This ability feels clunky and should be reworked. I do like having a ranged cripple on my greatsword and I like the block ability with a knockback. But, I think that combining the 2 abilities into 1 is limiting the use of these abilities and not allowing for a more competitive style of play.
I propose changing it 1 of 2 ways, either:
1. Change the ability to a ranged cripple that sling-shots away from you and then back crippling targets along the way.
or
2. Change the ability to a mobile block (maybe only from the front similar to the shortbow only bleeding from flanking) for 2-3 secs that If an ability or attack is blocked in this way it then can be triggered for a single target or coned knockback.
Wolf (Terrifying Howl) F2 ability does not activate sometimes during combat while hes chasing someone. Maybe my wolf could have his knockdown or cripple ability qued up to use when it is chasing a target and delays the use of his f2 (just an idea). Sometimes I need that ability to start casting immediately. I think my f2 commands to my pet should cancel his current command, then cast the ability, then reengage. Ideally this would happen seamlessly but realistically i just need the f2 to go off when i hit f2.
I agree that the update was misguided but from a pvp perspective. I use a wolf (aoe fear) and krytan drakehound (immobilize). My problem with the update is that I use the drakehound to initiate 1v1s and but if I am running with my teammates into larger group battles I initiate with my wolf. In both of these situations I want to have the correct pet out for the initial fight to get their skills off then switch. The 20sec out of combat cooldown restricts my ability to have the correct initiating pet out and limits my performance.
For Example: (before the update) I see a warrior guarding mine and I have my wolf out. I switch to the drakehound and immediately use the f2 to immobilize as soon as stability is used on the warrior. As soon as my pet gets off his immobilize I swap to my wolf to aoe fear as soon as stability is not on the warrior and hopefully get a second knockdown as well as triggering my Zephyr’s speed trait. In this situation I am usually able to survive long enough to take down a dps oriented warrior.
After the update either I wait 20 secs to engage the warrior (hurts my team as It takes longer to take the point when I delay the fight and gives him more chances for reinforcements) or I would need to lead the fight with the wolf. Because swapping to my drakehound puts my wolf on a 20 sec cd this creates a long period of delaying my cc and I have generally already taken too much damage from a high dps warrior to be able to still survive and win the fight.
Another example of needing a different pet first would be if I need the wolf first for a teamfight instead of the single target immobilize of the drakehound. In either of these cases before the update I could swap before entering combat and proceed into the fight. After the update I am limited in using my class ability to what I think is its full potential.