World of Warcraft - Classes / Shamans

Shamans
All people turn to their spiritual leaders from time to time. Some of the more tribal races have shamans to fill this role rather than a priest. The shaman communicates with spirits and the elements, and has visions of the future, to guide their people through the darkest of time.

Shamans are no pushovers, however. They possess a variety of potent combat skills in addition to their magic, and eventually wear mail armor along with the option to protect themselves with shields.

However, what shamans are best known for in combat are their totems. Long the Horde complement to the paladin, the shamans short-term buff abilities and other temporary effects come from the laying of totems. The shaman eventually comes to master each of the four elements, and has specific totems that are associated with each. One totem of each kind may be active at once.

Tanking: decent
Healing: moderate
Damage: moderate
Utility and support: high

Strengths:

•  Great versatility, being capable of both melee and magic
•  Good burst damage and quick effects from "shock" abilities
•  Earliest-learned escape ability at level 20 with Ghose Wolf
•  Strong healing capabilities to outlast opponents

Drawbacks:

•  Run out of mana very quickly
•  Are very limited in their totem use during multi-group encounters
•  Cannot greatly effect an opponent outside of 20 yards

Available races: Draenei, Orc, Troll, Tauren
Usable armor: Cloth, Leather, Mail (at level 40), Shields
Usable weapons: One-handed maces and axes, daggers, staves. Two-handed maces and polearms available with talents.
Talent trees: Elemental Combat (offensive magic), Enhancement (close combat), Restoration (defensive and support magic)