I really don't pretend to be a writer. I am just a guy that can write some RPG stuff.
Given that, here are three of my witches that will appear in my book on witches, Liber Mysterium.
Roryn was born on the west side of Chicago, in my mind at least. I was working at the West Side VA hospital at the time and I thought "I need a dwarven witch!" .
Saillie and Teamhair started out a younger versions of two other characters I have, Bodhmal and Liath (who I have always played as older women) and I wanted to try them out at the start of their adventures. Well the trouble was that I had two good and really different ideas about their early years. So the second version became Saillie and Teamhair and took them 800 years in the future (well 300 BCE to 500 CE). I still plan to detail Bodhmal and Liath's early years someday.
BTW, Saillie starts out as a nun in honor of Puff's avatar.
Here they are. Don't mind if you don't know about the stats. This is for D&D.
Saillie2nd level Cleric / 5th level Witch,
Classic Tradition (Celtic),
Daughters of the Flame Coven
Human Female
Saillie (“SAY-lee”) grew up in a family where business came before family or even love. Her father had made no secret his desire for a son and his wife made no secret of her desire never to become a mother again. So Saillie found solace in books and writing. All things different than her own mundane life fascinated her. When she got older she looked at her limited options in life. She could be like her mother and become stuck in a loveless marriage and a meaningless existence, or she could join the Abbey in Glastonbury. At least with the former option she would have the chance to be surrounded by books.
She found that in the Abbey yes, books surrounded her, but she also had a patriarchal tyrant ruling over her that despised her for her knowledge. At least hear father had nurtured her intelligence when he noticed.
One day this all changed when she spied a “fairy woman” in woods. She had heard the other nuns whisper stories about a group of witches that lived in the wood and did unspeakable things. But to Saillie this girl, Teamhair, was not a hideous witch. She was a funny and wise girl of her own age. The two became great, but secret friends. They would often meet to discuss many things, their lives, their troubles and soon they were learning magic. Teamhair taught Saillie the secrets of her craft. They shared a laugh that Teamhair was every bit the witch that the nuns feared, they just didn’t know what a witch was. Saillie taught Teamhair how to read and write, first English and then Latin. The first thing that Teamhair read to Saillie was I Corinthians 13, it brought her to tears.
Their secret was short lived. Both girls were discovered. Teamhair had to return to the wood, but Saillie was thrown in a dungeon. The Abbot, long looking for an excuse to rid himself of Saillie had her charged with witchcraft, a charge she couldn’t deny, but it did save her from being tortured. The Abbot had her inspected head to toe in the most violating manner possible searching for a witch’s mark. To his anger he not only did not find any, but discovered that she was also still a virgin. He ordered her immediate execution, death by hanging as was the law at the time.
In the morning Saillie went to the gallows. She was sad, not that she was going to die, but that would never get to see Teamhair again or apologize to her for getting her into trouble with her mother. Just as the executioner was ready to carry out the sentence that would end her life Saillie did something she had never done before; she said a small prayer to the Goddess. She fell and expected the rope, and her life, to stop in an instant. Instead she crashed to the ground in a lump. The rope had been shot with an arrow. Before she could praise her luck she felt herself scooped up by Teamhair on her horse. In the ensuing chaos the girls rode out into the wood where they lost their pursuers.
Teamhair initiated Saillie into the secrets of witchcraft that night. In the morning both girls left England with Teamhair’s mother’s blessings. They now live in Kildare, Ireland where they have joined the Daughters of the Flame coven. Saillie is becoming a rather powerful witch in her own right though she still keeps many of the beliefs she had had as a nun.
Saillie summoned a familiar once she became settled in Kildare. To everyone’s surprise the familiar the Goddess chose for her was a wolf. This wolf, named Cú Chuliann after the great Irish hero, is fiercely loyal to Saillie. He does not allow anyone but Teamhair to come close to her.
