Humans & Witches
About Humans & Witches
Humans have dominated the Earth since time immemorial, their vast numbers and resilience making them the overwhelming majority among all species. Every day, new advancements in technology uncover more about their biology, tightening the noose on secrecy and leaving other species on edge. Since the late Victorian era, the veil of supernatural activity has been increasingly difficult to maintain. With the advent of forensic science—fingerprinting, DNA analysis, CCTV, photography, and telecommunications—there are fewer shadows left for the supernatural to hide in.
As the modern day gives way to an uncertain future, the conversations around coexistence grow ever more contentious. Outdated laws and insular cultural practices among supernatural species clash with the advancing human world, creating friction at every turn. Humanity’s reactionary tendencies, shaped by fear and misunderstanding, often escalate to violence, inquisitions, or outright wars. From religious hunts targeting demons to the infamous Salem witch trials, supernatural beings have every reason to doubt their safety in human hands. Yet, the hour draws near when humans themselves will need a seat at the council if coexistence is to have any hope of survival.
Among humans are the Witches—a distinction often blurred yet not entirely dissimilar to Wicca. While Wiccans stumble upon fragments of magical truths, their practices remain akin to a cousin’s game, dabbling unknowingly with the same forces Witches command in earnest. Human’s see angelsand demons in what Witches recognize as only as Daemons and Vampyres, drawing parallels between their beliefs and the fervor of Christianity. In ancient times, Witches were the Shamans—the wise ones who guided their villages and tribes, passing knowledge to those they deemed gifted in the craft.
This ancient lineage took a transformative turn with the arrival of Daemons in the pre-4000 BCE to 0 CE, who revealed deeper truths about magic and the laws of the universe. The first generation of Witches to learn from Daemons became the elder sages, their knowledge forming the foundation of covens. These covens became the sacred repositories of the craft, ensuring its survival. A coven’s strength lies in its lineage; only a coven-born Witch or a pure Daemon can establish a new one with any notable power or skill.
Witches, and occasionally those unfortunate enough to stumble upon the truth, are the only humans with full awareness of the supernatural world beyond myths, legends, superstitions, and speculative forums. While a few individuals fall through the cracks of ignorance due to personal encounters, Witches hold a unique role on the council: their responsibility extends solely to Witch-kind. For better or worse, they carry the burden of standing at the crossroads between humanity and the supernatural.
The Physical
At first glance, there is nothing extraordinary about a Human, and one might assume the same is true of a Witch. However, through advanced spellcraft, Witches have the ability to alter aspects of their physical form, either temporarily or permanently. These feats are far from simple and require exceptional skill. Only Witches born into covens or those trained by a Pure Daemon can hope to achieve them.
Most spells are fleeting, with effects that last only a few minutes before the caster’s appearance returns to its natural state. Mastery of this magic demands unwavering focus, as concentration is crucial for maintaining the spell. External factors such as pain, stress, or heightened emotions can either enhance or disrupt the spell’s effectiveness, depending on its nature. Despite their power, these alterations are not mere illusions. They affect only what the eyes perceive, and their scope is limited to what is visible.
When it comes to lifespan, Witches share the same mortal limitations as ordinary humans. However, it is possible for a Witch to achieve immortality through rare and advanced spells or by acquiring legendary objects. This path to eternal life does not require them to become a Vampyre.
Esoteric Traits
Witches can only master the Earthly plane through the Elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Spirit, Light and Shadow. Typically, a Witch follows the path of a single Element, with very few capable of talent in multiple paths. An extraordinarily rare handful of Witches, since the fall of the Daemons, have mastered all the Elements. These individuals have become legends, their coveted books the ultimate prize for any Witch seeking power.
Daemons are frequently referenced among Witches due to their symbiotic relationship throughout ancient history. While this connection was fractured in the early rise of civilization, it remains a cornerstone of Witch lore and awareness. Daemons and their descendants, carrying active Daemon genes, are exceptional in their abilities. They contribute to coven protection, possess unparalleled knowledge, and in turn, are often safeguarded by their covens.
What sets Daemon bloodlines apart is their unique ability to craft enchanted objects, a skill human Witches lack. Some of the most powerful relics in existence were forged by Daemon bloods. Much like the books of great master Witches and Warlocks, these relics are highly sought after, capable of amplifying power to staggering degrees. Even the weakest Witch, with such an object in hand, can become formidable.
