The Totem Shamans
The Totem Shamans hold the highest authority within The Inner Circle of Druids, making them the most esteemed and revered figures in the realm of nature protection on Dessend. Only the deities of nature, such as Kybaleen, possess authority above the Totem Shamans.
The name "Totem Shamans" is fitting, as each of these distinguished druids carries a powerful magical talisman carved in the image of one of the totem animals representing the Inner Circle of Druids. These totem animals symbolize the core principles and values of the Inner Circle, embodying the essence of their connection with nature and the world around them.
The Totem Shamans play a pivotal role in guiding the Inner Circle's actions, making crucial decisions, and ensuring harmony and balance within the natural world. Their wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual connection to the totem animals make them invaluable leaders, guiding the druids' endeavors to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems of Dessend.
By holding the Totem Shamans in such high esteem, the Inner Circle emphasizes the significance of their responsibilities and the great trust bestowed upon them by nature deities. Their totem talismans are not only symbols of authority but also a reminder of their sacred duty to serve as caretakers of the natural world.
Current Conflicts
The Totem Shamans currently face an unprecidented problem. While they should number twelve and together possess the twelve Totem Talismans, only ten of the Shaman and their Talismans have been attending the Inner Circle.The Wolf Shaman's Crisis
The Wolf Shaman has abandoned her post as she has been being pressured to step down and pass on her posistion. She has reached an age where if the Wolf Talisman leaves her possession she would quickly die of old age. As such she has not been fulfilling her duty to lend out the talisman to worthy causes.The Dragon Shaman's Disappearance
The Dragon Shaman had simply gone missing but was discovered to have joined an Adrakist cult, and has even given his Dragon Talisman to them as tribute. The Talisman has since been relocated to one of the larger settlements of the cult to be enshrined.Culture
The role of the Totem Shamans within the Inner Circle goes beyond merely wielding their powerful talismans. As the esteemed leaders and custodians of these remarkable artifacts, the Totem Shamans bear the crucial responsibility of safeguarding and distributing them to worthy causes, despite the inherent risks involved.
While the Talismans hold immense power, the Inner Circle recognizes that their purpose is intrinsically tied to serving the greater good and preserving the natural world of Dessend. As such, it is their duty to ensure that the Talismans find their way into the hands of those who will use them responsibly and for noble purposes.
The decision to share the Talismans comes with an understanding of the potential consequences. There is always the risk of them being lost, misused, or falling into the wrong hands, and such events could have dire consequences. However, the Inner Circle views this as a necessary risk, recognizing that the Talismans' powers are intended to be harnessed for the betterment of all living beings.
The Totem Shamans' wisdom and judgment become paramount in assessing the worthiness of those who seek to wield the Talismans. They carefully consider the intentions and character of potential recipients, ensuring that the recipients are guided by principles of compassion, respect for nature, and the preservation of the delicate balance of the world.
Even if a Talisman were to be lost or misused, the Inner Circle remains steadfast in their belief that the true essence of the Talismans lies in their potential to bring about positive change and protect the natural world. While the loss of a Talisman may be regrettable, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsibility in wielding such potent forces.
The Totem Shamans' dedication to preserving the balance of nature and promoting the wellbeing of all life drives their decisions, even in the face of uncertainty and risk. They understand that the power of the Talismans is a gift to be shared with those who walk the path of harmony and respect for the world.
In their role as guardians and leaders, the Totem Shamans exemplify the values and principles upheld by the Inner Circle. Their guidance, discernment, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of the natural world set the tone for the Inner Circle's collective efforts to protect the delicate harmony of Dessend.
By entrusting the Talismans to worthy causes, the Totem Shamans demonstrate their belief in the innate goodness of sentient beings and their potential to wield power responsibly. They inspire others to stand as stewards of nature, contributing to the flourishing of the world and embracing their roles as protectors and guardians of the mystical wonders that abound in the realm of Dessend
Assets
The Totem Shamans of the Inner Circle of Druids each carry a stone talisman carved in the shape of their totem animal, serving dual purposes for esteemed druids. These stone talismans are a badge of authority for Totem Shamans, indicating their status as the highest-ranking members of the Inner Circle and commanding immense respect and reverence among druids and other nature protectors. The Totem Shamans are also granted unique and potent magical abilities by the talismans, which are woven into the stones to enhance their role as guardians of nature, allowing them to form stronger connections with the natural world.
