I've played a 13 AC sorceror and I can say that a ranged character with low defenses can do okay. The Shaman has the benefit of his pet being a decoy. Basically you should assume any attack against you WILL hit, and choose your actions accordingly. You should be shamelessly hiding behind your team mates, while your pet is with them on the front lines. You pet will get attacked sometimes, but its often not the most effective move for the monsters/DM, it does static damage to you, and it just comes back the next round (ANYWHERE YOU WANT IT!), and it can't suffer any debilitating effects...why attack it?
Play it safe for the Shaman, but be brave with the pet and it will often work. Unlucky sessions will go worse for you than for others, but thems the breaks.
Play it safe for the Shaman, but be brave with the pet and it will often work. Unlucky sessions will go worse for you than for others, but thems the breaks.