Witches - An Introduction

Written by CoolG1319

What Are They?

Witches are a formidable race of magical beings residing in the secretive depths of Ysteria, far removed from the outside world. With their ancient knowledge and mastery of the elements, they weave spells that can alter the very fabric of reality. As guardians of their hidden realm, they are both revered and feared by those who dare to venture too close.
They are undeniably the most potent forces in existence, capable of casting spells that could either restore balance or unleash devastation upon the world. Consequently, both Vampires and Werewolves seek to exploit these powerful entities for their own agendas. As a result, witches find themselves manoeuvring through a perilous landscape of loyalty, caught between the instinct for survival and the seductive promises of power offered by these rival factions.
Deep within the shadows of the forest, they gather in secret covens, honing their craft while weaving intricate alliances and rivalries. In this delicate dance of trust and betrayal, each spell cast comes with the weight of consequence, reminding them that the line between ally and enemy is often razor-thin.

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Origin

The Four Sisters

Over two hundred years ago, in a small, unassuming village sitting next to a thick forest lived four human sisters born to lowly peasants—the youngest and carefree sister, second-young and stubborn sister, second-old and caring sister, and the eldest and strict sister. They were inseparable, always playing together. Always looking out for each other. Always being there for each other.
Their home sat a stone's throw away from the village church, whose basement, dark and musty, was their nightly destination. The sisters' humble abode offered little comfort compared to the mysteries held within. They would explore the various rooms, their laughter echoing as they played hide-and-seek within the shadows and toyed with the dusty trinkets and items, their movements barely visible in the darkness.

A Discovery in the Basement

On one enchanting evening, as the sisters giggled and frolicked, they stumbled upon an absurdly tiny room bathed in the strange, flickering glow of a vibrant red candle. The room had an eerie aura, and a peculiar sensation tingled through their fingertips as they noticed the silhouette of a mysterious black chest occupying the centre. A subtle, almost ethereal hum resonated from it, captivating the girls, beckoning them closer.
The youngest tugged on the sleeve of her second-oldest sister, distress clearly written on her chubby face. In turn, the second-old tapped the eldest's shoulder and stated, with unease and urgency, that they should leave right away. But the eldest, transfixed by the chest, did not acknowledge her plea. As though in a trance, she walked towards the mysterious object. Her sisters yelled at her to stop and tried pulling her back, but they did not have the strength and she broke free. With each step closer to the chest, the humming grew louder, vibrating beneath the eldest sister's fingertips as she reached out. As her hand touched the surface, a bone-chilling, sinister laugh reverberated through the room, sending a wave of shock and fear through the girls, who gasped in disbelief. The second-old instinctively held the younger girls tight, comforting them when they began to cry.
When the laughter stopped, they saw that the chest, whose pitch-black body was adorned with blood-red and shiny silver markings, was wide open. Upon peering inside, Hela saw a thick tome whose cover was as black as the chest it lied in. Despite the layers of dust and spiderwebs covering it, the book was in pristine condition. The eldest reached in, retrieved the book and showed it to her astonished sisters, who then approached it with caution and curiosity in equal measure. The younger sisters wasted no time in running their fingers over the cover, giggling at the tingling sensation it released. The second-old, visibly troubled, proposed that they abandon the "evil" tome, much to the chagrin of the second-young, as she huffed and crossed her arms in protest, while the youngest nodded in agreement. She sniffed loudly and wiped her runny nose on her sleeve.
Recognizing the escalating tension, the eldest sister let out a sigh and chose to return the tome, much to her younger sister's relief. Just as she turned her attention back to the chest, the unmistakable sound of a creaky door opening upstairs echoed through the room. Her heart raced, apprehension washing over her as she exchanged a tense glance with her sisters. They all knew they weren't alone anymore.
Cradling the book in one arm and lifting her dress with the other, the eldest rushed out of the room, commanding the girls to follow her. They stealthily made their way toward the back of the basement—the location of a window leading to the outside world. The sound of the priest's footsteps grew louder, and shadows danced ominously along the walls, urging them to move faster. The eldest felt the weight of their situation pressing down on her as they squeezed through the narrow passage. Finally reaching the window, she hesitated for just a moment, taking a deep breath before urging her sisters to climb through ahead of her. The second-oldest sister helped her first little sister through first, then her youngest sister, before herself climbing out. The eldest followed quickly, her heart racing with the thrill of escape. The moonlit night welcomed them with a cool breeze, a stark contrast to the suffocating darkness they had just left behind.
And so, the four sisters, with the strange tome in tow, raced back to their humble home.

