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Druid Skills: Shape Shifting
The ability to shape-shift is what makes the Druid unique, allowing him to take the form of three creatures. So far, these forms are a Condor, a Bear and a Wolf. While the druid is in the form of a beast, he will be unable to use any of the skills he normally could use. This allows Blizzard to make each form and quite powerful, without causing an imbalance.
The exact specifics on shape shifting were not decided or displayed at ECTS, although there will probably be a set duration that increases as you put more points onto the skill. Right now, Blizzard has adopted an 'per action' model, where mana is required for the Druid to both shift into and out of a desired form. There is no mana requirement in retaining such a form.
While in one of the three animal forms, the Druid is unable to use any of his normal skills and spells. However he gains the ability to use two extra skills, which are desigend specifically for his new form. For instance, the Condor form will be able to use 'Lightning Talons'. Unfortunately none of these skills were functional at ECTS.
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Condor:
Required Skills: None
Required Level: 1
The first of the Druid's Shape shifting skills, this allows him to morph into the form of a Giant Eagle. While in condor form, a Druid will be able fly over barriers and walls. However unlike the Vultures of act 2, both monsters and players still attack the flying condor, and hence it does not grant any form of invulnerability as many have speculated. The Condor form allows fast movement as well two skills, 'Phoenix' and 'Lightning Talons.' According to Blizzard, it is "Even more free formed [then Leap], because you can just go where you want to go."
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Lycanthropy: (passive)
Required Skills: None
Required Level: 1?
This is a passive skill that improves hit points, and duration of all three forms that the Druid and take shape of.
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Dire Wolf:
Required Skills: Condor
Required Level: 6
The second form of the Druid is that of a wolf. The transformation provides the druid with increased damage and speed. While not mobile as the Condor, the Wolf form is both tougher and more deadly. Skills enabled in this form include 'Lunge'.
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Lightning Talons:
Required Skills: Condor
Required Level: 12
Briefly mentioned at ECTS, 'Lightning Talons' is a skill exclusive to the Condor form of the Druid. Very little is known about the skill, except that it is some sort of teleportation.
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Bear Form:
Required Skills: -
Required Level: -
The final form of the druid is that of a mammoth bear, similar to the type that he can summon. The Bear is the slowest of all three forms, but provides the Druid with extra health and damage. Skills enabled in this form include 'Maul.'
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Lounge:
Required Skills: -
Required Level: -
Very little is revealed at ECTS about this skill, except that it can only be used in Wolf form. We speculate that is some form of damaging attack.
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Maul:
Required Skills: Bear Form
Required Level: -
Again Blizzard was reluctant to give any details, suffice to say that this is an attack option only available when the Druid is in Bear form.
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Phoenix
Required Skills: Condor Form
Required Level: -
The second of the two Condor Skills, Phoenix is only briefly mentioned at ECTS. However rumors state that the Condor is able to transform into a Phoenix for a brief instant, delivering a fearsome flaming attack.
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Skill 9?
Required Skills: -
Required Level: -
Unfortunately Blizzard was reluctant to give details about the finals skills, saying that they were for a surprise. Rumors state that this skill allows the Bear to run, dealing a deadly knock back attack.
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Skill 10?
Required Skills: -
Required Level: -
The final skill the wolf is equally unknown. Rumors state that it allows the Druid to summon a back of wolves to his aid, but there are complete unconfirmed.
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