[Sand King] Beneath The Shifting Sands [V0.1]

[Un1t3D_]

Un1t3D_ & DarkMedina proudly present:

-=-=- Beneath The Shifting Sands - Crixalis - The Sand King -=-=-

Version 0.1

Changelog:

[21/08/09] - Guide Started.

Table Of Contents :

• -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
• Foreword & Introduction [#FwI]
• Hero Description & Stats [#HdS]
• Hero Skills & Builds [#HsB]
• Items - Builds & Recommendations [#IbR]
• Strategies & Tips [#SaT]
• Replays & Other Media [#RoM]
• Credits & Thanks [#CaT]
• -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

To use this ToC, Simply CtrL + F, then type in the section code into the bar to find the section.

Section 1: Foreword & Introduction [#FwI]

Authors' Foreword:

Un1t3D_: This is a collaborated guide by both me and DarkMedina. As you might have realised, this looks quite like my Storm Spirit guide. This is because I have used the same kind style I used for the SS guide, and I will continue to use this style in the future.

Before I start, I will state that I personally have no competitive experience, which means this guide might not be suited for competitive play.

Also, English is not my native language, so please bare with me, I would be glad if you point out any spelling/grammar mistakes I made.

DarkMedina: This is a collaborated guide by both me and Un1t3D_. The style was chosen by him, I quite agree that it's very cool.
I play mostly on competitive scenery: Brazilian leagues and clan war. You might know be for my replays and for my Lion guide. I'll try to fit this guide to competitive play also.
We hope that you appreciate this guide and that it becomes useful for you when you play this amazing hero: Crixalis, the Sand King.

Introduction:

The Sand King emphasizes area of effect damage more than most. All four of his abilities can damage multiple foes at once. Burrowstrike, his mainstay, damages and stuns targets in a line. In addition, when using this ability, the Sand King burrows to the target location which sets him up for additional attacks or spells. This can get him into trouble though, and to help evade counter attacks Crixalis uses Sand Storm. While active, this ability makes the Sand King invisible in the middle of a swirling storm of dust. Although he is unable to move while remaining invisible, nearby enemies will take damage as long as they remain in the storm. The Sand King can finish off groups off units with his Caustic Finale passive skill, which causes a deadly explosion every time he kills a unit with his physical attack. Epicenter, arguably Crixalis' most deadly ability, creates a pulsing earthquake centered on his location. When combined with Burrowstrike, this ability is often fatal to fragile heroes, and leaves tougher enemies wounded and limping for safety.

This guide was designed to fit the competitive matches metagame, where Sand King is played to his maximum potential.

Section 2 : Hero Description and Stats [#HdS]

Backstory:

A guardian of the ancient Nerubian Kingdom of Azjol-Nerub, Crixalis fled to the deserts of Kalimdor in an attempt to escape the genocide of the Lich King. The harsh climate transformed this warrior into a master of the earth, able to tear the skin off his foes with vicious sand storms. Those unfortunate to succumb to his potent toxins are condemned to violently burst apart in a cloud of noxious fumes. Sensing his growing power, the Lich King sought out Crixalis and, unable to sway him, slew him in battle. Summoned to aid the Undead Scourge, the heart of the Sentinel quivers each time the ground trembles beneath them.

Hero Page on PlayDotA: Sand King - DotA Hero Details

Pros & Cons

Pros:
[+]Huge Aoe Damage
[+]2 Escape skills
[+]Item Independent
[+]Easy to farm with

Cons:
[-]Mana Dependant
[-]Low base armor/Hp
[-]Low strength gain for STR hero
[-]2 Spells are channeling, requires BKB/Blink to use properly.

Hero Stats:

Crixalis, the Sand King

Strength Gain: 18 + 2.3/Per Level
Agility Gain: 19 + 2.1/Per Level
Intelligence Gain: 16 + 1.8/Per Level

Affiliation: Neutral
Attack Animation: 0.53 / 0.47
Damage: 43 - 59
Casting Animation: 0 / 0.51
Armor: 0.7
Base Attack Time: 1.7
Movespeed: 300
Missile Speed: Instant
Attack Range: 128 (melee)
Sight Range: 1800 / 800

Section 3: Hero Skills & Builds [#HsB]

His skills are as follows:

BurrowStrike

Ability Type: Active
Targeting Type: Point
Ability Hotkey: E

The Sand King burrows into the ground and tunnels forward, impaling everything above him, then resurfaces.

Level 1: 100 Damage, 400 Casting Range.
Level 2: 160 Damage, 500 Casting Range.
Level 3: 220 Damage, 600 Casting Range.
Level 4: 280 Damage, 700 Casting Range.

