The Most Annoying Abilities in WoW- March Madness Style: Part 3!

Hello there! Today Paladin-Bias returns to a (somewhat) normal schedule after the craziness of PAX weekend. Today I present the third installment in the ongoing tournament for the title of the most annoying ability in the World of Warcraft.

The last post featured Mind Control narrowly edging out Psychic Scream to be named the most annoying ability for the Priest class, earning it a spot in the final bracket. Today we're going to stick with another cloth wearing class, and take a look at the most annoying Mage abilities.

MAGE!

Mages are the prototypical caster in the Warcraft universe. With their ability to wield the powers of arcane, fire, and frost mages are well adapted for unleashing a barrage of DPS. In addition to their offensive ability, Mages are equipped with multiple buffs, invisibility, invulnerability via Ice Block, Polymorph, and the capacity to freeze an opponent in place while simultaneously teleporting away. Their numerous crowd control techniques, combined with their damage output make them a frustrating foe on the field of battle.

For the Mage bracket there were A LOT of annoying abilities to choose from, so I decided to feature four abilities that are unique to the Mage class. Ice Block, Polymorph, Spell Steal, and Mirror Image will be facing off for the title of the most annoying Mage ability and ultimately the chance to be named the most annoying ability in WoW.

The first round of the Mage bracket features Ice Block against Mirror Image. Mirror Image allows a Mage to make clones of itself in the attempt to confuse an enemy, while providing extra damage. The idea is great on paper, but it rarely, if ever, confuses any opponent and the DPS output of the images is weak. On the flip side, we have the Ice Block ability which provides a Mage with complete invulnerability while they surround themselves in a giant ice cube. The frustration of watching a Mage "chill" inside of their fortress of solitude while reinforcements arrive is an extremely annoying sight, and enough to move Ice Block into the second round of the Mage bracket.

Next we have Spell Steal facing off against Polymorph. Spell Steal grants the Mage the power to literally steal a buff from an opponent. This can be extremely frustrating when using a powerful ability like Avenging Wrath. And Polymorph is the familiar CC ability of the Mage class, granting them the ability to turn opponents into one of several animals while they line up a powerful attack. Granted, Polymorph can be very frustrating when you're getting chain-sheeped, however, the ability breaks with any damage and can be dispelled. So for this first round the win has to go to Spell Steal, for its uniquely annoying ability to flip the tables on any fight.

The final round pits Spell Steal up against Ice Block. The offensive capability of Spell Steal can be a game changing attack on the field of battle if used with the right timing. On the other hand, Ice Block can utterly frustrate an opponent, and it is often used in conjunction with Evocation after attacking enemies direct their attention elsewhere. So, despite its practical offensive ability, the timing required to pull it off effectively (combined with competing with the sheer frustration of Ice Block) means the title of most annoying Mage ability will not be going to Spell Steal. The winner by TKO- Ice Block.

So after the third preliminary round, this is how the final bracket is shaping up:

As the third class to enter the competition, Mages slide into the second position on the top half of the bracket.

Check back soon for more results in the tournament of the most annoying Warcraft abilities!

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Paladin-Bias

The Most Annoying Abilities in WoW- March Madness Style: Part 2!

Hello there, and welcome back to bracket two of the introductory round of the battle for the title of the most annoying ability in the World of Warcraft.

The previous entry saw Bladestorm narrowly edging out Bloodthirst for the title of most annoying Warrior ability. Today we're moving to the complete opposite end of the spectrum, and taking a look at the most annoying abilities of the Priest class.

PRIEST!

A Priest has the capability of being a powerful healer and a versatile DPS, so it is quite easy to experience frustration when facing the class in pvp. Their use of damage over time, combined with their instant cast heal over time spell, renew, can prove to be too much for many opponents to handle.

For the Priest bracket, I decided to take a look at some uniquely frustrating abilities that are available exclusively to the class. Mass Dispell, Mind Control, Psychic Scream, and Mana Burn will all duke it out for the title of most annoying Priest ability and the chance to represent the class in the final bracket.

For the first round, Mass Dispell faces off against Mind Control. Playing a Paladin, my bias against Mass Dispell is palpable. I can still remember to this day the first time I experienced having my bubble stolen from me way back in The Burning Crusade, (ironically enough I was bubble hearthing). Despite my personal hatred for Mass Dispell, when it comes down to pure annoyance few things can compare to losing control of your character, only to watch it jump around like an idiot at the hands of a smug Priest. The indignity is usually short lived however, as most Priests will be kind enough to jump your character over the edge of a cliff. Hands down, Mind Control advances to the next round in a landslide.

The second bracket of the class features the AOE fear bomb Psychic Scream matching up against the bane of healers: Mana Burn. Mana Burn is a unique ability that grants Priests the ability to render nearly any mana using class impotent with a few casts. The frustration of seeing your mana bar dwindle so quickly easily proves just how annoying the skill can be. However, when compared to the instant cast AOE fear bomb, the ability just doesn't hold up on the annoyance meter. Psychic Scream is a long fear, with a fairly short cool down. I think we've all been locked in that fight with a Priest where we thought to ourselves, "What the... Psychic Scream again.. WTF.. WTB diminishing returns!?!" For the frustration factor, (and for all

the walls I've gotten stuck in) Psychic Scream advances.

The final match between MC and Psychic Scream is anything but any easy decision. Both abilities can be extremely frustrating, can throw off your momentum in a battle, and can result in a smashed keyboard. However the pure annoyance of watching control of your character slip from your fingers and into the hands of that pimply twelve year old on the other side of the screen can't be topped. Watching him gloat as he runs your character into the Twisting Nether of an EOTS match is easily one of the most annoying things in Warcraft, and the reason why Mind Control will be advancing to the finals!

So after the second preliminary round, this is how the final bracket is shaping up:

As the second class to enter the competition, Priests luck their way into the sixth position in the bracket, resulting in second and third round byes.

Check back soon for more results in the tournament of the most annoying Warcraft abilities!

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Paladin-Bias