When do druid totem abilities apply?

[Commie]

If I have the wolf totem, and use construct epic shape, do I have the wolf totem stats added to my construct shape?

Is it a permanent fixture of all forms?

[Lorkas]

You get the +2 STR and +2 DEX for being a wolf totem in all forms, yes. The totem form polymorph also has its own base stats that grow with levels, and those are unique to being in totem form.

[Commie]

Ah, so if I was a bear totem or wolf totem, and went dragon shape, I'd just be ultra-beast mode?

[Sockss]

Yes, the totems are only optimally used for end-game shifting form stats (Where none of the penalties apply, only the bonuses).

Some people use them for surviving burst as well with their bonus hp, as -polymorph doesn't have an animation and can be cast instantly/whenever, and the bonus hp has the tendency to refresh itself through various means.

Though personally I'd not take it on a druid that isn't intended to be sitting in a form all day, and even then, bear is by far the best.

[Jagel]

Don't believe the soft ability bonuses granted by bear, wolf etc. apply in shapes like elemental, dragon, shapes granted by shapechange spell etc. Only default humanoid form and totem shape.

[Sockss]

Pretty sure that they apply to anything.

[Commie]

Yes, the totems are only optimally used for end-game shifting form stats (Where none of the penalties apply, only the bonuses).

Some people use them for surviving burst as well with their bonus hp, as -polymorph doesn't have an animation and can be cast instantly/whenever, and the bonus hp has the tendency to refresh itself through various means.

Though personally I'd not take it on a druid that isn't intended to be sitting in a form all day, and even then, bear is by far the best.

My main concern was reading that there is a bug showing some bonus's don't apply in situations where it attempts to merge gear.

Edit; Perhaps I'm mis-understanding this. What exactly does this mean?

Bonus stats characters get from taking the initial token are supposed to stack with what they have from the totem. Right now totem druids will not get additional +4 Dex in panther form.

"Yes, you should get +4 dex in panther form. I'm aware that there are some issues with properties copying across forms, which I haven't yet had a chance to investigate."Mithreas


Stats bonuses on items will override (not stack with) bonuses that totem druids get from their selection of totem. This issue is known and under investigation by developers. This occurs only in animal form; stats bonuses in original humanoid form work fine.

[Wytchee]

The panther totem bug is no longer relevant and I have no idea why that blurb is still on the wiki.

[Commie]

So it's not a bug? Stat/skill bonus merging was fixed/works correctly?

[Jagel]

I just checked, the bonus also applies in elemental shape.

Either I misremember or it was fixed at some point.

[Commie]

Ah ok. Thanks fellows. I'm all set now.

[Iceborn]

That line is older than sin, and I really don't know anything about the bug.
It probably needs a little updating...

[Kirito]

So it's not a bug? Stat/skill bonus merging was fixed/works correctly?

Just for clarity, your equipment does merge, the highest stat will be taken as the only stat.

This does not have any bearing on the soft bonuses from the totems.

[Sockss]

Damage immunities and regen will stack though ^^