WITCHES

WITCHES

by the pricking in my thumbs

Witchcraft was often used as the scapegoat to most supernatural occurrences whereas mortals were concerned with naming upon sighting such happenings: this isn't the case however as we likely know now. A witch is a supernatural entity that is bound to the laws of balance and generally the Earth itself. All matter vibrates with energy, all supernatural species are connected to this energy. Witches are the most intuned with it; directing this cosmic energy, the aether, the life force of the Earth, this something and thereby shaping such energies into 'personal change' through magic.

Witches are identified primarily by their ability to tap into supernatural energy and shape it to their wills. Of course, this energy is not infinite, and always comes with a price: be it a sacrifice of life or death, an offering to the deity of the practice, time or preparation or the very energy which keeps the world moving. This energy also comes with a hefty set of rules: beyond the conditions that have to be met, there are ways all magic is bound to manifest and this varies from practice to practice, bloodline to bloodline and witch to witch.

» STRENGTHS



» Paranormal senses --//

Most, if not all witches, are equipped with paranormal senses. While it can vary depending on the caster and practice, typically this sense allows them to sense 'energies' in the atmosphere. To a novice, this may simply mean being able to sense where there is a concentration of power. More experienced witches can identify the kind of energy, how much of it and what the source is.

» Supernatural Powers --//

All witches are equipped with magic, but how it manifests depends on the practice. Young witches, or witches that choose not to take their magic in the direction of a practice will find that their magic will manifest in the form of three psychic abilities

» Special Affinity --//

Witches are born with a particular affinity for a certain element, though the strength and use of this affinity is often effected by the practice. Certain witches are more inclined to elemental affinities, like Druids and Witch Doctors, while some find their affinity to lie with the spirits, like White Witches or Voodoo Monarchs

» Crafting --//

Though this typically requires carefully following instructions, all witches can channel their energies into creating charms and potions. But obviously, this comes with experience and plenty of practice. Even older witches will struggle with this skill if it's not something they've done before.

As a rule, no witch is able to craft something permanent.  Time wears out charms and enchantments and the effects of anything are only temporary.  The amount of time these effects last depends on the type of enchantment and the type of the witch.  If you're unsure about a spell/charm/enchantment, please run it by staff.

***Familiars --// can be used by witches in order to help in the art of spell crafting. A witch can use their familiar for a multitude of things: they may impart energy from them, absorb it or use them as their energy pathway instead of themselves in order to cast a particularly tricky spell.

» WEAKNESSES.

» Magical backlash --//

Magic has to come from somewhere, and if there is no alternate source, the energy is drained from the user's lifeforce. Excessive, poorly supported magic use will result in a shortened lifespan or death.

» Practice Limits --//

When a witch chooses to pursue a practice, they are unlocking potential for new magics and skills beyond how their powers have already manifested. However, the nature of the practice may alter how the user's magic effects them or behaves when casted, and some abilities may be barred in certain practies.

» Sacrifice --//

All magic requires some kind of sacrifice. Basic magic takes the user's lifeforce. Too much at once can be fatal.

» Complexity --//

Magic is hard. It takes practice to get even the basic spells down. And of course, magic is fickle and unpredictable. No one can ever be sure that a spell won't backfire somehow, even if it's been done before. Sometimes they can be damaging, or just fail to work at all.

» AFFINITIES

» Primary Elements --//

These are the primary four branches of elements, fire, earth, air and water. Witches with practices strongly associated with the elements typically have better control and more power when casting within their element.

» Secondary Elements --//

These are the secondary 'elements'. While not all technically elements, they are categorized as such for simplicity's sake. They include lightning, plant, dark and light affinities.

» Crafting --//

This refers to the witch 'trades;' this includes skills at creating physical wares like potions, powders, ointments, charms, or talismans

» Spirit --//

A witch with a spirit affinity is able to commune with the spirit world. This means they can talk with ghosts, call onto them for answers, or use them for their energy. However, the latter use of this power can often result in angering the spirits and can spell trouble for the witch who is responsible.



» SOURCES OF MAGIC

» Life Energy --//

The energy which everyone has, the energy that gets people up and moving, breathing and thinking. When a witch draws on this for power, they are draining the very life they live. Short-term, this can result in extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea, muscle pain and unconsciousness. Long-term, it depletes the reservoir of life, A.K.A. shortening their lifespan.

» Spirit Energy --//

This is drawing on the lingering energies of lives past, calling on the dead for power. This, while sparing a witch the use of his or her own energy, can be dangerous, due to the fact that if a spirit is unhappy or used against their will, it can have negative repercussions. It is very easy to anger the spirits, and abusing on of their own is an easy way to do it.

» Nature --//

Taking energy from nature means drawing life from vegetation to fuel a witch's magic. This has few short-term repercussions, but the land a witch draws from is left desolate and dry, and restoring it is extremely difficult to do.

» Sacrifice --//

Sacrifice is a two-toned method of drawing energy in for magic. One, a sacrifice can be made to a deity or a familiar, in the form of an offering of food, rare items or a brew, given in the form of a ritual. Or, the other side to this coin is drawing power from blood, converting spilled blood into energy, or using blood to strengthen certain spells.

» Familiar --//

Some witches chose to take familiars (or do so as requirement for their practice) and this familiar serves as an alternate source of energy. The familiar's energy is not limitless, however, and is restricted depending on entity the familiar is -- Spirit, Demon, Angel or Animal. Draining a familiar too much can upset them and hurt their loyalty or cooperation, or worse, kill them.