Storm Watch: Tyrael
by Hotstreak - 10 years ago show comments
Hello guys, welcome to this weeks Storm Watch where I will be going over the Archangel of Wisdom Tyrael. Tyrael is a hybrid character that can tank, support, initiate, and deal damage. He is definitely the most unique and versatile character that we have gone over so far.
Back Story
Tyrael. Member of the Angiris Council. Archangel of Justice. Fallen Angel.
Tyrael has fought on the side of the Light against the forces of Hell for time immemorial. For countless eons Tyrael thought the only principles of justice were the laws of the High Heavens. This view of Creation was shattered once he encountered the denizens of Sanctuary, humans. Humans were the spawn of rogue angels and demons who had become weary of the endless Eternal Conflict that consumed all of the focus of both Heaven and Hell.
While at first many angels saw humanity as an abomination, Tyrael saw the potential for good that resided within this new race. Tyrael would spend much of his time observing humanity, but direct interaction was forbidden by the laws of Heaven. Eventually Tyrael would come to face one of the most difficult decisions of his existence when humanity was endangered by the release of the Prime Evils onto Sanctuary. Tyrael would have to choose between following the law and letting the exiled leaders of Hell destroy mankind or intervening to help save humanity and turning his back on the one central ideal he held most dear. It was this decision that caused Tyrael to learn the true meaning of justice. Justice wasn’t upholding some lofty, idealistic laws, it was doing what was right.
Tyrael came to the aid of the humans many times when the Three threatened them. First when he armed humanity with the sacred Soulstones to contain the Prime Evils and again when he sacrificed himself to destroy the corrupted Worldstone to prevent the forces of Hell from pouring into the mortal world, but not even death could stop the embodiment of Justice.
Twenty years later Tyrael would return from death only to find himself put on trial by his peers. Tyrael had done the unthinkable by interfering on the behalf of humanity and his answer to the crimes of breaking Heaven’s laws was to renounce his divinity. Tyrael would no longer stand among the angels if it meant idly standing by while the innocent suffered. A now mortal Tyrael would immediately be faced with another challenge as the forces of hell sought after the Black Soulstone to unleash the Prime Evil upon Creation.
Tyrael would not face this challenge alone as a mortal hero, the Nephalem, would come to his aid in this battle against the forces of Hell. After a hard fought battle the forces of the Light would emerge victorious and the Prime Evil would be locked away within the Black Soulstone, but the threat wasn’t over. The evil within the Stone would begin to seep out into Heaven where it held and only Tyrael could see the subtle changes within the holiest of realms. Tyrael was again faced with the decision of following the laws of Heaven or breaking them to save his former home, only this time his decision would have far darker consequences.
Backstory provided by Neinball. Managing Editor of the Diablo Blizzpro site (Twitter)
Talent and Abilities
This ability is a fun one. With this it looks like Tyrael will be one of those heroes that you hate going against because you will still have to worry about him even when he’s dead. You down him in a big team fight when you can barely see what’s going on as it is, then all of the sudden you explode. You look around saying WTF? Then you realize Tyrael’s ghost walked up and exploded all over you.
Might of El’Druin (Q)
This is just a really nice ability overall. It’s a ranged weapon throw that deals damage and can be used as a teleport. I mean, there are a lot of situations where this could be useful. The first thing that comes to mind is chasing someone down, a well placed throw can really take away the chance for someone to get away. The second thing that comes to mind is initiating a fight. You throw your sword, teleport in and start showing people why you’re an Archangel. Another huge use for this skill is escaping; this skill is just an extremely versatile skill that can be used in many different ways and I feel will be a pain in the hands of a skilled player.
Shield of Light (W)
This is a cool ability as well. I feel like this could be used in synergy with his (Q), with good timing a player could teleport to an enemy player just in time for the shield to explode. It’s also a pretty good tanking ability and would also be pretty good in team fights.
Hand of Sacrifice (E)
This ability is the one that makes you realize that Tyrael can also support. Linking himself to a squishy teammate to make sure they can do as much damage as possible without taking damage, or linking himself to someone like Uther to essentially support a support! Just think of a situation where you are finally about to down Uther and Tyrael comes out of no where and links with him *shudders*.
Heroic Abilities
Judgement (R)
This is a really cool skill for initiating a fight or chasing someone down. You could use this skill to target an enemy hero that needs to go down first and if anyone is around him, they get knocked away and taken out of the fight or, you can use this skill to save a teammate who is getting ganged up on. This could also synergize pretty well with your (Q) and your (W), teleporting to an enemy who is running away, hit your shield and charge at them blowing them up with your shield while they are stunned by judgement. It’s just a good all around skill.
Archangels Light (R)
This skill just goes to show you how versatile Tyrael really is. A team wide skill that grants everyone damage immunity, this skill is a great skill for team fights and a great skill to choose if you want to play Tyrael as a support. Just think of Tyrael and Uther in a team fight when he has this skill equipped, I am pretty certain that no one on your team would die. This could also be used as a combo with your (E), you link to someone absorbing all of their damage and then using archangels light when your link expires to further protect that person on your team.
Conclusion
Tyrael is an extremely versatile character that can fill just about any role and he already looks like a hero that will be one of my favorites. I love heroes in mobas that can do everything. I foresee Tyrael being a definite fan favorite and a hero that makes you sad when you see picked on the opposite team, because you will know that you’re in for it with him on the battlefield.
If you would like to read Taffer‘s impressions of Tyrael, read his write up on the Heroes he played at Blizzcon Here.
Storm Watch featured image made by Heino Brand (Twitter)
