using the totem of resurrection

This totem is hugely powerful, against opponents who don't make an effort to destroy them. By tactically placing them in important positions where battles are common (bridges, doorways, places of power), your creature count will slowly grow (as creatures die near them, and are resurrected on your team) without your wizard needing to be anywhere nearby!

In addition, like raise dead the creatures created can excede your maximum creature count. Don't ask me why, but it's worth utilising!

defeating the totem of resurrection

Simply make every effort to destroy them, before attacking any enemy creatures nearby. They are not very strong, and require nothing more then hand to hand combat to destroy them.