As a long term support player (it's my primary role) I have to say that some recent experience has really opened my eyes more to why many players get off playing this role in pubs.

While there's been some nice teams recently (who y'know, actually say thanks, even commend), but the last few games have been an absolute nightmare. Our team has actually won pretty comfortably, they've had wards all games, utility items, free salves and all the usual stuff.

Think the main problem in all these cases has been that I've been the only support on the team - hence you're still expected (and try) to do everything, but obviously some things take longer. Unless you're getting neutral stacks, assists or early towers then you end up having to make some tough decisions - which do you need first from Observer Ward, Flying Courier, Sentry Ward, Town Portal Scroll...and that's before you even get to the Bracer, Boots of Speed or Mekansm that you really need.

All of these things are managable i…
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The recent buff to Broodmother has seen a whole swarm of former players scuttling out of the woodwork. The thing is that the buff mostly just improves her mobility and chances of surviving ganks - a lot of what she already has is the same - as is often the case with "buffs" the effects are psychological as much as anything.

With some decent broods finally strutting their stuff, it's a good time to look at how to do well in lane against her. Many pubbers have probably never seen a good Brood in action and have merely laughed at the antics of randomers trying to play her.

+ Invisibility, pass uncrossable terrain and high movement speed in web
+ Great extra health regeneration in web
+ Can block or farm jungle camps with spiderlings

- Poor base damage
- No stun
- Mana dependent

The main thing to bear in mind is how dangerous Spawn Spiderlings and spiderlings themselves can be if you haven't got the tools to deal with them. They may not do much damage individually, but a big mass …
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