Species Relations
Humans remain largely unaware of the supernatural, their understanding confined to TV shows, movies, books, games, myths, and legends. Despite this ignorance, they are considered the most dangerous of all species. Most supernatural beings are highly reluctant to interact deeply with humans, except in the context of cult-like behavior or secret societies.
Witches, while human, occupy a unique position in this dynamic. As a minority, they have endured human atrocities and are often treated as a distinct species due to their awareness of the supernatural world. This awareness grants them seats on the Council, where they operate under their own governing laws. However, this global recognition does not mean Witches are universally trusted. Many harbor deep resentment toward humanity and a notable disdain for Vampyres.
Since the Salem Witch trials, Inquisitions and Crusades, Witches have retreated into their individual covens; including away from Daemons. This withdrawal stems from caution, as some Daemons have shown malicious tendencies. Conversely, covens that maintain ties to Daemons often face intense scrutiny, their practices seen as controversial by other Witches, such as being greedy for power or even threatening the veil. However, others would say such comments are an act of seething jealousy their covens lack such powerful mentors. As a result, the name of a coven carries significant weight, shaping its reputation within the supernatural community.
Familia & Covens
Covens are communities of Witches who come together to share knowledge, power, lineage, and protection. Most true Witch Covens have existed since the fall of Daemons, though many historically significant covens were eradicated during witch hunts and wars. Newer covens, unless they are centered around a Daemon or led by a skilled Witch from an established lineage, often lack the skill, knowledge, or strength to be recognized as more than a Wiccan group.
Covens can range in size from as few as five individuals to as many as hundreds. Preferably all of different element paths to enhance their capabilities and self-defense against unseen forces. Larger covens often occupy isolated towns or islands, allowing them to govern themselves without drawing external suspicion. Such communities may include structured institutions like schools to educate their members. In contrast, smaller covens rely on mentorship to pass down their craft. It is also possible, though often hidden, that larger covens are protected by more powerful entities such as Daemons or Vampyre clans. However, such contracts with Vampyre kind (and more malicious Daemons) come with significant sacrifices and should not be entered into lightly.
The sharing of power is a cornerstone of coven life. Witches often gather in circles to pool their energy, amplifying their spells and enabling feats that would be impossible alone. Through this collaboration, Witches can perform extraordinary acts, including erecting shields, casting illusions to conceal themselves, summoning aid, and performing advanced healing. While a solo Witch may be skilled, no individual can rival the power of a coven working in unison.
Familia life for Witches mirrors that of ordinary humans within the cultural region they are raised. However, coven life often transcends cultural norms, fostering freer relationships and family structures; such freeer lifestyles were looked down on by human culture historically, using religion to demonize them as hedonistic devil worshipers, though is now more commonly accepted in modern society. Entire families might form a coven or belong to a larger one that operates more like a “clan,” where multiple unrelated families unite under the same coven name. In such cases, families may arrange pairings among their children, believing that offspring born from these unions will carry on and strengthen the craft.
Despite these traditions, genetics seem to play little role in a Witch’s inherent power unless they are descendants of Daemons. Instead, access to skilled mentors and early training often determine a Witch’s capabilities. The origins of a Witch’s strength remain unknown, and any beliefs surrounding it are rooted more in superstition than proven fact.
Hybrid Children of Witches
Humans and Witches can bear children with all species except Vampyres. If a Witch is sired by a Vampyre, they lose all access to their magical power, becoming like a Vampyre themselves. This transformation is irreversible and is just one of the reasons for the strained hatefull relationship between Witches and Vampyres. To a coven, a Witch who has been sired is considered lost forever. They are treated as if dead, banished, and often memorialized with a stone erected to mark their symbolic passing.
Human perspectives on Vampyres can vary greatly depending on the individual, cultural context, and historical era. Some may view the transformation into a Vampyre as a descent into monstrosity, a loss of humanity akin to becoming a devil. Others may see it as an elevation to something superior, a gateway to understanding the hidden truths of the world. Regardless of these differing views, one fact remains: if the general human population were ever to discover the existence of Vampyres as a reality, the reaction would likely be swift and violent. In modern times, this might shift toward exploitation, but the underlying threat would persist.
Witches with active Daemon blood are rare but are said to be among the most powerful of their kind. The inherited Daemonic traits, paired with the natural ability to wield magic, create a potent combination that sets them apart. While the origins of a Witch's strength remain mysterious, those with active Daemon lineage are believed to hold an edge in both power and potential.
