Totems of the Ogres

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Origin and Use of the Totems

The totem ceremony was first conceived by Utezni as he guided his daughter Onna to understanding of herself. For us, when a young ogre comes of age, the tribe gathers and the shaman consult the gods to reveal the spirits that would guide the child through their wanderings. The spirits also reveal something about the personality of the child and the god that has the most influence over them. Some ogres (particularly Shaman) are born and automatically recognize their primary god so the balance of their animal totems does not give any indication of their primary god. It may indicate their relationships with the other ones. So far anyway it has been for Shaman that there is the primary god, two better understood gods, and one who remains distant. IE Una is my primary, I have a decent understanding of Ucronos and Utezni, Ugaingi is distant for me.

Ogres are made of the elements just like the Four gods, and carry that within us. For that reason each ogre chooses a stone from each elemental family. However it is for them to discover their own powers and the roles the god's play in their lives. So as the ogre ventures forth in life, their spirit totems may come forth to guide them through an obstacle or teach them a lesson. A young ogre may also find they do not necessarily physical encounter the spirit animals, but may see how their personality comes to represent aspects of that totem. It is through those interactions young ogres learn about themselves and the nature of the gods. That is why at the completion of the ceremony the shaman reminds them that it is up to them to meditate on their relationship with the gods, as may be represented by the totems and learn. Even though there are common characteristics within the spirit you never know how those will manifest in the ogre's life. The totems are far from a full-proof and clear reading on the personality of the ogre, nor their relationship with the gods.

The question then becomes, do we directly communicate or interact with the spirits? This answer is going to vary from ogre to ogre. We as modern ogres see them as both teachers and creatures of power on Yord. They could just as easily hurt as well as help you. But they are guiding aspects to unlock your potential which is gifted to you by the gods. They also cannot communicate with us the way the gods do. Sometimes their words may make sense to a powerfully attuned ogre such as a Shaman but not often. Only the gods themselves understand their speech easily. The spirits may also carry out certain tasks for the gods such as Ucronos’ ravens. The gods also communicate with us through the wind, earth, water, and flames. So the use of a spirit animal is not necessary but is another tool the gods might use to communicate if need be.

The next question is do we revere them? We acknowledge their existence and purpose, but do not revere them. We respect when the gods are communicating with us through them, but it is the contact from the gods we revere, not the spirit itself. We were created by Uron to be the keepers of the Earth. They exist on the Earth, just as their animal/plant creations do, but we are separate from them. We were designed to consume the creations of the spirits and grow stronger ourselves. When in doubt always bring it back to the 4. Remember even if a hunt is successful it is not the spirits that have made it so, but Ugangi. If a resting spot is particularly good, thank Utezni for guiding us there. That being said, there are 3 spirits in particular that are different from all the others, They are particularly powerful, and have important roles in the lore. I feel a little additional exposition on them is warranted, because again despite their power, they are not deities.

1. The first is Hafgufa the Leviathon. He is the only spirit not intrinsically tied to yord. He guards/ acts as a bridge between Yord and Myrk. I would argue we do not worship him because he does not do so as his duty, but rather is fulfilling his natural and instinctual task. Just as we do not worship Seasons, or the life cycle of birth/death, so we do not worship him. He does not have power he can grant, or answer prayers, or provide blessings. But he can serve as a guide or bridge between realms as he did for Utezni, and can follow the directions of the gods within the confines of his limitations. IE he is a sea spirit, you would not see the leviathan on land etc.

2. The second is Kragga, the thunderer, one time consort of Utezni. She is the spirit of lightning and thunder manifesting as a feathered, flying serpent. We do not worship Kragga similarly to the reason we do not worship Hafgufa. Despite her great power, and ability to shift in perceived shape, she is still a natural aspect. Despite being able to take on the form of an ogre, she is still bound to obey the laws of the land, whereas Una who has direct control over the weather can change it suddenly and unpredictably. She has no ability or blessings to grant, she just is.

3. The forest spirit. The forest spirit’s sacrifice is noble, but was also necessary due to the unnatural event that was Ugangi and Ucronos’ ascension. By making a path back to the U’ond after the devastation, the forest spirit was reestablishing the natural order. Even though we can ourselves now find our way back with the help of Ucronos, the spirit is not answering prayers, or providing favors or powers. She does not guard the gate or shut some out of it. It is Utezni who actually helps our souls cross over. She is the path between the U’ond and Yord. Just as we would not worship a bridge, so we do not worship her.


