Rping as a healer..

[Notamonk]

So I'm still new to rping and would like to try it as either a Night elf Druid or an Orc Shaman. I have a couple of ideas for the both of them (and will most likely write up two stories for them), but I'm curious about how healing works in the rp world compared to the in-game world.

I can't imagine a shaman throwing water at his allies to heal them makes very much sense at all or a druid growing mushrooms on the ground and exploding them to heal his allies.

What do you more experienced role players think about when it comes to rping as a healer and how do you think it would work when rping about a healer in combat?


Thanks for any and all help!

[Lokann]

Generally, healing RP (from what I've seen) seems to work along the lines of real-world healing, using natural ingredients etc. empowered with whatever the healer's sphere of influence is. A shaman would either call upon Earth or Water already present in, for example, a poultice to make it even more effective.

Magical healing is often RPed as very taxing on the healer so as to not make it god-mode. The Light seems to be a bit of an exception to the rule though, with fast and easily available healing. Also, magical healing often is only used for quick healing on the field of battle; proper healing of life-threatening wounds or bone fractures takes a long time, even if magically empowered.

(Note: Treat everything said in this post as opinion.)

[ViridianCC]

Lokann's point of view is basically the same as what I'd seen. Most people will treat out-of-combat healing as typical aid, alchemy, apothecary type stuff. Very recently during a gathering of sorts, of about four healers gathered around a gentleman who was in serious distress, as opposed to "magic him back to health" the shared opinion was "perform a tracheotomy".

My character's S/O is an alchemical healer as well, except when Druid-ness is required.

[Primaliron]

The graphical extravagances of the game sometimes make RP a little obnoxious. While you can RP the idea that a shaman is tossing out more water than a horny kid at a wet t-shirt contest, it's generally more pleasant to ignore the graphics to some extent and focus on the process that each healer uses.

Shamans gain their power from the elements. You can use this to RP as the actual process of beseeching them to heal your friend, or thanking them for granting you the power. You don't necessarily have to do this each time unless you want to play your character as extremely anal or devoted in that manner. It is important though to convey some sense of a relationship between you and the elements. Shamans are also spiritual leaders for the Orcs (though less so under Garrosh) and it is a good idea to understand spirtuality through suffering or hardship. An Orc shaman may see their work in a larger context as strengthening their race and may verbalize this while beseeching the lements as well.

For a Night Elf Druid there is of course a similar relationship. Druids have a relationship with the Wilds, the Emerald Dream, Cenarius, and a number of other entities and concepts. Similarly to the Orcs their view tends to be more worldly on average as they share a spirituality based on the complex interactions of various creatures and systems.

Beyond these aspects what Lokann said about real-world healing and the long term effects of settign bones, splints, salves, and potions can be important. Like a doctor or nurse you may constantly check up on your patients and inquire about how they are feeling. In some ways this may cross into the spiritual as clergy check in on the mental and spiritual health of others. This of course takes a great deal of tact and some rudimentary understanding of counseling may help.

[Darced]

I have a character named "Wishdoctor." He's on the comical side of things and provides healing. He's a restoration shaman and uses the typical chain heals, riptide currents, stuff you find in-game. When I RP as him I try to focus more on the dialog than the actual combat, but when action is required I'll say things like, "The emerald light sewed the wounds shut and the troll continued to cheer on his comrades, "For the Horde mon!"
You can describe the totems and how they heal or fortify the party. You can explain who you heal, why, when etc. This also leaves time for your character to think, allowing us, the readers a glimpse into their thoughts as a healer. Try to inspire people to want to start healing or focus on aiding their comrades than emphasizing the battle. This can generate character influences and possible friendships which enriches the players and stories. Just some thoughts on how to RP in general and possible ideas.

[Notamonk]

Thanks for all of the great points guys.

As for 1v1 combat with a healer.. is this recommended? Or is this be kind of "black listed" when it comes to rping combat? Would it be better to find a companion that would escort me through the wilderness or any other scenario that could lead to some for of combat? Maybe if a hired gun or a former patient of mine that is in my debt, etc.


Again thanks for all of the tips and ideas! :]

[Darced]

A hired gun would be cool, a second char to reinforce the first? I think that's a pretty solid thought. You can however, if you wanted go 1v1 as a healer, but keep in mind they don't do nearly the same amount of damage, so instead focus on guile or teamwork.

[The Madgod]

Every healer in warcraft usually has some combat knowledge as well. Night elven priestesses are both healers and warriors. Shaman are the same, though when in hunting parties, orcish shaman are typically there as backup. Monks are the same. Druids are the same. Paladins are the same. Using your healing magic in combat is... awkward, as Lokann said, since you are only able to heal relatively superficial wounds while dealing with the stress of combat, and while some healers are perfectly capable of fighting by themselves (again I point to the priestesses of Elune), they would typically prefer the company of someone who is able to protect them.

[Notamonk]

Alright thanks! :}

Yea I was thinking of maybe having my shaman bind an elemental to his soul and have it act as his guardian and for my Druid I was thinking maybe he could find a companion along his journey/adventures, etc.

I have so many ideas I have no idea where to start! xD lol

[Primaliron]

Every healer in warcraft usually has some combat knowledge as well. Night elven priestesses are both healers and warriors. Shaman are the same, though when in hunting parties, orcish shaman are typically there as backup. Monks are the same. Druids are the same. Paladins are the same. Using your healing magic in combat is... awkward, as Lokann said, since you are only able to heal relatively superficial wounds while dealing with the stress of combat, and while some healers are perfectly capable of fighting by themselves (again I point to the priestesses of Elune), they would typically prefer the company of someone who is able to protect them.

What he said.

Orcs are a warrior race and Shamans go into the wilds for spiritual purposes. NE Druids do the same and are likely trained to deal with the Legion among other threats. That said, only a fool travels alone into any area they do not know well of where hostile forces may lurk. Traveling alone is generally also not a great idea, but Shamans and Druids are probably as well equipped for the wilds as Hunters.

What happens when a wild boar attacks a Shaman?

Dinner.

[Notamonk]

Hahaha dinner.. that's awesome.


Well I'm going to try and start writing up this bio! Going to try and get it posted by tomorrow as I wont be able to spend any time on it tonight! >.<"