Spiritcaller Totem

Creation and First Use

The Spiritcaller Totem is one of the most ancient and revered artifacts among the trolls of Tu'mir. It was first crafted by Alara, the inaugural Miju'pom of the Izhiri tribe, at the confluence of three sacred rivers during a celestial event that happens only once every century. Alara was guided by visions and dreams where the spirits of the jungle spoke to her, leading her to the specific type of wood and the mystical symbols that needed to be carved.
The first use of the totem took place during a crisis that threatened the very existence of the Izhiri tribe. A devastating wildfire was sweeping through the jungle, consuming everything in its path. Alara took up the newly-crafted totem and ventured to the heart of the fire. It was there she used the totem to commune with the jungle spirits, imploring them for a way to save her people and the land. The spirits answered, and a miraculous rainstorm quenched the fires. Since then, the totem has been passed down from Miju'pom to Miju'pom.

Symbols and Adornments

The Spiritcaller Totem is a beautifully carved wooden object adorned with mystical symbols, some of which are known only to the shamans and Miju'pom of the tribe. Each symbol represents a different aspect of nature or a different spirit of the jungle, from the great predatory cats to the tiniest of medicinal herbs. The totem is also bound in vines and feathers from sacred birds, each adding additional layers of magical potency and connections to various spirits.

Powers and Rituals

The primary power of the Spiritcaller Totem is the ability to commune directly with nature spirits. This provides the wielder with invaluable insights, guidance, or even specific knowledge, such as the location of rare herbs or impending natural disasters. A secondary, but still highly valuable, power is the ability to cast "Speak with Animals" at will, providing a crucial advantage in hunting, gathering, and safeguarding the tribe.
Using the totem requires a ritual that involves chants and dances, which are a well-kept secret of the tribe. Each Miju'pom adds a chant or a move to the ritual, making it an ever-evolving practice.

Current Keeper

The totem is currently held by Miju'pom Nalara, a descendant of Alara. Despite numerous attempts by outsiders to steal or replicate the Spiritcaller Totem, none have succeeded, largely because the true power of the totem isn’t just in its physical form but also in the generations of spiritual energy and trust built between the trolls and the spirits of the jungle.

Taboos and Limitations

The totem can only be used once per day to commune with spirits, a limitation set to prevent abuse and to maintain the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. It is taboo to use the totem for personal gain or malicious intent; doing so is believed to incur the wrath of the spirits, leading to dire consequences not just for the wielder but for the entire tribe.

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic