Pre-Torpor: Cann II or Can III

[Seducio]

This is my experience with Labido, a twinked level 56 Ogre Shaman with an HP dominant build.

The number 1 item that contributes to the all-around badassery of a shaman is a fungi tunic. This is true for all levels 1-59 and a fungi tunic appears to have major value though slightly diminished even at level 60.

At level 60, the most important item/ability of a shaman becomes Torpor which effectively alters a shaman into a demi-god compared to a 59 shaman. It's a significant jump in power and allows for long drawn out battles vs. summoning mobs.

The rest of the game changing items for a shaman all have their advantages and disadvantages that make different types of players with different play styles favor certain items while disparaging others. In truth they are all useful.

Game Changing Items/Spells for a Shaman

1. Fungi Tunic (level 1-59) = cost 90K+

tied with...

1. Spell: Torpor (Level 60) = cost 130k+

2. JBB (Level 45-60) = cost 35k+

3. Epic (Level 50-60) = cost 30k-55k depending on fight assistance

4. Fungi Covered Great Staff (Level 35-52) = cost 35k

5. Spells: Bane of Nife/Pox of Bertoxxulus (Level 56 and Level 59) = cost 30k + 25k

6. Puppet Strings (Level 60) = cost 250k+

That's over 500k right there for someone trying to max out a shaman's ability and the spells/epic can't be resold.

But with all of those clickies/tricks a shaman can rise above encounters in ways that rival a chanter. And with puppet strings they can solo kill a few mini-bosses that a enchanter might struggle with.

For the young shaman that can't afford all that stuff. I'd focus on attainable DPS style weapons/items for fast kills if you have a solo hunting style. For those looking to pursue that, I'd look into acquiring things in this order. Selling old things as you upgraded.

Level 1-19 - Jade Mace, Poison Wind Censor

Level 20-44 - Granite Face Grinder

Level 45-55+ - JBB (this thing does amazing DPS)

Level 50+ - Epic

Level 1-59+ - Fungi Tunic

Level 60 - Torpor

Yes, I am suggesting a young shaman buy a JBB before you consider a fungi tunic. It allows for self-twinking at level 45. Simply because it is more affordable than a full on fungi tunic and useful right away. It can always be sold if needed. Some would make this same argument for a fungi staff allowing for early self-twinking as low level 35.

If at any point up to level 59 a fungi tunic is a purchasable with acquired funds, it is better for a young shaman to have a fungi tunic on than a jbb or a fungi staff. The goodies do stack though. Having more than one magnifies a shaman's power.

I would agree in order to buy Torpor at 60 that all goodies should be sold needed to fund the spell, even a fungi tunic if necessary. Its silly to have platinum building up in your account like a piggy bank waiting to be spent at level 60. Use those funds early on and buy the items I just listed on your way to 60. It'll make leveling way easier.

Once a young shammie gets a pre-level 60 fungi or turns level 60 and gets torpor, Canni becomes a different animal altogether.

The short and sweet of this is that Canni 3 works better if you are rich or have some of these goodies. While Canni 2 works great for those in their 40s and early 50s that are not quite so geared out. Most shaman in their mid 50s or higher tend to start using Canni 3 anyway despite its less efficient conversion. The extra mana begins to make it worth the lack of efficiency.

Come Velious and level 58 there will only be one option though.

Canni 4 changes everything.

Originally Posted by Byrjun [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Regarding spending plat... don't do it. You need to buy Torpor at level 60 because no other shaman ability even begins to compare. About a year ago it was 70-90k... apparently nowadays it goes for 135-160k. Until you have a copy of Torpor in your bags, don't worry about anything else. I don't think JBB is overrated, but it's mainly a level 60 solo tool. Without Torpor it isn't very useful. Get your epic with your guild and root rot with your epic dot solo to 60... JBB doesn't help you at all with that.

Once you get 60, Torpor, and epic, then you can consider stuff like JBB, fungi tunic, puppet strings, etc. But don't get ahead of yourself. Being a shaman can be very expensive.

[Toehammer]

Although this thread sort of changed from Can III/II discussion, that is ok. What that should tell you is that it really isn't that important if you use Can III/II.

I am not so sure I agree with all the people saying you should buy certain things. The epic is very easy to get (just time consuming to get truespirit faction). Once you hit 46, you should have all the faction you need and can ask around for some help in Fear and in CoM... shouldn't be an issue. Once you have an epic and hit 51... life becomes so easy. I didn't get mine till 55 or so, but then it was faster to level 55-60 than it was 50-55.

Also, I suggest you don't buy Torpor. You should join a guild and it will probably drop for you before level 60. And if not, your guild bank might have a copy. Yes, if you have 500k, buy it... but if you are a little patient your guild will find it.

That being said, some spells are so rare you might never find them. Been looking for Bane of Nife for 2+ years. I have been in groups and seen 3 torpors, 2 pox, 2 55 shaman pets, 3 malos, but never bane of nife!

About Canni II/III, personally, I think you should do whatever you have the easiest time managing. Canni II might be best for min/max... but it takes a lot more clicking for a slight increase in efficiency. Diminishing returns. And yeah, once you get torpor... you need to use whatever can suck life out of you the fastest. In the old world Torpor+Manastone is better than Torpor+Canni III. Whatever drops your health fastest... because you can essentially be on Torpor 24/7.

[blondeattk]

wow am stunned how lazy some folk are.

FInished the quest at 38 without even trying hard. Need help of tracker in TTeeth, but theres often one there.

My advice - Get off yer lardy arse and get it done!

(the bones in KC rot all the time)