Totemforged

Leopard Demihuman Totemforged

In Arcanum Imperium

Totemforged: These rare individuals have undergone a mystical transformation, becoming living conduits for the primal forces of nature and the spirits of totem animals. Through ancient rituals or divine intervention, they have been chosen to bear the essence of specific totemic spirits, granting them incredible abilities tied to their chosen totem. They have forged pacts with lemurian spirits which give them a lycanthropic rage, and bestial physical charactistics - often manifesting as demihumans reminiscent of their totem animal. Do their connection to lemurian spirits of nature they also harbor druidic traits. They present an alternative to the hedge magic and witchcraft of revered by the common folk.

Characteristics of Totemforged:

1. Physical Manifestation: Totemforged individuals bear distinct physical traits or markings that reflect their chosen totem spirit. These may include patterns, colors, or features reminiscent of the associated animal.
2. Elemental Affinity: Each Totemforged is aligned with a particular element tied to their totem. For example, a Bear Totemforged might be associated with earth and strength, while a Eagle Totemforged could be tied to air and keen vision. This is displayed in their Eye Chromamancy.
3. Animal Companion: Totemforged often have a spiritual connection with the totem animal, and some can summon or communicate with manifestations of their totem for guidance or aid.
4. Enhanced Abilities: They possess heightened abilities related to their chosen totem. For instance, a Wolf Totemforged may have exceptional tracking skills and heightened agility, while a Serpent Totemforged might wield poison-based magic.
5. Protection and Guidance: Totemforged are seen as protectors of the natural world and may be revered as spiritual leaders or guardians by nearby communities.
6. Challenges and Responsibilities: While their powers are formidable, Totemforged also face challenges and responsibilities tied to their role. They might need to maintain the balance of their totem's domain or defend it from threats.
7. Mystical Transformation: To become a Totemforged, individuals usually undergo a mystical or ritualistic transformation that solidifies their connection with the chosen totem. This process may involve trials, visions, or even physical changes.
8. Variety of Totems: There are countless totemic spirits, each associated with different animals and aspects of nature. Totemforged can represent a wide range of totemic creatures, from bears and wolves to eagles, turtles, or even more exotic creatures
9. Cultural Significance: The presence of a Totemforged can hold great significance in the cultures and societies of Arcanum, with some even fulfilling roles as shamans, protectors, or diplomats between nature and civilization.
10. Personal Journeys: Totemforged often embark on personal journeys to better understand and harness their unique powers. These journeys can lead to encounters with other Totemforged, spirit animals, and even other magical beings in Arcanum.

The significant difference between Totemforged and those who harness the power of Wild Ones lies in the source of their magic and the ethics associated with it. Here's how this difference can be significant in your world:

1. Source of Power:
   • Wild Ones: Magic users who draw power from Wild Ones form pacts with these sentient beings, often seen as a morally gray or exploitative practice. While it grants them significant power, it comes at the cost of subjugating or depleting Wild Ones.
   • Totemforged: Those who form pacts with Lemurians, on the other hand, do so with spirits that are not sentient in the same way as Wild Ones. This means that the magic drawn from Lemurians might be considered more ethical or sustainable since it doesn't involve exploiting sentient creatures.
2. Ethical Implications:
   • Wild Ones: The use of Wild Ones for power can lead to moral dilemmas and conflicts within your world. Many may view it as an unacceptable practice, potentially causing rifts between magic users and societies. It may also result in backlash from Wild One advocates or nature-based factions.
   • Totemforged: Forming pacts with Lemurians may be seen as a more acceptable and sustainable alternative. This could make Totemforged more respected or even revered but also more feared, as their powers come from a source that doesn't involve harming sentient beings.
3. Soulbridge Creation:
   • Wild Ones: The traditional method for creating a soulbridge involves exploiting Wild Ones. This might make it a contentious practice, with some magic users choosing to avoid it due to moral objections.
   • Totemforged: The pact with Lemurians may offer an ethical way to create a soulbridge, making it an attractive option for those who seek power but are unwilling to harm sentient beings. This could lead to a growing movement of magic users shifting away from exploiting Wild Ones in favor of Lemurian pacts.
4. User Base:
   • Wild Ones: Magic users who are willing to exploit Wild Ones may be part of various factions or organizations within Arcanum, each with its own motivations and methods. Some may be part of the Citadel or the Empire, while others might be part of renegade groups.
   • Totemforged: Those who form pacts with Lemurians could be part of a distinct and morally aligned faction or community. They may have their own code of conduct and responsibilities related to the natural world. Totemforged might also act as mediators or ambassadors between the wrathful lemurians and the common folk.

Totemforged Magic System - Eye Chromancy

The Totemforged possess a unique and intricate magic system known as Eye Chromancy, which is closely tied to the coloration of their eyes. This magical practice involves drawing power from the colors within their irises to perform various spells, abilities, and rituals.