Bat Talisman
The Talisman of the Bat Shaman, carved in the bat's likeness, is a magical talisman that can bring inanimate objects to life, such as statues, sculptures, or effigies. When activated, the talisman infuses the object with life, giving it the appearance and attributes of the individual it is designed to mimic. The animated object gains the knowledge, memories, and powers of the original individual, becoming a living embodiment of the person it represents. Despite this, the object retains its physical characteristics and durability. This ability allows the Bat Shaman or any other possessor to honor and preserve the memory of important figures by creating animated effigies that embody their essence. These creations can serve as historical records or tributes to influential individuals, ensuring their legacies endure through the ages. Additionally, animated objects can be used for practical purposes, such as a warrior's statue defending a location or an artist's sculpture imparting creative insights to others.Dragon Talisman
The Talisman of the Dragon Shaman is a powerful artifact that grants its holder the ability to manipulate and project fire with precision and force. Its primary ability is to conjure and project fire with ease, unleashing explosive fireballs, cascading infernos, or imposing walls of flame. The holder can control the flames with finesse and control. The talisman's magic extends to infusing a weapon with the searing power of elemental fire, making it a formidable instrument of destruction. This fusion enhances the holder's martial prowess, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. However, wielding the Talisman of the Dragon Shaman is a responsibility that demands respect and restraint, as the power of fire can be both a blessing and a curse, as uncontrolled flames can lead to unintended consequences and collateral damage.Ape Talisman
The Talisman of the Ape Shaman is a powerful talisman that allows its holder to transform living creatures and inanimate materials. Its primary ability is to change the physical appearance and characteristics of living beings at will, altering their species and abilities. This ability can be used for various purposes, such as aiding allies during battles or aiding in stealth or espionage missions. The Talisman also extends its powers to reshape inanimate materials. By invoking the name of a specific species, the talisman can alter inanimate objects to assume the form of the named creature. This unique synergy with the Bat Talisman allows for the creation of animated sculptures that mirror living creatures with incredible detail and accuracy. These animated effigies serve as tributes to the natural world and as powerful guardians or allies for those who hold the talismans.Bear Talisman
The Bear Shaman Talisman is a powerful tool that grants its holder an unparalleled level of physical strength. The holder's transformation into the bear's primal force allows them to perform incredible feats of strength, such as lifting boulders and shattering obstacles. In battle, the Bear Talisman grants unmatched combat prowess, with strikes landing with astonishing force, cleaving through armor and falling adversaries with a single blow. The talisman's magic also enhances their durability, making them nearly impervious to injury, akin to the legendary resilience of great bears in the wilderness. The Bear Talisman's physical might extends beyond brute strength, providing enhanced endurance and stamina, making the bearer an unstoppable force, able to endure extended battles or arduous journeys without succumbing to fatigue.Serpent Talisman
The Talisman of the Serpent Shaman grants its possessor the ability to become completely undetectable at will. When activated, it creates a veil of concealment around the holder, making them imperceptible to all forms of perception and divination. The talisman also suppresses any sounds the bearer might make, allowing them to move in silence. In addition to physical invisibility, the talisman protects against magical scrying and detection, thwarting spells and abilities that would reveal the possessor's presence, location, or intentions. This enigmatic aura provides unparalleled advantages in espionage, reconnaissance, and evasive maneuvers during dangerous encounters, allowing the possessor to infiltrate enemy strongholds, gather critical information, and execute missions with utmost subtlety.Eagle Talisman
The Talisman of the Eagle Shaman grants a unique gift of telekinesis, allowing its possessor to manipulate and levitate any creature or object in their line of sight, including themselves. This telekinetic ability allows the holder to ascend to great heights, traverse rugged landscapes, and navigate through obstacles with swift aerial maneuvers. The holder can also telekinetically lift and carry other creatures or objects, making them valuable in rescue missions, aerial transportation, and tactical maneuvers. The telekinetic flight also provides an advantage in reconnaissance and surveillance, allowing the holder to survey vast areas, observe events from afar, and locate hidden threats, acting as the eyes and ears of their allies.Lion Talisman
