Searing Totem

The Searing Totem is a shaman ability, available at level 16.

Tips and tactics

 * Reliable source of extra damage, and is useful in situations where the other damage totem (Magma Totem) isn't and/or when the Fire Elemental Totem is unfeasible.
 * It is useful primarily in single-target, prolonged fights (e.g. boss fights). You should avoid using it in situations where it could accidentally hit a target that shouldn't otherwise be hit (such as something that has been CC'd).
 * Very useful in PvP for an extra bit of consistent damage. Most players will ignore the totem, knowing it will go away when you die and not wanting to take the time to target it.
 * Always useful in a boss fight, assuming the boss doesn't have adds which get CC'd.
 * Most of the time, if you drop the totem while you are in melee, it will start out attacking the target you have selected. This may be a function of closeness, or may be a function of who you have selected at the time. It is suspected that it simply picks the closest target when it doesn't have one.

Limitations

 * The totem of has only 5 hp, making it trivial to destroy.
 * Dangerous to use when it can break a CC effect, or when it may pull an as-yet-unpulled group of creatures.

Trivia

 * Searing Totem is one of the four totems that have a chance to be summoned by a Shaman's "Totemic Call" Hero Power in Hearthstone.