The shaman is basically a cleric with added abilities from other disciplines. He can heal, buff and do some direct damage, and in a pinch can fill a number of different roles. This is a class that can be soloed, albeit with some difficulty. Shamans get sow (arguably the best spell in the game) at level 9, making them great for travelling and exploring at lower levels. The shaman gets great buffs, which along with your heal skill and dd ability makes you a pretty valuable party member. Plus you have the added advantage of being able to pitch in with a weapon and do more than token damage. A Shaman is always welcome in a group because of his combination of abilities. Since this is the only true spell casting class for the barbarians, trolls or ogres, it is a pretty good choice if you are set on playing one of those races.