09 August 2010
Brief reflections on hitting 80
Wow... I didn't hit 80 very long ago (end of July, 2010) but I've learned a lot since them. Post is removed since it's no longer relevant.
29 July 2010
Catclysm: July
Each month, I'll do a round up of elemental shaman news from the Cataclysm beta. I've snuck in one post from late June but everything else should be from this month.
Overviews
If you only read one update on Cataclysm, make sure it's this one with information on just about everything affecting elemental shamans
Cataclysm Compendium @ Totemz
Talents
Despite initial fears that the wonderful new version of Ancestral Swiftness had been removed, Blizzard confirmed this was an error on their part and the talent will be available. 31 point talent trees, 41 points to spend. What does it all mean for elemental shamans?
Latest Beta Build Changes @ 'Mental Shaman
Talent Changes Part One and Two @ Blogenstein
Cataclysm Talent Trees @ Totemz
Likely Elemental Builds @ Totemz
What makes a talent fun @ 'Mental Shaman
Talent Trees One and Two @ Storm, Earth, Fire
Shamantastic Catclysm Talents @ Preshamanal
31 Point Talent Trees @ Storm, Earth, Fire and Shields
Specific and General changes
Elemental Changes One and Two @ wow.com
Shaman Changes for Cataclysm @ Totemz
Lava Surge One and Two @ Blogenstein
Elemental Mastery Changes & Armor Specialization @ Totemz
Glyphs, Dual-Wielding Casters & Searing Flames @ 'Mental Shaman
Shaman Class Preview @ The Shaman Tavern
Beta Commentaries
Binks does Beta @ Blogenstein
Videos
Everything posted by HybridPanda
Everything posted at Warcraft Videos
Overviews
If you only read one update on Cataclysm, make sure it's this one with information on just about everything affecting elemental shamans
Cataclysm Compendium @ Totemz
Talents
Despite initial fears that the wonderful new version of Ancestral Swiftness had been removed, Blizzard confirmed this was an error on their part and the talent will be available. 31 point talent trees, 41 points to spend. What does it all mean for elemental shamans?
Latest Beta Build Changes @ 'Mental Shaman
Talent Changes Part One and Two @ Blogenstein
Cataclysm Talent Trees @ Totemz
Likely Elemental Builds @ Totemz
What makes a talent fun @ 'Mental Shaman
Talent Trees One and Two @ Storm, Earth, Fire
Shamantastic Catclysm Talents @ Preshamanal
31 Point Talent Trees @ Storm, Earth, Fire and Shields
Specific and General changes
Elemental Changes One and Two @ wow.com
Shaman Changes for Cataclysm @ Totemz
Lava Surge One and Two @ Blogenstein
Elemental Mastery Changes & Armor Specialization @ Totemz
Glyphs, Dual-Wielding Casters & Searing Flames @ 'Mental Shaman
Shaman Class Preview @ The Shaman Tavern
Beta Commentaries
Binks does Beta @ Blogenstein
Videos
Everything posted by HybridPanda
Everything posted at Warcraft Videos
27 July 2010
Gems for Elemental Shamans
This is out of date (3.3.5)
How to gem an elemental shaman? This is a quick summary list of your best options. In many cases, you can ignore the slot bonus. Exceptions include fulfilling the meta gem requirement and items with a decent bonus.
Chaotic Skyflare Diamond (requires 2 blue gems) for 3% bigger Lava bursts.
Runed Cardinal Ruby (red) recommended
Reckless Ametrine (orange) recommended
Veiled Ametrine (orange)
Rigid King's Amber (yellow)
Glowing Dreadstone (purple) use 2 for your meta
Jewelcrafters should use 3 Runed Dragon's Eye
For more detail on alternatives to the above or for explanations of when to use when try the following resources:
How to Gem your Elemental Shaman @ The Shaman Tavern
How to Gem your Elemental Shaman @ Bob Turkey's WoW Blog (pre-epic gems)
How to gem an elemental shaman? This is a quick summary list of your best options. In many cases, you can ignore the slot bonus. Exceptions include fulfilling the meta gem requirement and items with a decent bonus.
Meta
Chaotic Skyflare Diamond (requires 2 blue gems) for 3% bigger Lava bursts.
