I had an interesting chat with a new pal the other day while I was leveling my "alt.," the little Mage, Lokabanco -- yes, I know what the name means, and that is yet another story. My friend whispered to me she was having a chat with her Guild Master and she didn't know what he was talking about. "Well, what did he say," I asked. She answered, "He asked me how am I spec'd."

I replied he is asking you where you have placed your talent points. In turn, she stated she had been placing them all over the place and she didn't understand "this whole thing about talent points."

Talent points commence to be awarded upon the character attaining Level 10 and, most importantly, they enhance the player's class-specific abilities, I explained. Think of them in terms of specializing in a given real life profession such as that of the doctor. There are areas of specialization such as cardiology, neurology, and pediatrics, but the specialist is still a medical doctor.

One talent point is awarded upon advancement to a new level. Currently, the maximum level is 60, but upon release of the Burning Crusade, the maximum level will be extended to 70. In the case of Shaman, there are three lines of "specialization" -- Elemental, Enchancement, and Restoration with a cap of 51 talent points.

I continued, Where you place your talent points should reflect your play style and your goals within the game.

"Reflect my play style and goals?" stated my buddy.

Yes, I responded. What type of player are you? I asked. Do you enjoy the battlegrounds and the PvP environment, or do you prefer to visit the many instances found throughout the land? Are you primarily a solo player, or do you prefer to be part of a team? Is your goal in the game to become the member of a raiding team or is it to become a top ranking PvP gamer?

"I haven't thought about any of that," my friend responded, "but I don't like PvP."

"Well, those are just a few things you should think about," I said, "and you should place your talent points accordingly."