Shattered Predictions
Having counterplay (even simple counterplay) doesn’t make something unworkable. It makes it balanced.
That said, I actually see the Chronomancer as a potentially incredible pvp class.
Not so much for the wells. Wells might find use in Stronghold or foe forcing foes off of points, but I think that they might get shafted in favor of more traditional utility choices for the most part.
What makes the Chronomancer a powerful class is its ability to manipulate powerful cooldowns. Alacricity could be a game-changer that transforms good moves into great ones.
And Continuum Shift? Used right, it’s an incredible defense mechanism that’s essentially a free Death Shroud (if not better), on top of a cooldown reset. This could be incredibly frustrating if used properly, and I’m already picturing some sweet combos on both burst builds and torch-oriented condi builds.
All I want to try is F5 → Gravity Well → I-leap + mirror images → F1 → end F5 → Gravity Well → I-leap + mirror images → F1 and see what happens in the middle of a nice group fight. But going Chrono is definitely going to cut down on potential shatter dps in favor of support and cc so it might end up being underwhelming… who knows.
Counterplay is one thing, automatic counter by the the simple expedient of being in an aoe field or stomping the 1 button is not counterplay. It’s a noobish hack.
In any case, it trashes shatter.