Strength: 9 (-1)
Dexterity: 11 (0)
Constitution: 11 (0)
Intelligence: 18 (+4)
Wisdom: 16 (+3)
Charisma: 17 (+3)
HD/HP: 28 hp
AC (normal/flat-footed/touch): 10
Melee: +4
Ranged: +4
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30
Fortitude: +5
Reflex: +1
Will: +7
Face: 5’
Alignment: LG
Size: M
Patron: Brigit
Race/Gender: Human Female
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 100#
Eyes: Green
Hair: Red
Age: 19
Languages Known: English, Gaelic, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Latin
Racial Features: Bonus feat, +1 skill point per level
Class Features: Turn Undead, Summon Familiar, Create Minor Talisman feat
Spells Known: Witch: 5 (0), 5 (1), 4 (2), 4 (3). Cleric: 4 (0), 3 (1)
Spells Typically Prepared: 0 level Witch: Arcane Mark, Ghost Sound, Mending, Resistance,Virtue 1st Level Witch: Cure Light Wounds, Dowse, Identify, Glamour, Sanctuary*. 2nd Level Witch: Broca’s Curse of Babble, Invisibility, Levitate, Protection from Elements* 3rd Level Witch: Fly, Lesser Strengthening Rite, Witch Wail, Shield Othe* (* indicates Coven Spell)
0 level Cleric: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light 1st Level Cleric: Bless, Comprehend Languages, Obscuring Mist, Endure Elements (Cold only).
Feats/Special Powers: Turn Undead, Familiar powers (+2 to Fort Saves)
Feats: Extra Turning, Communal Casting, Craft Wondrous Item, Craft Magical Candle,
Skill Total (Ranks+Mod)
Knowledge, Religion 15 (11+4)
Knowledge, Arcana 15 (11+4)
Spellcraft 15 (11+4)
Concentration 10 (10+0)
Heal 13 (10+3)
Diplomacy 11 (8+3)
Knowledge, Witchcraft 12 (8+4)
Scry 10 (6+4)
Meditative Trance 5 (5+0)
Spirit Consultation 7 (4+3)
Possessions:
Item Qty Location
Athame 1
Books Many
Animals: Cú Chuliann (Wolf, Familiar). Medium Sized Animal. HD 7d8* (14 hp). Initiative: +2 (DEX). Speed: 50ft. AC: 18 (natural +2, dex +2, familiar +4). Att: Bite +3. Dmg: 1d6+1. F/R: 5ft by 5ft/5ft. SpAttacks: Trip. SpQualities: Scent. Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +7. Abilities: Str 13, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 9, Wis 12, Cha 8. Skills: Hide +3, Listen +6, Move Silently +4., Spot +4, Wilderness Lore +1 (+4 racial bonus). Feats: Weapon Finesse (bite). Alignment: Neutral (Lawful Good to Saillie and Teamhair). Special Abilities (Familiar): Alertness, improved evasion, share spells, empathic link, touch, Speak with Master, Speak with other wolves. Appearance: Cú is a smallish for a wolf, but still as large as a dog. His fur is dark russet and his eyes are yellow. He is fiercely loyal to Saillie, even beyond that of a normal familiar. He has told Saillie that the Goddess had sent him to her to be her protector. He claims that it is the role he has had in this life and many of their past lives. He trusts Teamhair but is weary of everyone else.
Teamhair7th level Witch,
Classic Tradition (Celtic),
Daughters of the Flame Coven
Human Female
Teamhair (“TOHR”) grew up in the relative peace and quite of the countryside of England in 550 CE. She practiced her craft, which she learned from her mother, Deirdre, and grandmother. She expected that she would also follow in their craft and become High Priestess like her mother had. Her tranquil world was broken when she was chosen to participate in the Great Rite during annual Beltane celebration. Teamhair did not want to participate, she knew it was a great honor and one her own mother had participate in to conceive her, but she did not want this for herself.
Lacking the courage, at first, to stand up to her mother and to tradition, Teamhair would steal away to be alone with her thoughts. It was on one of these trips that she met Saillie.
Saillie was a nun at the Abbey in Glastonbury. When Teamhair had found her she had become separated from the other nuns. Teamhair had always assumed that the nuns were all old women that no man would want. She was very surprised to find that Saillie was not only her own age, but quite attractive and very intelligent. Teamhair also sensed that the girl had a hidden reserve of her own magic.
The two girls became fast friends. Both would sneak away from their respective religious duties to meet. Teamhair taught Saillie all about witchcraft and Saillie taught her how to read and write. The first thing that Saillie taught her to read was the Bible (she lived in an Abbey after all).
