Post by freyfie on May 1, 2012 7:47:56 GMT -5
I noticed no Shaman thread so figured I could make one, even if they aren't as popular as some of the others~ and keep it updated as I go
So, if you know nothing about Shamans and want to have a go iron manning as one then I hope this is helpful. If you have any tips then post them and I'll add them~
Race
I only roll alliance usually, and I am going Draenei. Their racial heal is small but effective.
On top of that, their starting area is a walk in the park compared to other places. Not as many caves or difficult fights.
I'd have no idea about Horde, sorry.
Macro
Inter... you'll get it at level 16. Here's an easy macro to go with:
/stopcasting
/cast Wind Shear
I use this often, not only does it obviously interrupt, but it'll often times make spell casters come towards you, putting them in range of Primal Strike.
Wapons
I am, and most likely will stick with one handed and a shield. My reasoning?
Might be just personal preference, cause I've always used it on my main shaman.
2H weapons however, will give you more damage from Primal Strike and Flametongue, so make sure to take that into consideration.
- ironasy
Armour
Leather until you can mail. No question.
Imbue
Flametongue (level 10) is my imbue of choice as it will increase your spell power and cause fire damage.
Frostbrand (level 46) will cause frost damage and slow enemies.
I think you can slow just as well with frost shock.
Rockbiter (level 75) will increase threat generation and reduce damage taken by 5%
This is interesting and may be something to consider. Losing the spellpower might be a bit too much to give up, but... damage reduction... have to decide for yourself cause I think only one shaman has even made it to that level.
Totems
They've changed a bunch since I played Cata Shaman, but thus far
As far as I can tell, without a spec you won't really have a choice for totems anymore. We will just have the bog standard available to us.
Do remember to RECALL your totems though. They will aggro mobs if you leave them behind.
Healing
I, as a Draenei, use Gift of the Naaru if I don't initiate combat as a general rule. Just cause I know it'll take a little longer.
Atm, I heal with healing surge after fights because mana regens faster than health.
Ofc I've also learnt First Aid and keep water and food on tap though I haven't found much need for either, just yet.
Rotations - 0-10
Lightning Bolt - Earth Shock - Primal Strike
You can maybe get three LB off if you stand far enough back. Hit with ES so when they do reach you they'll do less damage, and you'll do a nice bit of damage. Then if you need to, finish with PS.
Lightning Shield simple cause there's nothing else available.
Rotations - 10-20
Lightning Bolt - Earth Shock - Primal Strike
Yes. The same.
Flame Shock when fights will be lasting a bit longer instead of the initial ES.
Searing Totem At the start of ever fight I throw this on the ground.
I also can now put my Wind Shear macro into the mix and use Flametongue as well as Lightning Shield.
At about level 17 I found myself getting low on mana during fights and it stopped regen'ing as quickly, so just watch for this and drink as appropriate.
Rotations - 20-30
Firstly, immediately switch to Water Shield and those mana worries will dissipate. No contest here for shields, you have to do this.
Lightning Bolt - Frost Shock - Lightning Bolt -Earth Shock - Primal Strike
I like to get their attention with LB and then immediately FS to slow them down in getting to me. I can then get off another LB for free.
If they have a charge-in move then don't bother, obviously, or if they're casters.
It kind of becomes a case of using ES or PS dependent on which is off CD until it's dead.
You'll get Chain Lightning at 28, but this seems like a bad idea to me. Shammy lack of AOE never felt so right as it does during Ironman.
I'll update every 10 levels from experience, as I'm no expert in this challenge but have a shaman main, so baring DCs and stupidity, I'm hoping to make it to at least 20 D:
So, if you know nothing about Shamans and want to have a go iron manning as one then I hope this is helpful. If you have any tips then post them and I'll add them~
Race
I only roll alliance usually, and I am going Draenei. Their racial heal is small but effective.
On top of that, their starting area is a walk in the park compared to other places. Not as many caves or difficult fights.
I'd have no idea about Horde, sorry.
Macro
Inter... you'll get it at level 16. Here's an easy macro to go with:
/stopcasting
/cast Wind Shear
I use this often, not only does it obviously interrupt, but it'll often times make spell casters come towards you, putting them in range of Primal Strike.
Wapons
I am, and most likely will stick with one handed and a shield. My reasoning?
Might be just personal preference, cause I've always used it on my main shaman.
2H weapons however, will give you more damage from Primal Strike and Flametongue, so make sure to take that into consideration.
- ironasy
Armour
Leather until you can mail. No question.
Imbue
Flametongue (level 10) is my imbue of choice as it will increase your spell power and cause fire damage.
Frostbrand (level 46) will cause frost damage and slow enemies.
I think you can slow just as well with frost shock.
Rockbiter (level 75) will increase threat generation and reduce damage taken by 5%
This is interesting and may be something to consider. Losing the spellpower might be a bit too much to give up, but... damage reduction... have to decide for yourself cause I think only one shaman has even made it to that level.
Totems
They've changed a bunch since I played Cata Shaman, but thus far
As far as I can tell, without a spec you won't really have a choice for totems anymore. We will just have the bog standard available to us.
Do remember to RECALL your totems though. They will aggro mobs if you leave them behind.
Healing
I, as a Draenei, use Gift of the Naaru if I don't initiate combat as a general rule. Just cause I know it'll take a little longer.
Atm, I heal with healing surge after fights because mana regens faster than health.
Ofc I've also learnt First Aid and keep water and food on tap though I haven't found much need for either, just yet.
Rotations - 0-10
Lightning Bolt - Earth Shock - Primal Strike
You can maybe get three LB off if you stand far enough back. Hit with ES so when they do reach you they'll do less damage, and you'll do a nice bit of damage. Then if you need to, finish with PS.
Lightning Shield simple cause there's nothing else available.
Rotations - 10-20
Lightning Bolt - Earth Shock - Primal Strike
Yes. The same.
Flame Shock when fights will be lasting a bit longer instead of the initial ES.
Searing Totem At the start of ever fight I throw this on the ground.
I also can now put my Wind Shear macro into the mix and use Flametongue as well as Lightning Shield.
At about level 17 I found myself getting low on mana during fights and it stopped regen'ing as quickly, so just watch for this and drink as appropriate.
Rotations - 20-30
Firstly, immediately switch to Water Shield and those mana worries will dissipate. No contest here for shields, you have to do this.
Lightning Bolt - Frost Shock - Lightning Bolt -Earth Shock - Primal Strike
I like to get their attention with LB and then immediately FS to slow them down in getting to me. I can then get off another LB for free.
If they have a charge-in move then don't bother, obviously, or if they're casters.
It kind of becomes a case of using ES or PS dependent on which is off CD until it's dead.
You'll get Chain Lightning at 28, but this seems like a bad idea to me. Shammy lack of AOE never felt so right as it does during Ironman.
I'll update every 10 levels from experience, as I'm no expert in this challenge but have a shaman main, so baring DCs and stupidity, I'm hoping to make it to at least 20 D: