How can I evaluate whether using Forked Spells is viable or not?

Question

How can I evaluate whether using Forked Spells is viable, or if I should continue using runes as a Druid, taking into account base damage, area of effect, and the number of targets hit?

Answer 1

To do the analysis for this I'm gonna consider next statements:

1. Monsters are neutral to all elements.
2. Forks are in stage 2 in Skill Wheel (-2s Cooldown & +1 extra jump)
3. Damage calculator: ED lvl 650with Magic Lvl 105 (Damage Calculator Tool)
4. Affected enemys: Forks has a clear area of effect of 6 and 7 enemies, but runes have 37 area or effect, since it is highly unlikealy that someone would hit 37 creatures, I will consider two scenarios for AoE runes, hitting 85% of monsters on screen and (just for those for players that perfectly place their runes) hitting 100% of monsters on screen.

With that said, what you must focus on amount of creatures in your screen. 

Example 1: Massive Lure 

For massive Lure I considered  20+ creatures constantly on screen. This type of hunt can be seen in Goannas, ingol, etc.

As you can see in next table, if you try to hunt a massive lure hunt using forks it will take you around 30+ attack turns to kill your entire pull, which is equal to around 1 minute attacking. Best option here would be to use AoE Runes.

Considering 30 creatures on screen:

Example 2: Moderate Lure

As you can see, in this type of hunts is where you can start thinking in the fork hunts.

Example with 17 creatures;

Example 3: 8box Lure

This is probably the most common hunt, from 8 to 13 monsters. Where Forks are clearly stronger

Conclusion:

Consider using forks in hunts when pulls have around 8 to 15 monsters. If you see a constant 16+ creautres in your screen, use AoE runes. If you are hunting with EK, don't forget about your waves (Terra hur, Frigo hur).

Here is some examples of spell rotation you can use considering monster weaknesses.

1. Neutral to Ice & Earth: Place a multi action hotkey with both forks. 
2. Weak to Ice / Immune to Earth: Multi action with Ice Fork & Avalanche rune. Try to spam your gran frigo hur too.
3. Weak to Earth / Immunue to Ice:  Multi action with Terra Fork & Stoneshower. If you are solo hunting, i don't really recommend adding Terra hur to rotation.
4. Strong to Earth and Ice: Forget everything, use GFB or Thunder.
5. More than 16+ creatures: Use AoE Runes.