PHB2 In-Play: The Shaman

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Let me talk to you about my ancestors for a sec…ok, forget about that.  We’re talking about Shamans here.  Leaders with aggressive, striking tendencies (but also able to go very defensive)  the shaman is the one class I didn’t get excited about at first.  But then I realized something –the shaman is the 4e skillbot.  If you get a shaman jack of all trades and combine it with their predilection for talking to people who aren’t there , i.e. spirits, you can have a substantial bonus to any skill in the game.  With the Spirit Speaker feat, you can give that ability to a friend! That’s on top of channeling powers out by proxy and have a ton of agressive, get the party in the bad guys faces powers.
I’ve spent a bit of time with the shamans and I’m liking them much more.  Here’s what we’ve got:

The Obvious Build

Valna, Elf Shaman (Stalker Spirit)/Twilight Guardian

Valna goes for the gusto.  Aggressive to the max, she uses shaman powers to get extra attacks, move into positions, and boost damage.  Twilight Guardian in addition to Elven Accuracy gives Valna solid accuracy when she needs it.  Improved Initiative and Danger Sense ensure she gets into position first.

The Interesting Build

Cutter, Warforged Shaman (Protector Spirit)/Warforged Lifeseeker

And on the protecting side of things, we have old reliable Cutter.  He exploits his Warforged toughness at every possible opportunity with Bonds of the Clan, of course uses the Jack of All Trades/Speak with Spirits combo alluded to above.

Four Powers

Here are some of my favorite powers for the {Class}

• At-Will: Watcher’s Strike.  Does ok, damage, gives a little attack buff and pumps out perception bonuses like candy.  It’s not an at-will that you’ll use all the time, but when it becomes useful, it will be extremely useful.  It will be hard for lurkers and other sneaky gits to stay away from you.
  
• Encounter: Winter Wind Spirit.  Makes the wizard spell shield look pathetic and small.
  
• Utility: Sudden Restoration.  Free saving throw attempts for a couple of your buddies once an encounter.  Strong.
  
• Daily: Earthrage Spirit.  a blast that targets only enemies and knock them prone surprisingly leaves you quite happy and not rageful at all, earth or no.
  

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•      PHB2 In-Play: The Invoker
•      PHB2 In Play: The Avenger
•      PHB2 In Play: The Bard