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[Serafina Donovan]

NOTE: When posting your character's application, add what your character is in the TOPIC DESCRIPTION.

Listed below are different types of witches a character can be. Please read carefully and if there are any questions, please ask.

• Witch
• Crone
• Lost Witch

The Origins of Witches

Like everything else in this world, there are plenty of stories and theories as to how witches came to be. No one is for sure who could have been the original witch, but the most popular legend is that of Dijana which is referred to as the “Mother of all Witches”

Dijana was once a very beautiful maiden who grew up as a devoted follower of the goddess Diana. There were several rumors that Dijana was the warrior goddess in human form and others believed the maiden as the daughter of the goddess. When asked, Dijana would simply smile in modesty and reject any notion that she was part of the goddess in any way.

Each year, a follower who was raised in the temple of Diana went through a ceremony that would bind them with the goddess. Many maidens, who said they wanted that type of life for them, would change their mind once the time got closer. The high priestess did not look down upon such followers, but welcomed and blessed the thought of them marrying and starting a family. The devoted maiden was still a year too young in order to commit her life and virginity to the goddess, but the high priestess had faith that Dijana would be the one to commit to the ways of the goddess Diana.

As time closed in for Dijana, she was more certain than ever that she wanted to be committed to the temple priestess lifestyle. It wasn’t until one night, on her way to the temple of Diana that Dijana ran into trouble with followers of the goddess Discordia and Juno. Without an escort and still being an initiative follower of Diana, Dijana was unarmed. The young maiden was completely vulnerable to these cruel people, especially to those who followed Discordia and her mischievous ways.

Suddenly, out of no where, a young man arrived in time to save Dijana. The man announced that he was under the command of Queen Lamia and that if any harm were to come to him, the queen would be most displeased. During the period of Queen Lamia’s rule, no one dared to cause trouble for fear that the queen would sweep into the country under a furious rage and murder everyone for someone else’s misdeed. The followers of Discordia and Juno departed without much fuss, but vowed they would return to make sure Dijana never took her vows.

Confused by this, Dijana wanted to learn more about the followers’ mission. She let them leave and thanked her savior. In order to repay him for his deed, Dijana invited the man back to the temple where he would be rewarded by the high priestess herself. The man agreed and allowed himself to be escorted to the temple of Diana.

Once at the temple, Dijana retold the tale of how she was spared any trouble because of the man before her. As was promised, the high priestess rewarded the young man with food and a place to stay for as long as he was there. At the time, Dijana believed the priestess did this out of thanks to the young man, but later discovered that the priestess knew more than she led on…

Time went on and Dijana came to know the young man as Hector. The two seemed to share quite a lot of time together as the ceremony night got closer. Hector revealed that Queen Lamia had sent a selective number of her most trusted servants out to seek anyone that could promise her eternal life. Not understanding how someone could be as selfish and greedy as the queen came off to be, Dijana tried to convince Hector that an eternal life would be more of a curse than a gift from the gods. She promised her friend that she would pray to the goddess Diana to help the queen and her twisted way of thinking. Spending as much time as they had together, even Hector had began to follow in the ways of the goddess. He told Dijana the goddess had many things to teach him, but everyone else knew he only stayed because of the way he felt about the girl.

A week before the ceremony, Dijana found herself in a state of confusion. She had spent her life waiting for the night where she could vow to be completely Diana’s. However, Hector had asked for her hand in marriage, not knowing of the ceremony. When the time came, Dijana decided to tell her beloved Hector that she chose to go through with the ceremony. She promised to always love him, but that her destiny was to follow in the ways of the goddess. Hector did not take the news too well and fled after Dijana had spoken to him. Seeing her broken heart, the high priestess went to Dijana and revealed that it was her destiny to serve the goddess Diana and that a great misfortune would be brought on her if she chose to go after Hector.

