Witch

**Witches** are supernatural beings born with the power to affect change by magical means (**witchcraft**). Witches are amongst the most powerful and versatile beings on Earth, as well as one of the oldest and most respected species in the Night World. Contrary to popular belief, a witch can be either male or female. In addition, most witches do not worship the Devil, though a specific sub-culture are in fact, satanic in nature. They are closely related to Magicians, Wizards, Warlocks, and Sorcerers, but are a distinct breed in their own right.

They are commonly known amongst the other Night Worlders as "Keepers of the Balance". As such, they are seen as one of the highest authorities on the laws of magic pertaining the supernatural. Despite their famed status as servants of nature, many other witches have been known to actively work against the balance and use their vast powers for personal gain, which often results in a number of disastrous consequences for the supernatural community.

The black dahlia is the primary symbol used to represent witches in the Night World, but some use a secondary emblem in the form of a snake coiled around an apple.

## History

### Beginnings

The origins of witchcraft date back to the beginning of mankind when the fledgling goddess, Hecate, shed a tear that blossomed into a mortal woman: Lilith, the Progenitor Witch. In those days, humanity had yet to develop language, but Lilith was instead of capable of singing, using her voice as a conduit for her abilities. It was through her beautiful songs that she drew the attention of Adam, who desired her as his mate. When she refused to submit to him and subsequently chose to abandon Eden, she later encountered Adam's younger twin brother, Arcadius, whom the older male had betrayed and banished from their homeworld so that there would be no competition for Lilith's affection. The two fell in love with each other and Lilith taught Arcadius some of her magic, and would then go on to concieve numerous children who had inherited their magical abilities, foremost among them being the Three Mothers.

She and her children would then go on to become the first humans to learn to speak and developed Menishe and taught other humans how to speak. Since then, they have passed down their knowledge and skills through generations of family lines. While some beings, such as Chance Mikaelson and Bonnie Bennett, obtained their magical powers from biological development, one does not need to be born with magic in order to use it. This has been proven on a number of occasions, in which ordinary people, such as Sam Winchester, have successfully used magic with almost as much proficiency as so-called "true witches". These individuals are commonly known as Magicians.

The Lower Being D'Hoffryn created Vengeance Demons by appearing to and converting witches who had exacted notable magical revenge.

## Description

### Overview

#### Physiology

Witchcraft is a genetic quality, different from other forms of magic, in that the full extent of its potential can only be used by those possessing the inborn capacity to do so. Despite many of them descending from ordinary mortals, witches tend to consider themselves a separate race from humanity. Anatomically speaking, they are nearly identical to humans, save for a few physiological differences. For example, a witch's physical and mental characteristics are slightly superior to mortals. They are marginally smarter, stronger, faster, and more resilient than the average human but not by much, and they also have more complex brain structures. As Night People, they tend to be extremely attractive.

Additionally, the metabolic functions of a witch exceed that of an ordinary person as it prevents the build-up of poisons within their bodies. This was first shown with Mercy Lewis, who while hiding in crags from Increase Mather, was seen eating the decayed flesh of several corpses and was never seen to exhibit any signs of illness or negative side-effects. Their bodies heal at the maximum of human potential; not faster, but more perfectly. Because of the magic within their bodies, a witch's lifespan far exceeds that of humans. They are not immortal, simply long-lived, with the eldest witch surviving over seven hundred years before succumbing to old age.

#### Encantado

Cradle Witches are born with a magical core, which manifests into what is known as an ***Encantado***. This is effectively an individual's Inner Witch, similar to a Werebeast's Animal. It goes by many different names in various regions of the world, but this is one of the most well-known.

