Please comment and give your opinion so as to improve this guide and my guidewriting skills as a whole. I am also looking for Tauren Chieftain replays, please upload your replays on Mediafire or any free filehosting site (no Rapidshare please) and give me the link on this thread!

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Table of Contents

- Introduction
- Background
- Skills
- Skill Build
- Item Build
- Strategy
- Friends
- Enemies
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Replays
- Changelog

1.1 Introduction

The Tauren Chieftain was introduced in the 6.60 patch. A strength-based hero, the Tauren Chieftain is extremely versatile, for it can harass, chase, initiate, and gank. I believe the Tauren Chieftain is similar to the Earthshaker as both of them are Strength nukers. This guide hopes to teach players to utilize this hero to its maximum potential and own with the Tauren Chieftain.

Disclaimer: This is my very first guide so please spare the flak Please provide constructive criticism and opinion so that I can improve and write better guides.

1.2 Background

Nice Spiffy Story

Since ancient times it has been prophesized by the Tauren elders that a Chieftain will come, strong as the mightiest warriors and wise as the eldest shamans. After many years of wandering the sacred lands, seeking wisdom from his forefathers, Cairne Bloodhoof has proven himself as the long awaited hero. Cairne carries with him the spirit of his mightiest ancestor, and now the ground shakes with the combined strength of the Chieftan and his guardian spirit. No physical nor magical barrier can reduce the power of his enchanted halberd, the weapon used by his guardian in ancient times. Such is the power of this axe that it can split the very earth itself. Seeking revenge for the ravaging of his homeland, Cairne will soon bring his wrath upon the Scourge.

Stats

Strength: 24 + 2.3
Agility: 14 + 1.5
Intelligence: 23 + 1.6

Attack Range: 128 (melee)
Movement Speed: 310
Armor: 3
Attack Animation: 0.35 / 0.97
Casting Animation: 0.4 / 0.8
Base Attack Time: 1.7
Missile Speed: Instant
Sight Range: 1800 / 800





1.3 Skills

Echo Stomp [T]



Calls upon the spirit of his ancestors to join him in an earth-shattering echo, rendering nearby foes unconcious. The spirit and Tauren Chieftain both deal 80 damage in the area, the Spirit dealing magical damage and the physical form dealing physical damage. Unconscious enemies will wake if they get hit. If the spirit is seperated from you, it will still perform its part of the spell. 1.4 second cast time.

Level 1 - Knocks out units for 2 seconds.
Level 2 - Knocks out units for 3 seconds.
Level 3 - Knocks out units for 4 seconds.
Level 4 - Knocks out units for 5 seconds.

Cooldown: 15
Manacost: 100/115/130/145
AoE: 500 units

Comments: Great skill for stunning, and it gets better as the levels increase! What's more imba is that the stun is AOE! What more can I say... However, if an unconscious enemy were to be hit, he would awake. After using this skill, get your allies into position to capitalize on the opportunity. Use this skill immediately after placing Ancestral Spirit so that there will be 2 stuns.

Ancestral Spirit [C]



The Tauren Chieftain sends forth his guardian ancestor to bring ruin upon his foes. While seperate from the Chieftain, the spirit will mimic his movement and damage any unit it passes through. When it rejoins the Chieftain, it grants him bonus damage and movement speed for each enemy it has struck.

Level 1 - 120 Damage. 3 Attack Damage per creep, 1% speed per creep, 10 Attack Damage per hero, 5% speed per hero.
Level 2 - 160 Damage. 6 Attack Damage per creep, 1% speed per creep, 20 Attack Damage per hero, 5% speed per hero.
Level 3 - 200 Damage. 9 Attack Damage per creep, 1% speed per creep, 30 Attack Damage per hero, 5% speed per hero.
Level 4 - 240 Damage. 12 Attack Damage per creep, 1% speed per creep, 40 Attack Damage per hero, 5% speed per hero.

Duration: 8 seconds
Cooldown: 19
Manacost: 110
Casting Range: 1000 units

Comments: This versatile skill can harass, help in chasing, increase damage and farm effectively. This skill, when used before Echo Stomp, makes a great combo. This skill is also great for killing low HP heroes which are escaping.

Natural Order (Passive)



The Tauren Chieftain uses wisdom gathered throughout the ages to reduce everything to it's most basic level. Removes base Magic and Physical resistance.

Level 1 – 20%
Level 2 - 40%
Level 3 - 60%
Level 4 - 80%

Comments: Cuts through defense like knife through butter! This ability is also given to the Ancestral Spirit.

Earth Splitter [E]



Using his mighty axe, the Tauren Chieftain rends the very earth itself, sending a jagged crack under the feet of his enemies. After several seconds the earth implodes, sending his foes tumbling inwards. Any unit caught in the implosion will take damage based on their maximum life and have their speed slowed for a short time. Implodes after 3 seconds. Deals 35% of a unit's maximum HP.

Level 1 - 30% Maim for 3 seconds duration.
Level 2 - 40% Maim for 4 seconds.
Level 3 - 50% Maim for 5 seconds.

Cooldown: 100
Manacost: 175
AoE: 325 units (width) / 2400 units (distance)

Comments: Earth Splitter works almost the same as Earthshaker's Fissure: dealing damage in a line. The Tauren Chieftain's ultimate serves to slow and damage the opponent. The fact that it deals 355 of a unit's maximum HP makes it a skill to fear for Axe, Centaur Warchief, and all tankers alike.