The night of the ceremony, Dijana received a letter from the followers of Discordia. The night Hector fled, they captured him and were holding him hostage. If Dijana were to abandon her vows to the goddess Diana, they would release him and leave the two alone. If she chose to go through with the ceremony, the followers would sacrifice Hector. Not remembering the words of the high priestess, Dijana left without warning to the temple of Discordia.

It wasn’t long before she got there, that Dijana realized it had been a trap. The followers of Discordia held no Hector and were waiting for her arrival. The handful of followers disclosed that, in fact, they were not of Discordia, but of another source of power which promised them freedom from the gods. They were told to capture the maiden Dijana before she became of age to take on the role of high priestess of the goddess Diana. From there, all they revealed was that now the future had changed. A great amount of evil would be born into the world and a war would between such demons and humans would rage on until the humans were nothing but slaves.

Back at the temple of Diana, Hector arrived moments before the ceremony was to take place. The high priestess met him in Dijana’s bed chamber. To Hector, the priestess seemed without hope and life. It was then, that she told him of a prophecy made long ago by a great oracle. The prophecy foretold of a maiden, Dijana, who would accomplish a great amount of good as high priestess and prolong the entrance of a great demon. As long as Dijana was under the protection of the Great War goddess, the demon could not enter her body and start its war with the humans. The priestess handed Hector the letter left in the bed chambers and told him it was too late.

Not wanting to believe that he couldn’t save Dijana, Hector went out in search for her…

It is said by many that demons do not know or understand love. To give up a life for a love of no doubt and good intentions, would forfeit any ritual of darkness…

Hector arrived too late and the demon had already entered into the maiden’s body. For the demon to receive full power and control a life had to be taken. The story goes on to tell that Hector did save Dijana, but at a price. His life. His soul. All for the sake that some day she could redeem herself for the demon’s ill deeds. In this one act of love, Dijana was able to keep her soul and control over her body.

There are different variations to the story from there. People believe that Dijana still shares her body with the demon and that in a fit of rage over her lover’s death, the maiden begged the demon to let her use his powers to get her revenge. Others believe that the gods pitied what happened to the young woman, especially Trivia (Hecate; the goddess of the darkness and magic). The goddess took it upon herself to gift Dijana with magical powers in order to make all the wrongs righted.

What ever the true story is, the ending was still the same for Dijana. The maiden broke away and destroyed the followers of the demon. She then went to the city of Libya afterwards in search of Queen Lamia. Dijana remembered the selfish woman and her wish for immortal life and power. The magical woman blamed Lamia to be one reason Hector had died. If it had not been for the queen, even though Dijana would have never met him, then the man would still be alive. Disguising her appearance, Dijana took on the character of an old hag. She cursed the queen and brought down her entire kingdom. Pleased, Dijana moved on and settled throughout the world. She would bare children from country to country, wanting her seeds to continuing to “balance” and bring justice to anyone and anything that crossed the line.

Each child was able to carry on the gifts their mother received so many years ago. With each generation, the bloodline of Dijana grew stronger. No one is for sure what happened to Dijana. Yes, of course there are more stories and rumors of what could have happened to her…but that is a story for another time.

[Serafina Donovan]

WITCH

What exactly is a witch?

Witches are children of the Dijana bloodline. In her prime time of life, the woman had several children all around the world. Anyone from any country can be a witch. Male and Female. The physical appearance remains much like a human, but with an invisible, powerful, aura around their bodies.

A witch is very connected to the universe, especially the element that is linked to their abilities. They are able to heal themselves with herbs and other plant mixtures. As they get older, than can even master the magic of healing without the use of mixing ingredients. Witches can create and perform certain spells potions to help themselves as well as others.

When a witch first receives his or her power at the age of 5, the parent(s) must choose if they want to begin teaching their child the Craft. When a parent does choose to show the child the ways of the Craft, the parent(s) must be very careful in what they say and do. At such a young age, the child is still innocent and knows no difference between right or wrong. It is easier if the parent(s) are completely honest with the child from day one.

