Safecyn Reflects: On Clinkz, the Bone Fletcher

Hey there, one and everyone. Safecyn here.

I thought today I'd share a bit of the stuff I work on that you never see, for one reason or another. This in particular comes from a guide I was writing on Clinkz, just... just in case you hadn't guessed that from reading the title.

And? Are you going to tell the good people of Dotafire why you never FINISHED your guide for Clinkz?

I... I am literally the worst Clinkz who ever Clinkzed. I just couldn't ever do well enough to feel confident giving advice.

Didn't stop you from writing the Brewmaster guide, though.

I'M GOOD WITH BREWMASTER NOW OK GOSH.

Anyways, on to the meat of this thing. Be sure to click the link that shows up for appropriate music!
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Hello one and everyone! Safecyn here, bringing you a guide to...

I knew it. I knew right after that freaking blog post that this was coming.

And... this is a problem? You don't think I can Clinkz?

Do you have proof you can Clinkz?

I don't see why that's relevant.

Ugh.

Ok fiiine. Here. Proof I can Clinkz.

That last one isn't... ok, none of those are terribly impressive, but that last one in particular isn't even worth mentioning.

That last one is me playing position 5 hard support Clinkz for a team of four other cores.

... Touche`. So this was a guide?

Oh! Right! Clinkz! This guy's a blast, man, you'll love playing him. His voice acting is cool, his model is adorable in a BAMF sort of way, and he has one of, if not THE highest potential single target DPS in the game? Not to mention that absolutely none of it is reduced by magic resistance, and structures take the full brunt of his fiery fury.

He's also a decently good role model, what with being an archer who fought off a demon-king in order to save his people and all. Most people would be pretty ticked off after being cursed to an eternity of being burnt-alive by the very archmage he sought to protect, but what does Clinkz say? "Better to run than curse the road." Play the hand you're dealt, in other words, don't get too mad at what life throws you. We could all learn a thing or two from that, I feel.

Even pub players?

ESPECIALLY pub players.

And do remember, this guide is just suggestions based on my own experiences and understanding of the game, and shouldn't be followed to the letter (especially since, if you just go down the line and buy one at a time, you'll end up stacking UAMS. You can't do that. Stop trying to stack them. STOP!) Being able to adapt to your specific game is what separates the pros from us rank amateurs. Feedback is appreciated, as long as it's constructive!




Oh? A guest? Please, have a...

You made this a thing.

How egregiously rude of you to interrupt me, especially in front of a guest! Puerile youth. It's a wonder his mother never taught him some manners. Please, pay him no mind.

...

Ah, I see you've come to discuss the Bone Fletcher. Clinkz. A selfish, greedy hero if there ever was one.

Wait... didn't you literally just get done saying what a good role model he is?

Oh, don't mistake my intentions: I have no ill to speak of his personality. It's his skill set bequeathed to him by our arctic amphibious god that is the selfish bit. Clinkz is one of, if not THE only hero who doesn't have a single ability that benefits the other members of his team.

Is... wait, that's actually right, isn't it?

Absolutely. Weaver has an ability that reduces armor, which can benefit his team. Juggernaut has his healing ward. Even Anti-Mage heartless, selfish bastard that he is, has a mini-stun and AOE teamfight ability. But Clinkz? Each and every one of his abilities affects him, and only him, and he has no AOE potential to speak of.

This is why, unlike many heroes in Dota, he is shackled to the roles of either carry or semi-carry. He is absolutely dependent on both gold and experience to be of any worth to his team, and will fall off harshly if he cannot get it.

Can't he at least be a moving ward with Skeleton Walk?

A moving ward that is easily caught out by Sentries and Gem of True Sight, feeding the enemy team more gold and guaranteeing a 4 on 5 engagement. If that's what you consider useful then I'm beginning to understand why we never queue together.

Despite his farming needs, however, his laning is remarkably flexible. He benefits a great deal from safelane farm, but is a powerful harasser as well, making off-lane a tempting position. Between Searing Arrows and Death Pact, Clinkz has the tools to farm this lane significantly better than others, or catch up if he falls behind. Mid-lane is also a viable option, as the hero can turn good rune pick-ups into ganks like nobody's business.

I will repeat, however, that Clinkz is reliant on gold and experience. Therefore, if you cannot secure a role as either safelane, mid, or offlane farmer, DO NOT pick the hero. Your team will benefit more from a support.

You done? Can we get on to the tolerable parts now?

Curb your tongue, troglodyte.
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Just sort of felt like posting this, I don't really know why. There's a pros/cons section and an outdated skills rundown I could post too if anyone was interested. Like I said, regardless of that 'Proof I Can Clinkz' bit, I eventually shelved this guide because I just wasn't good with him QQ. Doesn't mean I won't go back and write one eventually buuuut, I've got other plans for now.

Oh god. Who are you going to give bad advice for this time?

YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE. UNLESS I DECIDE TO CANCEL THE PROJECT. THEN YOU JUST WAIT. 5EEEEEVEEEEEER.

... I hate you.

<3

Safecyn, signing out.