Birth of the First Witches

The following day, after their parents left for the market, the sisters brought out the tome, which they soon discovered was a spellbook, and read through it. The book meticulously detailed the intricacies and complexities of magic—an art that was expressly forbidden and shunned in their conservative community due to its potential to disrupt societal norms—and provided guidance on how to acquire and harness such powers.
Initially, they were cautious and paid no mind to its contents, considering it too dangerous to even contemplate. Instead, they took the precaution of hiding the book away in the safety of their room, unsure of what to do with the knowledge it contained. Yet, the tantalizing allure of the forbidden art began to gnaw at their curiosity, igniting a conflict between their upbringing and their desire to explore these hidden talents. The older sisters insisted that "such an evil" must never be tampered with, while the second-young argued that it wouldn't hurt to try for "only a moment." After all, it "cannot be so dangerous." The youngest sheepishly agreed with her fiery sister. Soon, though, the girls ultimately agreed to not dabble in the dark arts.
This decision would not last long.

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Two days later, the younger sisters ventured out to play in the village playground while the elder ones busied themselves with chores around the house. They made the beds, swept the floors, wove baskets, and tended to the animals, among other responsibilities. After finishing their tasks, they took a bath and began preparing the midday meal.
As the girls set the table, a loud, distressing noise filled the air—a sound that resembled crying. They hurried outside to investigate and were horrified by what they found. Their younger sisters came running towards them, wailing at the top of their lungs. Their arms and legs were black and blue with large bruises, their cheeks were swollen to twice their normal size, and their dresses, more tattered and torn than ever, were stained with bright red tomato juice.
The elder sisters shared a worried look, fully aware of the culprits behind the distress—the notorious schoolboys. These troublemakers often targeted the girls, bullying them for their modest means and hurling rotten vegetables at them. But this time, they had taken it too far, as it appeared the boys had resorted to harder and more dangerous projectiles. This revelation greatly angered the elder girls, who swore to avenge their little sisters.
This time, they would do far more than merely report them to the proper authorities.

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That night, the four sisters stealthily ventured into the nearby forest, spellbook in hand, and reached their beloved clearing, illuminated beautifully by moonlight. With the book in hand, they gathered around and began to read its enchanting contents aloud. When they reached the chapter detailing the method of obtaining magic, in this case, Pure Magic, they meticulously followed the instructions laid out,—the specifics of which have since been lost to time— ensuring each step was executed with precision.
With the bright moonlight shining upon them, they performed the intricate ritual, chanting the forgotten incantations that promised to unlock their latent magical abilities. As they immersed themselves in the process, a palpable energy began to surge within the clearing, heightening their anticipation of the transformation to come.
Suddenly, a shimmering yellow light erupted from the spellbook, swirling around them like a celestial dance. They gasped in awe, feeling the magic intertwine with their very beings, solidifying their bond and bestowing them with newfound strength. As the light faded, they found themselves imbued with an exhilarating sense of power. Their senses heightened and their spirits lifted. This moment would mark the beginning of their extraordinary journey into the world of magic—one marked with great opportunities and terrible obstacles.