• Damage type: magical.
• Hit units will fly for 0.52 seconds before the real stun is applied.
• Aoe is always 175.
• Manacost is always 140.
• Cooldown is always 11 seconds.

Sand Storm

Ability Type: Active
Targeting Type: Instant
Ability Hotkey: R

Sand King creates a fearsome Sand Storm. The storm blinds his enemies and he becomes invisible to them. The storm also causes his opponents to take damage.

Level 1: 20 DPS, 300 AOE, 60 mana, 40 sec CD, 20 sec duration, 0.6 sec extra invis.
Level 2: 40 DPS, 350 AOE, 50 mana, 35 sec CD, 40 sec duration, 0.9 sec extra invis.
Level 3: 60 DPS, 400 AOE, 40 mana, 30 sec CD, 60 sec duration, 1.2 sec extra invis.
Level 4: 80 DPS, 550 AOE, 30 mana, 25 sec CD, 80 sec duration, 1.5 sec extra invis.

• Damage type: magical.
• If the Sand King is magic immune at the moment of casting Sand Storm, it will not become invisible.
• Sand Storm is considered a channeling spell.

Caustic Finale

Ability Type: Passive
Targeting Type: N/A
Ability Hotkey: L

Each of the Sand King's attacks injects a deadly venom that causes the target to explode violently on death, dealing damage in an area.

Level 1: 90 Damage
Level 2: 130 Damage
Level 3: 170 Damage
Level 4: 220 Damage

• Duration is always 0.25 seconds.
• AoE is always 400 units.
• Damage type: magical.
• Exploding units leave no corpse.
• Caustic Finale places a buff on the attacked unit that lasts 0.25 seconds. If a unit dies with the buff on it, it will still explode, regardless if Sand King delivered the killing blow or not.
• Does not work on denies(the buff is not placed on allied units)
• Caustic Finale is an Orb Effect.

Epicenter

Ability Type: Active
Targeting Type: Instant/Channeling
Ability Hotkey: C

Sends a disturbance into the earth, causing it to shudder violently. All caught within range will take damage and become slowed. The closer to the epicenter, the more damage taken.

Level 1: Emits 6 (7*) pulses. Each pulse deals 110 damage and slows by 30%. CD of 140 (120*) seconds. 175 Manacost.

Level 2: Emits 8 (9*) pulses. Each pulse deals 110 damage and slows by 30%. CD of 120 (100*) seconds. 250 Manacost.

Level 3: Emits 10 (11*) pulses. CD of 100 (80*) seconds. 325 Manacost.

• Each pulse deals 110 damage and slows by 30%.
• Damage type: magical
• Sand King channels for 2 seconds before activating this skill. Stopping the channeling will waste the cooldown and mana required for the skill.
• The pulses are centered on the Sand King's current location, not where he first casted the spell.
• The AoE of the pulses is 300 / 350 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 550 / 600 / 675 / 700 / 725 / (800*)
• Can be improved by Aghanim's Scepter (* shows the improved values).

[DarkMedina]

DarkMedina: This is a collaborated guide by both me and Un1t3D_. The style was chosen by him, I quite agree that it's very cool.
I play mostly on competitive scenery: Brazilian leagues and clan war. You might know be for my replays and for my Lion guide. I'll try to fit this guide to competitive play also.
We hope that you appreciate this guide and that it becomes useful for you when you play this amazing hero: Crixalis, the Sand King.


Strategy Stuff

Highly Questionable Items

Necronomicom
Dagon
Refresher Orb
Bloodstone

Rejected Items

Orb Effects / Buff Placers
Dps Items
Blade Mail/Vanguard
Mekansm

Bracers os Nulls

I would say that neither of them are good. But you may need some hp/mp before your dagger. Just don't get into the game thinking that you're going to need them and it's fine.

--- Skill Usage ----

Burrowstrike

For initiating. For disabling. For escaping.
Some projectiles can be dodged with BS. Abuse it, but be cautious as you can miss the timing, get disabled to death or let the enemies escape.
The maximum range of BS is the casting range plus 150 AOE, thereby 850 on level 4. The AOE is a bit lower than the original Impale, but has 1.75 times it's casting range and also transports you with it. Upside is that you can use it as a blink and you can catch up to attack with your melee range. Downside is that you'll likely have to close into your enemies after casting it, rendering you vulnerable to disable/nukes.
Try to align yourself with the enemies so that you get all the heroes you can with your stun.
Burrowstrike can be dodged by your enemy if he goes into fog in the exact momment when SK is about to stun. BE AWARE OF IT.
Also, you can Burrowstrike into some trees where they won't likely see you, thereby won't be able to cast some spells at you. Abuse it, you may be able to TP or blink out/further inside the trees for a safer TP.

SandStorm

Handwriten.

