The Shaman: Orc Master of WAAAGH! Powered Healing and Annoyance

The Shaman in Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning is a unique healing/hybrid class, deeply intertwined with the raw power of the WAAAGH! Its intended mechanic of dealing damage to buff healing spells, while conceptually rich, doesn’t always work well in practice, leading most players to specialize. However, the Shaman remains a formidable presence in Realm vs. Realm (RVR) combat, particularly renowned for its exceptional mobility and frustratingly effective kiting.

RVR Strengths: Mobile Support and Annoying Pressure

• WAAAGH! Powered Healing (Theoretically): Shamans are designed to be at their peak healing when in the grip of WAAAGH! frenzy, which builds by pummeling enemies with destructive spells. The idea is to draw upon this power to fuel healing abilities, requiring a careful balance of offensive and support abilities. While the full synergy might be elusive, it means Shamans are active participants in combat, generating resources through aggression.
• Good Heals (Single and AoE): Despite some mechanical quirks, Shamans are capable healers, offering good single-target and AoE healing spells. This allows them to provide support in both focused damage situations and larger group engagements, adapting their healing output to the needs of their allies.
• Exceptional Mobility and Survivability: The Shaman is one of the most mobile units in the game, thanks to a speed buff as a racial ability. This makes them hard to capture when kiting as a DPS and very survivable when healing. Their high mobility allows them to:
  • Maintain distance from melee threats while healing.
  • Escape dangerous situations.
  • Quickly reposition to assist different parts of the battlefield.
  • As a DPS, endlessly harass and “kite” opponents, making them incredibly annoying to deal with.
• Best Kiting/Annoying Class (DPS Spec): As a DPS, the Shaman is considered the best kiting and most annoying class in the game. They possess very powerful Damage over Time (DoT) spells and good self-healing, enabling a highly effective “hit, run, heal, hit, run, heal” playstyle. This makes them a favored solo roaming DPS class for many, capable of wearing down and frustrating even the most tenacious pursuers.
• Accepted in All Aspects of RVR: The Shaman’s versatility and unique strengths ensure they have a place across the board:
  • Small Groups (6-Man Parties, Scenarios): Their good heals, mobility, and ability to contribute offensively make them a strong choice for agile small-group play.
  • Warbands (1 Spot as Support Healer): In warbands, the Shaman typically secures one spot, usually as a “support healer.” Here, their utility shines, particularly their instant resurrection skill/tactic (crucial for quick recovery of fallen allies) and their AoE slow (essential for assisting pushes, controlling enemy advances, and protecting their warband).

RVR Challenges: Healing Viability and Resource Management

• Healing Viability (“Last in line”): As a dedicated healer, the Shaman is often last in line to be picked in many activities. This is often attributed to a “lack of powerful heals and buffs” compared to other dedicated healers (like the Disciple of Khaine). While they can be good in small groups if anyone wants to heal, their raw healing throughput might not match the top-tier options, leading to them being prioritized for their utility and mobility.
• WAAAGH! Mechanic Practicality: The inherent “damage to fuel healing” mechanic, while conceptually interesting, doesn’t always translate into smooth or fully optimized gameplay. This can lead to players simply focusing on one aspect (healing or DPS) rather than truly balancing the two, potentially limiting their full potential if the mechanic isn’t fully integrated.

The Shaman in RVR: The Mobile Enabler and Frustrating Pursuer

The Shaman in Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning is a highly mobile and uniquely impactful RVR class. Whether providing good heals with unparalleled survivability or frustrating foes with relentless kiting and powerful DoTs, the Shaman offers a dynamic and engaging playstyle. While their healing potency might be debated against other healers, their exceptional mobility, strategic utility (especially the instant resurrect and AoE slow), and “fun as DPS” make them a welcome and often infuriating presence on the RVR battlefield. They are the mobile enablers of the Destruction horde.