If not cautious, the child could prove to be very dangerous with their first power. Teach them how to control and when to use their powers.

If the parent(s) choose to shield their child from the Craft, he/she/they could just as easily not tell their child anything and let the young witch discover for themselves. The other alternative is to bind the child's power until they reach a certain age or if the parent who bound them, dies.

Most witches choose not to use their powers for greedy personal uses. However, a witch can choose if he or she would like to dedicate their lives helping or hurting others around them.

How do you become a witch?

There is way a human can become a witch. A person is born into a family with the blood of Dijana in them. If a witch decides to marry a human, their partner does not magically transform into a witch. The significant other is still human who is married to a witch. When a witch and human have children, their children may or may not have the powers of their witch parent. Some times the power of a witch can skip a generation or two.

How do I know I'm a witch?

Well, for one, if you are a witch...most likely someone in your family is bound to tell you at an early age. It is easier and safer for a witch child to start practicing using their powers as young as a parent or family member can start teaching.

Also, a witch can tell if another one like them is near. They may not be able to pin point exactly who the other witch is, but can sense one. This will be explained below with the abilities that are part of being a Dijana descendant.

On top of all that, witches tended to stick together. Power comes in numbers. If there is a witch family nearby, more than likely, they will protect an individual witch.


What is Samhain and how does it apply to me if I am a witch?

The most important time in a witch’s life is their 20th year. No matter which date their birthday is set on. On May 1st, they are sent to a random location that is picked by the Council of the Crones. It is this day that Beltane begins and the appropriate time the Council believes a witch should be further educated in the Craft. From May until November 1st of the same year, all 20 year old witches are gathered together.

Before, witches were educated by family, friends, and experience of whom and what they are. At this point, the Council introduces a deeper knowledge of a witch’s magic. Here, they will learn how to use the magic to attack and defend.

On October 31st, the Council will throw a celebrating festival for these witches. At the stroke of midnight, these elders will combine their powers in order to stop time. They will then summon the spirits of their ancestors. The young witches will have to step forth and claim which path they wish to follow: The Path of Peace or the Dark Arts.

Afterwards, the young witches can choose to stay with the Council and further their education for a decade; eventually returning to the human world they once knew. They are not forced to stay with the Council and can leave at any time they wish.



What abilities or powers do witches have?

A witch will have only one power, their element, from age 5 years until age 10. Once the age of puberty arrives, depending on how the body and mind mature, the witch will have gained their Aura Reading. During this time, they will learn that their powers work parallel to their emotions. Each emotion will allow their ability to do different things.

Between the age of twenty and fifty, a witch will gain a variety of ways of how to use the element power. Also, they will have learned of the minor shield that can help protect them. This process will be frustrating and will take all of their concentration in order to master.

After the age of fifty and until their death, the witch have developed completely and try to master each ability.

• An Element Power- The first power a witch receives is the ability to connect/control/manipulate ONE element. {Earth, Fire, Air, Water, Ice, Metal, Mind etc.}
  
  
• Abilities of the Mind- If a witch does not have an actual element for a main power, they have one containing the mind. They can only have Empathy, Telepathy, Telekinesis, Night Visions (can enter a person's dream by a physical touch of their skin or personal item), or Premonitions.
  
  
• Aura Reading- The ability to read if a person is human, vampire, witch, or shifter.
  
• Minor Shield-A witch may be able to deflect a very small attack physically or mentally. The shield most of the type does not work, because it requires a lot of concentration.

You know what they say? PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!


How long do witches live?

The oldest a witch can live is to be two centuries old. How old a person lives depends on what genes they have inherited from their family.

A witch with a pure, powerful, bloodline will live the longest. This means that no human could have ever tainted the family tree. These witches will most likely become part of the Council of Crones when they reach their 150th birthday.

A witch with one powerful parent and one human parent will only live to see the early years after their 100th birthday.

