Posting again in case it helps anyone struggling with tota or wants a dedicated toon for it.

The only change I feel is that chieftains tend to hover over their totem more. Use knockback and wait for an opening to channel their totem. This build was not dependent on any other units so that hasn't changed the gameplay for me.

This build is different from the previous one because evasion/spell dodge/attack and spell block are all capped, allowing us to feel much tankier than before. However, I feel that the ensnaring playstyle allowed me more control of the mobs movement, so it's a trade-off which I think ultimately might be worth it.

current POB: https://pobb.in/UKcElqalmGXd

elementalist budget POB: https://pobb.in/K0-jKRB_oE-S as of 9/5/2023 cost is exactly 5.3divines - higher chill effect, higher shock, less spell dodge than raider

raider budget POB: https://pobb.in/WrNq9xLeNOi9 - same budget - less chill effect and no shock, capped spell dodge

crafting helm: use essence of loathing (doesn't need to be deafening) and look for open suffix, buy fenumus, first of the night beast and use menagerie to craft it on helm. Make sure the spider aspect isn't being supported by any gems like increased duration because reservation cost will go up.

crafting chest: use one essence of woe and look for open suffix, bench craft suppression

notes:

for elementalist keep gem level low for storm brand/void sphere. They need to be able to hit with highest damage either cold/lightning (similar to how trinity works) in order to benefit from elementalist ascendancies

both ascendancies need at least two flask effect duration tattoos to have 100% flask uptime depending on how well ur flask is rolled