Note: This is a playable race that is currently being developed further, refined and expanded upon to provide an even better experience. Check back often and watch for announcements regarding updates. If you have questions ask an admin or mentor for help.
Witches of Emory Haven
The protectors and nurturers of the veil and magic, witches are beings, both natural and supernatural, male* and female, with a learned relationship with magic. The more time spent on one's relationship with magic, the more control over it is gained. Witches answer to the laws of magic and the laws of the natural world, but stand fiercely by their rede of, An it harm none, do what ye will.
There are plenty of variations of witch, each follow their own code of conduct and practice a variant of magic all their own. No two being’s magic will ever be the same, or produce the same results. In that same right, each witch will have their own way of Surrendering, be it by blood rite, or by a labor of love both are acceptable as long as the Surrender matches what the witch wishes for the magic to do. If the Surrender is not up to par, their very essence will be taxed. Using one's own essence too much will eventually cause a significant drop in one's lifespan or it can severely weaken the immune system, letting in serious illnesses.
Natural witches that build a relationship with magic may find that depending on the magic they use most often, their lifespan can be affected, both for the better and for the worse. Supernatural witches do not feel the affect as much because their bodies are more tolerant and resilient, able to take the taxation that magic puts on the user.
Keeping the balance between the two worlds, natural and supernatural, is a main focus even for an independent witch. It is almost as if by instinct they are drawn to preserving the balance and safety of the veil and magic. Within a coven though, this need to protect is heightened.
There are plenty of variations of witch, each follow their own code of conduct and practice a variant of magic all their own. No two being’s magic will ever be the same, or produce the same results. In that same right, each witch will have their own way of Surrendering, be it by blood rite, or by a labor of love both are acceptable as long as the Surrender matches what the witch wishes for the magic to do. If the Surrender is not up to par, their very essence will be taxed. Using one's own essence too much will eventually cause a significant drop in one's lifespan or it can severely weaken the immune system, letting in serious illnesses.
Natural witches that build a relationship with magic may find that depending on the magic they use most often, their lifespan can be affected, both for the better and for the worse. Supernatural witches do not feel the affect as much because their bodies are more tolerant and resilient, able to take the taxation that magic puts on the user.
Keeping the balance between the two worlds, natural and supernatural, is a main focus even for an independent witch. It is almost as if by instinct they are drawn to preserving the balance and safety of the veil and magic. Within a coven though, this need to protect is heightened.
Strength and skills seen in witches
- Disciplined: Since becoming a witch takes time, dedication and effort, most witches are at the very least moderately disciplined if they have spent more than a year following the witch path.
- Perceptive: Witches can have a certain sensitivity to magic and in some cases other realms I.e. the spirit realm. This is how some are able to hold seances and communicate with the other world as mediums. It is also how witches are able to use magic to seek out magical energies in a place or around things. They use that sensitivity to make magic work for them. Exactly how depends on the witch's training and specialties.
- Willpower: Because they are the protectors of the veil and nurturers of magic, they are harder to coerce or control via magic forces outside of themselves (i.e. mind control, mind erasure, etc...)
- Durability: Because they are the sworn protectors of the veil, to maintain the balance the veil offers witches an extra layer of physical protection, making them more durable and resistant to physical attack. This isn't major, however it makes them more durable than humans but not as much as a Werewolf. Their bodies are also more durable because of the constant magic that courses through them in daily practice.
Weaknesses and restrictions seen in witches
- Magic Addiction: When the balance of magic is not maintained, it may take on addictive qualities. This can cause witches to frivolously use their magic, overuse it or even in some cases, exploit it. Eventually it will overwhelm them taking a toll on not only their physical but also their mental health.
- Aura: A witch's aura can reflect the "intent" they apply to their magical practice and can affect their general presence around others. When a Witch's aura shifts to a particular extreme, either "good" or "bad" this can make them stand out to other supernatural beings, as well as cause normal humans to feel edgy or affected around. Also, when high levels of magical proficiency are achieved, it becomes a part of the witch's aura, and affects how others, natural and supernatural alike, experience their presence.
- Energy Drain: A witch is only able to produce so much Surrender, past that it can begin to pull from the witch's own essence, draining them. More experienced witches have learned more through trial and error and can to certain extents tolerate more, while those new to the practice are more likely to be lacking in surrender, causing the magic to pull way more than they'd expect from their own essence.