Earth Family - Yord Ut

The Yord Ut is connected with the earth and its structures. These spirits are stout, strong, and stubborn like a mountain. They are also powerful leaders. The atunement to the earth and its spiritual plane and leadership qualities mark these totems as the totems of Utezni.

  • Mammoth - Utezni
  • Bison - Una
  • Bear - Ugangi
  • Owl - Uchronos
  • Moose - Uron

Mammoth: G'rodnag

Mammoth

Meaning 'Wandering-Mountain' spirit of the tundra, mountains, and glaciers also of leadership, strength, and determination.

Mammoths are strong, deliberate, and capable of long journeys. Mammoths were once a crucial animal to ancient ogres. Ogres hearded them, rode them, and befriended them. They provided hides, meat, and tusks for weapons and tools. Mammoths were also used in war. In legend both Utezni and U'vatok'na the great ogre chieftain both had mammoth mounts. Mammoths were further revered for their size and earth shaking power. The mammoth's extinction is closely tied to the general population decline of ogres.

The mammoth was also a mystic animal with incredible magical power and is the main totem of Utezni. Ogres who receive the mammoth totem are heavily attuned to earth and Utezni. They are strong, stable, wise, good laborers, and dominating warriors who when enraged can show the same destructive power as a earthquake. The mammoth can be associated with warriors, chieftains, and shaman.

Bison:

Bison

Spirit of the plains and medicine.

The bison is very similar to the mammoth. To this day bison are used by ogres for food, hides but their ornery temperament make them difficult companions. The bison is also more associated with healing and medicinal magic rather than mysticism. Because of their temperament and close association with healing, the bison represents the earthen element of Una. Those who are guided by the bison are likely to be temperamental but wise. They are also strong warriors and fiercely defensive of those close to them. Bison are also common totems of shaman and healers.

Bear: Thung

Bear

Meaning 'heavy' spirit of warriors, mothers, and the forest.

The bear is a deliberate planner, powerful warrior, and a protector. The bear is the most level minded of the warrior totems and the warriors that are guided by them reflect these traits. Warriors, hunters, and chieftains can be guided by the bear and are associated with Ugangi.

Owl: On'krug

Owl

Meaning 'night-chieftain' is the spirit of the night. Owls are said to possess sacred knowledge concerning the darkness as witness in Uchronos' spirit journey where he must trick On'krug into surrendering this information. On'krug is associated with Uchronos and represents some aspects of his wisdom.

Moose: Grid'ung

Moose

Meaning 'bull' spirit of the highlands. Grid'ung is associated with Uron. The moose totem represents individualism, independence, and closeness with the wilderness.

Air Family - Rith Ut

The domain of Uchronos is of course dominated by birds but also creatures of the land that are light of feet and heart. When Utezni dictated this Ut, he was reflecting on oft forgot side of his brother. Uchronos was a clever, adventurous, and lighthearted young ogre whose spirit was clouded by the events of his life. These totems are known for those qualities.

  • Raven - Uchronos
  • Eagle - Utezni
  • Sabertooth - Ugangi
  • Otter - Una
  • Stag - Uron

Raven: Vask

Raven

Meaning 'cleaver' is the spirit of tricksters, problem solving, and intelligence. Ravens are some of the most diverse and talented of the birds capable of hovering in air, complex flips, occupying many environments, solving problems, learning, teaching their young, and memory. Uchronos, due to his nature, had to be more intelligent then other ogres. He also had many talents from hunting, running, fighting, and metal working. Furthermore, Uchronos' love for adventure is mirrored by the raven. The raven totem is therefore the primary totem of Uchronos god of the winds. People who possess the raven totem are chiefly guided by Uchronos.

Vask has three children, the three companions of Uchronos: Yrr, Thog, and Orr.

Vask's Children

  • Yrr: meaning 'death' who seeks out ogre's souls to lead them to the U'tiek. Yrr also flies behind Uchronos on the battlefield.
  • Thog: meaning 'silence' is the spy of the trio, quietly watching and listening. Thog reports to Uchronos what he sees. Flies beside Uchronos in battle.
  • Orr: meaning 'swift' serves as Uchronos' messenger who sometimes speaks in Uchronos' stead particularly to the Shaman of Uchronos. Orr flies before Uchronos in battle.

Eagle: Hr'myn

Eagle

Meaning 'sky' or 'heaven' is the captain of the skies second only to the god of the wind himself, who he calls Ar'krug, eagle-chief. The eagle is the spirit of duty and ogre nobility. Chieftain often possess the eagle totem. The eagle is most often associated with Utezni.