## Types Of Witches

### Elemental Witches

An Elemental Witch is a special kind of witch who is born with a unique elemental affinity: primarily fire, water, wind, and earth. These witches are especially talented in their particular kind of magic, and possess the innate ability to wield their element without the use of spells or incantations as ordinary witches require. Most can only wield one element, though there are a few who control several, if not all. The most common elemental types number at four, composed of the classical elements: fire, water, wind, and earth. There are also two others: Shadow and Light. Only the strongest weavers of all can harness these elements, called Sun and Shadow Summoners, respective. Or Umbral and Lumen witches. These are the rarest types. There is an ancient prophecy that there will come a Weaver Who Stands Between Worlds, a union of opposites, who can control all the elements. This individual is known as the Twilight Child, born of Dark and Light. Although ordinary witches can manipulate the seven elements through spells to an extent, true elemental witches are born with these powers, and some use spells to help focus their powers, but will eventually learn to do so without any kind of spellcasting. As a witch advances in their specific power, they eventually experience an Elemental Surge, which is when they progress into the next level of their potential.

#### Water Witches

Water Witches are those who have power of the seas, rivers and lakes, granting them devastating power over water. They are far rarer than Wind Witches. Water witches often have the personality of a quickly flowing stream with not many being able to keep up with their train of thought, and are said to be mercurial and unpredictable. Water witches are often the best scryers among their fellow witches as they have the ability to see premonitions through water to a higher degree than most. Talented water witches can also phase-change the liquid, allowing them to manipulate ice or steam. They are even capable of influencing other substances that contain a percentage of water, such as snow, clouds, poison, plant-life, and even blood, the latter of which is a form of dark magic that is forbidden among most covens. They can, theoretically, manipulate any kind of liquid containing a volume of water. They are usually born during the winter and are stronger during night. Water witches always have an intimate awareness of watercraft, as well as an instinctive understanding of sailing and perfect bearings, allowing them to know their exact nautical whereabouts wherever they are.

The most powerful of their kind cannot only just manipulate existing water but they can create something know as Witch Water, a powerful substance produced directly from the body of the witch. Witch water can be made from anywhere on the body, though it is mostly produced from the hands and arms. When summoned, the body part producing the water often turns into a shimmering metallic substance. Witch water can be manipulated to a higher degree than regular water, allowing them to heal injuries, purify disease and corruption, with the greatest of them actually transforming their body into the liquid itself.

A Water Witch's Surge begins with a breathlessness and a sudden bout of cold that tears through their body. Eventually, they will begin to produce vast amounts of water from their body, particularly their mouth, suffocating them until the water freezes, solidifying their entire body. When the ice finally thaws, the witch is stronger than ever, capable of performing larger feats of magic and even developing new skills.

#### Wind Witches

Wind Witches are individuals with power over Air and have the ability to preform spells that are linked to the air and its capabilities. Wind witches have an easier time flying than other witches since the skill comes naturally to many members of this sub-type while other non-wind witches require the genetic predisposition to fly. Wind witches are often very spiritual and are usually talented in the more esoteric arts of mysticism, as well as psychic disciplines. Wind Witches are connected to the season of Autumn, during which most of them are born, and also when they experience an increase in power. They are the second most common type of elemental witch in the world. They are often very liberal and forward-thinking, and can also be mischievous and wily. They can also create storms like water witches.

A Wind Witch's elemental surge usually begins with a classic migraine that increases in severity as the hours pass. Eventually, their orifices begin to bleed profusely as the air forcibly leaves their body. They begin to seize violently and experience the feeling of being torn in every direction at once. They eventually pass out from the pain, and upon regaining consciousness, their abilities are empowered just as with Water Witches.

#### Earth Witches

Earth Witches are the most common elemental type. They can control the earth and all related minerals; such as soil, sand, glass, mud, crystals, lava, and earth-based pigments, etc. A nomadic sect of witches known as the Tarim developed a technique that allowed them to sense vibrations through the ground, "seeing" by sensing their surroundings and making a mental image of it. To operate, the user needs direct contact with the ground, preferably without something like shoes in between. It is also possible for an earth witch to manipulate the bones in a being's body due to having a mineral basis. Earth witches are usually born in the season of spring, but not always. They are often stubborn and arrogant.