Red Slots
Runed Cardinal Ruby (red) recommended
Yellow Slots
Reckless Ametrine (orange) recommended
Veiled Ametrine (orange)
Rigid King's Amber (yellow)
Blue Slots
Glowing Dreadstone (purple) use 2 for your meta
Notes
Jewelcrafters should use 3 Runed Dragon's Eye
For more detail on alternatives to the above or for explanations of when to use when try the following resources:
How to Gem your Elemental Shaman @ The Shaman Tavern
How to Gem your Elemental Shaman @ Bob Turkey's WoW Blog (pre-epic gems)
23 July 2010
Barbershop Quartet: Thunderstorm
I'm probably the only ele shaman who hadn't seen this yet. But in case anyone else missed it last month, here 'tis. Just for a giggle.
21 July 2010
19 July 2010
15 July 2010
Heirlooms for Elemental Shamans
Shamans are a lot of fun to play and a lot of fun to level. This is a brief look at the bind-to-account heirloom items for elemental shamans.
If you are in a position to grab the optimal heirloom items for elemental, you will rock 1-80. Especially pre-outlands when there are so few options for casters, and shamans in particular. Unless you really, really like spirit.
Shoulders:
Mystic Pauldrons of the Elements
The PvE shoulders are superior to the PvP alternative, even for PvP.
Chest
Mystical Vest of Elements
Fabulous for the leveling shaman, particularly pre-Outlands. Pop a +4 all stats enchant on this if you like.
Weapon - 2H
Dignified Headmaster's Charge
If you roll a lot of alts, you will get multiple uses out of this. It's a better choice than the mace because there are no heirloom off-hands or shields.
Trinkets
Discerning Eye of the Beast
You're unlikely to find an upgrade for this before you hit 80. I would pass on the other trinket but go ahead if you have extra emblems.
If you have cloth or leather caster heirlooms already, feel free to use them instead. Otherwise, go for the mail pieces. They are designed 100% for elemental shamans but can't be shared by any other alts, except possibly a holy paladin.
I leveled as elemental using the enhance/hunter heirlooms (agility & AP for the win) without any problems. It doesn't really matter what gear you wear. The 20% exp bonus is yummy so as long as you have the chest and shoulders, regardless of type, you will level fast.
Shamans scale extremely well with their talents, spells and totems, even naked. The problem shamans face come in deep endgame when other classes scale much better with new gear.
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If you are in a position to grab the optimal heirloom items for elemental, you will rock 1-80. Especially pre-outlands when there are so few options for casters, and shamans in particular. Unless you really, really like spirit.
The best heirloom options for elemental shamans
Shoulders:
Mystic Pauldrons of the Elements
The PvE shoulders are superior to the PvP alternative, even for PvP.
Chest
Mystical Vest of Elements
Fabulous for the leveling shaman, particularly pre-Outlands. Pop a +4 all stats enchant on this if you like.
Weapon - 2H
Dignified Headmaster's Charge
If you roll a lot of alts, you will get multiple uses out of this. It's a better choice than the mace because there are no heirloom off-hands or shields.
Trinkets
Discerning Eye of the Beast
You're unlikely to find an upgrade for this before you hit 80. I would pass on the other trinket but go ahead if you have extra emblems.
Notes
If you have cloth or leather caster heirlooms already, feel free to use them instead. Otherwise, go for the mail pieces. They are designed 100% for elemental shamans but can't be shared by any other alts, except possibly a holy paladin.
I leveled as elemental using the enhance/hunter heirlooms (agility & AP for the win) without any problems. It doesn't really matter what gear you wear. The 20% exp bonus is yummy so as long as you have the chest and shoulders, regardless of type, you will level fast.
Shamans scale extremely well with their talents, spells and totems, even naked. The problem shamans face come in deep endgame when other classes scale much better with new gear.
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12 July 2010
Gearing the new 80 elemental shaman: 3.3 pre-raid armor guide
This is very out of date (3.3.5). Removed the wall of text and kept the list as long as people are aware that priorities have changed. Don't wear cloth. Go straight for t10.
