The Totem Sourcebook
In earlier days we understood that we were simply a part of the earth, and only one small part. Now many think humans are the greatest and most important part. We used to know respect of nature and killed only what we ate and used only the skins of what we killed and ate. We did not waste lives nor disrespect spirits but honoured and thanked them for providing us with life, nourishment, and comfort. In earlier days we gave recognition to the power of the animal spirits by wearing skins, masks, mimicking, singing praise, and prayer to specific animals. We painted the animals on our homes, caves, death chambers, and asked the Spirit to guide us to the animal that we consumed and bless the spirit of the animal we kill for we are a predator in the part of nature and we honoured the spirit of our prey. These acts allowed us to remain linked to the animal guides and to accept the power they offer us in lessons, in life, and in death. It reminded us that all animals were our sisters, brothers, and cousins and most importantly our teachers and friends. It reminded us that we too are animals with spirit.
The natural power of animal totems has not been lost. They still hold the power and the knowledge we can use. Only we must remember how to be one with nature and all that is, has been, and will be. We must not lose this connection now that we are 'cultured'. For what was will always be and all those cultures could not have been wrong. There is a reason that Spirit has put all of us together, has given us so many healing stones, and has given us medicine, for the body and the spirit. We are all one. Using Animal Totems will allow you to see and love the earth better, to know life better, to know yourself better, and to commune better with Mother and Spirit. You can be healthier and happier physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in understanding and honouring your animal totems.
Animals come to us because they have a lesson we need to learn a power they are willing to share with a friend. In general, animals remind us that we are part of the earth; that each creature has a place; that each creature has a skill of it's own; that we have instincts given to us from Mother, wisdom born to us that we must awaken. The Animal Totem that comes to you offers you power and wisdom if you will learn to communicate with it, with respect, trust, and understanding. Developing a relationship with a live animal totem takes time, practice, patience and could be very dangerous. Having an animal totem does not mean that you are to pet the animal or even be with it physically. Having an animal totem means that you have lessons to learn and a powerful spiritual friend.
Each animal has it's own special power and message, for each animal has a powerful spirit and an inherent skill. Animal Spirits choose a person to be a companion to, a friend to, not the other way around. You can not think, 'gee a bear is cute or powerful and I like what it represents so the Bear will be my Animal Totem'. No, the animal will choose you and make itself known to you. You will only need to pay attention to discover what your totems are. Mistakenly people often think of animals as non-spiritual, uncultured, and less intelligent than humans.
| Amphibious |
| This totem favours
endurance and patience, as well as determination and creativity. Summoned Abilities include; WIS +4, CON +4. Further he has gills which allow him to breathe underwater as naturally as above water. He can resist the effects of high water pressure, up to 100 metres per CON underwater, without worry of such ailments as burst eardrums, damage to blood vessels, and the bends. Gains +5 HPs per CON, and +1 STR per 10 HPs (the bonuses still apply above water). His swim rate is MR x4. Totems include; Dolphins, Porpoises, Fish, Seals, Sharks, Turtles, Tortoises and Whales. |
| Avian |
| This totem favours
speed and cunning, and values freedom and agility. Summoned Abilities include; INT +4, MR +8. Glide at 20kph +2kph per level with sufficient wind. Vision x2 normal range and can see small objects clearer. Totems include; Chickens, Condors, Crows, Ducks, Eagles, Falcons, Geese, Hawks, Hummingbirds, Ostriches, Emus, Owls, Parrots, Peacocks, Pelicans, Penguins, Ravens, Roadrunners, Swans, Turkeys and Woodpeckers. |
| Canine |
| This totem favours
speed and endurance and loyalty. Summoned Abilities include; CON +4, MR +8. Smell increases to x1 normal range per 3 WIS with an additional x1 per level (eg. WIS 15 = x5 range). Can identify the specific odour or scent of anyone that have previously met, and track by smell so long as know the scent. Totems include; Coyotes, Dingoes, Domestic Dogs, Foxes, Hyenas and Wolves. |
| Feline |
| This totem favours
stealth and cunning. Summoned Abilities include; INT +4, DEX +4. Nightvision equal to normal vision. +1 on dexterity skills and agility rolls. Totems include; Domestic Cats, Cheetahs, Cougars, Pumas, Jaguars, Leopards, Lions, Lynxes and Tigers. |
| Hoofed |
| This totem favours
strength and speed. Summoned Abilities include; STR +4, MR +8. +50% per level to normal leap range, +1 AC, +2 Thaco. Totems include; Buffalos, Camels, Cows, Bulls, Deer, Donkeys, Elephants, Giraffes, Goats, Hippopotami, Horses, Moose, Pigs, Boars, Rhinos, Sheep and Zebras. |
| Mustelid |
| This totem favours
strength and cunning. Summoned Abilities include; INT +4, STR +4. Further he has nightvision equal to normal vision. He can travel swiftly through the earth by burrowing a tunnel at his normal walking rate. Normally the tunnel the hero makes collapses within 10 minutes of the hero's passage at a specific spot. The exception is the tunnel within 3 metres of the hero's current location. This allows the hero to occasionally stop. A tunnel never collapses on the hero, unless a higher intensity force is applied. The hero may burrow through materials with lower material strength than his damage ability. Materials with equal or greater material strength are obstacles to be detoured around. Totems include; Armadillos, Badgers, Bats, Beavers, Hedgehogs, Meerkats, Moles, Mongooses, Mice, Otters, Porcupines, Possums, Rabbits, Raccoons, Rats, Skunks, Squirrels, Weasels and Wolverines. |
| Reptile |
| This totem favours
cunning and patience and is well versed in survival and stealth.
Summoned Abilities include; INT +4, WIS +4. Further he can hold his breath at x4 normal duration. He can resist the effects of high water pressure, up to
50 metres per CON underwater, without worry of such ailments as burst eardrums,
damage to blood vessels, and the bends. Gains +5 HPs per CON, and +1 STR
per 10 HPs (the bonuses still apply above water). His swim rate is MR x4. Vision x2 normal range. |
| Ursine |
| This totem favours
strength and endurance but is also known for its introspectiveness and self
knowledge. Summoned Abilities include; STR +4, CON +4. Lifting, Carrying and Throwing capacities are doubled. Totems include; Grizzly, Kodiak and Polar Bears. |