So I've started a Priest...

[rokku]

...and it's fun, much different from what I'm used to (as I'm generally a hack-and-slash melee class).

But I have a question: I'm currently lvl 12, and expect to be 15 in a couple of days, when I'll be jumping into the dungeons. Which spec is best for ongoing dungeon healing at this level, while also ensuring a certain degree of survivability?

Right now I'm using the Zygor shadow spec, will this do for dungeon healing as well, or should I spec to Holy? (I don't mind starting the talents from scratch)

Experience healers, please help!

[ZG Support 1]

Judging from my own experience, speccing Holy is the way to go if you're looking to be a healer. Survivability shouldn't be much of an issue since you'll be sitting in the back of the party most of the time just healing. Mana will be a bigger issue, so make sure your Spirit is high.

[cabby]

I've had some nice success using Disc as my spec for healing the 5 man dungeons. This spec will focus more on using shield and regen over just casting heals.

[rokku]

Sorry, I mean to say "while also ensuring a certain degree of survivability while questing" Obviously when I get to 40 I can dual spec, but until then I want the spec that will help me cover my a** in both areas (I don't plan to PVP at all until Wintergrasp)

[cabby]

I think a disc spec should be good for survivability also. Instant cast shield to absorb a lot of damage along with an instant cast HoT. All you would need is your 2 DoTs and a wand.

[Skippyninja]

http://plusheal.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3623

I highly suggest reading this first, I have leveled a holy priest running nothing but dungeon after dungeon using the LFG tool. If you have the BoA gear, the levels will fly by.

Healing as shadow is easy pre-shadow form. I would suggest that when you hit level 40, pick up an off spec that will be used for healing. And switch between the 2 when you're questing and running randoms.

I am currently leveling a holy priest, I like thier ability to heal multiple targets relatively quickly. I plan on using her as a raid healer when she hits 80. Holy priests also learn an awesome talent that turns them into an angel upon death that grants mana-free heals for 15-sec. Combined with a Warlock's Soul Stone, it's a potent combination.

[rokku]

Thanks Skippy!

[Skippyninja]

Thanks Skippy!

You're welcome!

[rokku]

Quick update: I have my two BoA items (the PVP shoulders and the PVE chest, since they were both easy to get as I had the shards/badges), and she now looks kick-ass and ready to level up I also began following the talent recommendations in that thread. Currently lvl 13 (almost 14), so not long til LFG action

[antacus]

I did the exact same thing and the first couple levels (15 until about 19) I really think leveling via LFG sucked. I was getting S L O W experience in the instances. There is good learning experience, do this when you see that type of things but the levels seemed slow at first. I am 28 (ish) now and the experience seems to be faster. I'll admit that last week I did not play at all and this week I focused on kicking little kids around the various towns

[Skippyninja]

Also pick up 2x Eye of the Discerning Beast these trinkets not only give you SP, but also return 2% of your base mana when you kill an enemy that yields XP or honor (the effects stack so essentially you'll get 4%) combine that with the 3/3 Spirit Tap, and you'll rarely have to drink.

[rokku]

Cool, thanks. Thats 100 badges worth so I'll work on those

[cabby]

If you plan to do a lot of dungeon healing then I'd recommend ignoring the Shadow tree until you can at least get the 3/3 Meditation from the Discipline tree. Spirit Tap is only useful when soloing because you have to land the killing blow to get the mana. In a dungeon you'll hardly ever land a killing blow.

[Skippyninja]

If you plan to do a lot of dungeon healing then I'd recommend ignoring the Shadow tree until you can at least get the 3/3 Meditation from the Discipline tree. Spirit Tap is only useful when soloing because you have to land the killing blow to get the mana. In a dungeon you'll hardly ever land a killing blow.

Really? I thought you benefit from the buff even if you don't land the killing blow.

[cabby]

Nope, that's why I switched off the leveling Shadow spec when I started doing the dungeons exclusively. It's the same thing for the affliction warlocks and their mana gain from killing mobs with Drain Soul. No killing blow = no mana, so for the dungeons as a priest your best talent is that Meditation for 50% mana regen while casting.