Talents and abilities
As I mentioned last week, Heroes of the Storm might be winding down when it comes to support from the top ranks of Blizzard (and Activision), but the team that’s left is still passionate and willing to support the game as long as possible. Part of that support (and by proxy, the efforts of the full team) is coming in the form of Imperius, a character that’s been requested by the community for ages.
As Tyrael’s boss, Imperius brings more Diablo representation into the fold, which is always a good thing. According to Blizzard he’s an “all-in bruiser who leads the charge with strong initiation and single target damage,” which seems to line up with his kit that you can peruse below.
The gist is that by attacking a single hero he can mark the enemy to dole out more damage (kind of like Malthael or Tyrande), with charging, wave clear and an active armor ability baked in. On paper he seems great for laning as he has some sustain with his molten armor and has the aforementioned waveclear with his W, which can be severely bolstered by his talents.
His heroics (ultimates) seem interesting as well, with the choice between a shield of swords that can be popped as an offensive ability if your shield lasts the full duration or a pop-up that knocks a hero “to the heavens.”
Imperius will be in the PTR (Public Test Realm) soon for testing before he goes live.
Trait
Valorous Brand
Each Basic Ability marks enemy Heroes hit for 10 seconds. Basic Attacks consume the target’s marks, dealing 30% bonus damage per mark.
Basic Abilities
Celestial Charge (Q)
Lunge towards a targeted direction and stab, dealing 35 damage. If an enemy Hero is hit, Channel to Stun for 1 second and deal 70 additional damage when it fully finishes.
Solarion’s Flare (W)
Release a fiery wave that deals 100 damage. Enemies hit by the center take 50 bonus damage and are Slowed by 40% for 3 seconds.
Molten Armor (E)
Shroud Imperius in flames for 3 seconds, striking a nearby enemy for 19 damage every 0.25 seconds. Imperius heals for 100% of the damage dealt, with healing doubled versus Heroes.
Heroic Abilities
Angelic Armaments (R)
Summon a ring of blazing swords that grants 1000 Shield for 3 seconds.If the Shield lasts the full duration, this ability can be reactivated within 5 seconds to launch 6 swords toward an area, each dealing 140 damage to the first enemy hit.
Wrath of the Angiris (R)
After 0.75 seconds, charge in the target direction, lifting the first enemy Hero hit into the Heavens. While in the air, Imperius can steer the landing location by moving. After 2 seconds, slam the target into the ground, dealing 375 damage and Stunning them for 1 second.
Talents
Level 1
Impaling Light
Celestial Charge deals 125% increased damage.
Quest: Stun multiple enemy Heroes with a single Celestial Charge.
Reward: After Stunning 2 Heroes, permanently reduce the cooldown by 2
seconds.Reward: After Stunning 3 Heroes, permanently reduce the cooldown by an
additional 2 seconds.Consuming Flame
Quest: Hitting Heroes with the center of Solarion’s Flare increases its center damage by 10, up to 150.
Reward: After hitting 15 Heroes, increase Solarion’s Flare Slow by 15%.
Burn the Impure
Consuming a Solarion’s Flare mark deals bonus damage equal to 3% of the Hero’s maximum Health.
Level 4
Bulwark of Flame
Hitting a Hero with Solarion’s Flare grants 60 Physical Armor against the next 2 enemy Hero Basic Attacks. Stores up to 4 Charges.
Unshakable Faith
Activating Molten Armor removes Roots and Slows. If a disabling effect is
removed, heal for 250.Battle Hunger
(Trait)Heal for 82 Health for every Valorous Brand mark consumed.
Level 7
Flash of Anger
Hitting a Hero marked by Solarion's Flare with Celestial Charge deals 160 damage around the target.
Blaze of Glory
Solarion’s Flare leaves a line of scorched earth along its center, exploding after 2 seconds and dealing 125 damage.
Holy Fervor
(Active)Activate to cause the next 4 Basic Attacks to cleave for 157 damage.
Level 13
Pathetic Mortals
Stunning enemy Heroes with Celestial Charge reduces their damage by 35%
for 4 seconds.Divine Rage
Striking an enemy Hero with Molten Armor reduces its cooldown by 0.25 seconds.
Heat of Battle
Molten Armor heals 25% more while Imperius is below 50% Health.
Level 16
Celestial Swiftness
Stunning an enemy Hero with Celestial Charge grants 50% Attack Speed and
20% Movement Speed for 5 seconds.Melting Touch
Consuming a Molten Armor mark reduces the target’s Armor by 25 for 4 seconds.
Sovereign Armor
Molten Armor grants 50 Armor for 2.5 seconds.
Level 20
Heavenly Host
Nearby allied Heroes gain 600 Shield for 3 seconds.If the Shield lasts the full duration, Flare a sword at the nearest enemy Hero, dealing 140 damage.
Unrelenting Descent
Consuming a Valorous Brand reduces the cooldown of Wrath of the Angiris by 5 seconds.
Impervious
(Active)Activate to become Unstoppable and gain 75 Spell Armor for 2 seconds. Hitting Heroes with the center of Solarion’s Flare reduces this cooldown by 5 seconds.
Valorous Pursuit
(Active)Activate to teleport to an enemy that has been marked by Valorous Brand.