Caustic Finale

Most of the time, it's a farming skill. Last hit and the damage will be dealt in AOE. Can be used to damage melee heroes/units inlane, it's not advisable though because it pushes the lane. Also notice that at level 4, Burrowstrike almost kills the ranged creeps, so abuse it. You can BS then last hit them to deal some AOE damage, useful for farming and nukeing.

Epicenter

--Without Dagger--

- Immediatelly after Burrowstrike.
- In fog, provided that the enemies are likely to meet you after you finnish channelling it.
- In the only escape route to your enemy, provided that no one can safely disable you.
- Before Burrowstrike. You can use BS as a downgraded blink, it is not so effective.
- Right when someone is getting back (2 seconds before) with X marks the Spot, banish or reincarnation.

--With Dagger--

- To initiate from range.
- To initiate from fog (better).
- Ult + Blink + Burrowstrike - You try to get as many targets as possible. BS when you feel like you're going to be disabled down or when the targets are trying to get away, also for helping your allies to catch up with them and for disabling skills. You can also use BS to escape, stunning some people too.
- Blink + Impale + Ult - In case you need to urge in and disable to help allies or interrupt a channelling spell.
- To counter gank / buy time for your team / nuke + slow.

=> Abuse CD with Aghanim's


How to Ult + Blink

The best way is to count to two in your mind while watching the hero animation. Landing a perfect blink is crucial for dealing near full damage. Test and master it at single player, count the pulses that proc after you blink. You'll have mastered it when you cause 3/6/9 waves (out of the 4/7/10 total pulses in the description) to be dealt on the desired AOE (according to the level of Epicenter). Count 1 extra pulse if you have Aghanim's.
Shift issue'ing is possible, but it's easily ruined if the enemy moves out of the desired AOE while you channel it. You can undo the queue without cancelling your ult. Be aware of that. The upside is that it's easier to land a good blink with it, without ruining your ult because of delay/lag.
The AOE of the pulses increases with further pulses. To deal full damage, the targets should be within 300 initial range and not run more than like 70 units per pulse. Keep the targets within range by following them or by casting BS and closing up. Hit whenever they won't be able to outrun you or disable you down (aka kill you).

[DarkMedina]

Un1t3D_ and DarkMedina Present:

-=-=- Beneath The Shifting Sands - Crixalis - The Sand King -=-=-

Version 1.337

Changelog:

[1/3/37] - 1337

Welcoming any comments, suggestions, and/or questions.


Table Of Contents :

• -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
• Foreword & Introduction [#FwI]
• Hero Description & Stats [#HdS]
• Hero Skills & Builds [#HsB]
• Items - Builds & Recommendations [#IbR]
• Strategies & Tips [#SaT]
• Replays & Other Media [#RoM]
• Credits & Thanks [#CaT]
• -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

To use this ToC, Simply CtrL + F, then type in the section code into the bar to find the section.

Section 1: Foreword & Introduction [#FwI]

Author's Foreword:

Un1t3D_: This is a collaborated guide by both me and DarkMedina. As you might have realised, this looks quite like my Storm Spirit guide. This is because I have used the same kind style I used for the SS guide, and I will continue to use this style in the future.

Before I start, I will state that I personally have no competitive experience, which means this guide might not be suited for competitive play. Also, English is not my native language, so please bare with me, I would be glad if you point out any spelling/grammar mistakes I made.

DarkMedina: This is a collaborated guide by both me and Un1t3D_. The style was chosen by him, I quite agree that it's very cool.
I play mostly on competitive scenery: Brazilian leagues and clan war. You might know be for my replays and for my Lion guide. I'll try to fit this guide to competitive play also.
We hope that you appreciate this guide and that it becomes useful for you when you play this amazing hero: Crixalis, the Sand King.

Introduction:

This guide was designed to fit the competitive matches metagame, where Sand King is played to his maximum potential.

Section 2 : Hero Description and Stats [#HdS]

Backstory:

A guardian of the ancient Nerubian Kingdom of Azjol-Nerub, Crixalis fled to the deserts of Kalimdor in an attempt to escape the genocide of the Lich King. The harsh climate transformed this warrior into a master of the earth, able to tear the skin off his foes with vicious sand storms. Those unfortunate to succumb to his potent toxins are condemned to violently burst apart in a cloud of noxious fumes. Sensing his growing power, the Lich King sought out Crixalis and, unable to sway him, slew him in battle. Summoned to aid the Undead Scourge, the heart of the Sentinel quivers each time the ground trembles beneath them.

Sand King is GAY.

