08-25-2004, 03:22 PM
Read on for verything you need to know about channeling spells, but were afraid to ask.
What are channeling spells?
Channeling spells require the caster to stand still, and perform the casting animation for the duration of the spell.
How do I use channeling spells?
If a channeling spell requires you to select a target, simply press the hotkey for that spell, and target a point on the ground, or a unit. If it is an untargetable spell, like Starfall, simply press the hotkey, and enjoy the show.
Does my unit have to stand still when channeling?
Yes.
I made my hero channel a spell, but then, when he was about to die, I tried to move him, but he wouldn't stop!
The reason for that, is because Warcraft 3 ignores commands given to units channeling spells, unless that specific unit is selected. Hence, if your Archmage is casting blizzard, but you have him selected with a bunch of riflemen, you can do your fansy footwork with your rifles, while the Archmage keeps casting. The only way to interrupt your own unit's channeling, is by giving it a specific order - the order has to be given to that unit, and that unit alone. So, if you suddenly realise that you need to move, quickly, you need to press F1 (or 2 or 3) to select your archmage (or click on him), and tell him to move somewhere, or attack something.
What interrupts channeling spells?
Well, here's the list of spells that can interrupt channeling.
Human:
Mountain King - Storm bolt, Bash
Archmage - Mass Teleport. No, casting it on the enemy won't interrupt their channeling, but if you cast it on a friendly unit that is channeling, it WILL stop, wasting the spell.
Undead:
Crypt Lord - Impale
Dread Lord - Sleep
Night Elf:
Keeper of the Grove - Entangle
Orc:
Tauren Chieftain - War stomp
Witch Doctor - Stasis ward
*Raider* - Ensnare (Just one more reason to get ensnare, and 2 raiders, if you are getting a beastiary.)
Neutral heroes:
Dark Ranger - Silence. This is the best interrupter, ever, because it's AoE, and it prevents the enemy from casting any more spells, to boot.
Goblin Tinkerer - That missle skill of his, forget what it's called...
What are the channeling spells?
There are several channeling spells. Some require targets, others do not. The list is, as follows:
Human:
All human channeling spells require a target.
Archmage - Brilliance, Mass Teleport.
Blood Mage - Flamestrike, Drain Mana.
Undead:
Lich: Death and Decay
Banshee: Posession is a short duration channeling spell, as of the latest patch.
Both of those spells require targets. DnD is AoE, while Posession is unit-targetable.
Orc:
Far Seer: Earthquake
Shadow Hunter: Big Bad Voodoo
Earthquake is targetable AoE, Big Bad Voodoo is untargetable AoE, such as an aura.
Night Elf:
Keeper of the Grove: Tranquility
Priestess of the Moon: Starfall
Both are untargetable AoE, similar to an aura.
Neutral:
Dark Ranger - Drain Life
Pit Lord - Rain of fire
Beastmaster - Stampede
Naga Sea Witch - Tornado
What are channeling spells?
Channeling spells require the caster to stand still, and perform the casting animation for the duration of the spell.
How do I use channeling spells?
If a channeling spell requires you to select a target, simply press the hotkey for that spell, and target a point on the ground, or a unit. If it is an untargetable spell, like Starfall, simply press the hotkey, and enjoy the show.
Does my unit have to stand still when channeling?
Yes.
I made my hero channel a spell, but then, when he was about to die, I tried to move him, but he wouldn't stop!
The reason for that, is because Warcraft 3 ignores commands given to units channeling spells, unless that specific unit is selected. Hence, if your Archmage is casting blizzard, but you have him selected with a bunch of riflemen, you can do your fansy footwork with your rifles, while the Archmage keeps casting. The only way to interrupt your own unit's channeling, is by giving it a specific order - the order has to be given to that unit, and that unit alone. So, if you suddenly realise that you need to move, quickly, you need to press F1 (or 2 or 3) to select your archmage (or click on him), and tell him to move somewhere, or attack something.
What interrupts channeling spells?
Well, here's the list of spells that can interrupt channeling.
Human:
Mountain King - Storm bolt, Bash
Archmage - Mass Teleport. No, casting it on the enemy won't interrupt their channeling, but if you cast it on a friendly unit that is channeling, it WILL stop, wasting the spell.
Undead:
Crypt Lord - Impale
Dread Lord - Sleep
Night Elf:
Keeper of the Grove - Entangle
Orc:
Tauren Chieftain - War stomp
Witch Doctor - Stasis ward
*Raider* - Ensnare (Just one more reason to get ensnare, and 2 raiders, if you are getting a beastiary.)
Neutral heroes:
Dark Ranger - Silence. This is the best interrupter, ever, because it's AoE, and it prevents the enemy from casting any more spells, to boot.
Goblin Tinkerer - That missle skill of his, forget what it's called...
What are the channeling spells?
There are several channeling spells. Some require targets, others do not. The list is, as follows:
Human:
All human channeling spells require a target.
Archmage - Brilliance, Mass Teleport.
Blood Mage - Flamestrike, Drain Mana.
Undead:
Lich: Death and Decay
Banshee: Posession is a short duration channeling spell, as of the latest patch.
Both of those spells require targets. DnD is AoE, while Posession is unit-targetable.
Orc:
Far Seer: Earthquake
Shadow Hunter: Big Bad Voodoo
Earthquake is targetable AoE, Big Bad Voodoo is untargetable AoE, such as an aura.
Night Elf:
Keeper of the Grove: Tranquility
Priestess of the Moon: Starfall
Both are untargetable AoE, similar to an aura.
Neutral:
Dark Ranger - Drain Life
Pit Lord - Rain of fire
Beastmaster - Stampede
Naga Sea Witch - Tornado