Introduction - The long/hard/off/suicide lane (Dire bottom, Radiant top) is typically a solo lane where the objectives are not to die, and to get whatever CS you can. Popular hard lane picks display a few key traits that allow them to survive the lane. Among these are mobility, range, and either a disable or escape move.

Hypothesis - What is the potential of running a Q/W Invoker in the long lane?

Preliminary Evidence - Going for a Q/W build offers Invoker all three of the above-noted traits present in other strong off-laners.

• Wex's movement speed affords him naturally high mobility, which can be augmented by the Phase Boots and Drums (and later Eul's) that a Q/W Invoker will go for anyway.

• His 600 attack range is the second-highest in the game, and equal to Mirana or Windrunner (other popular off laners).

• Between Cold Snap and Tornado, he has the necessary disables to stave off gank attempts. In addition, Ghost Walk provides a second level of escape similar to Clinkz or Gondar.

Possible Issues - The way Invoker is currently played, as a utility/semi-carry, he needs farm. Due to the nature of his abilities, levels are extremely important as well. Invoker is not the kind of hero that can be level 1 after 4 minutes, as some off-lane heroes end up due to good pulling.

Resolution - Be a little more aggressive, relying on wards, your disables, and Ghost for a bailout. The offlane is only a real throwaway in pro games, and I imagine anything below that you still have a shot to stay on par. Ganks should be coming anyway, to hit the carry farming in the opponent's safe lane. That will create some room for you.

Thoughts?