So, you’re deep in the Living Lands. You’ve probably spent hours dodging Xaurip spears and trying to figure out why the physics in Avowed feels just a little bit floaty compared to Skyrim. But then you hear about it. The Emerald Stair Totem. It sounds like one of those legendary items that’s going to completely reshape your build, right? Well, sort of. Obsidian Entertainment loves their lore-heavy loot, and this specific item is tucked away in a spot that most players honestly just sprint right past because they’re too busy trying not to get mauled by a Forest Lurker.
Let’s be real. Gear in Avowed isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about how that gear interacts with the Soul-based magic system that defines the Pillars of Eternity universe. The Emerald Stair Totem isn't just a stat stick; it’s a mechanical bridge.
Where the Emerald Stair Totem Actually Hides
Most people think you just stumble upon this thing in a random chest near the Emerald Stair region. Wrong. It’s actually tied to a specific environmental puzzle that requires you to pay attention to the verticality of the map. You see, the Emerald Stair isn't just a name—it’s a physical climb. You're looking for a collapsed pillar near the western ridge. If you’ve reached the camp with the tired expedition members, you’ve gone too far. Backtrack.
Look for the flickering green Essence.
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The totem itself is nestled within a small alcove that is easily missed if you aren't using your "Echo" sight frequently. Honestly, the devs were kinda mean with the placement here. It’s tucked behind a breakable stone wall that doesn't look like a breakable stone wall. You need a blunt weapon or a high-impact spell to crack it. Once you’re in, the Emerald Stair Totem is sitting right there on a pedestal that looks suspiciously like it was built by someone who really, really hated adventurers.
What Does This Thing Actually Do?
You’re probably wondering if the stats justify the trek.
The totem focuses heavily on Nature-based Essence manipulation. If you’re running a Ranger-style build or a Wizard focusing on crowd control, this is your bread and butter. It provides a passive 12% boost to "Regrowth" speed for your stamina, but the real kicker is the active ability. When placed (it functions as a stationary buff source), it creates a radius where enemies are slowed by "Ensnaring Vines."
It’s basically a portable trap.
Think about it. You’re kite-fighting a group of heavy-hitting mercenaries. You drop the totem. Suddenly, their movement speed drops by 40%. You can then rain down spells or pick them off with a crossbow while they’re struggling through the digital mud. It’s brilliant for solo play, especially on the "Path of the Damned" difficulty where every single inch of space between you and a blade matters.
Combat Synergy and Build Logic
Don't just slap this onto any character.
If you’re a pure tank, the Emerald Stair Totem might feel a bit redundant. You’re already in their face. Why slow them down? However, for a "Ciphers" build or a nimble "Duelist," the totem provides the breathing room necessary to build up Focus or recharge your heavy-hitting abilities. Obsidian’s lead systems designers have often spoken about "tactical positioning," and this item is the embodiment of that philosophy.
Why the Community is Divided
Some players on the forums think the totem is "underwhelming." They look at the raw damage output and see a zero.
That’s the wrong way to look at it.
The Emerald Stair Totem is about utility. In a game like Avowed, where the action is more immediate than the isometric Pillars games, controlling the battlefield is often more important than a +5 to Strength. You have to play smart. If you just want to smash things, go find a greatsword. If you want to orchestrate a slaughter, get the totem.
Misconceptions About the Emerald Stair Region
Wait. Let’s clear something up.
A lot of early guides claimed the totem was a reward for the "Whispers of the Woods" quest. It isn’t. While that quest takes you near the location, the totem is an "unmarked discovery." This is a classic Obsidian move—rewarding the players who actually explore the corners of the map instead of just following the golden quest marker like a moth to a flame.
Also, it doesn't scale with your level in the way some people think. Its base utility is fixed, meaning it’s actually better to find it early. If you find it at level 25, you might have better options. If you snag it at level 10? You’re going to feel like a god for the next five hours of gameplay.
Expert Tips for Maximizing the Totem
To really get the most out of it, you need to pair it with gear that increases your "Area of Effect" (AoE) radius. There are several rings found in the Living Lands that can push the totem’s reach out by another 2 or 3 meters. That sounds small. It isn't. In a narrow cave corridor, that extra 2 meters means the difference between catching the entire mob or just the guy in the front.
- Placement is Key: Drop it near corners.
- Don't Forget the Durability: In some patches, stationary items can be destroyed by enemy AoE. Check your placement.
- Synergize with Fire: Use the slow effect to keep enemies inside a "Wall of Flame" spell.
Honestly, the most satisfying thing you can do is drop the totem at the top of a narrow staircase (fitting, right?) and watch as enemies try to slog up toward you while you just pepper them with arrows. It feels a bit like cheating, but hey, that’s RPG life.
How to Get the Emerald Stair Totem Right Now
If you're currently playing and want to go grab it, stop what you're doing and head to the Emerald Stair waypoint. Move North-Northwest. Ignore the Xaurip camp unless you're low on supplies. Find the waterfall that seems to be flowing "wrong"—the water looks slightly more translucent than the rest. Climb the rocks to the left of that waterfall.
There is a small crevice.
Squeeze through.
You’ll find a small shrine dedicated to Galawain. The Emerald Stair Totem is there. You’ll have to fight a couple of stone constructs to get out, but if you’ve been leveling your parry timing, it shouldn't be an issue. Just don't let them pin you against the wall. Those constructs hit like a freight train.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head out to find the totem, make sure your inventory has at least one "Heavy Impact" item or spell equipped, as the hidden wall is non-negotiable. Once you obtain the Emerald Stair Totem, immediately test its radius in the outskirts of the Emerald Stair region to get a feel for the "Ensnaring Vines" wind-up time. Finally, look for gear with the "Resonant Essence" trait; this will allow the totem to stay active for 20% longer, which is crucial during the game's more grueling multi-wave encounters.