emblem Helm of Inner Warmth 75 Triumph mail ilvl 245 333.95
tier 9 Nobundo's Helm of Conquest / Thrall's 50 Triumph mail ilvl 232 265.9
H-HoR Sightless Crown of Ulmaas Marwyn cloth ilvl 232 259.85
auction house Cowl of the Absolute U25 BoE cloth ilvl 226 230.12
NECK
auction house Blood Queen's Crimson Choker ICC25 BoE ilvl 264 185.05
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Pendant of Subjugation 52,200 hon ilvl 264 152.83
H-FoS Love's Prisoner Bronjahm ilvl 232 151.58
H-ToC5 Symbol of Redemption The Black Knight ilvl 219 136.41
crafted Titan-Forged Pendant of Ascendancy jewelcrafter ilvl 245 128.26
SHOULDERS consider the cloth emblem shoulders, not listed
auction house Stiffened Corpse Shoulderpads ICC25 BoE cloth ilvl 264 238.12
emblem Mantle of the Groundbreaker 45 Triumph mail ilvl 245 224.92
tier 9 Nobundo's Shoulderpads of Conquest / Thrall's 30 Triumph ilvl 232 183.66
H-FoS Very Fashionable Shoulders Bronjahm cloth ilvl 232 172.23
BACK
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Cloak of Subjugation 52,200 hon ilvl 264 152.83
auction house Cloak of Displacement / Shroud ToC25 BoE ilvl 245 145.09
PoS Cloak of the Fallen Cardinal Tyrannus (normal) ilvl 219 119.74
H-ToC5 Kurisu's Indecision Eadric ilvl 219 114.43
crafted Wispcloak tailor ilvl 200 104.63
CHEST the cloth robe is superior
crafted Ensorcelled Nerubian Breastplate / H leatherworker mail ilvl 245 329.12
crafted Merlin's Robe / H tailor cloth ilvl 245 287.33
tier 9 Nobundo's Hauberk of Conquest / Thrall's 50 Triumph mail ilvl 232 271.24
H-HoR Chestguard of Broken Branches Captain's chest leather ilvl 232 233.43
WRISTS
auction house The Lady's Brittle Bracers ICC 25 BoE cloth ilvl 264 186.43
crafted Black Chitin Bracers / H leatherworker mail ilvl 245 165.22
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Wristguards of Salvation 43,400 hon mail ilvl 264 152.83
crafted Bejeweled Wizard's Bracers / H tailor cloth ilvl 245 142.73
H-HoR Bracers of Worn Molars Falric cloth ilvl 232 129.84
HANDS
tier 9 Nobundo's Gloves of Conquest / Thrall's 30 Triumph mail ilvl 232 200.38
H-HoR Suspiciously Soft Gloves Marwyn cloth ilvl 219 158.92
WAIST
auction house Belt of the Blood Nova ICC25 BoE mail ilvl 264 282.72
crafted Blue Belt of Chaos leatherworker mail ilvl 226 190.89*
PvP Relentless Gladiator's Waistguard of Salvation 34,100 hon mail ilvl 245 178.65
crafted Sash of Ancient Power tailor cloth ilvl 226 178.54*
H-ToC5 Girdle of the Dauntless Conqueror The Black Knight mail ilvl 219 177.01
* Uduar pattern
LEGS
auction house Leggings of Dubious Charm ICC10/25 BoE mail ilvl 264 378.31
crafted Leggings of Woven Death tailor cloth ilvl 264 339.07
crafted Legwraps of Unleashed Nature leatherworker mail ilvl 264 329.91
tier 9 Nobundo's Legguards of Conquest / Thrall's 50 Triumph mail ilvl 232 273.24
H-PoS Blackened Ghoul Skin Leggings Ick mail ilvl 232 245.9
FEET
crafted Deathfrost Boots tailor ilvl 264 259.70
crafted Earthsoul Boots leatherworker ilvl 264 249.21
H-ToC Boots of the Crackling Flame The Black Knight mail ilvl 219 164.93
FINGERS
auction house Marrowgar's Frigid Eye ICC25 BoE unique ilvl 264 207.54
emblem Heartmender Circle 35 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 158.21
H-HoR Oath of Empress Zoe Captain's Chest ilvl 232 unique 141.44
emblem Band of the Invoker 35 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 130.42
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Band of Dominance 52,200 hon unique ilvl 264 126.45
DoS Spiteful Signet Devourer if Souls (normal) ilvl 219 unique 123.80
TRINKETS choices for a second trinket are poor
emblem Talisman of Resurgence 50 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 193.43
PvP Battlemaster's Ruination ilvl 34,100 hon ilvl 245 98.69
crafted Figurine - Twilight Serpent JC ONLY ilvl 200 (blue) unique 95.23
H-HoL Winged Talisman Ionar ilvl 200 (blue) 94.53
emblem Shard of the Crystal Heart 50 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 91.47
2H Weapon if you arena at all, consider one of the rated staffs
H-PoS Engaved Gargoyle's Femur Tyrannus ilvl 232 614.59
FoS Bloodboil Lancet Devourerof Souls (normal) ilvl 219 481.30
PoS Unspeakable Secret Forgemaster Garfrost (normal) ilvl 219 467.02
1H Weapon if you arena at all, consider one of the rated weapons
H-PoS Surgeon's Needle Forgemaster Garfrost ilvl 232 480.22
H-ToC5 Mariel's Sorrow Eadric's Cache ilvl 219 420.25
HoR Chilled Heart of the Glacier Captain's Chest (normal) ilvl 219 417.43
H-Toc5 Spectral Kris The Black Knight ilvl 219 414.49
HoR Bone Golem Scapula Captain's Chest (normal) ilvl 219 400.12
OH/SHIELDS arena items win again
PoS Protector of Frigid Souls Tyrannus (normal) ilvl 219 shield 122.91
auction house Zom's Crackling Bulwark world drop ilvl 200 shield 103.94
H-HoR Shriveled Heart Captain's Chest ilvl 232 off-hand 103.92
emblem Protective Barricade of the Light 35 Heroism ivl 200 101.6
TOTEMS
emblem Totem of Electrifying Wind 25 Triumph ilvl 245
This list is only a guide to starter gear. Your situation may vary Please feel free to leave a comment or provide constructive criticism.
