Totema Summons & Acquisition
Totema are powerful, screen-clearing summons that can turn the tide of even the most challenging battles. Unlike standard summons, Totema are acquired through specific story events and side quests, and can only be used by Marche during specific Clan Wars or certain story missions. Mastering their acquisition and strategic deployment is crucial for any aspiring Clan Leader.
Understanding Totema Mechanics
- Usage: Totema are not learned as abilities. Instead, they are tied to specific Clan Wars or story missions where Marche is present. When available, a "Totema" command will appear in Marche's action menu.
- Activation: To successfully summon a Totema, Marche must have a full MP gauge (100 MP). Additionally, the battle must be taking place on a specific Totema-linked location.
- Effects: Each Totema has a unique, devastating effect that typically damages all enemies on the battlefield, often with additional status ailments or elemental properties.
- Limited Use: Totema can generally only be used once per battle. Plan their deployment carefully for maximum impact.
Totema Acquisition Guide
There are five Totema to acquire throughout your journey in Ivalice. Follow these steps to unlock each one:
1. Mateus (Ice Totema)
- Acquisition Mission: "Mage Tourney" (Mission #003)
- Walkthrough: This is the first Totema you'll encounter. It's automatically acquired upon completing the "Mage Tourney" mission, which is a mandatory story progression quest. You'll face a series of mages in a tournament setting. Focus fire on one enemy at a time to reduce their numbers quickly.
- Effect: Deals Ice damage to all enemies and has a chance to inflict "Freeze."
2. Adrammelech (Lightning Totema)
- Acquisition Mission: "Jagd Hunt" (Mission #007)
- Walkthrough: Another story-related Totema. Complete the "Jagd Hunt" mission, which involves venturing into a Jagd to hunt down a monster. Be prepared for tough enemies and potentially challenging terrain. Ensure your units have good elemental resistances or evasion.
- Effect: Deals Lightning damage to all enemies and has a chance to inflict "Silence."
3. Famfrit (Water Totema)
- Acquisition Mission: "The Hero Blade" (Mission #011)
- Walkthrough: This Totema is tied to the "The Hero Blade" mission. You'll need to defeat a powerful monster to acquire a legendary blade. This fight can be challenging, so ensure your party is well-equipped and has a balanced composition of melee and ranged attackers, as well as healers.
- Effect: Deals Water damage to all enemies and has a chance to inflict "Slow."
4. Exodus (Earth Totema)
- Acquisition Mission: "Antilaws" (Mission #015)
- Walkthrough: Exodus is unlocked after completing the "Antilaws" mission. This mission involves confronting a group of law-breaking individuals. The battle can be tricky due to the restrictive laws often present. Pay close attention to the active laws and plan your actions accordingly to avoid penalties.
- Effect: Deals Earth damage to all enemies and has a chance to inflict "Petrify."
5. Ultima (Holy Totema)
- Acquisition Mission: "Royal Valley" (Mission #020)
- Walkthrough: The final and most powerful Totema, Ultima, is acquired upon completion of the "Royal Valley" mission. This is a crucial story mission and often involves a climactic battle against a powerful antagonist. Ensure your clan is at its peak strength, with high-level abilities and equipment, before attempting this mission.
- Effect: Deals Holy damage to all enemies and has a chance to inflict "Doom."
Remember, while Totema are incredibly powerful, they are not a substitute for sound tactical planning. Use them strategically to overcome difficult situations or to deliver a decisive blow to your enemies.