Exacting Revenge

Over the following weeks, the four sisters delved into their newfound powers. They practiced together every day, exploring the limits of their abilities and discovering the unique strengths each of them possessed, all the while ensuring that their extraordinary abilities remained a secret from their rigid, conservative parents, who would have their hides upon finding out. As their skills developed, their bond strengthened, enhancing their understanding of themselves and each other.
When they finally felt a sense of confidence in their ability to master their newfound powers, the girls decided it was time to take action and seek vengeance on their tormentors, the bullies who had made their lives miserable.
They stealthily made their way to the vibrant play area and strategically concealed themselves among the lush trees, which created a natural border around it. From their hidden vantage point, they gleefully observed as the eldest sister skilfully manipulated the bodies of the unsuspecting boys, inducing an overwhelming and unbearable itching sensation under their skin. The sight was both hilarious and intriguing. The boys squirmed and scratched and rolled along the dirt in an effort to relieve themselves of the torment, which attracted confused and concerned stares from the other children and passers-by. Meanwhile, the sisters quietly chortled with glee.
Having successfully executed their plan, the sisters returned home with joy in their hearts. As night enveloped the quaint village, they harnessed their magic to conjure a dazzling array of delightful experiences, enabling them to bond and play together in ways they had only ever dreamed of.

The Explosion of Magic

A year later, the sisters continued to revel in each other's company, joyfully playing together as they always had, conjuring an impressive array of enchanting spells designed to amuse both each other and themselves. Their bedroom around them shimmered with radiant colours, casting a magical glow that made their laughter echo even more brightly through the air. With every whimsical incantation they uttered, a flurry of new wonders sprang forth, deepening the loving bond they shared while simultaneously igniting their vivid imaginations. Their enchanted world was a playground of creativity, where every moment spent together felt like a delightful adventure waiting to unfold.
Then the door swung open.
Standing at the door were, to the horror of the sisters, their father and mother, who silently stared at the girls with unspeakable horror in their eyes. The silence soon led to a frantic and chaotic panic that sent shockwaves through their home.
Fearing for their lives and appalled by the sight, the parents gathered an enraged mob, brandishing torches and pitchforks, and threatened to burn the girls at the stake for their witchcraft. In a desperate attempt to escape the imminent danger, the sisters, spellbook in tow, fled with all the speed they could muster, only to find themselves cornered, with nowhere to hide. In a last-ditch effort to save themselves from the wrath of the mob, they unleashed a powerful wave of magic, intending to deter their pursuers.
But the spell went horribly wrong.
The wave surged with such ferocity that it completely obliterated the mob, leaving behind nothing but mere remnants of flesh and blood scattered across the ground. The devastation it caused extended far beyond the immediate area of the mob, ravaging the surrounding landscape and altering the very essence of the environment. Relentlessly, the colossal wave swept forward, eradicating all forms of life in its wake, while simultaneously giving rise to entirely new creatures and flourishing ecosystems that thrived in the aftermath of its destructive passage. By the time the massive wave finally receded, what remained of the world was utterly unrecognizable and hauntingly different from what it once was.
Towering structures and landmarks, once symbols of human achievement, lay in ruins, reduced to mere rubble.
Countless species, once great and thriving, were wiped out, while new and perilous forms of life began to emerge in their place.
The landscapes, once admired and visited, were not just destroyed, but completely altered and new terrains formed in their stead.
And there was an eerie silence, as not a single human soul was anywhere to be seen amidst this desolation.
Unaware of the repercussions their spell would unleash, guilt consumed them like an unyielding tide. The younger sisters clung desperately to their elders, their sobs and wails echoing in distress. Meanwhile, the older girls exchanged a silent glance, rooted in a profound and regretful shock. The weight of their choices hung heavily in the air, a palpable reminder of the devastation they had wrought. But as they walked through the remnants of what once was, an unshakeable resolve came over the sisters—a resolve to restore balance and undo the devastation, no matter the cost.

