I know of all these builds. The game gives a limited tool box to work from, and naturally, those making similar builds will reach similar conclusions. I do my best to innovate with what I have.

The level 30 perk spread
6 in resto with no points to reduce magicka cost and no character points invested in magicka will never (except the grind) be used in human form.

9 points in enchanting speak for themselves, obviously you enchant gear in human form, but the enchantments themselves will never be used outside wolf form.

14 points in alteration will be sued for flesh spells, shortly before shifting, and the rest are passives.

I have no idea how I am "impl[ying] that a relatively heavy portion of the build will still take place in human form."

I'm sorry you didn't find anything particularly innovative. I was fairly certain I had added a few new tricks to our lovely compendium.

I think both our builds predate DB content in any case.

I'd argue that Slow Time + Beast Form serves virtually the same purpose as Become Ethereal + Beast Form (that is, to ensure you can transform without worrying about being attacked).  And really, Become Ethereal seems like the better option, as it GUARANTEES that you don't take damage, and it's much easier to obtain the words of power for it.  Plus, with Dragonborn, you can get the ring that does the exact same thing as Slow Time + Beast Form.

As for Absorb Health, you may be the first to use it, I don't know.  But I don't think it's really necessary here; I've always found that werewolves never risk running out of health even without extra buffs from spells, powers, and enchantments.  DG makes werewolves absurdly overpowered in the right hands.

My original post was in answer to Snakes's comment saying he couldn't understand how anyone could see this and not like it.  My answer, I think, applies to anyone who values innovation even more than I do -- which is to say, a whole helluva lot.  And I do believe there are at least a few such people on the blog.

Let me reiterate, since I feel like I haven't been clear here: I'm not saying this is a rehash, or a copy, or totally unoriginal.  I've already noted a couple of unique things about the build, and praised Constantine's style of presentation.  My comment stemmed from several comments in this thread praising all these "new mechanics" that Constantine is using, which I just don't see.

I've already acknowledged that this build focuses more on beast form (and less on human form) than any other build I've read, and complimented that idea.  But in terms of actual mechanics, it really plays functionally the same as most of those builds.

@Constintine - My point in bringing up the level 30 spread was not for the perks themselves, but for the fact that in order to get them, you have to spend a significant investment in human form leveling up your skills.  Even though the perks benefit beast form, in order to unlock them, you must employ a serious effort in human form.  Once you've unlocked all the perks, human form becomes pointless, but until then, you're bound by the amount of time you are willing to spend in human form.

Like Constantine said "the game gives a limited tool box to work from, and naturally, those making similar builds will reach similar conclusions". However in terms of actual gameplay this build is very different if only for relying on health absorption for healing. This alone  demands a different more aggressive playstyle than the other builds. Add to that relying on werewolf form, and use of easily leveled skills and you get a very unique playthrough

"the game gives a limited tool box to work from, and naturally, those making similar builds will reach similar conclusions".

I am totally fine agreeing with that.  My point was that a few cosmetic changes are simply not enough to be considered truly innovative.  I like this for what it is: a fun and well-presented build.  It deserves to have as many likes as it does.

I just think a lot of the comments here are overstating certain elements.  Personally, I feel like werewolf gameplay is inherently aggressive, and adding health absorption and whirlwind cloaks are not enough to really differentiate gameplay by a significant margin.  In fact, find me a passive way to play a werewolf, and I'll hail that as true innovation.

And again, my original comment was only in reply to previous discussion, I seriously have nothing but respect for Constantine, and like I said before, I love a good werewolf build no matter what.

My comments on innovation and such are really broad opinions that extend to the group as a whole; personally I feel like Adrik is probably the only person on here who's posted anything truly innovative for the last few months, with his Ash summon findings for the Telvanni Wizard.  I do not expect every build to have something so fundamentally unique and exciting as that.  I appreciate a good build, such as this, all the same.  It just bothers me that the group seems to have become more appreciative of less innovative mechanics of late.  Sure, a large part of that can be attributed to Constantine's own observation that you and I both quoted, but I'd rather see the group acknowledge the creative merits of these builds, rather than attempting to justify "innovation" where it may not really exist.

Maybe that;s just a cynic's opinion though...  Sorry to bring these rumbling generalities here, I fear I've begun to get too far off topic to justify posting anymore.  So I'll just end by saying one last time: good job with this build, Constantine.

I would disagree about the length of time to be in human form for the perks as two out of three of them level quickly with little interaction with the outside world.

Alteration can be raised through Detect Life, which can be easily acquired through the Infiltration quest (which is a wonderful opportunity to use the werewolf form too)

Enchanting almost raises itself. Just takes a bit of money to buy the soul gems.

Restoration is kind of a pain to raise, though. Even so, with a bit of controlled self-damage or just sitting in a room with a draugr and casting Turn Undead for awhile will raise it fairly quickly.

Thanks for the stimulating discourse. I agree with just about everything you've said :)

I hope to see people coming up new innovations that will blow us all away! They're out there!