Looking ahead on the Shaman

[Akarashi]

Hey, I'm fairly new to D&D and my bear shaman has just hit lv 2. I'd like to focus on healing and bolstering my allies. I'm open to suggestions with regards to paragon paths.
As of now, I'm leaning towards disciple of the world serpent path.

However, i'm open to alternate builds and uncertain about if my low AC will really be a problem in high lvs and if I should really spend several feats to wear chain, etc.

 

[yesnomu]

Your low AC will be a problem right now, if your encounters end up anything like mine. I'd spend the feat for Chain, you only need one. (You do have to take a 13 Str, though. Them's the breaks.)

I think the two biggest healing-boosting paths are Spirit Tempest and Scarred Healer, they both improve your Healing Spirit power. ST lets more allies share in the free healing, and SH makes it better for the target. I personally like ST better, but it's up to you. Great Bear Shaman is also a pretty excellent path.

 

[Akarashi]

I was looking at the spirit tempest path it only spreads the free healing is only the d6's from healing spirit correct?

Also, my LFR encounters so far has been fairly light on me so far. I take it staying at the back won't be as easy for me anymore?

 

[AbdulAlhazred]

Well, you do have that bear... I mean when push comes to shove you can always shift away and pop it in as a blocker. You may take a hit but if you're being ganged by a bunch of monsters something is wrong. If the enemy is artillery, then why stay in their LoE? Just run and use the bear for cover. You can still be pretty effective out of sight of the enemy if you can position yourself right. AC is obviously a good thing, but how good depends on your race too. An eladrin for example has a nice extra way to get out of dodge. A longtooth or half-orc may not MIND getting hit now and then.

 

[Akarashi]

Yeah, that's how I see it to be honest. The spirit being destroyed isn't a big deal to me since I'm essentially gaining hp since i only take half. (mtg logic there ) The big problem with specializing in chain is the 13 str.. I'd have to spend 2 points later on it and i'd like maximize my con bonuses as much as possible without compromising my attacks. I'll try to stay away from line of sight or range and stay at the back. I don't mind taking a couple hits, I can always heal..

 

[fba827]

if you're worried about specializing in chain to cost you some ability score points, there is a feat in Primal Power (also available in DDI/character builder if you subscribe) that lets you use your Con bonus for AC (if you use hide armor and are a primal power class like shaman is)... since you'll already be bumping up your Con for your bear shaman abilities, this would fit in with that.

 

[Akarashi]

Oh, this is great! I can't believed I missed this! However, shaman's can't wear hide unless I get a feat anyway.. as far as I know.

 

[yesnomu]

Oh, this is great! I can't believed I missed this! However, shaman's can't wear hide unless I get a feat anyway.. as far as I know.

Correct...which also requires a 13 Str. WotC could not have made Hide Armor Expertise a worse feat for Shamans if they tried. I'm not a fan.

Spirit Tempest's extra healing is just the extra d6s, but remember that being adjacent to the spirit also triggers your extra boon healing. If you use dailies that make zones and conjurations, you can give all or nearly all your allies 3d6+Con free HP, twice per encounter. Pretty solid, especially with the Restful Healing feat.

 

[Akarashi]

Correct...which also requires a 13 Str. WotC could not have made Hide Armor Expertise a worse feat for Shamans if they tried. I'm not a fan.

Spirit Tempest's extra healing is just the extra d6s, but remember that being adjacent to the spirit also triggers your extra boon healing. If you use dailies that make zones and conjurations, you can give all or nearly all your allies 3d6+Con free HP, twice per encounter. Pretty solid, especially with the Restful Healing feat.

Whoa, wait. All my allies can gain 3d6+con?! I thought only one ally can gain d6's from healing spirit and spirit boon. Also I had a question about restful healing I'd as my DM another time, but since i'm here. It'd be okay to use spirit healing during a short or extended rest after an encounter I take it? What are the restrictions though? Also what's a good AC I should aim for by around 4-6?

 

[CovertOps]

Target AC is always about 15-17 + level for non-defenders. At first level this works out to 16-18.