Post by Ikon on Nov 11, 2009 19:17:42 GMT -8
Totems
Each pack also dedicates itself to a particular totem when it is first formed. Many of these totems are great animals spirits,
such as Raven or Bear. Others, such as Grandfather Thunder are more personified. Lesser known, more esoteric totems, like Almighty Dolla' and the Great Trash Heap, are cryptic and bizarre. These great spirits each have their own special strengths, so the choice of a totem often relates to a pack's goals or strengths. The choice is made during an intense and mystical rite. The pack then receives a totem spirit, a spiritual servitor of the totem that can act as their guardian, guide them through the spirit world and even lend them mystical power.
On some occasions, the pack is gathered expressly to serve a specific totem, and all the Cliath who serve it are first brought together to form a pack with this affinity in mind. For instance, if a Wendigo Sept decides to form a Raven pack, it may gather together the most infamous tricksters and sagest masters of knowledge. Once, it was easy for elder Theurges to simply summon these guides. However, since magic is dying rapidly in the world, many packs now undertake a great quest into the spirit world to find their totem spirit. Until it does so, the pack travels without such guidance. Of course, the pack does not have to stay together forever. Some packs disband after many years of cooperation, especially if their goals in life change. If the pack makes this decision, such as when their purpose is accomplished, the totem spirit is released ceremonially.
Each pack also dedicates itself to a particular totem when it is first formed. Many of these totems are great animals spirits,
such as Raven or Bear. Others, such as Grandfather Thunder are more personified. Lesser known, more esoteric totems, like Almighty Dolla' and the Great Trash Heap, are cryptic and bizarre. These great spirits each have their own special strengths, so the choice of a totem often relates to a pack's goals or strengths. The choice is made during an intense and mystical rite. The pack then receives a totem spirit, a spiritual servitor of the totem that can act as their guardian, guide them through the spirit world and even lend them mystical power.
On some occasions, the pack is gathered expressly to serve a specific totem, and all the Cliath who serve it are first brought together to form a pack with this affinity in mind. For instance, if a Wendigo Sept decides to form a Raven pack, it may gather together the most infamous tricksters and sagest masters of knowledge. Once, it was easy for elder Theurges to simply summon these guides. However, since magic is dying rapidly in the world, many packs now undertake a great quest into the spirit world to find their totem spirit. Until it does so, the pack travels without such guidance. Of course, the pack does not have to stay together forever. Some packs disband after many years of cooperation, especially if their goals in life change. If the pack makes this decision, such as when their purpose is accomplished, the totem spirit is released ceremonially.