DO NOT PICK HERO IF TEAM HAS NO STUNS; DONT BE THAT GUY
Otherwise, pick him whenever you want to. (be prepared for counter pickers, they love your scent)

Natures Prophet works from the shadows. He should be the stealthiest hero not from invis, but from positioning. Keeping out of sight, but keeping his enemies in sight. Learn and abuse treelines, and try not to get caught out in the open.
A good NP catches enemies off guard, and is always watching his own ass. You are a predator, but also make easy prey.
A good prophet is wise with his time. And a good prophet shows restraint. With NP, your potential is limitless, your versatility is high, but your carry potential is low. Keep this in mind when choosing a level of aggression.
A teamfighter, disabler, tower melter, Ratatouille, the roles go on. It is important to focus on ONE or TWO roles. We are not a jack of all trades, and we will die as a pitiful one if played as such.

NP functions much like nature:
1. Enroot yourself in the game with a solid baseline of levels / items. (get more early game items if behind, those stats are going to be vital)
2. Keep up with your neighbors and be sure to keep a constant flow of nutrients for yourself. (EXP and GPM)
3. Bloom when the time is right. (Do not teleport in UNLESS you can secure a kill / NOT DIE in the process)

Priorities:
0.5. (early) MESS UP YOUR LANE OPPONENT YES WE ARE GOING IN LANE
1. Obtain key item, usually an item good for countering their lineup
2. Aid team in ganks / teamfights (after key items are purchased, or after boots are obtained, OR if its an ez kill secure)
3. Create space BUT DONT STEAL FARM from Carries, they will carry you, YOU are NOT the Carry. Don't go into harms way to do this either, your life is not worth the push.
4. Farm farm farm NO SLACKING

Extra Credit:
Buy courier OR 1 ward at start of game (if team requires)
KILL THE ENEMY COURIER MUAHAHAHA
Aid in dewarding (make the map a safer place, yada yada, THAT ♥♥♥♥ MAKES MONEY)



Remember: DO NOT FALL BEHIND IN THE GAME, you WILL become eustace and it WILL suck very, very big balls.