Totems are protective wards crafted by practitioners of the Runelore skill. Made of wood, leather and silver, the totem is carved and then sketched with up to six runes, which will affect all those the totem is tuned against.
Although they can be carried around for defense by Shamans and Runewardens, they are often implanted in the ground to aid in the protection of a locale. Organisations, including houses, cities, orders, the church, and oakstone, may own totems. Individuals may also own totems.
If a totem is empowered, then it will report to its owner, or to its owning organisation, when it is the object of hostile smudge or uprooting attempts.
Runes that may be sketched on totems include the following:
- Kena
- Fehu
- Pithakhan
- Inguz
- Nairat
- Tiwaz
- Wunjo
- Sowulu
- Mannaz
- Sleizak
- Loshre