The Talisman of the Lion Shaman is a powerful talisman that can split a creature into two separate beings, representing their inner good and evil. The holder can invoke this transformative power to reveal the creature's intrinsic duality, separating its inner good and evil into distinct entities. The two beings represent the creature's nature, with the inner good representing kindness, compassion, and nobility, and the inner evil representing aggression, malice, or selfishness. This ability offers potential for personal growth and ethical dilemmas, as the split entities allow the creature to confront and reconcile their inner dichotomy. The talisman can also reunite the split entities back into their original form, harmonizing the creature's soul and unifying their sense of self. The talisman's magic can help the creature reconcile their different aspects of their nature and foster personal growth.Horse Talisman
The Talisman of the Horse Shaman holds a powerful and benevolent magic that can heal both living creatures and objects. Its healing abilities are unparalleled, allowing for the mending of diseases, wounds, and broken bones. Even the most powerful curses are mended by its potent magic, freeing the afflicted from their malevolent effects and restoring their wellbeing. The talisman's restoration abilities extend to inanimate objects, repairing and restoring them to their original, pristine state. The key to this ability lies in the possessor's profound understanding of the object or being they seek to heal or restore. Their connection to the natural world allows them to comprehend the essence and intricacies of what they touch, guiding the talisman's magic in its healing endeavor. The talisman's power lies in its profound understanding of the nature and composition of the objects it is used to heal.Wolf Talisman
The Talisman of the Wolf Shaman is a powerful magic that shields its holder from the effects of aging and death. This protects them from the ravages of time, allowing them to live an enduring and timeless existence. The holder enters a state of perpetual vitality, preventing the ravages of time from taking their physical form away. Despite facing perilous situations or mortal threats, the holder cannot be claimed by death. However, the protection granted by the Talisman does not make the holder invulnerable. They remain susceptible to injury and illness, and must face the consequences of wounds and maladies and endure the process of recovery like any other living being.Shark Talisman
The Talisman of the Shark Shaman grants a bearer the ability to move at breakneck speeds, allowing them to cover vast distances in a blink of an eye. This talisman also protects the bearer from sudden acceleration and deceleration, ensuring lightning-fast speeds without any harmful consequences to their body. When combined with the flight power granted by the Eagle Talisman, the bearer attains an unparalleled level of mobility, allowing them to move effortlessly through all three dimensions—on land, in the air, and even underwater—navigating the natural world of Dessend with grace and mastery. The bearer of the Talisman of the Shark Shaman becomes a living embodiment of the grace and agility of the shark, a creature that moves through the water with unrivaled swiftness and precision. Their presence inspires awe and wonder in those who witness their remarkable abilities.Saurian Talisman
The Talisman of the Saurian Shaman is a powerful tool that allows its owner to unbind their spirit from their physical form and explore the ethereal realm. This mystical power allows the user to explore the Ethereal Plane, allowing them to explore the mindscapes of others and gain insight into their thoughts, memories, and emotions. The holder also gains the ability to possess soulless vessels, allowing them to interact with the physical world in ways previously beyond their reach. However, this power also poses risks, as the act of unbinding the spirit from the body leaves the user vulnerable to possession by other ethereal entities or malevolent spirits roaming the Ethereal Plane. The Saurian Talisman offers a unique insight into the depths of the mind and the potential for understanding, empathy, and connection.Boar Talisman
The Talisman of the Boar Shaman is a powerful and versatile talisman that grants the bearer the ability to harness the essence of light. It allows the bearer to project sunlight from their eyes, providing illumination and power. The holder can control the intensity of the sunlight, casting a warm glow to bring light and comfort to dark and icy caverns. In times of need, the bearer can unleash the full intensity of the sunlight, burning away obstacles and adversaries. The talisman's versatility demonstrates the power and importance of light in the world of Dessend. The druid or individual who wields this talisman becomes a keeper of illumination, guarding the balance between light and darkness. With this gift, the bearer becomes a symbol of hope and guidance, bringing light to places shrouded in darkness and illuminating the path ahead for others. Their presence becomes a beacon of warmth and safety, providing solace to those who traverse the shadowed corners of the world.
Type
Druidic Circle