WitchesAt the dawn of Magic, a deity took from the One True Magic and created the Triskelion; a “seed” that was made of magic, life and emotion. The deity used the Triskelion to overthrow and defeat a great threat to the balance of life. Afterward, the seed was planted in the ground where it unexpectedly grew into a powerful source of magic which came to be called Yggdrasil. This source is alive in a way; an entity that is so great that it encompasses the entire world, stretching it’s “roots” and “branches” like a tree. Being ethereal, it cannot be seen or physically touched by man, yet its presence is very real. The roots and branches, also called ley lines, act as access points to Yggdrasil, making it possible to tap into or commune with the tree to harness its power. This entity gives off a unique energy different from Ethernano which is called Æther. It is created from Ethernano that has been absorbed by Yggdrasil and mutated into a different magic energy. Æther became the magic power of the gods; magic that is fused with life itself and allowed the use of standard magic and curses. However, the tree lies dormant and like any tree, requires maintenance to support it’s life.
History of WitchesThe deity decided to spare the accidental creation, believing it could keep the greater threat at bay. In order to maintain Yggdrasil, humans were enlisted to help protect and nurture the tree with their lives and with offerings. In exchange, they were allowed to use it's power - the power of the Æther. They were given Triskelion in the form of fruits which allowed them alone to interact with the tree. And so the first witches came to be. From the first witches, their children would be born with the Triskelion which takes root in the heart. But other witches were created by having them devour the Triskelion fruit in its entirety which could only be obtained through a sacred ritual. To perform this ritual, three witches must be present and offer the scale of a serpent, the eye of a hawk and the antler of an old stag in a magic circle while also chanting the ancient words. The deity taught them how to use the Æther, which could only be used through certain rituals and tools. But from outsiders, the practice of witches was seen as dark, twisted and evil, thus causing them to be persecuted. Others sought to obtain their power for themselves... Outcast from society, they continued to use the Æther; however, became divided on its proper use. Witches split themselves into two classifications: Sefirotic Witches who believed in purity and upholding the good name of witches, and Qliphotic Witches who chose to keep true to tradition with a heavier focus on the darker teachings. A lesser third classification found a balance between cleansing and hexing, though they only refer to themselves as witches.
Witches and WitchcraftHumans that accept the Triskelion are no longer human, though they don’t look visibly any different. They do; however, age much slower, the power of the Æther propagating and extending their life. With the Æther, witches have the ability to cast spells, curses and hexes. Unlike wizards, they cannot store their energy within themselves and must use a conduit or marking to channel their powers. A witch that does not choose the path of a Sefirot or Qliphot can harness the abilities of both; however, do not possess the unique traits of either, having found a balance between the two sides.
» Can use Magic, Curses and Hexes.
» Can use tools (wands, grimoires, jewels and other charms) and runes/symbols for their hexes.
» Can have up to three Familiars.
» Æther Aura can be used to shield self from physical harm.
Sefirotic WitchesFollowing persecution, some witches chose to shun the darker half of their practice, such as hexes, demons and curses. Sefirotic Witches accomplished this by limiting their contact with the Æther by using wands, books and various charms. This along with a heavy focus on potion making and remedies to heal others, they sought to reintegrate themselves with civilization. Sefirotic Witches came to learn their abilities developed differently as well, delving into spiritual magic. Their Æther aura can be harmful to demons and Etherious, allowing them to suppress them or banish the lesser with ease.
» Can use Magic and Hexes. Curses cannot exceed A-Rank.
» Must use tools (wands, grimoires, jewels and other charms) for their hexes.
» Æther Aura can suppress and banish lesser demon and Etherious summons.
» Can have up to five Familiars and summon them simultaneously.
Qliphotic WitchesDespite persecution, some witches chose to embrace their darker practice and in some cases became consumed by it. Qliphotic Witches basked in the Æther, being able to use it without needing hex instruments. Instead, they are able to channel their magic through their own hands so long as they have runes or symbols. They weren’t concerned about getting along with humans, rather they sought the limitations of their abilities. Qliphotic Witches came to learn their abilities developed differently as well, reminiscent of black arts. Their Æther aura can empower demons and Etherious, allowing them to command those weaker than themselves.
» Can use Curses and Hexes. Magic cannot exceed A-Rank.
» Must have runes or symbols to use their hexes.
» Æther Aura can empower and control lesser demons and Etherious.
» Can absorb Æther temporarily to heighten physical power.
HexesSimilar to both Magic and Curses, Hexes are the special abilities of Witches that utilize Æther. They are cast in a similar manner to Magic with longstanding effects like Curses. As an odd combination of the two and due to the nature of Æther, magic nullification can weaken a Hex, but not prevent it from working. In order to use Hexes, one must be a witch as a Triskelion is the only means to accessing a ley line. Then to control that power, the use of tools and symbols allows one to focus and direct it. Otherwise, it is too wild and dangerous to the practitioner as well.
FamiliarsWitches can make guardians and assistants out of animals or other creatures. Witches bind their energy with that of another being; a process that is referred to as forming a Contract. A Contract allows the caster to summon their being to them on command, although control is not always guaranteed. With scrying, you can deepen your bond with your Familiar, even taking control of them and seeing through their eyes. The most important part of a Familiar's job is to assist their witch with their magic. This usually means the witch’s magic may gain some of the familiar’s traits or being able to cast their magic through the familiar. It's important to choose what you want to be your Familiar, because even a Great Witch can only have three.
Magic BroomWitches have the ability to fly on magic brooms, as well as use them as an extension of their offensive power. Magic brooms are not typical brooms, they are made from a special wood that inhabits Æther energy in the grain. This allows them to synchronize and only be compatible with witches and maintains their energy even in the case of magic drain. Such wood can only be made from a tree that was grown from a seed bathed in Æther. Witches can summon and control their broom with the mind via telepathy. There doesn’t seem to be a range to which they can summon their mounts; however, they cannot be controlled properly without seeing or having some spatial awareness. Trying to steer a broom through a maze without knowing where the walls are, is next to impossible.
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