Maelstrom

From The StarCraft 2 Wiki

Background

StarCraft I Ability [e]
Maelstrom
Race:	Protoss
Ability Statistics
Energy Points:	100
Cooldown:	2 seconds
Production
Hotkey:	E
Resources:	100 100
Research Time:	100
Researched at:	Templar Archive
Prerequisite:	Templar Archive

All living things have minds for the Dark Archon to shape and mold. With a powerful surge of mental energy the Dark Archon can stun a group of would-be attackers with its powerful Maelstrom.

When cast, Maelstrom creates a 3x3 matrix around the target unit or area that stun any biological ground or air unit (including friendly) caught within. Those that are affected will be prevented from moving, attacking, or utilizing any special abilities until the spell expires after 12 seconds, but can continue to receive damage from other attacking units.

This ability is extremely useful against Zerg opponents since all units of the Swarm are considered organic. A few Dark Archons can be very effective at immobilizing an entire Zerg force with ease, whether the force is airborne, on the ground or a combination of the two.

Against Terrans and Protoss opponents, Maelstrom has a very limited effect. Only the Marine, Firebat, Medic and Ghost are affected for the Terrans, and the Zealot, High Templar and Dark Templar for the Protoss. All other units for both species are not classified as organic and hence Maelstrom is a wasted effort against them.

Maelstrom can also be used to reveal and immobilize cloaked units but it will not affect burrowed Zerg units.