The Shaman (creating new thread once computer is fixed)

[malcolm_n]

Okay, this is my take on how I'd like to see the primal leader class which, hopefully, will be in the PHBII. I have completed the class in its entirety to level 29.

http://www.4shared.com/file/66615047/d2aad4f0/4e_Shaman_v10.html**Note** I'm in the process of updating this and posting to a new thread, but my computer with the info crashed. I should have it fixed soon. Thank you all for your patience and understanding**

As Always, feedback is much appreciated. I will continue to work on adding appropriate feats and items.

 

[malcolm_n]

- INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS -

Shamans "master" their totems right before they would trade them out for another daily power. Doing so allows them to use these powers as encounter powers instead. This is represented beginning at level 13, when a shaman learns Wild Strength weapon. At 15, he will likely be replacing Wild Strength totem with Titan's Spine Totem, Although, keeping Wild Strength totem has its benefits too, since it's Effect doesn't require a hit and relies entirely on strength.

A shaman with good Strength and Wisdom is perfectly viable, but takes a hit to encounter powers by sacrificing Charisma. Taking Eagle's splendor totem helps this, but then you sacrifice one of your (at most) two ongoing effects to improve your encounter powers. It's a reasonable tradeoff.

Multiclassing into shaman puts weight into whether or not to continue at 11th level. The ability to use a shaman's at-will powers with any effect meeting the requirements is pretty good. A Barbarian/Shaman especially has some tasty bonuses, but any class which invests in the Daily MC (or higher level encounter mc) feat does well to receive them.

Optimally, a shaman will have one effect constantly during battle (minor each round) and daze/stun or other action inhibitors don't stop him because of Enduring Renewal.

A shaman can, technically, maintain 2 ongoing effects if he use his standard action for an at-will attack which refreshes the effect and spends a minor action to use Enduring Renewal. He could also trade effects back and forth by letting one expire this round and renew it the next so that it lasts until the end of his next round.

 

[malcolm_n]

- Example Combat Round at level 5 -
1) Shaman moves, uses Wild Strength totem (standard) and Healing Salve (minor action), then spends an action point to use Revitalizing Totem (standard).

2) During the Rogue's turn, the rogue uses the shaman's Healing Salve, then gains 4 temporary hit points by entering the area of Revitalizing Totem. On the shaman's next turn, he moves and attacks with Drawing Strike. Wild Strength totem will now last until the end of his next turn. Revitalizing Totem expires at the end of his turn.

3) The shaman uses his Minor Action on Enduring Renewal for his Revitalizing Totem; it's effect will now last until the end of his next turn. He then uses Master of the Hunt after moving. Wild Strength totem expires at the end of his turn.

4) Minor Action for Enduring Renewal on Wild Strength totem, move, and Predatory Hunger. Revitalizing Totem expires at the end of his turn.

 

[CrimsonHawk]

I like the aspect and the healing salve features a lot. I'm suspecting you may or may not be inspired by an incredibly popular computer game for the totems... if so, I'm certainly looking forward to how you implement that.

It's looking good so far. Good luck!

 

[malcolm_n]

lol, I do play wow, assuming that's what you mean. But, these are their own creation, I just have weak naming conventions. Glad you like

 

[chronoplasm]

I think I would like this better if you had two or three different Spirit Guides you could choose from for different effects. Kind of like Warlock pacts in a way.

What does Life's Roar do to the target?

 

[Cadfan]

I like the idea. But you need to clarify whether your Totem effects only activate on a hit, or whether they're Effects that take place no matter what.

Do you intend that only Daily powers have Totem effects?

Also, how do Totems interact with effects that end on a save?

 

[malcolm_n]

I like the idea. But you need to clarify whether your Totem effects only activate on a hit, or whether they're Effects that take place no matter what.

Do you intend that only Daily powers have Totem effects?

Also, how do Totems interact with effects that end on a save?

1 - They are just effects which happen because you used the power.
2 - Save ends effects work as they should, but if the target saves against one, you can maintain the effect with Eternal Renewal for one more round with a minor action.
3 - Yes, totem powers are daily effects at heroic tier and a couple encounter powers at paragon/epic tier.
4 - The spirit guide is a class feature to bring the shaman up to par with the cleric. The bonus to companion attacks are for non-healing focused builds
5 - Updating Life's Roar now.

 

[malcolm_n]

Okay, major update and the first official draft of the PDF. I'll errata in 1.x style and update in x.0 style. Let me know if you have ideas or feedback. Thank you.

 

[malcolm_n]

Okay, completed up to 29 with 2 paths and both builds.