Totems

They are formidable, bridging the realms of beasts and humans within the Red. Their existence maintains the equilibrium between the two domains, preserving the integrity of the Red. These mystical beings, whether hunters or gatherers, predators or prey, killers or scavengers, align with their inherent natures. Many choose either inanimate avatars, like talismans, or animate ones, mortal or divine. They are known as totems.

Among the gatherers are species such as the rhinoceros, elephant, hippopotamus, squirrel, rabbit, mouse, and rat, along with the kangaroo, koala, beaver, horse, bison, elk, and many more. The scavengers include the vulture, hyena, raven, dove, sparrow, crow, and raccoon, as well as the ant, carrion beetle, crab, jackal, raccoon-dog, condor, blowfly, and others. The hunters—predators—comprise the tiger, scorpion, shark, cheetah, bat, falcon, owl, toad, panther, lion, crocodile, wasp, frog, cat, octopus, wolf, snake, and more.

The ant is one that can fit into all three categories, or at least two. Similarly, monkeys such as the mandrill, along with foxes and coyotes, share traits with ants. Bears, like the grizzly or panda, typically fall into the categories of hunters or gatherers. However, parasites, represented by totems like the leech, occupy the lowest tier in the animal hierarchy.

Yet, there exists a cadre of multiversal predators connected to a mystical force—the Web of Life and Destiny. Various cultures and societies revere them as deities. They are the spiders, the chosen of the Great Weaver, and like all their avatars, they are predators.

However, for every group of authentic totems, there is a faction of false totems. These impostors don themselves in garb to mimic the beasts, aspiring to authenticity. But pretenders will always remain just that—imitations that soon turn.