Their secret rendezvous were discovered on both sides. Teamhair’s mother forbade her from seeing the young nun again. Saillie faired worse and was put on trial for witchcraft. Teamhair discovered this and she prepared to leave to rescue her. Her mother interceded, but Teamhair stood her ground. Deirdre saw the resolve in her daughter’s eyes. She released her, not only to save Saillie, but also from participating in the Beltane rite.
Harnessing her fastest horse, Teamhair rode to the Abbey. It was dawn and they were preparing to hang Saillie. Teamhair took her longbow and whispering a prayer to the Goddess to steady her hand she shot and cut the rope that would have ended Saillie’s life. Riding in she scooped up Saillie in the confusion and rode off.
Teamhair and Saillie, now a witch in her own right, have since moved on, with her mother’s blessing, to Kildare where they have joined the Daughters of the Flame.
Strength: 12 (+1)
Dexterity: 9 (-1)
Constitution: 12 (+1)
Intelligence: 16 (+3)
Wisdom: 18 (+4)
Charisma: 16 (+3)
HD/HP: 30 hp
AC (normal/flat-footed/touch): 10
Melee: +4
Ranged: +2
Initiative: -1
Speed: 30
Fortitude: +3
Reflex: +1
Will: +9
Face: 5’
Alignment: LG
Size: M
Patron: Brigit
Race/Gender: Human Female
Height: 5’5”
Weight: 130#
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Blond
Age: 20
Languages Known: Speak: Gaelic, English, Latin, Sidhe. Write/Read: Latin, English
Racial Features: Bonus feat, +1 skill point per level
Class Features: Summon Familiar, Occult Powers, Create Minor Talisman feat
Spells Known: (+coven spells, *wisdom bonus)
0: 6, 1: 5+1, 2: 5+1, 3: 4+1, 4: 2+1
Spells Typically Prepared: 0 level: Arcane Mark, Cure Minor Wounds, Dancing Lights, Daze, Guidance, Light.
1st Level: Bless Growth, Change Self, Dowse, Pop Corn, Sanctuary+. 2nd Level: Calm Emotion, Consecrate, Levitate, Locate Object, Protection from Elements+ 3rd Level: Astral Sense, Continual Fire, Shield Other+, Spirit of Avalon 4th Level: Cleanse, FireShield+ (+ indicates Coven Spell)Feats/Special Powers:
Feats: Communal Casting, Craft Wondrous Item, Mounted Archery, Mounted Combat
Occult Power: Of The Land
Notes: Teamhair has only recently learned to read. She will not be caring any scrolls. She only can speak her native tongue (Gaelic) but not write it.
Also, like many witches raised in this area, Teamhair believes she has some Sidhe blood in her veins.
Skill Total (Ranks+Mod)
Knowledge, Witchcraft 14 (11+3)
Heal 14 (10+4)
Profession, Herbalist 14 (10+4)
Profession, Midwifery 12 (8+4)
Spellcraft 11 (8+3)
Craft, Weaving 10 (7+3)
Knowledge, Nature 10 (7+3)
Knowledge, Religion 9 (6+3)
Riding, Horse 4 (5-1)
Profession, Fortune Telling (Chiromancy) 8 (4+4)
Handle Animal 6 (3+3)
Possessions:
Item Qty Location
Athame 1
Long Bow 1
Long Sword 1
Animals: Rhiannon (Horse, Light, Mount). Large Sized Animal. HD 3d8+6 (21 hp). Initiative: +1 (DEX). Speed: 60ft. AC: 13 (natural +3, dex +1, size -1). Att: 2 hooves +2. Dmg: hoof 1d4+1. F/R: 5ft by 10ft/5ft. SpQualities: Scent. Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +2. Abilities: Str 13, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 4, Wis 12, Cha 7. Skills: Listen +6, Spot +4. Alignment: Neutral (devoted to Teamhair). Rhiannon is a white mare that has been his Teamhair since both were very young. Teamhair is so devoted to her that she has chosen not to summon a familiar and no other animal could take her place in her heart.
