#0 - Feb. 8, 2007, 11:42 a.m.
Let me introduce myself:
I'm Daize, a dutch guy, and I've been playing the priest as my vast main (wasn't able to lvl any other character above level 18 next to it) since November 2005. Shadow always appealed to me, though I've been speccing holy in ZG, then back for a big while, and for some time holy again in BWL/AQ40/Naxx. At the moment, I've joined a newly started guild with some old pals, and we're progressing through Karazhan. I'm the CL and shadowpriest there.
I know there are loads of random topics out there, which want to know what's the best "BEST SHADOWRAID BUILD KK GIEF". Mostly, they get some random answers, the OP leaves with a "Thx", and it's bye bye topic. There hardly isn't any real debating on which talents are really the best.
So lets start a summary, on the obvious talents.
Obvious talent choices
Shadow tree
Tier 1
Shadow Affinity
The problem of the shadowpriest, consists primarily of mana issues, scaling, and threat. Even though the added threat on Mind Blast, a taboo spell in PvE raids (because of the mana cost and huge threat it created), was removed, we still create enormous threat. This is because of our quite high dps, but the main reason is Vampiric Embrace, and possibly Vampiric Touch. Healing while dpssing, just creates huge amounts of threat. If you get aggro (aka being the highest on the threat meters/list), you are going to die. If you die, you cannot dps. Simple as that!
Put 3 points in this talent, and you'll generate 25% less threat. Easy as that. Any questions?
Improved Shadow Word: Pain
Together with Vampiric Touch and Vampiric Embrace, your DoT Shadow Word: Pain is always on the target. ALWAYS. If it ticks 6 seconds longer, it ticks 2 extra times. Since SWP originally ticks 6 times, its effectively increases the spell's damage output by 33% without requiring any additional mana. Cake.
Shadow Focus
What does this talent do? It raises your relative "spell level" against mobs. This comes down to less full spell resists, and less partial damage resists.
(SOURCE: http://www.wowwiki.com)
Talent Points Spent / Hit Chance
PvE Level
Difference __ 0_____1____2____3____4____5
0_________ 96% _98% _ 99% _99% _99% _99%
1_________ 95% _97% _99% _99% _99% _99%
2_________ 94% _96% _98% _99% _99% _99%
3 _________ 83% _85% _87% _89% _91% _93%
4 _________ 72% _74% _76% _78% _80% _82%
5 _________ 61% _63% _65% _67% _69% _71%
On first sight, it may not seem that obivous, but it is. 5 Points in this one.
Tier 2
Mind Flay
Even though it has a bad scaling, it's our main non-dot dps spell. Low cost, considerable damage.
Tier 3
Shadow Weaving
When applied, a 15% damage increasement for you, all shadowspells warlocks cast... hell yeah. Talents like this help you narrow the gap made, because of the scaling issues.
Tier 4
Vampiric Embrace, Improved Vampiric Embrace
This is one of the main spells that nets you a spot in the raid. Renewing all the time, without cost, what keeps you from it. Questions?
Focused Mind
In my opinion, you should have this talent. As I have said before, your 3 biggest problems are mana issues, scaling, and threat. As you will be casting Mind Flay, and DoTs primarily, this talent, together with Vampiric Touch (and arguebly Shadowfiend) opens the gate for Mind Blast to join the casting queue. Since those two spells will cost less mana, there is a good chance you will have a spot in your casting queue for Shadow Word: Death. If you do, that increases your dps immensely.
Tier 5
Darkness
Nothing much to say, actually. 10% passive extra damage. It owns.
Tier 6
Shadowform
Stop reading if you actually need an explanation here.
Tier 7
Misery
Even though some people debate if the 5 points are actually worth it, it is. It looks less effective than darkness, but it may even out. 5% extra damage for you, all warlocks, all mages. Every extra damage, is like a sweet cookie to us :)
Tier 8
Vampiric Touch
Great talent. It owns in PvP, and owns even more in PvE. Another DoT, which increases your dps overall, left alone that it gives back mana doing the job as well. You should have this up, at ANY GIVEN TIME. People should stop whining about the fact that it is not an instant spell, nor that it does not refund itsself. God, you're so spoiled! It's already great. Don't ask for more, more... more.
Discipline Tree
Tier 1
Silent Resolve
Do you want to keep dpssing? Do you want the mob to ignore you, owning the damage meters, as well as doing other damn good things in the process? Take this goodie.
CHANGED in patch 2.1.10; no longer applies to shadow spells.
Tier 2
Inner Focus
To decrease your mana problem even more, you should pick this talent. It is mostly used in combination with the damn costy Devouring Plague (1145 untalented). If you're on a mana break, you can use it without breaking the 5 seconds (5 second rule: after no casting for 5 seconds, your mana regeneration (spirit) begins. mp5 regenerates all the time.). I'm not quite sure if the 20% Critical chance works on damage spells as well as healing, as it should. Anyone?
Meditation
This talent is a winner. 15% of your initial mana regeneration + spirit mana regeneration, is a lot. Some people debate whether you should take Focused Mind, or Meditation. There shouldn't be an 'or'. Take them both.
EDIT list:
19/2 Moved Tier 0 talent Wand Specialisation to the discutable talents.
