I have an idea for a new druid skill. Many times I have found myself wishing to use a staff more often. The whole concept of using a staff is awesome, and it is a shame that they are never used. The current staves are obsolete and useless, and totems are far superior. I think that druids are meant to use staffs and totems to fight in addition to using spells. The very concept of a staff implies melee combat. Druids who choose to use staffs should be able to gain substantial damage, health, and defense bonuses that would warrant the use of a staff.
That is why I am proposing the addition of a melee skill for staffs. It would be similar to giant swing or pummel, but it would only work if you had a staff equipped. The strength of the skill would increase with your weapon damage, and if you put points into your strength skill.
I think that an awesome animation for this skill would be to raise your staff high with both arms, and then smash it down into the ground in front of you. A few rippling ground effects would be a good addition. (Think Gandalf: "You shall not pass!") I like the name "Thunder Stave."
OTM has established a trend of giving players more "choices" and "options" to perfect their builds. Adding a staff melee skill would be a step towards giving players more choices and leveling the playing field between totems and staffs. A totem melee skill would be an awesome addition too! Druids are meant to fight with melee in addition to being casters.
Staffs would also need to be given a boost. I think that their damage should be increased, and they should have substantial defense and health bonuses added to them. This would allow players to choose to use staffs and take a hit in their other skill damage, but have the addition of a melee skill. The concept of a staff implies the ability to do high damage, and block/parry a lot of blows. (Hence, the added defense).
Looking forward to hearing your feedback!