A witch with both human parents, but with a witch bloodline, can only live as long as a human can. Each day over 100 is a blessing. They cannot reach their 110th, however.

Because of the many possibilities, there is a chance that a child of a witch family cannot inherit any ability at all. Though, they do still get the opportunity to learn about spells and potions. Like it was stated before, a witch’s power depends on the gene they are given. Any human blood can ruin their chances.

[Serafina Donovan]

CRONE

"Ew, isn't a crone one of those ugly, old hags who likes to pick on people?"

You know all those Halloween decorations that have witches with warts, long noses, and bad teeth? Erase that image from your head, because Crones are NOT anything like them...neither are witches.

A crone is the last stage a witch goes through when they have reached their final peak in power. A crone can also be known as a "wise one" and serve as a mentor to other younger witches. The witch is most likely between the ages of 60-150 years. When a witch reaches the age of 60, the blood of Dijana or the "Sacred Blood of Wisdom" is finally preserved enough inside the body and the person can start to take on the full power and wisdom the blood gives. During this time, the witch will have received all of his or her powers and/or abilities. They will have a great deal of knowledge (not just book smarts either).

Crones can be either male or female; however, a female usually lives long enough to become a crone than a man. This is not meant to be a sexist statement. It is scientifically know that women, on average, live five years longer than a man.

All over the world there are at least one or two crones in each country or state. The oldest of these crones are referred by other young witches as the "Inner Circle" or "Council of Crones". A small group of elderly witches meet every year on Samhain (All Hallow's Eve aka Halloween) to perform several rituals and bless newly born witch children. The Council of Crones also set guidelines or rules for fellow witches in order to keep their existence a secret from the human world.



Guidelines To Being A Witch

• Do not reveal your power or heritage to humans. If you marry a human and have a child with him or her, they must be trusted to not reveal the secret.
• Three Fold- If you choose to use your powers to harm any one or thing, the deed will come back on you three times worse. If you choose to aid those around you with a pure heart and open mind, you will be reward three times better.
• Honor the day of Samhain and the divine power of your choice.
• A curse is forbidden to all witches. If there is enough cause, a witch must go before the Council of Crones for a request.

For more information on rules or guidelines on witches, please visit the site provided or do more research on your own. If you have questions, ask.

[Serafina Donovan]

Lost Witch

What is a Lost Witch?

A lost witch is pretty much the exact same thing a witch is. The only difference however, is that no one has told this person they are a descendant from Dijana. This person may or may not have powers at the time. If a lost witch has amnesia, for example, that loss of identity blocks their powers from surfacing. They may very well live a human life without ever knowing they were worth more. A lost witch with powers probably had a certain talent which caught their attention at an early age. They may not know exactly what they are, but they have a strong feeling they are not just an average human. By coming to this conclusion, a lost witch may exhibit a certain amount of power, but not to the full extent.

Lost witches are mostly known to be psychics or clairvoyant people. They have some experience with the supernatural world, but do not understand it completely or why they are apart of it.


Besides, being psychic, what other powers or abilities do they have?

• An instinct on what plants or herbs to use in certain occasions.
• Being able to get a "feeling" or "blurry image" of something that is going to happen.
• Might be comfortable with a specific element that appeals to you. At times, you may experience an "on and off again" switch to a certain element.

What happens when I find out I am a witch?

The fact that the person now has an idea of their identity will help unlock their powers. Their abilities or powers do not come back within a blink of an eye or over night. Like every witch, the person must now be taught how to call and control their powers. This part of their life will be the hardest obstacle they will have to overcome. Don’t worry, within time, being a witch will become natural.

I am over the age of twenty and have missed the ceremony to decide which path I will follow. What do I do then?

After becoming a witch and learning this new way of life, the Council of Crones will set a date for the person to meet them on. An interview will take place and the Council will decide if the witch is actually ready to choose. If the Crones believe the once lost witch is ready to completely decide, they will hold the ceremony on the closest Samhain date.