Decedents born long after union between Witches and Daemons, or between humans and Daemons, can carry unique traits to Daemon bloods only. However, these children are less likely to inherit recessive characteristics then a direct child of a Daemon, or a child of two Daemons. Although, direct offspring of pure Daemon parents are extraordinarily rare, and even these children exhibit similarities to half-breeds. Please read the Daemon section for more on Daemon Bloods.
Use of Magic
There are two distinct types of magic in the world: inherent abilities and those that require Spell Weaving.
Inherent abilities are magical traits that can be accessed naturally, without any deliberate action to conjure them. These abilities function in the background, akin to a sixth sense or reflex, always available as an extension of the Witch’s being. However, inherent abilities are deeply influenced by emotional and physical states, which can either amplify or hinder their effectiveness. For example, stress and injury may weaken these abilities, while calm, focus, and good health can enhance them. Sudden spikes of emotion can trigger brief, heightened bursts of power. In rare cases, a Witch might accidentally unleash advanced spells of their path in moments of danger, but they will be unable to replicate them until those spells are properly learned.
Spell Weaving, on the other hand, requires deliberate intention, action, and energy. This type of magic is performed by weaving the available energy of a Witch’s path(s) into forms only they can perceive, crafting intricate sigils often accompanied by verbal incantations. The energy and intent behind these spells can be amplified using tools such as herbs, spices, incense, candles, crystals, artifacts, or the assistance of fellow coven members or pure Daemons. These enhancing tools and assistance enable Witches to create more potent versions of the same spells. The success or failure of a woven spell is influenced by emotion but is less affected by physical state. If the caster maintains focus, a spell can be successfully woven, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. As Witches become more practiced in their craft, they gain the ability to weave spells more quickly and with greater precision.
Character Creation Notes
Humans and Witches do not start with any inherent traits or Spells to Weave; all magic must be purchased from the store. Keep in mind that unless you purchase the rare trait allowing for multiple disciplines, you are limited to following a single elemental path. Since Humans and Witches are technically of the same species, they share the same foundational potential, making many traits accessible to both.
Witch Laws & Ethics
Witches were the initial people that pushed to form the Council after the Witch-hunts. They have always held a strong seat on the council. Despite their despising of the Vampyre kind, they saw it necessary to create a form of government leaning toward the modern age to work together in peace rather then against each other. It helped draw boundaries that were enforced, giving Witches a safter world to live in. While they take laws very seriously, they still hold a view of what the others do not know will not kill them and are more likely to be softer on their own kind then the others when it comes to trials and verdicts.
Council Laws
- Witches must respect the laws, ethics and taboos of other species. Violation of cultural values forfeits Council protection. Ie touching a Vampyre mate.
- Witches given their gift are to uphold the veil at all times, without exposing themselves to humankind. Violation of this law is an act against the council, punishable by trial by the council verdict in which can extend to the individual alone or the entire coven.
- Witches are considered a species of their own, in equal need of the protect of the council and are thus not held for humankind around them beyond their larger communities.
- Witches of large Covens that embodied entire towns or Islands are responsible for their communities at large regardless of species as a territory. They are responsible for the actions of their communities and familia, and likewise must handle all situations else they forfeit protection of the council, or worse… it will be considered a violation of this law is an act against the council, punishable by trial by the council verdict.
- Since 1880, Casting of spells upon a member of the other species is grounds for investigation. If in opposing territory it is grounds for war with the responsible coven alone.
- Daemons in a coven are governed by Witch’s law, not Daemon law.
- Rogue, solo witches not claimed by a coven are only responsible for themselves and their own actions. However, in trial they must be gifted opportunity to integrate into a volunteering coven before any fatal sentence can be made. It is then the responsibility of that Coven to see them corrected, and if they do not integrate, to be punished.
- Witches mated to or sired into a Vampyre clan are governed by Vampyre Law. Such Witches are considered ‘dead’ to the coven, and will not be recognized as one of them if they return, even if they are only mated but not sired.
- since 1880, Enchanted objects relics and ancient books are to be given back to Witches when discovered, for safe keeping under the Council archives. Destruction or collecting of these items is prohibited and punishable by trial by the council verdict. Exceptions only for if the items are returned back to their original Daemon blood creator and held in their family.
- Published
- Dec 6, 2024
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