Royrn, Xothia of the Rock18th level Witch
Dwarven Classical Tradition (Xothia)
Dwarf Female
“Where are we headed Jornek?” asked Tuir, a young hill dwarf of only 80 summers. They were walking in the rain up a mountain path, and Tuir hated the rain.
“We are going to get answers.” repeated the older dwarf for what seemed like the thousandth time this morning. Jornek did not care for the rain either, but it was not as annoying as his young nephew’s constant complaining. Were he not his sisters son…
“I thought we were going to go to the human city and seek out one of their sages?” replied Tuir.
“That is what I wanted the clan to think.” came Jornek’s short reply. “We are going to see Royrn, the Xothia of the Rock.”
Tuir stopped dead in his tracks. “A Xothia!” he cried out. “what could *she* possibly do? Except maybe to bewitch us and make us her slaves!”
Jornek grabbed his young charge and pulled him back on to the path. “Put your lips together you fool. You have the tongue of a gnome but none of their sense! This is why I did not tell you or anyone. The Xothia of the Rock has been known to our clan for centuries. Our problem is magical, no human sage could understand!”
Tuir was so quiet the rest the trip that Jornek almost regretted not telling him sooner. But soon enough they approached a small cave opening. Outside was small, but ornate gold gong. Jornek took the striker and hit the gong three times. Tuir looked at the gong quizzingly and then to Jornek. The older dwarf guessing his question only replied, “who would *dare* steal it?” Jornek then walked into the cave with a nervous Tuir close behind.
The sight that met Tuir’s eyes was almost overwhelming. He had expected the cave to be dark, damp and gloomy, like a goblin’s hole, but instead it seemed, well more “elf” like. There were brightly colored lamps hanging from outcroppings in the walls that sent an array of colors everywhere. The floor was amazingly flat and clean. To the back of this chamber were several doors. But Tuir was not prepared for what, or rather who, he saw next.
She was young, maybe no older than himself. She wore brightly colored clothes that were still dwarven style, but some how seemed more elfish. Her most striking feature to Tuir was her face. While she was obviously beautiful, she had no beard. Among his clan a woman without a beard had no prospects of finding a husband. This woman seemed not to care.
“Merry Greetings, Jornek, Gornek’s son.” she said with a voice that sounded musical to Tuir’s ears. “Please do us the honor of your presence.” And with that she bowed slightly.
“Greetings to you and may I return some of the hospitality that you show today.” Jornek said as he bowed even lower.
“You’re the…the Xothia of the Rock?” Tuir stammered out. This got him a angry glare from Jornek, but a small musical laugh from the woman.
“Not yet young Tuir, that honor belongs to my mistress and teacher. Come, she is waiting.”
The followed the woman to another, even larger chamber filled with lights. Tuir was surprised to see a few other women, even a gnome woman. Most were writing in long scrolls, some were to busy starring at the new guests. Then an unbelievably old woman entered the room. The rest of the women snapped to attention, she made a motion with her hand and they all left. Like the first and the current old woman, none of the women had beards.
She repeated the greeting to Jornek as the younger woman had, only she added his grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather as well. Jornek had bowed even lower than he had before, his great beard sweeping the floor. She then addressed Tuir. Jornek, as custom dictated, answered for his young charge. Tuir was too dazed to say anything or even move. It was not till he got a withering glance from the elder dwarf that he too bowed low.
Finally the Xothia looked at Tuir, starring at him, or through him, as if to divine his need. She seemed to be unbelievably ancient to the young dwarf, and yet he still saw something in her eyes that spoke of youth. She addressed him in voice that reminded him of the echo of a subterranean pool.
“Got yourself into a bit of trouble have we Tuir? Magic trouble no less.” She asked, but not waiting for an answer. “My, my quite a bit of trouble for one so young.”
“He is a fool Xothia, were he not my sister’s son.” Jornek started but was cut short by the woman. To Tuir’s surprise, and he admitted delight, Jornek seemed quite taken aback at this.
“It is the privilege of youth to be foolish, but the responsibility of the aged to be wise. If we wish not our younge ones to be fools then we must teach them.” She said without even looking at Jornek. In their clan no one would have silenced Jornek as if her were child. But no one in their clan was the Xothia either.
