A Totem is a token with built-in programmable behavior. Think of it as a smart token that knows how to do things on its own.
Unlike traditional tokens that just sit in your wallet, Totems can have custom rules for minting, transferring, burning, and more. You decide how your token works, and the blockchain enforces those rules automatically.
The Building Blocks
Every Totem is made up of three core components:
1. The Token Itself
At its core, a Totem is a base bones token that can transfer, burn, and be minted. This means it works with existing wallets, marketplaces, and tools you already know. But that’s just the foundation.
2. Mods
Mods are modular pieces of smart contract code that define your Totem’s behavior. Want your token to have a bonding curve price? There’s a mod for that. Want holders to earn rewards over time? There’s a mod for that too.
You can mix and match mods to create exactly the token experience you envision. Mods are created by developers and published to the Totems marketplace, where anyone can use them.
3. Creator Control
As a creator, you maintain control over your Totem. You set the initial parameters, choose which mods to use, and can update certain settings over time. Your community trusts you to steward the token responsibly.
What Makes Totems Different?
No-Code Token Creation
You don’t need to write a single line of code to create a Totem. Just pick your mods, configure the settings, and deploy. The protocol handles all the complex smart contract logic for you.
Composable by Design
Mods are designed to work together. A pricing mod can work alongside a rewards mod, which can work with a governance mod. This composability means infinite possibilities for token design.
True Ownership
Your Totem is yours. It lives on the blockchain, controlled by immutable and permissionless smart contracts.
Real-World Examples
Here are some ways creators are using Totems:
- Community Tokens - Launch a token for your Discord, podcast, or newsletter with built-in rewards for loyal members
- Creator Coins - Let fans invest in your success with a bonding curve that rewards early supporters
- Game Assets - Create in-game items with custom transfer rules and crafting mechanics
- Membership Passes - Build subscription tokens that unlock access to exclusive content or services
- Loyalty Programs - Design point systems that can be earned, spent, and traded
Getting Started
Ready to create your first Totem? Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Wallet - Any EVM-compatible wallet like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet
- Some ETH - For gas fees when deploying your Totem
- An Idea - What kind of token do you want to create?
Key Takeaways
- Totems are programmable tokens with built-in behavior
- Mods define what your token can do
- No coding required to create powerful token experiences
- You maintain control while your community benefits from transparency
- The possibilities are limited only by your imagination