'll see right now ! 4. M: What do "AMAP" and "IAS" mean ? C: As much as possible - Increase Attack Speed ! In conclusion, you 'll be loved by all heroes and hated by all too (lol) ! Although Raijin is incredibly strong hero, 5 vs 5 match of DotA depends much on good teamwork, even a powerhouse can be taken down by smart strategy. ****************************** There are some programs may define your DotA level: 1.DotA keys: Have you ever found it hard to manage hot keys and spell items ? For me, I always get troubled whenever I try to use Eul Scepter/Sheep Stick, Mekam, Dagon... with precise timing ! This will solve it all. Just imagine all hot keys of your skills are arranged on the same line ! Link: http://forums.dota-allstars.com/index.php?showtopic=35148 2.Ventrilo Voice Chat: Speaking are always better than typing (obviously !). With this splendid program, you and your teammates will dominate every one with almost-perfect plans and clear information of strategy ! Link: http://forums.dota-allstars.com/index.php?showtopic=37716 Actually this program will support greatly you and your teammates to manage some deadly team killing combos which are listed below. Credits Thanks Drew who made this marvelous site ! Thanks all Mods who helped me so much in approval progress ! Thanks Ice Frog who made this awesome map ! Thanks every high rating guide which taught me a lot ! Thanks my friends who helped me a lot to test Raijin's Ultimate Skill ! THANKS DotA-Allstars.com which provides very nice Hero Editor ! THANKS Forums.dota-allstars.com Community which provided me so much knowledge ! THANKS Imageshack.us - so kewl media host ! THANKS ANYONE WHO GIVE ME GOOD RATING AND GOOD COMMENTS ^_^ *Sorry If my English was bad because I'm Vietnamese ^_^ * ******************END For Casual Guide's Section***************** HERE COMES TEAM KILLING SECTION *THIS Part requires some basic knowledge of DotA so stay alerted ! Raijin is very powerful solo hero but what made me love to use him to so cool killing methods with my teammates - Lightning Grapple ! I'll go quick so stay tuned. Let 's elaborate the effectiveness of the Lightning Grapple : * Remarkably short cooldown - 35 seconds ! * Very Long Range (LvL 4) - 1400 range ! * DOES STOP Channeling Spells ! * Doesn't work on non-organic, ancient units,neutral creeps and creeps of both sides (prevent creep abuse) * Works on heroes of both sides. How does Lightning Grapple works ? It sucks every allowed unit (above) into its flying way in about 200 AOE. Everything will be sucked into 1 point ! See below picture for more details: Imagine the neutral creeps are heroes (because LG doesn't work on creeps anymore). What will happen if their destination is a bunch of Techies's explosives ??? **************************** The following picture shows you how long Lightning Grapple is: As you saw, 1400 range is absolutely long ! In older version, backward-creeps's marchway grappling will freeze creeps AI which creates so freaky awesome push with mass creeps if used properly. Sadly from 6.46b, creep abuse is no longer available T_T. With very long range of movement, Lightning can save your allies to run away from chasers or get back the fountain faster (imagine you saved your friend after the Doom, I'm sure he owes you a lot >_< ) TIP$: Where you descend the LG, it will take down all the tree in about 500 AOE which is really helpful you are chasing a tricky prey who likes to play "hide & seek" with the trees ! ************************** Team Killing Combo with Lightning Grapple require very high-class timing skill and accurate team work between the teammates. Most of T.K combo are very dangerous if used properly or you 'll end up your game with lots of sacrifices ! Deadlier the combo is, more precise the timing skill require. So try to put it into practice many times before you join a real (stake) match. Each combo 'll have these 5 elements: * Function: Use of combo * Possibilities to work: Percentage for the combo to happen * Possibilities to kill : Percentage to kill * Timing Skill : 0 --> 100%. Higher percentage means better timing skill requires * Team work : 0 ---> 100%. Higher percentage means more precise teamwork requires It 'll took days to tell all of possible combo. I only make a list of the most effective combo. Please keep this in mind that T.K is extremely hard to be successful if you/your partner is a amateur or you play in sooo lag conditions ! ****SAND STORM**** Crixalis casts Epic Center then Raijin grapples every one into vibrating AOE ! Crixalis IS NOT INCLUDED in the crew ! * Function: Defend or Attack, often use to ambush * Possibilities to work: 80% * Possibilities to kill : 85% * Timing Skill : 85% * Team work : 90% NOTE: Epic Center need casting animation. Be patient. Be wary of skillful players, they 'll counter this easily with stun spells. ****BLIZZARD**** Crystal Maiden casts Freezing Field then you can grapple the enemies into freezing AOE ! Rylai IS NOT INCLUDED in the crew ! * Function: Ambush * Possibilities to work: 75% * Possibilities to kill : 90% * Timing Skill : 85% * Team work : 90% NOTE: Crystal Maiden is as fragile as crystal so if you feel that the enemies is too strong don't this combo or she 'll be broken ! ****KABOOM ! **** Techies places tonnes of mines in unexpected locations like forests, riverside or hooking place of Butcher. Wait when they move in your casting range, grapple them into bomb-set area! Sure