Vocation: Witch

Witch is a Vocation of the Calling of Weavemaster, and is considered one of the most unusual Vocations because of its strict requirements for entry into it. Witches typically have large Mana Pools, but no Weave Channel through which to cast spells, meaning they must rely on a Confidant to enable their spellcasting ability. Witches are also typically ritual casters, preparing spells into Tokens prior to use, or channellers who funnel the abilities of their Confidant as a means of attack, defence, or healing.

Despite lacking a Weave Channel, Witches are highly sensitive to Arcane and Sylvan energies, and are considered some of the greatest experts in Mana-related Medical fields, Arcane Theory, and Ritual Spellcasting. In many parts of the world, Witches make up the backbone of magical presence within village communities and are held in high regard. However, some Paths are looked upon with suspicion in some places, and those kinds of Witches are often ostracised within them.

Famous Witches include Cormac Dalais, High Priest of the Hartwood Coven in Hartmoor, the Heartlands; and Zinnia Fleur, a Solitary Witch known for her unique blessings and curses.

Career

Qualifications

Witches tend to have higher than average Intelligence and Wisdom, often supported by a robust Constitution and large Mana Pool. Most Witches come into their Vocation with the Calling of Weavecrafter.

In order to follow the Vocation of the Witch, individuals must:

• NOT have a Weave Channel (Confidant Spirits will not respond to those that do as it is deemed unnecessary)
• Have a Mana Pool

There are no formal qualifications or examinations required to become a Witch.

Confidant

Witches are blessed with incredible reserves of Mana, but no Weave Channel through which to cast spells. For this reason, Witches choose themselves a Confidant, who provides a means to channel spells, and the origins of which dictates the Path they will take during their studies in Witchcraft.

Confidants rarely show themselves in front of others unless Called or their Witch is in peril. When they do show themselves, it is usually in their Sealed Forms, which typically take the visage of Material creatures.

Career Progression

Paths

Witches can choose to explore their innate abilities and bring forth their natural talents by following a Path. These Paths are normally decided when a Witch chooses their Confidant, however some Witches are born fated to a specific Path.

Folk

Also known as Green Witches, Folk Witches are able to utilise the Sylvan Weave to commune and enlist the help of Nature. They are the most in tune with the Sylvan Weave.

Hedge

Hedge Witches straddle the worlds between the living and the dead, being able to communicate with both Nature Spirits and spirits of the Dead. They are the only Witches to be able to use Necrourgy.

Hearth

Hearth Witches spend much of their time in the home, using spells and potions to protect, heal, and cleanse. They are the only Witches able to use Zoiurgy through the Sylvan Weave.

Cosmic

Cosmic Witches are naturally attuned to Fate and the Stars, being the only ones able to summon and Bond with a Cosmic Guardian. They are the only Witches able to use Divination spontaneously.

Grey

Grey Witches straddle the balance between light and dark, carefully managing both. They are the only Witches able to spontaneously cast blessings and curses.

Sea

Sea Witches learned their art from Sea Hags, using air and water-based magic to cleanse and control, both minds and weather. They are the only Witches capable of utilising Enchantment spontaneously.

Crystal

Crystal Witches utilise the power of earth, crystals, sound and light to protect others and confuse the senses. They are the only Witches capable of utilising Illusion spontaneously.

Employment Positions Suitable for Witches

Many Witches find themselves employment as local healers, herbalists and potion crafters within villages, where access to magical services can be severely lacking. Witches are also welcome amongst Ranger Companies, who favour their ritual-based support and healing abilities.

Within Cities, Witches can again be found within healing, herbalism and potion shops, as well as holding positions in libraries and institutions of magic. They are also common amongst City Druidic Circles, as Ambassadors, and within Council Advisory Committees.

Witches do not typically adventure alone, but make great support operatives amongst adventuring crews and mercenary groups. Their understanding of magic and its history also make them exceedingly valuable on archaeological and exploratory crews.

While not unheard of amongst Guards and Watchmen, they are rarer than other kinds of Vocation and tend to find themselves within support divisions.

Perception

Social Status

Witches are generally looked upon favourably, despite their historical links to Hags, though some Paths can suffer from local prejudices. Cosmic Witches are often persecuted in places where divination is looked upon with suspicion, while Grey Witches are often associated with curses and misfortune.

The Place for Witches in Academia

While the majority of magical studies are attributed to Mages, most of them are in fact based upon earlier works by Witches, who never saw the need to publish them. Even the Categories, Classes, and Divisions of Magic work of the Gnomish Archmage Kaia Adamis, from the Tower of the Higher Arcane, was merely a finalised version of earlier works, many of which had been traced back to theories from early Witchcraft texts.

The Coven and the Solitary

Many Witches choose to join or are born into a Coven, which gives them access to the collective knowledge gathered by the members over the history of the Coven. The term originates from a Celestial word meaning "assembly".

Witches that choose not to join a Coven, who officially leave, or are ejected from a Coven are known as Solitary Witches. Most Solitary Witches engage in their own forms of research and developmental practices, with some even travelling between Covens to learn from them.

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