Pure Magic is No More

To take the first step, the sisters knew they had to weaken their potent wild magic. They turned to their spellbook for direction and discovered a fascinating method within its pages for splitting magic among individuals and objects. However, this approach came with a significant sacrifice: the individual from whom the magic is extracted would permanently lose an aspect of their body.
With heavy hearts, they debated the implications, knowing that they all would have to bear the burden of this choice. Ultimately, they agreed to follow through and swore to always care for each other, no matter how difficult it may be. As they prepared to perform the spell, a palpable tension filled the air, each sister acutely aware of the price they were about to pay. With a deep breath, they clasped each other's hands tightly, their resolve bolstered by the love that bound them together.
As the sisters began the incantation, radiant balls of light—their magic—burst forth from their chests, swirling around them in a mesmerizing display. These luminous streams then intertwined gracefully before coalescing into a singular, brilliant orb of Pure Magic. With a final, resonant chant from the sisters, the orb erupted into four distinct segments, each embodying a category of magic: Body, Mind, Heart, and Soul. These orbs then fused with each sister, enveloping them in a dazzling glow.
Pure Magic was no more.
But so were parts of the sisters.
Felicity, holder of Body Magic, lost her sight.
Rose, keeper of Mind Magic, lost her hearing.
Umbra, who held Heart Magic, lost her voice.
And Hela, wielder of Soul Magic, lost her ability to feel.

Finding a New Home

A few days later, the sisters wandered around until they discovered a large, resilient tree that stood unscathed amidst the swirling chaos. They exchanged knowing glances, and in unison, they summoned their magic to forge a pocket dimension within its trunk. This enchanting realm transformed into a lush, expansive forest, providing everything the girls needed: bountiful trees and plants for sustenance, pristine rivers and lakes for water, and ample materials for shelter.
As they settled into their new sanctuary, they revelled in their newfound abundance, relishing meals and nurturing one another. They named it "the Evergreen Hollows." However, as time went by, they recognized the need for assistance in maintaining their haven and still felt a lingering unease about their magical abilities. Determined to find support, the sisters resolved to venture outside in search of other survivors.

Making More Witches

The search was a difficult one. The unpredictable and rugged landscape posed significant challenges. Shadows concealed wild creatures, poised to strike at any moment. Despite the dangers lurking in the shadows, the sisters pressed on, relying on each other's company and magic to navigate the treacherous terrain and determined to find allies.
After travelling for a long time, the sisters spotted a column of smoke in the distance. With renewed hope, they quickened their pace, eager to discover the source and find potential allies. As they approached, the faint sounds of voices reached their ears, igniting a flicker of anticipation within them.
The origin of the smoke and the murmurs was revealed to be a small assembly of weary survivors gathered around a modest fire. Their clothing was torn and covered in ash and soot, as were their bodies, which were also covered in bruises and cuts. They looked up with a mix of surprise and caution as the sisters came into view. The air was thick with the scent of charred wood, and the heaviness of sorrow hung around the group like a shroud, hinting at the hardships they had endured.
Burdened by guilt, the sisters earnestly implored the remaining humans to accompany them to a safer refuge where all their needs would be met. They also sought assistance to help sustain their new residence. The sisters knew that hope could only flourish with the support of those they were trying to save. As they stood before the weary group, they promised to stand together in the face of adversity and rebuild what had been lost.
Their resolute words lit the hearts of the tired survivors and rekindled a flicker of determination within them. One by one, the humans began to nod in agreement, ready to embrace the chance for a new beginning. Filled with joy, the sisters gathered everyone around them and, as a testament to their unwavering pact, granted them the extraordinary gift of magic and made them swear to never use it for destruction.
And so, the sisters and the newly initiated witches returned to their new home, resolutely committed to restoring the world to its former splendour.

We swear to strive to restore our world. We will strive until our last breath.
Until our legs give way beneath us.
Until our hands become worn.
Until our bodies rot.
Until our essences move on to the afterlife.
And nothing will get in our way.

The Council

The Council stands as the premier organization of witches, charged with the crucial responsibility of regulating the practice of magic. Their primary aim is to prevent its misuse for destructive purposes and to ensure that Pure Magic does not resurface. At the helm of the Council are the first witches, the most formidable and influential among them all.
These ancient figures wield immense power and possess extensive knowledge, guiding the younger generations in their magical pursuits. They are also able to sense every spell cast by any witch in Evergreen Hollows, ensuring they never misuse their power.