Shaman

[tx7321]

In this case giant class relates to the same races a ranger has a bonus to fight (orc, ogers, giants, etc.).

So in 1E I wonder what the source of power was for the shaman/witch doctor? I suppose it depended.

 

[The Shaman]

In this case giant class relates to the same races a ranger has a bonus to fight (orc, ogers, giants, etc.).

Mostly.

Here's the breakdown -

"Giant class creatures are: bugbears, ettins, giants, gnolls, goblins, hobgoblins, kobolds, ogres, ogre magi, orcs, and trolls." - 1e AD&D PHB, p. 24

"Tribal spell casters are found amongst the following races of creatures: BUGBEARS, CAVEMEN, ETTINS, GIANTS, GNOLLS, GOBLINS, HOBGOBLINS, KOBOLDS, LIZARD MEN, OGRES, ORCS, TROGLODYTES, and TROLLS." - 1e AD&D DMG, p. 40

Add cavemen, lizard men and troglodytes to the "giant class" creatures list, and remove ogre magi, and you have the list of races with tribal spellcasters.

Interesting note regarding cavemen: they have normal clerics, not shamans, so they are not limited in level or spell list like humanoid shamans.

So in 1E I wonder what the source of power was for the shaman/witch doctor? I suppose it depended.

Our assumption was that the shaman's or witch doctor's divine spells were granted by the same sources as normal clerics.

A witch doctor's spellbook could be something fun - I used cave paintings and rune strings, as I recall.

 

[thedungeondelver]

Ah yes...tribal spellcasters! There's nothing quite as much fun as the party wading in to the "usual gang of orcs" when all of the sudden, their bless spell gives out. Then the tribal leader's arrow wounds just go away. Then the magic-user is suddenly hit in the face with a light spell. Just when the party doesn't think things can get worse, all of the orcs start hitting harder and better.

Aww yeah, I loves me some tribal spellcasters.