Totemist
A Totemist is one who can summon and communicate with the spirits of animals. Some can also do this with plants, rocks and weather patterns, though they tend to be extremely specialist.
One might be forgiven for thinking a Totemist is just another name for a Speaker, but that is not the case. A Speaker communes with sapient spirits, while a Totemist shares energetic impressions with even ostensibly mindless things (such as rocks). The primary difference there is the presence of an actual mind with human-like thoughts vs translating energy and impressions of a non-mind into what can be understood by humans.
There is sometimes some cross-over, particularly when it comes to large plants and some animals. However, even with this, the Speaker and Totemist communicate in very different ways. While a Speaker relays a relatively conscious message, a Totemist speaks for the beings after the communion allows them to "experience" the being's feelings, sensations, and effects of things that have happened previously or are happening currently.
One might be forgiven for thinking a Totemist is just another name for a Speaker, but that is not the case. A Speaker communes with sapient spirits, while a Totemist shares energetic impressions with even ostensibly mindless things (such as rocks). The primary difference there is the presence of an actual mind with human-like thoughts vs translating energy and impressions of a non-mind into what can be understood by humans.
There is sometimes some cross-over, particularly when it comes to large plants and some animals. However, even with this, the Speaker and Totemist communicate in very different ways. While a Speaker relays a relatively conscious message, a Totemist speaks for the beings after the communion allows them to "experience" the being's feelings, sensations, and effects of things that have happened previously or are happening currently.
Perception
Social Status
Totemists are generally seen in a positive light, but are also often thought to be a little on the "wild side." At worst, they are viewed as uncultured or bestial, and with no small amount of classism and racism involved in that stereotype throughout history. This may be partially due to the way Totemists are often drawn to wild or isolated areas where they can explore their abilities without social stigma.
History
Totemists have long been at the center of many religious systems, particularly those of aboriginal cultures and areas not controlled by European ideologies. Shamans, medicine people, and similar titles have been given to Totemists in several cultures.
Many Totemists are environmentalist activists - reasonable for one who can "experience" the "pain" of trees and water due to pollution. Additionally, there is a secret history of Totemists "going native" when encountering vast wilderness for the first time.
There is also a strongly-believed theory that the woman who was the basis for Grendel's mother in the legend of Beowulf was a Totemist. The "Cambodian Jungle Girl" and "Viktor of Aveyron," as well as several other children "raised by animals," are listed as Totemists in MAGE's records.
Many Totemists are environmentalist activists - reasonable for one who can "experience" the "pain" of trees and water due to pollution. Additionally, there is a secret history of Totemists "going native" when encountering vast wilderness for the first time.
There is also a strongly-believed theory that the woman who was the basis for Grendel's mother in the legend of Beowulf was a Totemist. The "Cambodian Jungle Girl" and "Viktor of Aveyron," as well as several other children "raised by animals," are listed as Totemists in MAGE's records.
Occurrence:
Very common
Very common
Type
Arcane
Famous in the Field
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