Since it might be some other changes to the shaman class i would like to share an idea.

How about removing rot? Its always been considered cheap, its easier to avoid rotdeath for more experienced players (we want to even the playing field?), it favors magic-using cabals and it causes long periods of waiting it out. And of course rot does not solve the fact that shamans are pretty weak at hero.

So what should shamans get instead? Perhaps some sort of follower? The shaman could summon/call for a zealot which follows him, like any other pet. Order zealot rescue X would give the shaman a bit more time to land supps at hero. It could be a long timer on zealot. Or it could also be something the patron Imm could grant the shaman if he considered him worthy, etc. Its the hp/defence of the zealot that needs to be tuned carefully.

In addition there are many skills/supps at lower level which could be removed and replaced with something new. And supps like com arist could be altered to be more usefull.

Legissal

With my last shaman, Arist was my life-saver when I would teleport away from a fiend with low health.

Big heal, no more fleeing, and better fighting.

I'd hate to see it go away.

Long time no see, buddy.

I posted a neo-rot suggestion a while back and I think it was (mostly) shot down. Basically instead of actually dying, you just get really debilitating physical effects the longer it goes on.

Honestly, I'd be happy if only ice devils lost rot.

I agree.

Vs veterans rot is nothing more than a major annoyance.

Vs new players it is just plain old cheap and annoying.

Aka. annoying ####ty skill for everyone.

While I kinda agree, I'd add that rot could be useful sometimes to 'knockout' enemy hero for several hours, which he spends sitting in anti-rot gear. And you can raid or defend at this time.

But I'd better see some another good commune.

The issue isnt if rot is usefull or not. It definatly is usefull, but the issue is that its a superbly annoying. Essentially being forced to sit in a corner with aldevari gear on for 25 hours is not something I want to use time on. It means there will be less PK in an already dwindling PK enviroment.