[LiquidParty] DotA2 Learning Group ^.^

1) go to your DotA 2 cfg directory (should be something like: \steamapps\common\dota 2 beta\dota\cfg
2) add a file called "autoexec.cfg"
3) add the line: chat_join "LiquidParty" in there

IF THIS FAILS TRY THIS:
1) open config.cfg
2) find the parameter "dota_camera_speed"
3) change the area around it to something like this:



Seems like the last patch broke the autojoin stuff in the autoexec.cfg for whatever reason. qq.

Starting Items: Tangoes, Salve, 3xBranches, Mantle of Intelligence OR Tangoes, Salve, 2xBranches, 2xMantles (each one goes along with one of the item paths I'm going to mention below)

Skill Order: There are two ways of doing this. One is the "standard" way, and one is a quirky build that 430 (probably the best Chinese solo mid player) does. Try both and see which one you like better:
(I assume you are using QWER keys)
Standard - QEWWWR, R>Q>W>E
430's - QEEWWR, R>W>Q>E

The common point of both skill orders is getting Q and E first (as W is pretty useless at low ranks in lane). Your primary mode of harassment in lane is Q to clear creeps, followed by an E-charged autoattack on the enemy. 3 points of W are then taken because with 3 points, your W pulls enemies all the way into your Q. 430 gets the extra point of E for stronger lane control and maxes W first for longer CC, while the standard build maxes Q before finishing off W for stronger burst damage and farming power.

Item Builds: Regardless of which build you take, your general early game items are going to be Bottle->Treads->Magic Wand. Bottle lets you take runes for ganking/lane sustain, and is pretty much essential with your mana demands. Treads are a cost-effective DPS increase that scale well for you lategame, while also giving you stat-swapping utility through midgame. Wand just gives you the opportunity to hold onto a free 150 HP/150 mana restore, which is absolutely huge for Storm.

After this core, there are two possible routes of item development:
The safe way - Sheepstick->BKB->other defensive/utility shit (Shiva's, Linken's, etc.). This corresponds to the 2 Mantles start--you generally build one of them into Null Talisman (and sometimes the second one if you're having a dry midgame) in order to fill the gold gap while you're saving for Sheepstick. This build basically just opts for the two best teamfighting items for Storm as quickly as possible. You get survivability early, and don't skip out on too much damage. Note: the safest Sheepstick component to buy first is the Ultimate Orb. 9 times out of 10, you should buy the Ultimate Orb first, and finish Sheepstick after you have 3600 in one go.

The showy way - Orchid Malevolence->Sheepstick->BKB->other defensive shit. You only get 1 mantle to start if you plan on doing this because Oblivion Staves are easy to build--they cost ~1600 gold and build from small, easy-to-buy components. Usually you won't need to finish a Null Talisman, but you still can. This build has worse teamfighting, because you delay your teamfighting utility items. What it gains is strong midgame solo-killing and ganking power. Oblivion Staves give you a cost-effective buildup, and Orchid enhances your burst damage and mana sustainability considerably.

There's also the option of just going straight BKB if you really need to, but I don't think it's generally necessary in pubs.