kill! Even someone stays alive, you should wipe him out very lightly because that tons of mines dropped his HP to danger-status ! * Function: Ambush * Possibilities to work: 95% * Possibilities to kill : 95% * Timing Skill : 95% * Team work : 95% NOTE: This combo need you to sit near your "Techies" friend or both of you must be very telepathic to understand other's mind. If Techies doesn't to sacrifice his life (most of time ^_^) you may grapple him to enemy then suicide - Suicide on The Flight ! ****ATTACK OF THE CLONES**** On the battlefield, Ish~kafel casts Wall of Replica and Raijin grapples all heroes into the Wall... OMG....Mass duplication immediately ! Simply kills ! * Function: Defend or Attack, often use for general attack * Possibilities to work: 85% * Possibilities to kill : 85% * Timing Skill : 80% * Team work : 85% NOTE: Make sure that every hero 'll be sucked into your Lightning Grapple or it 'll be wasted. ****RICOCHET MADNESS**** Raigor casts fissure on the enemies. While they are stunned, Raijin grapples him into the crowd. Raigor may casts Enchant Totem or Echo Slam. Terribly serious damage if "overcrowded" of enemies ! * Function: Defensive combo * Possibilities to work: 85% * Possibilities to kill : 90% * Timing Skill : 85% * Team work : 90% NOTE: Make sure that every enemy 'll be sucked into your Lightning Grapple. ****ELECTRIC BURIAL**** Raijin grapples Tiny into the enemies. Tiny casts Avalanche and Toss immediately. Short description but very long list of casualties T_T ! * Function: Attack * Possibilities to work: 90% * Possibilities to kill : 90% * Timing Skill : 90% * Team work : 90% NOTE: Always remind Tiny to pay attention before execute this combo ! ****PERFECT TREATMENT**** Raijin grapples all enemies into expected location, VOL'JIN IS NOT INCLUDED in the crew ! Vol'jin immediately casts Paralyzing Casks +Maledict +Death Ward on the crowd. Just like heaven ! * Function: Defend or Attack, often use to ambush * Possibilities to work: 85% * Possibilities to kill : 95% * Timing Skill : 95% * Team work : 95% NOTE: I repeat that Vol'Jin IS NOT INCLUDED on the crew or our doctor 'll die of cancer ! ****ICE AGE**** Raijin grapples all of the enemies into expected location. Lich came there first but stay away from landed place, casts Chain Frost right after the landing. Massacre ! Frost Nove can be casted on survivors. * Function: Ambush * Possibilities to work: 90% * Possibilities to kill : 90% * Timing Skill : 90% * Team work : 90% NOTE: Kel'Thuzad IS NOT INCLUDED on the crew or Ice Age 'll melt ! ****CURSE OF THE TORMENTED**** Leshrac casts Diabolic Edict and Pulse Nova at the same time Raijin grapples him into the crowd. Split Earth and Lightning Storm can be casted then. Really serious damage ! * Function: Defensive Combo * Possibilities to work: 90% * Possibilities to kill : 95% * Timing Skill : 95% * Team work : 95% NOTE: The Tormented Soul need a decent HP/Mana (harvest from EoS or Aghanism's Scepter) to accomplish this combo. From here now on I 'll remove the details. Those above example is good enough to understand the simple rules of Lightning Grapple. ****FREEZE AND MELT**** NOTE: Jakiro IS NOT INCLUDED on the crew. ****PAIN IN THE A$$**** NOTE: Akasha has to be on the crew or she must stay on the end of the grapple, casts Scream Of Pain, Blink out there and casts Sonic Wave. ****SPELL HAZARD**** NOTE: Lina IS NOT INCLUDED on the crew! ****TIME SPLITTER**** NOTE: Make sure that where that "balloon" ll be casted on and all of the enemies must be sucked into your grapple. ****ELECTRIC MIST**** NOTE: This is Mass Disable Combo not damaging combo. ****PLAGUE TIME !**** NOTE: Barrier helps Pudge not to get hurt from Root's magic dmg. ****STOMP OF WAR**** ****ELECTRIC ECLIPSE**** ****DARK ART'S INVASION**** NOTE: Rhasta IS NOT INCLUDED on the crew. Rhasta casts Mass Serpent Ward, Raijin grapples enemies into the wards. In the chaos, Rhasta show his talent in dark art while Raijin is overkilling ! ****ELECTRIC REQUIEM**** ......More and more combo(s). Discover it by yourself ! The combo will release its true potential if it is managed by many heroes. Here is 1 evident example which has been done once with my friends, our rivals left pathetically after it T_T. I wonder if anyone can survive... Lightning Grapple + Overgrowth + Chain Frost + Epicenter + Death Ward = 100% GG ! Why Lightning Grapple can make so many skill-combinations ?! Lightning Grapple is more likely a blink/swap/hook AOE spell. It's a key. That means you give your teammates free Kellen Dagger of Escape every 35 seconds. But it has reverse effect: It works on both side and stop channeling spells! If you grasp this skill 's features, you can make any combo with any spells ! Please note that the heroes which use Channeling Spell should buy BkB or Linken's Sphere to counter stun spells ! I named it "Team Killing Method" that means If it is used properly, It may kill their whole team in a blink of an eye ! No kidding ! ************************************************** I hope you actually enjoy reading my guide ! I'm looking forward to high rating and good comment, especially the critic review ! *Confession: I fixed and edited this guide for at least 10 times before it get approved, each time = 30 mins. My friend called me "gay" when I always use this hero to test every team-killing. I used to believe that Lightning Grapple doesn't stop channeling spells! Poor me huh ?!