What am I supposed to do with Shamen?

[tinkthank]

I cant figure out the Shamen's niche, and don't really dig his raison d'etre.

It seems the only spells with his name written on them in big, shiny letters is "summon coatl", which I dislike because of its cost.

People have mentioned that he makes an ok c-slave, but with Ctis, I cant really use him as such much, since it is either with a rare random on my marsh/sauromancers, or on another Shaman, and I dont really know what to do with him then; and 110 gold isnt really dirt cheap either (well compared to other slaves out there).

Is he a researcher type? I suppose that would work with some magic scales, considering his sacred upkeep....

So what do YOU use him for? (Especially tips on early- mid game appreciated here)?

Thanks much in advance