1.4 Skill Build

1) Ancestral Spirit
2) Echo Stomp / Stats
3) Ancestral Spirit
4) Echo Stomp / Stats
5) Ancestral Spirit
6) Earth Splitter
7) Ancestral Spirit
8) Echo Stomp
9) Echo Stomp
10) Natural Order / Echo Stomp
11) Earth Splitter
12) Natural Order / Echo Stomp
13) Natural Order
14) Natural Order
15) Stats / Natural Order
16) Earth Splitter
17) Stats / Natural Order
18 - 25) Stats

Comments: Ancestral Spirit is a must at low levels to harass and control the lane. It is gotten at levels 1, 3, 5, 7. You are free to add Echo Stomp or Stats at levels 2 and 4 depending on opponent heroes in your lane. If you are facing nukes and harassment, get Stats. If you are controlling the lane pretty well and you wish to get an early game kill, get Echo Stomp. At levels 10 and 12, if you have gotten Echo Stomp in levels 2 and 4, add Natural Order. If you have gotten stats, add Echo Stomp and max it. Earth Splitter is added whenever possible.

1.5 Item Build: The Spammer

Starting Items

1x Ring of Protection (175)
1x Arcane Ring Recipe (525)
Clarity Potion (50) (optional)

Total Gold: 700

Beginning of the game, assuming that you have randomed or switched-obtained Tauren Chieftain, head to either the top or bottom lane with these items. The reason is both these lanes has Energy Booster for sale, and it'll bring you a step closer to completing Arcane Ring. Clarity Potions are optional.

Core Items

1x Energy Booster (1000) - Arcane Ring completed -

1x Boots of Speed (500)
2x Blades of Attack (500 x 2)
1x Phase Boots Recipe (0) - Phase Boots completed -

Total Gold: 2500

Arcane Ring is a must for strength spellcasters like the Tauren Chieftain. 135 mana every 33 seconds gives the Tauren Chieftain liberty to spam his spells in order to harass as much as possible. Obtain the Arcane Ring as fast as possible, then work on the other items. Phase Boots gives awesome movement speed and makes it easier to chase a dying hero. Some might opt for Boots of Travel, but I don't agree with that because you pay 500 gold more for 25 MS and nothing else.

Items Afterwards

1x Mystic Staff (2700)
1x Plate Mail (1400)
1x Shiva's Guard Recipe (600) - Shiva's Guard completed -

Gold: 4700

1x Void Stone (875)
1x Mystic Staff (2700)
1x Ultimate Orb (2100)
1x Guinsoo's Scythe of Vyse Recipe (0) - Guinsoo completed -

Gold: 5675

In general, the role that you play will be a supporter. You will aid your allies by initiating the attack and spamming your spells constantly. With this, you’ll need a pool of mana and mana regeneration, and items suggested above help you fulfill that aim. Other items to consider include Orchid's Malevolence (5025), Bloodstone (5050), and others.

1.7 Strategy

Early Game

Get your starting items, and head to either to top or bottom lane. This is because the side shop containing the Energy Booster is accessible. I suggest you lane with a stunner or disabler in order to get early kills and the first blood. The general idea of your early game is to farm for your items, and harass, harass, and harass. Move around the map for ganks if necessary.

Mid Game

The mid game timeframe is focused on ganking and pushing. You play the role of the initiator. Initiate the gank with your Ancestral Spirit, immediately followed by an Echo Stomp. When the enemy is running away, follow up with your Earth Splitter. The "stun" done by Echo Stomp is good enough for your allies to position themselves and work on the enemy when they awaken. Be careful of Mana Burners and Disablers as they completely render you useless.

Late Game

Here is where everything can change. If your team keeps with the status quo, ganking and pushing effectively, you would have no problems winning them game. Focus on getting the disabling items, like Guinsoo or Euls. Shiva's Guard is nice if you are controlling the whole game well, and want some extra kills.

1.8 Friends

Stunners




Stunners work especially well with the Tauren Chieftain. They work both ways: ganking with you or saving you. I like Earthshaker's synergy with the Tauren Chieftain. Tauren Chieftain starts by casting Ancestral Spirit, then both of them cast Echo Stomp (Tauren Chieftain) and Fissure (Earthshaker). Fissure will hold enemies in place as Echo Stomp channels. When it is all over, Earthshaker moves in to Echo Slam while the Tauren Chieftain casts his Earth Splitter to ensure no one escapes.

Special mention here for Enigma. iKrivetko mentioned that a well placed Midnight Pulse + Black Hole + Earth Splitters will kill almost anyone.

Disablers



Disablers works the same as stunners; holding the enemies in place as the Tauren Chieftain casts his spells.

1.9 Enemies

Silencers



They silence you, rendering you helpless as they pawn your allies.

Disablers



A nice double edged sword. Disablers help you, but can also hurt you. A nice hex will ensure you can't cast spells.

1.10 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

None at the moment.

1.11 Replays

None at the moment, any interested players willing to submit their replays?

1.12 Changelog

18/6 - Started writing guide
19/6 - Finished writing guide
6/11 – Edited this guide to fit 6.64
11/11 - Merged elements of both the Spammer and Killer item builds together to give an improved item build