Witch
Witches are a group of magic users with the innate ability to practice Witchcraft. They are thought to be descendants of a single bloodline from the very first witch, Morgan, who was given her abilities by the Celestial Istari. Male Witches are often known as Warlocks.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Witches can have any physical appearance similar to Humans depending on what their parents looked like. It is a common misconception that all Witches are female, this is untrue. Witch abilities can be taught to some extent but the 'sense' that a Witch is born with can only be passed on genetically, thus making Witchcraft a hard art to master. It is possible for the Witch gene to surpass a generation meaning that sometimes Natural Witches can inherit their sense from grandparents or even great-grandparents.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Witches generally have some degree of Clairvoyant abilities, something that increases when they form a Coven. Witches that have formed a Coven can gain a telepathic bond through the 'sense' and in some extreme cases can gain empathetic abilities, making them able to feel each-other's pain. Witches who are members of a Coven can cast more powerful spells through their links. Witches have the ability to Scry, which means to use crystals or crystal balls in order to locate people or objects. The crystal is merely used as a vessel to conduct a Witches 'sense'.
The 'sense' is generally the aspect of Witchcraft that cannot be taught. A Witch is able to sense a person's whereabouts (at beginners level a personal object is required but at advanced level this is not necessary), they can also communicate with the spirits of their ancestors; powerful Witches who have chosen not to pass onto the Glow and remain to teach and guide others. This sense can also help a Witch predict the future, although to gain accuracy in this requires practise. Witches are capable of having prophetic dreams as in a subconscious state the sense intensifies.
An extremely powerful Witch may be able to access Astral Projection, enabling them to separate their spirit from their physical body, this is a skill reserved for only the most adept as it especially dangerous. With this they can percieve things across the galaxy or even interact with objects without being there; in theory one could also cast spells while projecting, although this has never been seen.
Civilization and Culture
Beauty Ideals
The Witches aesthetic for fashion and design is known for being black, angular, and minimalist; often being labelled by outsiders as 'depressing'. Because of this, angular facial features, slender builds, and dark hair are the common concept of beauty. Also, due to the matriarchal society, feminity in men is not only accepted but sometimes desired too, atleast to a point where men are not afraid to display feminine personality traits. Makeup is also highly used by women, particularly dark tones and contours to help add definition to facial features, or even shadow the eyes heavily.
Gender Ideals
Witches are traditionally a matriarchal society. Inheritance goes to the eldest daughter first, men take the last names of their spouse, and mothers are the de facto heads of families. This does not mean that there is gender inequality nor any positions or opportunities that men cannot obtain. In everyday life men and women are treated equally and their roles are only slightly differentiated by things such as physical ability with men perhaps taking more laborous jobs. However because of their reverence of the Celestial Istari and her chosen first witch Morgan, feminine ideals and the archetype of the leading and caring matron has dominated cultural norms and traditions for centuries.
Average Technological Level
Witches are extremely gifted in magic and its studies; yet are not as technologically inclined as their Human forerunners. This is not completely due to a lack of ability with technology, but moreso because Witches actively choosen to solve problems or establish infrastructure based on magic over technology. One prominently growing example is limb replacements and cybernetics. Witches have begun using alchemical process to regrow limbs or even supplement stronger limbs with extra abilities, a magical alternative to traditional cybernetics. Only when something cannot be efficiently achieved with magic do they implement modern technology to make up for the shortcoming. However, there are many Witches who contribute to the development of magi-tech; a fusion of magic and technology to create even more effective creations. This area of development is still in its early days though.
History
It is thought that the first Witch was a woman named Morgan, who was a devoted follower of the Celestial of Knowledge & Magic, Istari. Istari was so impressed by Morgan's dedication to her and her offerings at a shrine of Istari that she bestowed upon Morgan the 'sense', an aspect of Istari's own Celestial gift and thus the first Witch was created. Therefore it is generally thought that Witches are all descended from the bloodline of Morgan.
Upon the formation of the Invictus Coalition, Olwen Hagan was appointed the leader of the Witch and Warlock peoples and led their migration to Lucian. There they enjoy a booming population whilst managing the production of Nexus Crystals. With the advent of increasing technology and culture-mixing, Witches further developed their inclination for dark aesthetics fitting for their new homeplanet. Lucian fashion and design is trademark for being black, angular, and labelled by outsiders as 'depressing'. Witches also like to mix new developments, like Cyberpunk fashion and the idea of cybernetics, with old traditions like Coven tattoos and enchantments.
Historical Figures
Morgan, the First Witch.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Homo Magicae
Lifespan
200 Years
Average Height
5-6ft
Related Organizations
