Grimstroke is a ranged character. His primary attribute is intelligence. The hero is mainly taken to the hard lane as a support. Most effective in the early and late game.
Grimstroke will be useful in almost any situation. The Stroke of Fate ability works great against illusion heroes and summoners. Phantom's Embrace is useful when attacking opponents who rely on their spells. Ink Swell can be used at initiation, forcing enemies to retreat, and with the purchase of Aghanim's Shard, it allows any ally to frontlane being in the middle of the fight. The Soul Bind ability is effective throughout the game. It prevents bound enemies from escaping and enhances the effect from the allies’ target spells and items. With the purchase of Aghanim's Scepter, Grimstroke gets the Dark Portrait ability, which can turn an enemy core's advantage into his own.
Grimstroke, the guardian of Ashkavor, was supposed to ascend in a ritual, but the inky filth engulfed his entire body. He was able to overcome the darkness, but at the cost of the life of the Ashkavoran people. Every last soul was transformed into terrifying shades of their former selves -- comprised no longer of blood and bone, only viscid, tainted ink.