“Now young Tuir” she continued “will you allow a old woman the chance to help and maybe even teach you a thing or two about this world?”
Royrn began her life much like every other dwarven woman, she was taught the ways of the dwarven home and hearth, how to raise children and how judge a man by his proper qualities in producing good offspring and how to provide for them. As a member of the noble class, Royrn’s husband had been chosen on the day of her birth. She felt fortunate that this man was not only from a well respected, honorable and wealthy family, but he also seemed to be a good and caring man. She even felt that in time she could grow to love this man, which would mean she had fared better than her sisters. One in a loveless marriage and the other in a marriage to man that could not support her or her children, a crime by dwarven standards. A man that could not provide was no man in dwarven society, her sister’s trouble was she loved him.
When Royrn was approaching her 30th year time was near for her coming of age ceremony. She had become to get concerned. She was 30, still very young by dwarven standards, but no sign of her first beard had shown. If she were not already betrothed, she would have been worried. All of her friends had developed their beards, even her sisters had by the time they were 30.
Royrn was married soon after and her husband did not disappoint her. He kept his duties to provide a good home and she set out on her own task of be the new matriarch of his clan. She brought two sons and three daughters into the world and her husband became a wonderful father.
Then one day she received a visitor. Much to her horror and dismay her visitor was a Xothia.
Xothia were respected, but feared in dwarven culture. And this one was telling Royrn that her fate was not with a husband, children and a place in dwarven society, but outside of it as a Xothia.
Royrn kicked the old, but beardless woman out of her home. She respected her elders as a good dwarf should, but no one told her what she could do in her own home. The woman only smiled, even at the indignanty of being forced out, and told her Royrn would be coming to her soon.
Royrn did all she could to forget the encounter. As the years passed Royrn became highly respected in her new clan as a woman of both character and determination. As she approached her 45th year Royrn began to feel discontent in her life. She new something was missing, yet she could not tell what. Now even her husband was beginning to notice her lack of beard and she could not help but think back more and more to her visitor, the Xothia. Her discontent must have been more obvious than she thought, her husband came to her and asked to seek out the Xothia for advice. She was about to protest when he told her that the Xothia had come to him as a child and told him one day he would be wed to a woman of extreme will and power, he thought at the time she meant wealth, but now he felt different. He told her that his clan had trusted the Xothia for untold generations. He would abide by her recommendations, but what he wanted was his wife to be at peace.
Royrn, praising her luck at finding a good and understanding husband made arrangements for her younger sister to act as governess of her home and children and she sought out the Xothia.
What Royrn discovered there she never related to anyone. All that is known is some 50 years later, Royrn returned home. Her homecoming was timed with a war. The local goblin population had raided the dwarven settlement for ages, but never has there been all out war. That was until the goblins became organized and started fighting smarter. A new leader had risen, one with human blood in his veins. He was clamoring for open war with the dwarves. Both armies had gathered in a large subterranean cavern. The battle was going to be bloody and the outcome was uncertain, but both sides had made up their minds to war. The battle changed when Royrn returned. She was older, no doubt, and there was something different about her, she still did not have a beard, but she carried herself in a manner that told of her inner power. She walked, amongst the whisperings of the troops, right up to the dwarven general. She asked him for a minute of council, and to everyone’s surprise he granted it. After talking she walked into the open towards the goblin army. She spoke and her voice echoed throughout the caves like thunder.
“Goblins of the Bloodied Fist tribe! You invade our lands to take what is ours. Return now to your holes or you will die on this day!”
The goblins seemed taken aback until their leader began laughing. He was nearly as tall as a man and a wide as an orc. “What woman gives me an order!” He cried back.
“I am Roryn. Xothia of this clan. I am it’s defender and if needs be your executioner.” This got whispers among both armies.
Not to be forced into loosing face to a woman, the goblin leader motioned to his bowmen. An arrow was sent across the cavern directly to Royrn. Royrn held up her hand and the arrow harmlessly bounced off an invisible shield she had magically erected.
Reports conflict, but it is said that she then raised her double bladed axe and struck the ground with it. The earth changed to be like water and swallowed up the screaming goblins before becoming solid again. Others say that earth elementals came up out of the stone and smashed the goblin army. In any case it was known that no goblin survived and no dwarf, other than Royrn, lifted a weapon that day.
