Shaman are the spiritual leaders of their tribes and clans. They communicate with spirits, have visions of the future, and guide their people through the darkest of times. Many mistake their wisdom and serenity for a pacifist nature. When challenged, though, shaman have a range of powers available for dealing with threats to the natural order.

The Shaman is a secondary Healing class (to the Priest) with a fun assortment of spells and options. The Shaman is especially liked by party members for its Healing and beneficial totems. The Shaman has up to four types of totems: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. An important part of playing the Shaman is figuring out which totem is best to use in each situation.

The Shaman is similar to a Paladin without as much armor.

Class Role
The old phrase "jack of all trades, master of none" is an excellent way to describe the Shaman; they are the only real "hybrid" class in World of Warcraft. While they do not excel at any one aspect of their repertoire, they function passing well when performing most tasked called upon by a party. Need a support healer? Looking for a secondary tank? After another damage-dealer? Have an empty slot that needs someone to support the group in general? The Shaman can provide. They have a number of utility spells as well that help make life easier for any party.

Strengths Weaknesses

Can heal themselves and other players Can only wear leather armor initially making them less able to absorb damage than the Paladin and Warrior
Can resurrect other players
Can get Wolf Form early on allowing them to travel very fast
Can recall back to their home location with Astral Recall
Receive a spell for breathing under water

Challenges

Learning how to be a good healer
Learning how to use Totems properly, learning all spells, and learning how to use everything in combat
Allowable Races: Orc, Tauren, Troll
Standard Bars: Health/Mana

Allowable Equipment: Cloth, Leather, Shields, Mail (with training)
Allowable Weapons: One-Handed Maces, Staves, Fist Weapons, One-Handed Axes (with training), Daggers (with training), Two-Handed Axes (with talents), Two-Handed Maces (with talents)

Starting Stats

Race Strength Agility Stamina Intellect Spirit Armor Health Mana

Orc 24 17 23 18 25 48 77 73
Tauren 25 18 23 16 24 44 81 71
Troll 22 22 22 17 23 58 67 72

Racial Traits
Check out the racial traits before deciding which race you are going to pick.