Looking for Shaman inspiration.

[Jodokai]

I'm going to be playing in an AP soon, and was looking at the Shaman. It looks neat, but I'm not inspired yet. I'm looking for other people's experience with a Shaman. What did you like, what did you not like? What was your build? Would you have done anything differently?

I don't like to multi-class if I can help it. If the benefits are really good I'll dip a level, maybe two. Lore Oracle in a Paladin build was really worth it to me, as an example.

[Markov Spiked Chain]

I've been playing a shaman in PFS, level 6 now and quite like it.

Aasimar Shoanti, follower of Pharasma.
Life Shaman (Witch Doctor)
High Wis, High Cha, moderate Int.

She's basically built around taking advantage of the two channel pools (from Life and Witch Doctor) and Fateful Channel to pump out healing and double-rolls for allies. Plus being a full caster and maximizing Arcane Enlightenment for access to any Sorc/Wiz spells you want, with a different mix each day.

In practice, Slumber hex pretty much dominates my actual play. It's borderline frustrating how effective it is. But it leaves me lots of spells/day for other stuff. Thematically, I'd really prefer to use Fortune or Misfortune, but Hexes and Feats are tight at low levels, and those both require Cackle t shine, and Cackle interferes with Quick Channel. So I'll hold off switching over to those until 9 or so.

I'll probably dip a level into Dual Cursed Life Oracle for more channels, and more re-rolls.

If I had her to re-build, I would take Heavens as my primary spirit, since the greater spirit magic for Life sucks and Void Adaptation is badass. Then take life as a Wandering Spirit, and Spirit Walker for Lore at 7th. Not that Life primary is that bad.

I suspect the new Familiar Folio will do a *lot* for Shaman, as 3/4 BaB and spirit animal abilities complement a lot of the new familiar archetypes and options. Turning the familiar into a real strength when it seems to be considered more a a liability/freebie.

[Markov Spiked Chain]

I should also mention that by far the worst part of Shaman is their spell list. Unless you've got a very specific build idea, I would be hard pressed to play a Shaman without being able to use either the Human FCB for cleric spells, or Arcane Enlightenment for Wizard spells, or both.

Since you're playing a home game, I'd recommend talking to your GM about adding the more obvious oversights to the Shaman's list, and adding spells from books the Shaman list writer clearly just skipped completely. Some up front, and some as you run across them.
The three that have popped up for me:
Remove Disease
Summon Monster N
(Spell on Shaman List), Communal

[Kefler]

Markov Spiked Chain wrote:

I should also mention that by far the worst part of Shaman is their spell list. Unless you've got a very specific build idea, I would be hard pressed to play a Shaman without being able to use either the Human FCB for cleric spells, or Arcane Enlightenment for Wizard spells, or both.

Since you're playing a home game, I'd recommend talking to your GM about adding the more obvious oversights to the Shaman's list, and adding spells from books the Shaman list writer clearly just skipped completely. Some up front, and some as you run across them.
The three that have popped up for me:
Remove Disease
Summon Monster N
(Spell on Shaman List), Communal

also seems weird to have all the entangles , but no plant growth

To the OP:

i am currently playing a life spirit with doctor, but at 3 rd level i took spiritual guardian and at 7 th i took dazing spell the enhance spiritual weapon making baddies make 2 saves a turn is pretty good. and you can heal all day long and still have your standard action to cast spells.

i would also recommend healing hex, scar hex and the hex vulnerability spell
you scar all your allies then you can heal them from up to a mile away :)