Why can't I use an ability?

[Coach]

My level 9 Shaman still can't use Spirit Claw (the lowest level ability on the left tree). I've pumped 3 points into it and 10 points into Intelligence, and still nothing. Same for the other classes; some low level skills are not available yet, and the characters are level 9-10. What am I missing? Is there something else I need to train?

[Ceiling Durkheim]

Spirit claw is the shaman's basic attack with a rod/staff. Ditto fire bolt for the sorceress. Are the other skills you seem to be missing passive skills? Not all skills have a command associated with them; some just improve your attributes in various ways.

[Jerakeen]

In other words, if you click on an enemy during your shaman's turn, and an attack occurs, she is using Spirit Claw.

 

If you want to use Spirit Charge (ability e, represented by the same paw icon), you need to raise her Spirit Claw skill to at least 6.

 

Edit: I think your confusion arises from this misconception:

 

Originally Posted By: coach

the lowest level ability on the left tree

 

Those are not abilities--they're skills. Some of them will unlock abilities as you put skill point into them; others just give passive bonuses. To see which are which, mouse over the icons and read the descriptions carefully.

[Coach]

Okay, that makes more sense. Thanks. I've been playing around with it and still need to fiddle a bit since I haven't used skill trees before, but these are good explanations.