Sabertooth: Theg'skogrim

Sabertooth

Shortened to T'skogrim, meaning 'mask-of-knives' spirit of the glade, hunters, and silent killers. Also revered as a spirit of weaponry. The sabertooth was one of the apex predators fighting short faced bears and dire wolves for mastery. They possessed great hearing, sight, and coordination. The sabertooth is a favorite totem for warriors and is commonly associated with Ugangi. Its diverse killing possibilities included: delivering a deep stabbing bite to the neck severing the jugular or trachea, using its canines to pierce the thoracic wall with a closed-mouth stab collapsing the lungs, targeting the belly with its canines or massive claws disemboweling their prey, using a shearing bite with flexion of its neck muscles to tear off chunks of flesh, or using its incisors to hold the prey still while delivering other blows. The shear number of possibilities available to the sabertooth are why ogres know T'Skogrim as the master of weaponry. It is a great complement to liken someone to a sabertooth.

Otter: Shal'kal

Otter

Meaning 'summer-merriment' Spirit of joy, celebration, and family. Otters are another clever animal with strong social ties to its family. They show great agility in the water and cunningly outrun their predators. Their generally peaceful demeanor and lack of offensive capability make them a unique totem in ogre society. Possessors of the otter totem should not be labeled as cowards. Ancients who likely possessed the otter totem would have been Gli'mok and Krollo among the garad, and Onna daughter of Una. The otter totem's affinity for water insures its association with Una.

Stag: Cromund

Stag

Meaning 'heart-walker' Munstrond is the spirit of leadership, speed, and understanding.

Fire Family - Hyr Ut

The totems of fire are warlike spirits giving them a major association with Ugangi. Their strong personalities make it difficult to see subtle differences that would hint towards the characteristics of the Four. Besides the Wolf and Vulture none are considered a strong indicator. Especially since many ogres are capable of great fury and violence when needed.

  • Wolf - Ugangi
  • Vulture - Uchronos
  • Rhino - Utezni
  • Ram - Una
  • Boar - Uron

Wolf: Gor

Wolf

Meaning 'war' is the spirit of war, warriors, skill in battle, hunters, victory and defeat. The wolf totem represents glory-seekers, thristy for blood and battle. They are powerful hunters, warriors, quick and coordinated. The wolf totem indicate tribal affiliation and tactical prowess just as easily as a lone wolf mentality, devoted only to ones own earnings and glory. The wolf is the primary totem of Ugangi. Those guided by the wolf often possess a wolves' ferocity on the battlefield which can be both cold and calculating as well as brutal and strong: unlike a bear's ferocity. Wolves were first incorporated into ogre society by Ugangi who led a war-pack of wolves, Gor's grandchildren. Afterward wolves accompanied ogres like dogs do for humans as friends helping protect camps, hunt, and wage war.

According to legend Gor split himself wholly into two new wolves, Banog'Yrr and Val'ulv who are the spirits of defeat, and victory respectively - the two most basic aspects of war. Uron witnessed this and noticed that gor himself had disappeared his soul entirely divided. It is possible that Uron learned from observing the birth of the nine children of Banog'Yrr and Val'ulv that only portions of a soul needed to be donated to create a new life. A characteristic present in the reproduction of all creatures as well as with later ogres.

The Wolf Spirits

  • Gor: 'war', father of Banog'Yrr and Val'ulv.
  • Banog'Yrr: 'death-blow' or 'defeat', large with a black coat matted with blood, coal red eyes, mated with Val'ulv
  • Val'ulv: 'slain-wolf' commonly referred to as 'victory', large white coated with blue-flamed eyes

Children of Banog'Yrr and Val'ulv

  • Karn: 'devourer' or 'scavenger', black fur with white-flame eyes, a sign of victory, the wolf that leads fallen warriors to Ugangi's war band.
  • Heror: 'war-arrow'
  • Kray'rekk: 'ash-warrior' or 'warrior of ash'
  • Sargor: 'war-spear'
  • Ren: 'pillager'
  • Stol'ok: 'steel-storm' or 'battlefield'
  • Her'ruga: 'bone-heap'
  • Ver'vek: 'wound-rot'
  • Rek'ruga: 'ash-heap'

Vulture: Hly'und

Vulture

Meaning 'laughing-one' is the comedic spirit of scavenging, looting, and disease. Hly'und makes an appearance during Ugangi's first victory where he mocks the fire god, fearless of his wrath. Ogres guided by the vulture totem are said to be fearless and self assured. If a vulture is seen ogre believe it is a sign of soon to be had wealth or misfortune. This totem is tied to Uchronos.

