Warlock

Demnok Lannik the Warlock is a ranged intelligence Hero and a very powerful support. His Shadow Word ability makes for an excellent heal as well as a decent harassment tool, and his physical attack helps him to ward off any enemies and keep his friends safe. He also possesses area of effect presence, as most of his other abilities cover up a rather huge area of effect.

Though he needs a certain level of planning and management to succeed, his lack of item dependence and powerful skillset make him very easy to play, but difficult to master. He is recommended for new to intermediate players.

Tips

 * Warlock is one of the best babysitters in Dota 2. Shadow Word allows him to heal his lane partner and Upheaval slows down enemies giving your partner a chance to escape or gank. Try to lane with carry heroes such as Spectre, or Phantom Assassin to boost their early-game.
 * Consider going solo lane if your team wants to try an early push strategy. Warlock's attack range, projectile speed, and damage allows him to farm nicely against other solo heroes.
 * Shadow Word can also be used as a harassing tool. Cast it on your opponent and keep hitting him whenever it's possible. Make sure you don't get hit by creeps too much while doing so.
 * Fatal Bonds is an immensely useful spell which amplifies your team's damage output. Bond 5 enemies together, and if they are all hit by a single area of effect spell or attack, the total damage will be doubled, since everyone of them will suffer 5x20% extra damage echoed from others.
 * Initiate team fights by casting Chaotic Offering.
 * Use your golem summoned by Chaotic Offering to push towers, clear creep waves, attack weaker enemies during teamfights.
 * You can heal the golem with your Shadow Word to increase his tankiness.
 * Do not attack fleeing enemies with your golem, it will slow you down. Just keep the golem running close to them and let the immolation do the work for you.
 * Do not let your golem die needlessly to heroes, it will feed them experience and gold. If it's the last remaining unit for your team in a fight, have it run unless you can ensure a kill. Having it suicide into a nearby creep camps or even lane creeps/towers is better than allowing an enemy hero to claim the gold bounty of your golem, especially if you have two or more.

Trivia

 * In Dota 1, Warlock's ultimate is named Rain of Chaos. The summoned unit is called Infernal, a type of golem in Warcraft universe. Both names were changed in the transition to Dota 2 to avoid copyright conflict.
 * In DotA 1, Warlock's Infernal has green colored flames.
 * Warlock is related to Disruptor and Axe, as he comes from the Oglodi tribe.
 * According to Disruptor, Warlock is well respected in the tribe, saying that they will write his name in the book of ancestor after his death.