Thanks everyone for the comments
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] I'll make a post about the Black Dire help!
I do have a JBB and Fungi right now from playing so much. Had the Fungi for years and the JBB was a quick buy with funds already sitting around. So I could probably repurpose the Fungi into an Epic if needed - Sounds like the Epic is that much of a difference maker. If I find a seller who will take the Fungi (or a fungi plus cash) I'll give it strong consideration.
For leveling I'll stick to CoM to get some more faction turn-ins for epic. But after that I like the idea of heading to the Wakening Lands. I've never leveled in Velious so just to have fun in new content sounds like a huge plus. If the money is good (plus quest gems to sell or keep for armor turn ins if I get to that) and XP at least decent I'll be happy.
I'll also look into the Mage focus items. I hated doing that on my Mage many years ago but the consume pet sounds like a great plus on a shaman.
Thanks all again for the help!