Ram: Stytr

Ram

Meaning 'helm' spirit of mountain cliffs, ravines, and gorges. Also a spirit of war, determination, and dominance. Stytr is associated with Una but may have been linked to Utezni in the past. The ram is a defensive spirit, bold in its journeys, and powerful when faced head on much like Una. Ogres bearing the ram totem are considered strong minded, and powerful but slow to anger.

Rhino: Sarbelg

Rhino

Meaning 'spear-bag' spirit of focused rage, power, and defense. Often invoked to bless weapons either to strengthen them or to allow them to pierce the enemies' defenses. The rhino is commonly associated with Utezni but may have been associated with Una by ancient ogres. This is because, like Una, the rhino is capable of patience and gentility but can very suddenly turn towards unstoppable rage. Sarbelg is a revered weaponsmaster, like Theg'skogrim. Like Ugangi the rhino is a line breaker who smashes through any defense with keen accuracy. That cunning reminds many of Utezni leading to its modern association with Utezni. Any guided by the rhino are known for skills in many areas of combats and a one track mind.

Boar: Rul

Boar

Rul, meaning 'frezny', appears in Ugangi's first and second victories. Rul is at first capable of defeating Ugangi and gravely wounds the god of fire. But in the second victory is defeated. Rul, like many of the spirits totems of the Hyr Ut, is ferocious, devastating, and a bringer of destruction since he tears great gouges in the earth foraging for food. Rul reflects the destructive nature of war as seen in the psychology of Ugangi who without a direction for his wrath turns inward doing irreparable damage to the tribe. Those guided by the boar might be reckless, dangerous, and self destructive while simultaneously carrying great strength and ability in hunting.

Meaning 'trench' or 'digging/engraving', spirit of uncontrolled rage and battle fury.

Water Family - Na Ut

This family of totems is full of mystic spirits with cryptic messages. A running stream can lead to only one source but the currents of the ocean can carry to many places. Such is the nature of the water spirits.

  • Serpent - Una
  • Tortoise - Utezni
  • Crocodile - Ugangi
  • Crane - Uchronos
  • Leviathan - Uron

Serpent: Vilinann

Serpent

The serpent is the spirit of rivers, creeks, and springs as well as poisons and any related magic - including healing of infections and desease. Also known to represent dual natures and fear. When Una came of age Vilinann poisoned her motivating her search into healing magic. Vilinann is fond of riddles posing questions to Una. He is also extremely dangerous. Some guided by Vilinann can be suspicious, a "serpent-tongued" - difficult to understand or mischievous in action. They are also difficult to sort between good and evil walking a narrow edge of morality. The serpent is one of the rare totems that belong to both warriors and shaman.

Tortoise: Sker'brim

Tortoise

The tortoise is the spirit of lakes and large bodies of water, education, and medicine. Sker'brim means 'wave-breaker' and it is this spirit who aides Una in her hunt for life saving healing. Sker'brim is a helpful spirit; slow in action but deep in wisdom. These characteristics heavily relate to Utezni. Ogres touched by Utezni may possess the tortoise totem. They are wise and knowledgeable but might be unable to act in a timely fashion. Sker'brim is a totem of chieftains and shaman.

Crocodile: Hrek

Crocodile

The crocodile spirit Hrek, meaning 'armor', is the top predator of the marshes and wetlands. He is a patient spirit but ruthless. Hrek is commonly associated with Ugangi representing his more passive side. Those guided by Hrek can be cold towards others. They might also be good at bidding time until their goals present themselves. Hrek is a totem for warriors. Sometimes Hrek is associated with Uchronos and guides those attuned with him - especially in tribes who are beholden to the god of wind.

Crane: Thog'rut

Crane

Thog'rut meaning 'silent-thrust/stab', is another patient hunter but is also elegant and lovely. The crane is associated with Uchronos but is sometimes reflective to Ugangi mostly on the basis of its spear-like beak. This association is weak and not commonly accepted by shaman. The crane can guide warriors and healers but can easily be helpful to any ogre.

Leviathan: Hafgufa

Hafgufa

Possibly the most elusive of spirits Hafgufa, meaning 'sea-steam', has been known as a Uron affiliate for generations but being guided by this totem indicates a strong connection with Utezni. Hafgufa was the spirit who carried Utezni to the Mirror of Myrk and back to Yord. The Leviathan dwells in the oceans where no ogre walks so not much is known of him. Those who draw the leviathan are often magically skilled or interested in the mystic. So the totem is commonly carried by shaman.

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