For Earth Witches, the surge begins with an immense pressure on their bodies. They soon begin to vomit dirt and other minerals, their bones feeling as though they are being shattered one by one. Eventually, the pressure on their body increases immensely. Soon they feel as though they are being crushed to death, eventually falling unconscious. Like with the others, their awakening brings more power.

#### Fire Witches

Fire Witches, are on average, the most powerful witches alive and are the rarest of the four primary elemental affinities. Fire witches can produce fire from their bodies that can be used to light fires and candles without the need of a spell. However, the main reason fire witches are so feared is their ability to summon Witch Fire, a powerful and deadly magical substance. Witch fire is describe as lethal and often regarded as one of the most powerful magic in the world as witch fire is so intense and powerful that it eats through any and all forms of protective magic, meaning it cannot be warded off or deflected. It travels at such high speeds that its almost impossible to dodge physically meaning that being on the receiving end of witch fire means almost certain death. Even if an individual somehow survives a bout with a fire witch the burns they sustain are chronic and cannot be healed using any form of witchcraft and often leads to death at a later date. Witch fire is easy to recognise due to its supernatural appearance as the flames are a deep black with streaks of gold and red running through and the smell of sulphur and ash being strong in the air as well as the distinctive movement of the arms while summoning witch fire.

The most gifted Fire Witches can produce and control lightning, as well as lava, heat, and mystical flames such as Dragonfire. More fire witches are born in summer than in any other season. They have naturally high temperatures and are stronger during the day. Fire witches are known for being extremely volatile and prone to violent outbursts. They are highly dangerous and emotionally unpredictable, meaning that they are capable of immense destruction as well as vast creation. The greatest fire witches can use fire for mystical purposes such as to destroy incorporeal entities or to create life. If a fire witch who can control lightning is paralyzed, those few gifted enough can actually restore movement by using electrical impulses to manually restore function to their bodies, as Chance Mikaelson did when he was paralyzed by a Kanima.

An elemental surge for a fire witch is simple, beginning with a blistering heat that spreads through them before they eventually erupt into flames. They effectively burn to death, rising from their ashen remains stronger than ever.

#### Umbral Witches

Umbral Witches, also known as Shadow Summoners, are one of the two "mythical" elemental sub-types. Their power is shown in their ability to manipulate darkness and shadows, which they can shape into practically any construct they desire, primarily waves and tendrils of dark energy. Shadow summoners can conjure creatures of darkness, teleport through shadows, and even negate the magical abilities of other witches. The latter is one of the main reasons why Shadow Summoners are so feared by the rest of their kind. Only a Weaver can be an Umbral Witch, as ordinary witches do not possess the power to wield such might. Like water witches, Shadow Summoners are stronger at night.

An Umbral Surge consists of the complete and total deprivation of the senses. Touch, taste, sight, smell, speech, hearing, everything is taken away as each of their senses are engulfed by an immense blackness. In the hours leading up to this surge, an Umbral Witch is incapable of using their powers until the surge has completed its progress.

#### Lumen Witches

Lumen Witches, or Sun Summoners, are the 'light' counterparts of Umbral Witches. Like Shadow Summoners, all Lumen witches are weavers. These individuals can conjure and control light. They can shape photokinetic energy into countless different shapes, often channelling them as concussive blasts to blind or even atomize opponents. Lumen witches can bend light around them to turn invisible or even create illusions. The strongest can even control non-visible light, such as ultraviolet radiation, infrared light, or even x-rays. In opposition to their dark halves, Sun Summoners are stronger during the day, and are capable of amplifying the magical abilities of those around them, which is the complete antithesis to what Umbral Witches are capable of.

The opposite of Umbral Witches, a Sun Summoner's Elemental Surge begins with an overload of the senses. An immense heat build under their skin as light erupts from them. A Lumen Witch's powers are volatile and erratic in the hours preceding their surge.

### Tailors

Tailoring is both an inborn and acquired ability that allows one to 'tailor' the physical appearance of another.

