Shamanism and the Elder Scrolls

Tafvsulke · July 2019

As a former WoW player for...an embarrassing amount of years, my concept and understanding of Shaman in mechanic and lore is limited to that games portrayal of them.

In the Elder Scrolls Lore, what defines a shaman?
Are they spiritual leaders?
Are they cultists?
Are they skilled alchemists?
Is Shaman simply a title given to warriors?
Do they use magic at all? Is the magic elemental or restoration?

What IS a Shaman in ES series?

Bruccius · July 2019

I don't think there's a clear-cut way to be a ''shaman'' in TES, though most do seem to have some form of magical capabilities and serve as spiritual leaders. Think of Goblin Shamans and the Shaman of the Skaal. Shamans within the Goblin culture are pretty much the guiding hand, or ''leader'' of a tribe, even if only indirectly.

A Shaman of the Skaal is one who knows the secrets of the Skaal and keeps their traditions alive.

Oakenaxe · July 2019

I don't think there is an exact definition, but as @Bruccius said, they're spiritual leaders. They may use magic (usually nature-related) or alchemy.

I can think of Orcs, Goblins and Ashlanders when it comes to shamans, as it's part of their culture to have a spiritual leader. (this guy for example: https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Shaman_Bogham)

If you want to play something alike, I believe the Warden class would be an interesting choice. I have and Orc Sorcerer (also a Werewolf) that I like to think of him as some kind of a shaman, like Gul'dan

Devanear · July 2019

Oakenaxe wrote: »

I like to think of him as some kind of a shaman, like Gul'dan

OH MY!!!
There have been some developments in Gul'dan's career. He is...no longer a shaman. I suggest trying someone else as a role-model.

https://wowwiki.fandom.com/wiki/Gul'dan

Ajaxandriel · July 2019

In ESO, shamanism seems not to be a specific school nor class like in WoW, it's mainly just a role in a tribe, as said above ^^

When you look at shaman NPCs abilities, they appear to cast Dive (but with a bird model instead of cliffracer). They also use Totem to improve their armor.

Given that, one should use either the class Warden (Dive) or Necromancer (Bone totem) to roleplay a shaman.

But I guess it's OK if you use any class, with the proper gear look.
DK class could be used for some sort of earth/lava/fire/forge shamans, like Minotaur shaman NPCs for example.
Sorcerer class, for lightning/storm atronach/gemstone shaman type ... like the dark shaman costume suggests (it's more speculative).

Aigym_Hlervu · July 2019

I've seen some shamans of the Red Exiles and the Erabenimsun ashlander tribes (near Ashurnabitashpi and Almurbalarammi as I recall). Seemed to be sorcerers. But yes - warden, I guess suits the role the same way good. Some way even better. Speaking of a necromancer - I cannot imagine a local population ordering any services to a shaman serving Mannimarco and Molag Bal. Women, children and old men.. I think necromancy is not the way of a shaman, especially if a shaman is a Vestige. Soul magic, Conjuration (Daedric summoning), Dark magic, Elemental magic, alchemy, all types of healing, enchanting, staves, two-handed weapons, bows and daggers, shapeshifting, whatever but not necromancy.

Tafvsulke · July 2019

Ajaxandriel wrote: »

In ESO, shamanism seems not to be a specific school nor class like in WoW, it's mainly just a role in a tribe, as said above ^^

When you look at shaman NPCs abilities, they appear to cast Dive (but with a bird model instead of cliffracer). They also use Totem to improve their armor.

Given that, one should use either the class Warden (Dive) or Necromancer (Bone totem) to roleplay a shaman.

But I guess it's OK if you use any class, with the proper gear look.
DK class could be used for some sort of earth/lava/fire/forge shamans, like Minotaur shaman NPCs for example.
Sorcerer class, for lightning/storm atronach/gemstone shaman type ... like the dark shaman costume suggests (it's more speculative).

I miss my WoW shaman.

To me a shaman is:
-spiritual leader of his/her people
-icon in times of war
-healer and provider

While I am spoiled by WoW version of a shaman, TES has far more wiggle room for them.

They could be ( class wise ) spirit callers, ancestor summoners, totem users, elementalists, curse speakers, alchemists. Lots of freedom.