De Arcana Wiki - User contributions [en]

Shape Shifters

2026-06-19T17:11:56Z

Niobe:

Shape shifters, upon reaching puberty, will spontaneously show signs of this [[favour]] - being able to transform into animal forms. This is a highly respected favour and the subject of much folklore and literature.

The shapeshifter's body completely transforms into that of a real animal, but retains their own mind. They have that animal's physical abilities and limitations. A shapeshifter does not gain the instincts or insight of an animal, only its senses.

Only the shapeshifter's body is transformed - no objects or clothing are brought with them.

They say that no matter what shape the shifter takes, there will be some tell about their identity.

== Instruction ==
In order to control the ability, a favoured wix must practice it with a specific animal in the flesh.

They will typically be taught control from a similarly favoured [[beldam]] within their [[coven]]. If there is none, a beldam from another coven will be asked to tutor them independently.

[[Category: Magic]]

Occupations

2026-06-19T16:59:13Z

Niobe: Formatting

Examples of vocations in the betwixt. Wixes may also hold regular mundane jobs.

= Occupations =

=== [[Consortium]] ===

* Chancellor
* Councillors (25 districts altogether)
* Staff at the local Council office - assistants, notaries, etc
* Liaison (to the mundane world)
* Watchmen - Chief Watchman, detectives, patrol, forensics, Stalkers
* Tribunal Judges (9)
* Lawyers - prosecutors, private defense
* Bookkeepers
* Government media - spokesperson, writer
* Overseers (The Oversight)
* Emissary - diplomats from [[Craeky Hob]] as well as from [[banshee]] and [[vampire]] communities

=== Culture ===

* [[Beldam]] - seniors, novices
* [[Knareswick]] chair and board
* Knareswick sorcerers - professors
* Knareswick disciples - graduate students/teaching assistants
* Knareswick acolytes - undergrad students
* Knareswick staff, groundskeepers, etc

=== The Craft ===

* Doormakers, Doormen, Doorknockers
* Focalists
* Oracles - Life counsellor, fortune teller, therapist, but uses magical techniques
* Apothecaries - Wix who cultivate, forage and sell [[fodder]]
* Weavers - enchanted textiles, artisans

=== Others ===

* Business owners and employees of twixt shops
* Journalists, writers for twixt [[:Category:Media|media]]

= Career Paths =
All wix receive a typical coven and mundane education. Consortium positions are likely to require mundane educational credentials as one might expect in analog positions, such as accounting degrees, law degrees, etc.

== Beldam ==
Women submit as a novice to their coven of choice as young as 18. The novice stage is 2-3 years and an important ritual initiates one as a full beldam. Some beldam attend some kind of mundane medical school.

== Doormakers, Focalists, Oracles, Apothecaries, etc ==
Most Craft-based artisan-type occupations are done on an apprentice/journeyman/master system. Lower end for a master would be age 35.

== Knareswick Acolytes ==
Admittance for disciples is highly competitive and involves a written/oral examination and letters of reference. If you haven't already had a Craft tutor, you're already behind. Acolytes are elevated by the caprice of their sorcerers.

== Knareswick Sorcerers ==
Anyone who's anyone was exemplary at Knareswick. These are highly political positions for masters of Craft. Lower end would be age 35.

== Media ==
Journalists studied journalism, artists go to art school, etc

== Consortium Occupations ==

* '''Councillors''' - No specific credentials are needed for these are elected positions. High social status and background in the Consortium are usually favoured.
* '''Lawyers and judges''' - Will have attended mundane law school and apprenticed to a Betwixt lawyer simultaneously. Judges were once well respected lawyers and were chosen by the Consortium.
* '''Watchers and Stalkers''' - Some kind of relevant mundane degree is preferred. After passing an entrance exam, Watchers are trained by the Consortium for two years. Stalkers are promoted from the ranks of experienced Watchers. Forensic pathologists must have a medical degree before training at the Consortium.
* '''Liaison Office, bookkeepers, etc''' - Financial jobs require relevant mundane degrees in accounting or similar. Simultaneously, you can study for the test to license you to do Betwixt finances.
* '''Overseers''' - Pulled from masters of Craft, often graduates of Knareswick, occasionally former highly ranked Watchers and Stalkers, sometimes very well-placed Councillors. There have also been former beldam and judges.
* '''Lower-level consortium jobs''' - The day-to-day of things like staffing, doorknocking, etc are done by wix with basic education with on-the-job training.

= Coblyn Occupations =
[[Coblyn]] society has its own educational system. Young coblynau attend Grammata - an open schoolhouse in Craeky Hob - to learn the basics of coblyn skills. It is a less structured schooling by wix standards and attendance is not mandatory.

The leaving age for Grammata varies as some coblyn go into training or trade earlier than others. They do not typically stay on past seventeen. Coblynau from very big extended families may be tutored in groups among cousins at home.

Most coblyn occupations are apprentice-based but there are also small trade schools. Coblynau traditionally go into whatever line of work their mother’s families are involved in, although there is less pressure if you are not an eldest child.

For several reasons, it is not known of that a coblyn or bazzin will have attempted a mundane education.

= Banshee Occupations =
[[Banshees]] who live among the wix or mundane tend to choose vocations that bring them within proximity of the grief they require to sustain themselves. They may work in or run funeral homes or become groundskeepers at a mundane cemetery. They may also work in the performance arts as singers or stage actors.

