Witches

Witches are a type of human that is capable of using magic and are the main focus of the novel City of Witches.

## Origin

Witches first came into appearance in the 14th century. These people were capable of manipulating magic to create many miracles in the world.

Contrary to popular opinion, any person could use magic and become a witch, not just women. They are all collectively referred to as witches because although men are the only ones who can create mana, women are the only ones who can store it and use it at a later date. Shin Siwoo is the only male to ever be in possession of a brand and as such is the only official male witch in the entire series.

## Magic

Magic however, is fickle in nature as it can both be expressed as an artform and as an exact science. With both artists and scientists both being able to use magic equally proficiently. As such, in magic, the most important part is whether or not a function is logical, rather than physically competent.

All forms of magic can be divided into 4 distinct branches, of which a witch may only focus on 1.

### Elemental:

Refers to the typical abilities one might imagine after hearing the worlds 'magic'. This aspect mainly involves manipulating the elements to create spells and special effects. The most prominent users include: Amelia Marigold, Shin Siwoo, Sharon Evergreen and Duchess Erelim.

### Alchemy:

This refers to the refinement and creation of special materials and tools. This and Elemental magic is the main profession of 90% of all witches. The most prominent users include: Bianca Bellilli and Countess Meve.

### Spirit:

While all other forms of magic focus on the real world, this branch of magic focuses on the metaphysical, such as the soul. The most Prominent users include: Countess Gemini and Eloa Tiphereth.

### Barrier

Although it is implied that this branch of magic involves magic defenses. The truest form of Barrier magic is environmental manipulation and the altering of the laws of physics. The most prominent users include: Duchess Keter, Countess Yesod and Lureu Nukelavi.

## Apprentices

At one point in their life, every witch will feel as if they have hit a wall and are unable to continue their progress in growing stronger and more knowledgeable in magic. At that point, a witch will start looking for an apprentice to take their place in researching magic.

If a witch is already in possession of a brand, then she can use a special method to transfer her brand to her apprentice and immediately impart all of her knowledge and abilities directly onto her apprentice. However, this process will kill the witch and if the process is interrupted, it will kill the apprentice.

## Self Essence Magic

Self Essence Magic is considered the dividing line between a Witch and a non-Witch. Self Essence Magic is the ultimate manifestation of oneself upon reality. Thereby, it is magic that belongs exclusively to the one who created it. With it being specifically stated that even Rank 20 Witches are incapable of understanding the basic functions of the Self Essence Magic of even a Rank 15 Witch.

The only way one can use the self Essence magic of another Witch is for it to be either freely given to another or for it to be forcefully stolen by another.

## Ranking

All witches distinguish from themselves from everyone else using their witch rank, which roughly implies the proficiency of each person in magic.

Each increase in rank is implied to double one's overall ability with a massive increase in abilities with each 5th rank. It has been stated that it is almost impossible to cross a 2 rank difference between witches even in the best of circumstances.

It takes an average of 100 years for an average witch to increase her rank by 1.

### Rank structure:

* Non-witches (1-4): Anyone who can even use the slightest hint of magic is automatically moved into this category, regardless of their actual ability. Shin Siwoo was in this category until he received his brand.
* Apprentices (5-9): Apprentices have reached the level where they can use magic in combat against non-witches (hurling fireballs and being able to telekinetically control objects with both significant weight and precision). All those who have been slated to inherit a brand must reach this level before they could inherit it. Has been stated to be comparable to modern foot soldiers with modern equipment.
* Low ranking Witches (10-14): At this level, all witches automatically receive spirit bodies, allowing them to heal any injury by simply expending mana. At this point, their magic starts being able to manipulate/destroy the environment around them.
* Official Witches (15-19): It is at this point that witches are able to create their brand to hold all their mana and self essence magic. In addition, you also receive and automatic defense system, making you immune to the attacks and abilities of others (to a degree based on the ranks between the 2 witches) and become immune to aging. Shin Siwoo has stated that at this level, you become comparable to national militaries, with him only fearing attacks from airstrikes and naval bombardments.
* Archwitch.(20-22): Only 1% of all witches are at this level. At this level, Witches can begin to alter the laws of physics around them to suit their needs. At this level, attacks become comparable to small nuclear bombs according to Duchess Erelim.
* Great Witch (23-24): There are less than 10 witches at this level. Witches at this level can control and alter the magic of other Witches as well as ignore any alterations they have made to the laws of physics.
* Grand Witch (25-29): Witches at this level are able to outright replace the laws of physics with their own laws. No witch of this level currently exists.
* Witch of the Rainbow (30+): Only Duchess Keter and the Witch of Creation are at this level. According to Siwoo, they are strong enough to destroy the world with but a thought.