Overseer Spore Cloud and Detection

[SaharaDrac]

Hm, something that would kinda be nifty is if you could hold left-click to specify the cloud's pattern...

I would love it if they implemented this.

That gets to a sticky point: exactly how do these work?


We know already that both units A and B cannot see C, nor can C see A or B (assuming they're all on different sides, of course.

The real question is that, if B is within the radius of vision for A, can B see A? Are LOS blockers based on directions or regions.

I think the vision would be pretty much like actual vision, A could not see B. I believe the LoS blockers are just like small cliffs, they simply block LoS directly from the unit.

I don't think anyone asked the most fundamental question of all: does this spell actually have a casting range or does the OS "drop" the cloud, in the same way the OL drops creep?
If it's the latter, that negates a lot of the ideas you guys have been having (like casting clouds over static defenses to be able to use zerglings more efficiently, or doing the same over a group of marines and running banelings at the).
I think it would be incredible (for the zerg player ) if the OS could cast this from a distance, but on the other hand, if the OS has to be on top of the region that's going to be clouded... it seems to be a bit too much of a defensive spell because that means it would almost always be cast over YOUR units, and not your opponent's. It also happens to be a spell reserved to rather small battles and relatively early game (no flying units around).
For example, even if the OS could cast this from a distance, it would be useless against a "beyond early-game" terran bio army (medivac) or a protoss army (obs). And don't forget it's a T2 spell, and all races opposing zerg will probably be going for detection much faster because of baneling traps.
It still sounds like a totally awesome spell though

It sounds like it comes from right under the seer. This doesn't mean the ideas are flawed though, It can still be used effectively against tank drops on your cliffs, or against cannon rushes while they're warping, to buy you time.

[Runei]

Back to 'hiding tech' - if they require a spotter then, running a probe into a building covered in cloud would not reveal the tech zerg is using then correct? It will make seeing if zerg is going roach or spire harder. I like the idea a lot. I feel like now with these aerial spellcasters that zerg is going to have to maintain the skies a lot more, even more so in fact since its a supply+caster, and that everyones going to be gunning after it. I will be using hella corruptors. I never liked defiler simply because it got sniped by literally everything and was slow and lacked mobility on the ground, now with air casters should diversify that a lot - finally glad to see some zerg casters so I can take advantage of smart casting. Does anyone know if the cloud is permanent or what is the duration? Didn't see it off hand.

[Aldrius]

Back to 'hiding tech' - if they require a spotter then, running a probe into a building covered in cloud would not reveal the tech zerg is using then correct?

Er... it would reveal what's under the cloud if they walk into the cloud.

I wonder how overlapping clouds interact...

[Runei]

so units under the cloud can see everything within the cloud even without a spotter, and can not see outside then, without a spotter outside. Any idea on if this applies to offensive buildings being inside the cloud allowing 'spotter' inside? Sorry for the dumb question just want to make sure I understand it all.

[l3lackjax]

This ability is such a rip-off of Rikimaru's cloud skill in DotA lol.

[Nicol Bolas]

Any idea on if this applies to offensive buildings being inside the cloud allowing 'spotter' inside?

Has there ever been a visibility difference between a unit and a building?

[Runei]

I really dono, is there? its guna make harassing bases kind of tricky cuz if u catch a bit of building in it then this grants vision in it and kind of makes it pointless (am i getting this right or is this still wrong?)

[SaharaDrac]

Er... it would reveal what's under the cloud if they walk into the cloud.

I wonder how overlapping clouds interact...

I'd imagine they would just overlap. You see in, you see in, and that's it, one cloud or two.

As for the "Rikimaru rip off" comment....no. Rikimaru's cloud actually makes units unclickable because there's a graphic over them. Ranged units still shoot right into the cloud, because they still have "vision". Also, Rikimaru's cloud reduces attack speed, movement speed, and hit rate...Spore Cloud does nothing of the sort.

[Aldrius]

I'd imagine they would just overlap. You see in, you see in, and that's it, one cloud or two.

I'm imagining they have two separate vision boxes, and that if you're IN the overlap you can see into both, but if you're in one, you can't see in the other.

[Nicol Bolas]

its guna make harassing bases kind of tricky cuz if u catch a bit of building in it then this grants vision in it and kind of makes it pointless

I don't follow you.

If you're trying to use this on enemy units, then the purpose is to blind them to the outside world unless they have a spotter. This is best for relatively immobile units like Siege Tanks, Lurkers and the like. Which means if they have a nearby building that you don't get in the radius of effect, then the building's vision will help the unit inside it see where necessary. Depending on where this building is and how much vision it provides, it could be a minor annoyance or totally screw up your plans.