While it does introduce nice mechanics, it pigeonholes him into only working in 2-man lanes. If he tries to solo, he's left with 1 less ability, the one that gives him sustainability, and thus is pretty much beaten by any other top-laner.
Was this the whole point? Why not allow him to use it when alone, but with a weaker effect?
The Fast4 votesBecause the ability right now is actually hilariously broken when used correctly. Solo lane use would need heavy gimping.
darkdill2 votesMaybe in solo lane, you'd forfeit the immolation effect and only get the ending burst?
SKOBODO1 votesThat was pretty much the point, yeah. Riot wants him to become a duo-laner.
Ginnosaji1 votesbecause they wanted him to be a bot laner... But I think if he could self cast W he would be really OP.
ZerglingOne1 votesBecause CertainlyT likes heavy teamwork mechanics when he designs things.
Unfortunately it also leads to a character that can solo Baron with 2 items at level 15.
Imperial Red1 votesHe can do fine with just his other abilities in lane. The Shield will still help for when the Jungler comes mid, which should happen often.
Jbels2 votes[{quoted}](name=Imperial Red,realm=NA,application-id=3ErqAdtq,discussion-id=THlAmZj2,comment-id=0004,timestamp=2015-08-21T22:09:48.676+0000)
He can do fine with just his other abilities in lane. The Shield will still help for when the Jungler comes mid, which should happen often.
No, it's not "fine" You have absolutely no way to get onto your lane opponent unless they walk right into you, and if they are a mage, chances are that won't be happening. And even if you do manage to get on to them, there's no way to stick on to them, seeing as almost every mage in the game has a peeling tool on their kit, or a mobility spell. and worst of all, shield generation was gimped to shit, and it constantly drains now, instead of starting after a bit of not being in combat.
Frontloading all of Morde's kit's power into Q ensures that you are only a threat when you can consistently get all three strikes off, and good luck with that in mid.
X8ViEhkPS01 votesStrangely enough he can cast it on his ghost Dragon though.