One of the things I noticed from looking at this class is that the Channeler and Sage practices seem both too underwhelming and have similar problems to the cleric doctrines. So I was trying to think of what might be better is to use the fact that some of the spirits seem to be natural(primal) and some seemed more supernatural(occult).So what if instead of the two current practices having access to all apparitions maybe they should instead access apparitions based on Animist Practice.
1.Shaman: Primal Apparitions Animist, gains trained in Nature, can access more nature magics and class feats with some god caller flavors. Example Iconics:Samo & Shardra Geltl. can gain an optional familiar. Apparitions include: Custodians of groves and gardens, Stalkers in darkened boughs, Stewards of stone and fire, & Vanguards of roaring waters.
2.Medium: Occult Apparitions Animist, gains Trained in Occultism, can access more weird magic and ghost/haunt interaction effects, Harrow card references or possible FUTURE 52 spirits(?). Example Iconic:Erasmus. can handle possessions better with more skill/option flexibility. Apparitions Include: Impostors in hidden places & Witnesses to ancient battles.
I think that this type of Animist Practice might allow for more character options and designs for players to tinker with and play. not to mention more themes to match with a wider verity of games to play, Quest of the Frozen Flame fits Shamans well and Stolen Fates for Mediums.
What is everyone's thoughts on this? what do the developers think about this idea or was this a concept that was put aside in development?