Good Character Builds?

[Coorhagon]

Just got this game and was wondering what class is most similar to the Druid class form the first game? I like board manipulation (like Nature's Wrath from PQ1) in order to max my mana and then use it all at once causing extreme damage.

Also, what character builds (spells, items, weapons, armor, etc.) are the best for each character? You know, ones that give endless (or near endless) chains.