Royrn returned to the Rock that day. But not before releasing her husband from his marriage duty to her. He had fallen in love with her younger sister anyway. She bid her own grown children farewell. She told them and the entire clan she would be watching and would come again in their hour of need.
Strength: 12 (+1)
Dexterity: 13 (+1)
Constitution: 19 (+4)
Intelligence: 18 (+4)
Wisdom: 22 (+6)
Charisma: 16 (+3)
HD/HP: 118 hp
AC (normal/flat-footed/touch): 11/10/10
Melee: +10/+5
Ranged: +10/+5
Initiative: +1
Speed: 20’
Fortitude: +6 (+4 +2*)
Reflex: +6 (+1)
Will: +11 (+6)
Face: 5’
Alignment: CG
Size: M
Patron: The Earth Mother
Race/Gender: Dwarf Female
Height: 4”1’
Weight: 127 lbs
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black, w/ gray streaks
Age: At least 300 years old
Languages Known: Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Gnomish, Goblinoid, Human Common, Under Common, Terran.
Racial Features: Darkvision 60 ft. *+2 to saves vs. Poison, *+2 to saves vs. Spells and Spell-like effects, +4 to Dodge against Giants, +2 to appraise checks, +2 to Craft checks,
Class Features: Summon Familiar, Occult Powers, Create Minor Talisman feat
Spells Known: (+coven spells, *wisdom bonus)
0: 6, 1: 5+1 *2 , 2: 5+1 *2, 3: 5+1 *1, 4: 5+1 *1, 5: 4+1 *1, 6: 4+1 *1, 7: 3+1, 8: 2+1, 9: 1+1
Spells Typically Prepared:
0 level: Arcane Mark, Cure Minor Wounds, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Guidance, Read Magic.
1st Level: Bless, Command, Cure Light Wounds, Endure Elements, Identify, Protection from Evil, Sonic Blast, Magic Stone+
2nd Level: Aid, Broca’s Curse of Babble, Consecrate, Detect Thoughts, Enthrall, Locate Object, Mind Obscure, Soften Earth and Stone+
3rd Level: Continual Fire, Dispel Magic, Elemental Armor, Major Image, Suggestion, Witch Writing, Stone Shape+
4th Level: Cleanse, Divination, Intangible Cloak of Shadows, Masque, Polymorph Self, Scrying, Spike Stones+
5th Level: Dismissal, False Vision, Major Creation, Primal Scream, Sending, Wall of Stone+
6th Level: Find the Path, Legend Lore, Permanency, True Seeing, Wave of Mutilation, Stone Skin+
7th Level: Control Weather, Dominate Person, Planar Binding, Earthquake+
8th Level: Discern Location, Symbol, Iron Body+
9th Level: Foresight, Elemental Swarm (Earth) +
(+ indicates Coven Spell)
Feats/Special Powers:
Feats: Alertness, Charm Resistance, Craft Magic Candle, Craft Magic Circle, Craft Wondrous Item, Extend Spell, Fear Resistance, Iron Will, Scribe Scroll, Silent Spell.
Occult Powers: Minor: Immune to Fear. Medial: Spirit of Gaea (Earth).
Skill Total Ranks Mod
Knowledge, Witchcraft 23 (19+4)
Spellcraft 22 (18+4)
Knowledge, Arcana 21 (17+4)
Knowledge, Occult 19 (15+4)
Concentration 18 (14+4)
Craft (stonework) 16 (10+6)
Scry 15 (11+4)
Profession, Mid-wifery 14 (10+4)
Alchemy 13 (9+4)
Appraise 12 (6+6)
Heal 12 (6+6)
Sense Motive 12 (6+6)
Spot 11 (5+6)
Intimidate 9 (6+3)
Intuit Direction 9 (3+6)
Meditative Trance 8 (4+4)
Climb 7 (6+1)
Diplomacy 7 (4+3)
Hide 4 (3+1)
Possessions:
Item Qty Location
Labrys 1 Usually held
-----
Web Warlock
The Other Side,
home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks: Available October 31st, 2003!
“Well-behaved women rarely make history.” - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich,
Professor Harvard University.