## Society & Culture

### Groupings

#### Hives

Witches of the Night World are composed of numerous gatherings, known as Hives, and governed according to a specific hierarchy. Each hive also has specific traditions and rules. A Hunter once stated that Hives of witches are no different from Christian congregations and denominations, and consist of internal factions often in rivalry with each other. According to Alaric Saltzman, it is in the full right of an Elder to kill a member of the hive being discovered, in order to avoid revealing the names of members of a hive. To ensure control over members of a hive, the Samhain retains personal belongings of each member to be used if necessary to bewitch them.

##### The Samhain

The Samhain, also known as the High Priest(ess), is the leader and supreme witch of their hive and is employed to guide, protect and oversee the witches. The position of the Samhain is considered the highest ranking governmental body within the Witchcraft community and has existed for several centuries.

According to Chance Mikaelson, the Samhain is not only responsible for the protection of their hive, but also for keeping the Old Ways alive and well. One of the ways this is done is by the fact that after a witch dies their Book of Shadows will magically find its way to the reigning Samhain as a means to keep the books from being lost or falling into the wrong hands. Furthermore, it is known that whoever claims the head of a fallen Samhain will become the next leader. It is also known that whoever is believed to the next most suitable witch for the position will become the Samhain.

##### The Elders

The Elders are the secondary leaders of the Hive and are commonly known for creating and enforcing the laws of the coven. Aside from being the legislators of the Witchcraft community, the Elders are also assigned the task of choosing important people, places and things that might benefit the witches.

##### Nightsiblings

Hives often employ the use of elite enforcers who serve as bodyguards, assassins, or companions to its members. These individuals are known as Nightsiblings, either a Nightsister or Nightbrother, depending on their gender. They are selected and trained from birth by a figure known as their Witchmother, or Witchfather, who is usually one of the Hive's Elders. The Seventh Son of a Seventh Son is almost always taken as a Nightbrother.

#### Covens

A Coven is a group of witches ranging anywhere from two to thirteen. Despite this seeming numerical limit, more numerous witch gatherings are referred to as covens while discounting themselves as Hives. For example, the Nine Covens of New Orleans do not seem to follow the traditional structure of Night Worlder Hives, as they lack the position of Samhain and are a lot more interconnected with one another than most Hives are with others of their kind.

### Beliefs

#### The Seven Divines

The **Seven Divines**, also known as the **Seven Mothers**, are a pantheon of female deities who embody magic and witchcraft in their purest forms. They are all follows: Hecate, the Mother of Magic; Persephone, Queen of the Underworld; Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt; Lilith, daughter of Hecate and the Mother of Monsters; Mater Suspiriorum, Mother of Sighs and Lilith's firstborn; Mater Lachrymarum, Mother of Tears; and Mater Tenebrarum, Mother of Darkness.

#### Balance Of Nature

The Balance of Nature is a spiritual belief system based around the observance of the Earth and reverence of Mother Nature. The goal of many witches is to honour the design of Nature and to maintain balance within the natural world. The Balance of Nature is intimately tied to one's spiritual relationship with the Earth, and the idea that all living things are considered sacred, as they are all different aspects of nature. Contemporary witches often use ceremonies, rituals, or shamanic practices to attune themselves with the natural rhythms of Nature in their efforts to obtain guidance and knowledge from wiser known witches called "the Spirits" or from their ancestors. However, according to Gloria, who referred to herself as an "old-school voodoo" practitioner, not all witches follow this belief system and have free will to choose how they practice their power.

### Wiccan Rede

The Wiccan Rede is a council of witches that congregate to discuss matters of importance. It is not a singular body, as there is often a Rede assigned to each region where a witch community resides. It is often comprised of the eldest and wisest members of each hive and coven in a specific area, similar to how werewolf packs meet with each other in times of crisis.

### Reckoning

A Witch's Reckoning is a ceremony designed to deliver the worst punishment a witch can suffer. The victim is systemically stripped of their abilities in an agonizingly slow manner, before they are eventually Severed from the One Power. They are still connected to the True Source as all living beings are, but are no longer able to touch it. Many do not survive the procedure, and those that do eventually go mad.