Hero Page on PlayDotA: Sand King - DotA Hero Details

Pros & Cons

[+]Gay
[+]Gay
[+]Gay
[+]Gay
[+]Gay

[-]Gay
[-]Gay
[-]Gay
[-]Gay

Hero Stats:

Crixalis, the Sand King

Strength Gain: 18 + 2.3/Per Level
Agility Gain: 19 + 2.1/Per Level
Intelligence Gain: 16 + 1.8/Per Level



Section 3: Hero Skills & Builds [#HsB]

His skills are as follows:

Burrowstrike



Description:

The Sand King burrows into the ground and tunnels forward, impaling everything above him, then resurfaces.

Skill Statistics:

Level 1: Deals 100 damage, casting range of 400.
Level 2: Deals 160 damage, casting range of 500.
Level 3: Deals 220 damage, casting range of 600.
Level 4: Deals 280 damage, casting range of 700.

[list][*]Mana Cost is always 140[*]Cooldown is always 11 seconds[*]Stun time is always 1.65 seconds[*]AOE is always 175[*]Damage type: magical[*]Hit units will fly for 0.52 seconds before the real stun is applied.

Notes : This is SPARTAAAAA.

Sand Storm



Description:

Sand King creates a fearsome Sand Storm. The storm blinds his enemies and he becomes invisible to them. The storm also causes his opponents to take damage.

Skill Statistics:

Level 1: 20 DPS, 300 AOE, 60 mana, 40 sec CD, 20 sec duration, 0.6 sec extra invis.
Level 2: 40 DPS, 350 AOE, 50 mana, 35 sec CD, 40 sec duration, 0.9 sec extra invis.
Level 3: 60 DPS, 400 AOE, 40 mana, 30 sec CD, 60 sec duration, 1.2 sec extra invis.
Level 4: 80 DPS, 550 AOE, 30 mana, 25 sec CD, 80 sec duration, 1.5 sec extra invis.

• Damage type: magical
• If the Sand King is magic immune at the moment of casting Sand Storm, it will not become invisible.
• Sand Storm is considered a channeling spell.

Notes: This is SPARTAAAA.

Caustic Finale



Description:

Each of the Sand King's attacks injects a deadly venom that causes the target to explode violently on death, dealing damage in an area.

Skill Statistics:

Level 1: 90 Damage
Level 2: 130 Damage
Level 3: 170 Damage
Level 4: 220 Damage

• Duration is always 0.25 seconds
• AoE is always 400 units
• Damage type: magical
• Exploding units leave no corpse
• Caustic Finale places a buff on the attacked unit that lasts 0.25 seconds. If a unit dies with the buff on it, it will still explode, regardless if Sand King delivered the killing blow or not
• Does not work on denies (the buff is not placed on allied units)
• Caustic Finale is an Orb Effect.

Notes: This is SPARTAAAAA.

Epicenter



Description:

Sends a disturbance into the earth, causing it to shudder violently. All caught within range will take damage and become slowed. The closer to the epicenter, the more damage taken.

Skill Statistics:

Level 1: Emits 6 (7*) pulses. Each pulse deals 110 damage and slows by 30%. CD of 140 (120*) seconds. 175 Manacost.

Level 2: Emits 8 (9*) pulses. Each pulse deals 110 damage and slows by 30%. CD of 120 (100*) seconds. 250 Manacost.

Level 3: Emits 10 (11*) pulses. CD of 100 (80*) seconds. 325 Manacost.

• Each pulse deals 110 damage and slows by 30%.
• Damage type: magical
• Sand King channels for 2 seconds before activating this skill. Stopping the channeling will waste the cooldown and mana required for the skill.
• The pulses are centered on the Sand King's current location, not where he first casted the spell.
• The AoE of the pulses is 300 / 350 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 550 / 600 / 675 / 700 / 725 / (800*)
• Can be improved by Aghanim's Scepter (* shows the improved values).

Note : This is SPARTAAAA.

Skill Builds:

Skill Build

[B]Level 1 : Burrowstrike
Level 2 : SandStorm
Level 3 : Burrostrike
Level 4 : Attribute Bonuses
Level 5 : Burrowstrike
Level 6 : Epicenter
Level 7: Burrowstrike
Level 8 ~ 10 : Caustic Finale / Attribute Bonuses
Level 11: Epicenter
Level 12 ~ 15 : Attribute Bonuses
Level 16: Epicenter
Level 17 ~ 25 : WHATEVER THE FUCK IS LEFT

Explanation :

It pwnz.

[DarkMedina]

Dota Replay Parser

SandKing by DM - amazing ganks and teambattles + 11/0 Slardar - DotA Allstars Discussion

Dota Replay Parser

[desOo]

Nice begin. Waiting.

[Un1t3D_]

This guide should no longer be viewed. DarkMedina has finished this guide by himself, you should go to that one now.

[Acechiling]

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