Key Elements of Eye Chromancy:

1. Eye Color Significance: In the Totemforged culture, the color of one's eyes is a profound identifier of their magical abilities. Different eye colors are associated with specific magical affinities, talents, and powers.
2. Eye Color Spectrum: The Eye Chromancy system recognizes a broad spectrum of eye colors, each linked to distinct schools of magic. For example, blue eyes might be associated with water magic, while green eyes may be tied to earth and nature-based spells.
3. Chromatic Affinities: Totemforged individuals have an inherent affinity for a particular school of magic based on their eye color. This affinity affects their magical potential, allowing them to grasp specific spells and abilities more easily than others.
4. Magic Unleashing: To perform magic, a Totemforged must concentrate on the color within their eyes that corresponds to the desired spell or effect. By focusing their gaze and intention, they can tap into the latent power associated with that eye color.
5. Pigment Manipulation: The most skilled Eye Chromancers can manipulate the pigment of their irises temporarily. This enables them to switch their magical affinity by altering their eye color. However, this is a challenging and draining practice, usually reserved for experienced magic users.
6. Spellcasting: Eye Chromancers cast spells by channeling the specific magical energy linked to their eye color. This may involve invoking elemental forces, divining the future, or influencing nature through focused rituals and incantations.
7. Dual Chromancy: Totemforged who possess heterochromia or rare multi-colored eyes can master multiple affinities, combining the powers associated with each of their unique eye colors. This is seen as a significant gift among the Totemforged.
8. Inherited Abilities: Eye Chromancy often runs in families, with specific eye colors being passed down through generations. Totemforged communities value these legacies and may even have familial temples dedicated to particular chromatic traditions.
9. Symbolic Artifacts: The Totemforged may craft magical artifacts and totems related to their eye colors, such as colored lenses, jewelry, or tattoos, to amplify and focus their Eye Chromancy.
10. Eyes as Markers: One's magical prowess and mastery of Eye Chromancy are often gauged by the vividness and intensity of their eye color. Bright, vibrant eyes signify a potent spellcaster, while faded or dull eyes may indicate a novice.

Eye Chromancy is an essential aspect of Totemforged culture, deeply intertwined with their daily lives, customs, and spiritual practices. It allows them to harness the diverse energies of their environment and engage with the world around them through the lens of their unique eye colors.

1. Azure Eyes: Affinity for Water Magic - Those with azure eyes can command water, manipulate tides, and create aquatic barriers. Their abilities are often linked to healing and emotions.
2. Emerald Eyes: Affinity for Earth Magic - Totemforged with emerald eyes can control plants, shape the land, and communicate with the natural world. They are often skilled in herbalism and earth-based rituals.
3. Vermilion Eyes: Affinity for Fire Magic - Those with vermilion eyes harness the power of flames, wield fire-based spells, and can create fiery constructs. They are often known for their fiery tempers.
4. Topaz Eyes: Affinity for Air Magic - Topaz-eyed Totemforged excel in manipulating wind currents, controlling weather patterns, and harnessing the power of storms. They are often skilled at aerial travel.
5. Amber Eyes: Affinity for Lightning Magic - Amber-eyed individuals can call forth lightning and electricity, and their powers are often associated with speed, agility, and quick thinking.
6. Crimson Eyes: Affinity for Blood Magic - Totemforged with crimson eyes can manipulate life forces, perform blood rituals, and control the vital energy of living beings. They are often revered as healers and seers.
7. Indigo Eyes: Affinity for Illusion Magic - Those with indigo eyes excel in creating illusions, bending reality, and manipulating perceptions. They are often employed as spies and infiltrators.
8. Gold Eyes: Affinity for Solar Magic - Totemforged with golden eyes can draw power from the sun, project light-based spells, and exhibit radiant energy. They often serve as guardians and protectors.
9. Onyx Eyes: Affinity for Shadow Magic - Onyx-eyed individuals can control shadows, conceal themselves, and perform shadow-based rituals. They are often seen as enigmatic and mysterious.
10. Aqua Eyes: Affinity for Ice Magic - Aqua-eyed Totemforged wield ice and frost with ease, creating barriers, freezing enemies, and preserving the environment. They are often associated with cold, logic, and precision.
11. Magenta Eyes: Affinity for Psychic Magic - Those with magenta eyes can delve into the minds of others, manipulate thoughts, and project psychic energy. They are often revered as seers and counselors.
12. Opal Eyes: Affinity for Crystal Magic - Opal-eyed individuals can shape and control crystals, create crystalline structures, and manipulate light through prismatic effects. They are often gifted artisans and gemcrafters.

These vivid and wild eye colors play a significant role in defining the magical abilities and affinities of the Totemforged who possess them. Each eye color is considered a symbol of the individual's magical legacy and connection to the natural world.