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Recommended Items
HEAD consider the cloth emblem item, not listed
emblem Helm of Inner Warmth 75 Triumph mail ilvl 245 333.95
tier 9 Nobundo's Helm of Conquest / Thrall's 50 Triumph mail ilvl 232 265.9
H-HoR Sightless Crown of Ulmaas Marwyn cloth ilvl 232 259.85
auction house Cowl of the Absolute U25 BoE cloth ilvl 226 230.12
Recommended: Tier 9
NECK
auction house Blood Queen's Crimson Choker ICC25 BoE ilvl 264 185.05
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Pendant of Subjugation 52,200 hon ilvl 264 152.83
H-FoS Love's Prisoner Bronjahm ilvl 232 151.58
H-ToC5 Symbol of Redemption The Black Knight ilvl 219 136.41
crafted Titan-Forged Pendant of Ascendancy jewelcrafter ilvl 245 128.26
Recommended: PvP or whichever is easiest
SHOULDERS consider the cloth emblem shoulders, not listed
auction house Stiffened Corpse Shoulderpads ICC25 BoE cloth ilvl 264 238.12
emblem Mantle of the Groundbreaker 45 Triumph mail ilvl 245 224.92
tier 9 Nobundo's Shoulderpads of Conquest / Thrall's 30 Triumph ilvl 232 183.66
H-FoS Very Fashionable Shoulders Bronjahm cloth ilvl 232 172.23
Recommended: Tier 9
BACK
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Cloak of Subjugation 52,200 hon ilvl 264 152.83
auction house Cloak of Displacement / Shroud ToC25 BoE ilvl 245 145.09
PoS Cloak of the Fallen Cardinal Tyrannus (normal) ilvl 219 119.74
H-ToC5 Kurisu's Indecision Eadric ilvl 219 114.43
crafted Wispcloak tailor ilvl 200 104.63
Recommended: PvP
CHEST the cloth robe is superior
crafted Ensorcelled Nerubian Breastplate / H leatherworker mail ilvl 245 329.12
crafted Merlin's Robe / H tailor cloth ilvl 245 287.33
tier 9 Nobundo's Hauberk of Conquest / Thrall's 50 Triumph mail ilvl 232 271.24
H-HoR Chestguard of Broken Branches Captain's chest leather ilvl 232 233.43
Recommended: Merlin's Robe (or tier 9 and choose crafted legs
WRISTS
auction house The Lady's Brittle Bracers ICC 25 BoE cloth ilvl 264 186.43
crafted Black Chitin Bracers / H leatherworker mail ilvl 245 165.22
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Wristguards of Salvation 43,400 hon mail ilvl 264 152.83
crafted Bejeweled Wizard's Bracers / H tailor cloth ilvl 245 142.73
H-HoR Bracers of Worn Molars Falric cloth ilvl 232 129.84
Recommended: crafted mail (mp5) or cloth (crit)
HANDS
tier 9 Nobundo's Gloves of Conquest / Thrall's 30 Triumph mail ilvl 232 200.38
H-HoR Suspiciously Soft Gloves Marwyn cloth ilvl 219 158.92
Recommended: Tier 9, grab them early on
WAIST
auction house Belt of the Blood Nova ICC25 BoE mail ilvl 264 282.72
crafted Blue Belt of Chaos leatherworker mail ilvl 226 190.89*
PvP Relentless Gladiator's Waistguard of Salvation 34,100 hon mail ilvl 245 178.65
crafted Sash of Ancient Power tailor cloth ilvl 226 178.54*
H-ToC5 Girdle of the Dauntless Conqueror The Black Knight mail ilvl 219 177.01
* Uduar pattern
Recommended: Belt of the Blood Nova or Sash of Ancient Power
LEGS
auction house Leggings of Dubious Charm ICC10/25 BoE mail ilvl 264 378.31
crafted Leggings of Woven Death tailor cloth ilvl 264 339.07
crafted Legwraps of Unleashed Nature leatherworker mail ilvl 264 329.91
tier 9 Nobundo's Legguards of Conquest / Thrall's 50 Triumph mail ilvl 232 273.24
H-PoS Blackened Ghoul Skin Leggings Ick mail ilvl 232 245.9
Recommended: Tier 9 (or Woven Death and take the tier 9 chest instead of Merlin's Robe)
FEET
crafted Deathfrost Boots tailor ilvl 264 259.70
crafted Earthsoul Boots leatherworker ilvl 264 249.21
