Ailis in Hunterland

So, Patch 3.2 has descended on the PTR and I finally found some time to take Ailis over there to check a few things out.  The new totem interface is pretty cool so I decided to take some pictures and tell you guys all about it.

Call of <insert element here>

First off, when you log in after you’re done patching, go visit your Shaman Trainer.  He/She will teach you the three “calls” that are your totem calls.  These new calls are found in your spellbook in the Elemental section.

Update: When Patch 3.2 was released, the Calls are named Call of the Ancestors, Call of the Elements, and Call of the Spirits.  Bartender’s Alpha build (found on WowAce.com works with this interface).

Using the default Blizzard toolbars, you will see a small toolbar containing four slots for each of the four elements and their related totems (called the Totem Bar), another button for the different Calls (first button) and the recall button at the end.  Each of these are flyout menus (opening upward) which saves a lot of space for those of you who don’t already use Autobar or any other totem management addon.

Forgive my janky PTR UI.

In order to set up your Totem Bar, it’s a simple two-step process.  First, select which Call (Fire, Water or Air) you want to set up.  Then click on the arrow above each totem element and select the totem you wish in that category.

When you are done, one click on Call of Fire/Water/Air will lay all four of your selected totems at once.  Call of Earth will recall all of them at once.

I tried to catch it in time, but if you tell, all four totems are on the same global cooldown (GCD) and, with my unit names turned on, you can see all four totem names appearing at once.

All in all, the new interface is pretty sweet.  As a veteran user of Autobar, I’m already used to the flyout totem menus and the partitioning into the four separate elements.  But the same GCD is definitely better as I can just click once and begin DPS/Healing.  By having 3 options for totem sets, you can set up different combinations depending on raid makeup and your spec at the time.  For instance, I have a dps set for with a Death Knight in the group, without one, and a resto set.

You can set individual totems if you need to do a quick swap or are in a fight where a specific totem is needed.  And, given the relative ease at which you can set up the Totem Bar, you can make an entire set for one specific fight then change it back afterwards.

Enjoy!