The Mother Coven

It is a widely acknowledged fact that wherever there are witches, there will eventually be at least one coven. Covens are groups of witches, not necessarily of the same Craft, where likeminded souls can meet and support one another. This support can take different forms, sometimes sharing recipes or spells, other times entering the more complex (and sometimes dangerous) act of lending a part of their arcane power. While each coven retains a sense of independance, there is a larger organisation known as the Mother Coven which, amongst other things, keeps a close eye on all formal and informal covens.

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Origin

Covens are an ancient concept that appears to have been around since the dawn of arcana, but the idea of a Mother Coven was sparked from an overheard conversation in a tavern in Draxford one night. A Professor from the Academy had been voicing a half-serious complaint to a friend about the amount of covens there were, and how it was much like herding cats to keep control of them. Kelani Nyxwell heard this, but rather than expand on the idea of "controlling" covens, she began to think how useful it would be to compile a list of all covens in the local area. This expanded to include how to connect covens to one another for a stronger community with room for collaboration and additional support. Thus, the Mother Coven was eventually created.

Structure and Responsibilities

Being of elvish descent, Kelani Nyxwell remains the head witch even now, thirty years after the Coven was established. People might refer to her as the true mother of the Coven, but she does not hold absolute power over it. Twelve other witches join her in forming a Coven council, each witch being responsible for the twelve locations across Celarruhn where the Mother Coven is actively present.

Home of the Mother Coven

The Coven Headquarters are located in the city of Draxford, a few streets away from the Academy of Arcane Arts. In the early days of the Coven's conception, the witches would meet and hold small events either in the Academy or in private rooms in taverns across the city. As their numbers grew, they found a need for better premises and began the hunt for the building which they now call home. The Coven's attentions were at first limited to their local area, which allowed them to apply for a guild status from the City Council, which in turn allowed them to lease a guild building.
As the years passed, their reputation grew and their attention widened beyond the city walls. Funds were gathered to purchase their building, and work began to expand and improve it. What had first been a simple townhouse, became almost a miniature replica of the Academy, complete with its own impressive library. Draxford is the true home of the Mother Coven, but since then they own a number of other properties across Celarruhn, each known as a Coven House.

Under the Council witches there are a number of others in leadership roles who take care of the general administration of each Coven House. These can range from dealing with people who might be searching for a witch of particular skill for a job, to connecting covens with one another, and arranging local events. The largest event the whole Mother Coven comes together to organise is the Worldwide Witch Convention (often shortened to just "Witch Con"), which is held every summer in a country manor in Delvenore. This is a perfect place for young witches to make connections across the world, expanding not only their social circles, but open up opportunities they may not have previously considered or had available.

Coven Membership

While it is not law, it is highly recommended for all covens to register themselves with the Mother Coven. There are no real consequences for those who decides against this, but it is clear to see how it would benefit them to do so. The Coven will only ever interfere in a coven in the most dire circumstances, which fortunately has only happened once in its history so far. The most serious responsibilities the Coven has is to maintain a healthy balance of arcane and natural resources across the country, and ensure that witches do not cause serious harm to themselves or those around them. This is as far as the Coven goes in exerting any kind of policing control over other witches.

The Mother Coven are proud supporters of the Wigfish Protection Society.