Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  16442
Title: a book titled 'Totemic Magic'

"Totemic Magic" by Nigel Winterbottom.

Totemic magic is a branch of sympathetic magic related to rune-carving.
While rune-carving unlocks hidden potential of an object by giving it
magical focii, totem-carving imposes the will of the maker over raw
materials by giving them a form and purpose.

Basic totems are carved from wood. They generally take the form of animals
the druid is familiar with, but can also be made in the likeness of
primitive humanoids such as trolls and ogres. Totems are made in several
stages. The figure is gradually shaped to be more and more realistic in
appearance, while more mana is invested into it. When the totem carver
feels the figure is complete, they can seal the magic within it and
complete the totem. One completed, the totem can be held.

Sometimes, a totem carver chooses to seal the magic of the totem before it
is complete. By not filling its magic to capacity, a totem carver can
attempt to carve runes into it. This can result in totems with unusual
properties.

There are several variations of totems. Fetishes are small totems that can
be worn as bracelets and necklaces. The art of wickercraft creates
specialized woven totems from bundles of flexible sticks and fresh herbs.
Some wickercrafted totems can be worn, like garlands and wreaths. Others
function as specialized, one-use wands that cast obscure spells.

The most potent of totems are spirit totems. These potent items can be used
to store the spirits of called animals and conjure them forth at need.
These are extremely useful in places where certain animals cannot be
called, such as inside of cities or deep underground.

Certain murlock tribes in southeastern Atmir create totems infused with
geomantic magic. These totems are for a variety of purposes, from passing
magical barriers to controlling animated stone simulacrums.