[FrostElfGuard]

I have gone with Earth/Spirit (for Ternion) and have completed normal with a Core Dweller and Liche King. Fun, a lot of autopilot.

I have toyed with Nature as a start class...and found that even at level 1 Nature in the beginning the wolves are a great help.

I think all masteries contain something useful at the level 1 Mastery level for any build. So, I think selecting a mastery right away and getting the boost such a skill provides is well worth it.

My next Earth would probably be Earth/Defense...'cause I want to eventually use Collosus.

G'luck!