Return of Reckoning

Howdy;

I'd like to try running a sort-off healer a bit.
Initially, I was thinking DoK 'lifetap' style, however, from the tree abilities & tactics wearing a shield is clearly rather encouraged; this rather ruins the aesthetic of dual wield for me. Then there's the 'need to get close' bit, you'll need to stack strength so you can land hits, but then your non-melee heals will be lacking,... :s
Also, correctly selecting defensive targets during melee won't be my strong point, at all.


So: is there a (semi-)viable lifetap + some DPS ranged healer, as alternative?
Which is best at this?
Shaman & Archmage have some 'lifetaps' in 3rd tree (a grand total of 2...); stylewise I'd prefer the Shaman; but Archmage has 'Arcing Power' tactic, to make all DPS spells heal for 25%.. (solo-play & levelling win??) (and don't worry, I won't use the AoE knockback dps skill in scenario's, I promise...)
Runepriest vs Zealot: background wise I'd prefer the Runepriest here; Zealot that has 'transference' tactic, healing for 50% of direct dmg; Runepriest has an equivalent. It's pretty high in the tree, and I don't see a whole lot of 'lifetap' spells beside it. Healing for 50% of dmg dealt does not a viable healer make; 'lifetap' spells generally deal less dmg, but then heal for *more* than the dmg dealt.. This seems to me, to be more DPS with minor heals coming out of it.

So: stack 'intelligence', deal weak dmg + some (de)buffs, but get some decent-good healing out of it.

Is Shaman any good at this sort of thing? 'Eeek' seems such a fun ability to run around with.
Is there such a (semi-) viable thing; and which class would it be (Destro vs Order)?

Shaman/Archmage class mechanic are sort of busted tho imo; I reckon it'd be better if the class mechanic contrasted casted vs insta-cast abilities.
(could still distinguish DPS vs healing; insta-heals & casted dps build tranquility e.g.)

Oh warriors of the forums, what be thyne wisdom?

Shield DoK/Shield WP are the best and only real lifetap healers, and they are not ranged.

Other classes can kind of do it, but its a very bad spec.

You're probably looking at AM or Shaman for a ranged lifetime healer, but you'll still do casted heals if you want to truly master the mechanic

Energy of Vaul and Fury of the Green are some of the biggest lifetap heals in the game and if you're looking for quality and not quantity I'd say do those classes

Melee lifetap shield dok/priest are your go too

As a melee DoK, your focus really is on the damage and have healing as a secondary / backup.

It sounds like you are looking for a true ‘life tap’ class - in which case you’re right with Shaman and AM.

Both are viable soloers (and very annoying to deal with at that) - lots of regents and lots of dots - you can also cast a lot on the move.

Personally I’d recommend you try out a shaman.