Shaman Stats & Melee Dmg Cap

[Drakul]

My Shaman just hit level 10 and I'm looking for some input on a few specifics.

Note: I don't have any plat and my main is level 20 so high end gear is out of the question...

First, I've heard Shamans root rot at lower levels and don't get mana conversion tools until the 20s, so should I be stacking +mana +wisdom items until I get mana conversion spells and then switch to +hp? Should I always shoot for a certain level of wisdom at higher levels as well?

Also, I read somewhere that there is a damage cap on melee until certain levels, but I'm not sure if this is the case. Is there a level where my melee damage can exceed 20? Some folks have recommended getting a one handed weapon and using a shield. Should I be looking for a high damage one handed weapon and high AC shield, or should I be looking for weapons and shields with other stats?

Third, what level do shamans get dodge or anything else worth running all the way back to Grobb from the commonlands to train up?

Thanks in advance