H-ToC Boots of the Crackling Flame The Black Knight mail ilvl 219 164.93
Recommended: Earthsoul Boots are full of win
FINGERS
auction house Marrowgar's Frigid Eye ICC25 BoE unique ilvl 264 207.54
emblem Heartmender Circle 35 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 158.21
H-HoR Oath of Empress Zoe Captain's Chest ilvl 232 unique 141.44
emblem Band of the Invoker 35 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 130.42
PvP Wrathful Gladiator's Band of Dominance 52,200 hon unique ilvl 264 126.45
DoS Spiteful Signet Devourer if Souls (normal) ilvl 219 unique 123.80
Recommended: 2 x emblem or whichever are easiest
TRINKETS choices for a second trinket are poor
emblem Talisman of Resurgence 50 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 193.43
PvP Battlemaster's Ruination ilvl 34,100 hon ilvl 245 98.69
crafted Figurine - Twilight Serpent JC ONLY ilvl 200 (blue) unique 95.23
H-HoL Winged Talisman Ionar ilvl 200 (blue) 94.53
emblem Shard of the Crystal Heart 50 Triumph ilvl 245 unique 91.47
Recommended: try for the Abyssal Rune from ToC5, else get Resurgance for proc, Shard for hit and consider the Sundial of the Exiled
2H Weapon if you arena at all, consider one of the rated staffs
H-PoS Engaved Gargoyle's Femur Tyrannus ilvl 232 614.59
FoS Bloodboil Lancet Devourerof Souls (normal) ilvl 219 481.30
PoS Unspeakable Secret Forgemaster Garfrost (normal) ilvl 219 467.02
Recommended: If you can't get the Femur, you may as well go for a 1h and OH
1H Weapon if you arena at all, consider one of the rated weapons
H-PoS Surgeon's Needle Forgemaster Garfrost ilvl 232 480.22
H-ToC5 Mariel's Sorrow Eadric's Cache ilvl 219 420.25
HoR Chilled Heart of the Glacier Captain's Chest (normal) ilvl 219 417.43
H-Toc5 Spectral Kris The Black Knight ilvl 219 414.49
HoR Bone Golem Scapula Captain's Chest (normal) ilvl 219 400.12
Recommended: The needle is pretty solid or any of the others
OH/SHIELDS arena items win again
PoS Protector of Frigid Souls Tyrannus (normal) ilvl 219 shield 122.91
auction house Zom's Crackling Bulwark world drop ilvl 200 shield 103.94
H-HoR Shriveled Heart Captain's Chest ilvl 232 off-hand 103.92
emblem Protective Barricade of the Light 35 Heroism ivl 200 101.6
Recommended: Whichever is easiest for you to obtain
TOTEMS
emblem Totem of Electrifying Wind 25 Triumph ilvl 245
Recommended: Don't upgrade to the frost totem until you have your T10 bonus
This list is only a guide to starter gear. Your situation may vary Please feel free to leave a comment or provide constructive criticism.
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09 July 2010
Tier 10 Armor Set - Shamans
Pictures of the tier 10 World of Warcraft armor sets in different colors for both male and female shamans. Click to view the full images.
The ladies:
Orc, Tauren, Troll, Draenei
The blokes:
Troll, Orc, Tauren, Draenei
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The hit cap for elemental shamans
Removed the giant wall of pseudo-math as it's out of date (3.3.5).
4.0.1 The hit cap for casters is 17%. This requires 446 rating unless you are a draenei (420).
4.0.1 The hit cap for casters is 17%. This requires 446 rating unless you are a draenei (420).
08 July 2010
Why play a shaman?
Removed, 3.3.5 outdated.
Please note: shamans are awesome fun and elemental is in a particularly strong position at the moment (4.0.1).
Please note: shamans are awesome fun and elemental is in a particularly strong position at the moment (4.0.1).