class question from person new to server

[hooden]

Hey all, Im interested in checking out this server since EQ2 is too about the bottom dollar, and I also have a lot less time now for that stuff. Anyways, I checked out the must read threads and what-not, but I'm still a bit in the dark as far as this server goes.
I did play EQ back in the day right before shards of luclin, so I know about the classes. However, how does this translate into SOD gameplay? For instance, I was thinking about picking a Shaman since they were great damage dealers, buffers, and healers as well. Are there much similarities? Thanks.

 

[Yally]

Classes are similar in roles as on live. The main, and HUGE, difference is content. Every item is custom. Also all npc and quests. Things like that. However, many spells are slightly changed, and some are new. You can get a feel for it by checking the must-read thread that links to the spell database. It will fill you in on shammy spells.

 

[Shatterblast]

Out of the 3 main healers, druid, cleric and shaman, shaman has the weakest heals, but he pairs incredibly well with melee. His slows caps at 50% I believe, he gets second fastest haste, melee buffs are strongest and hit the entire group at high levels and his DPS is fairly significant. His mana regen among the three healers is also top notch so he is always able to contribute more quickly.

Druid is similar in damage output, but has snare, ports and cleric-like healing power in the higher levels.

Since you're starting out new, I would highly recommend beginning with a caster class of some sort other than cleric since lots of the good equipment aren't available until quite high end. Plate mail off vendors, while easy to get, will start tapering off in usefulness at level 25 if not before. Money income becomes sensable at level 34 or so.