= Vampire Occupations =
[[Vampires]] are apt to hold night time jobs in the mundane or betwixt, if their Coterie is not a source of income.

= Caliban Occupations =
As [[Caliban]] are condemned and considered 'illegal' by the betwixt, they typically choose to work in Craeky Hob or in the mundane realm.
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Culture]]

Houses

2026-06-19T16:54:42Z

Niobe: /* Minor Houses */

In the region of Britain and Ireland, there are traditional 'houses' or 'clans' among the Touched, related to old families of legendary association with the original Touched and the Fae.

Historically, these affiliations have followed family lines and were deeply politically important. In the modern day, with intermarriage and migration, the importance of Houses have dwindled, but they still play a role in covens and the [[Consortium]].

Houses (or a variation thereof) may also be found in the betwixt in some parts of Europe, such as France and Italy. They are generally not found in the [[United States]].

Houses have affiliations - some significant, some tenuous - with various [[enclaves]] and [[Coven|covens]].

== House of Hadrian ==
This house claims to date back to Roman times. It's one of the largest houses with several acknowledged branching surnames. Hadrians are most associated with a city enclave called The Keyes in Newcastle upon Tyne, and an all-wix village in the countryside called Catswall Bridge where there is a coven, Twelve Trees. Currently, twelve councillors are from the House of Hadrian. Historical rivals to Severn.

Associated families include: Pendleton, Rook

'''Notable members:''' [[Imogen Wolfe]], Chancellor 2019-2024; [[Demetrius Khan]], Chancellor 2016-2018; [[Leonidas Quinn]], Chancellor 2004-2006; [[Miles Dryden]], 1940-1945

== House of Severn ==
Named for the great river, the House of Severn is perhaps the most well-regarded House and of good size. They are among the most likely to be strict with who claims the House and maintaining a very clean reputation. You'll find Severns in the large enclaves in London and Edinburgh, but the ancestral home is a village outside Gloucester where a coven inhabits an old Christian monastery. Historical rivals to Hadrian.

'''Notable members:''' [[Zebadiah Ashlock]], current Chancellor; [[Octavia Pendelton]], Chancellor 2007-2009; [[Brandeis Noth]], Chancellor 1920-1928

== Clan Selkirk ==
A clan known for its connection to large, sprawling Scottish families. A good deal of wealth circulates among these families. They are old and rarely take political stances, giving them a reputation as fence-sitters. Meddling in politics is generally frowned upon by more traditional families but some, including the current Councillor of the City of Edinburgh, are trying to change that. Selkirks may be found in enclaves of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen - even as far north as the Orkney Islands.

Associated families include: Brodie

== House of Braddock ==
A "fallen" house. This house's reputation became so bad that it was broken apart and families were eager to marry into houses with a better reputation. Sometimes, public figures can be smeared if someone discovers they come from House of Braddock. Traditional districts in the Devon region.

== House Yarwood ==
Though not as old as other houses, Yarwood has been around for a good deal of time and claims close association to famous musicians, artists and writers over its long history. Nowadays not all families of Yarwood are artistically inclined but they do have a reputation for eccentricity. They may be found all about London, Brighton and Cardiff, in Wales.

Associated families include: Crowthers

'''Notable members:''' [[Edith Grackle]], Chancellor 1973-1978

== Minor Houses ==
* '''Bailrigg House''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of. Associated with the Fowler family among others.
* '''Lakewood House''' also known as '''House of the Lake''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of.
* '''Thistledown''' - House of recent Chancellor [[Ansel Northwood]]

= At De Arcana =
* Writers may suggest additional houses and details about existing houses. Consider a cursory history and geography, perhaps associate it with an enclave or coven. Ideas might sound like House of Marsh, House of the Red Witch, Crowne House, etc. The most common convention is "House of" but you can just do "House Name" or "Name House" or less common "House of the". You may also use “Clan”.

* Writers can include their characters in whatever house they wish keeping in mind the House's history.

[[Category:Culture]]

Houses

2026-06-19T16:54:00Z

Niobe: /* House Yarwood */

In the region of Britain and Ireland, there are traditional 'houses' or 'clans' among the Touched, related to old families of legendary association with the original Touched and the Fae.

Historically, these affiliations have followed family lines and were deeply politically important. In the modern day, with intermarriage and migration, the importance of Houses have dwindled, but they still play a role in covens and the [[Consortium]].

Houses (or a variation thereof) may also be found in the betwixt in some parts of Europe, such as France and Italy. They are generally not found in the [[United States]].

Houses have affiliations - some significant, some tenuous - with various [[enclaves]] and [[Coven|covens]].

== House of Hadrian ==
This house claims to date back to Roman times. It's one of the largest houses with several acknowledged branching surnames. Hadrians are most associated with a city enclave called The Keyes in Newcastle upon Tyne, and an all-wix village in the countryside called Catswall Bridge where there is a coven, Twelve Trees. Currently, twelve councillors are from the House of Hadrian. Historical rivals to Severn.

Associated families include: Pendleton, Rook

'''Notable members:''' [[Imogen Wolfe]], Chancellor 2019-2024; [[Demetrius Khan]], Chancellor 2016-2018; [[Leonidas Quinn]], Chancellor 2004-2006; [[Miles Dryden]], 1940-1945

== House of Severn ==
Named for the great river, the House of Severn is perhaps the most well-regarded House and of good size. They are among the most likely to be strict with who claims the House and maintaining a very clean reputation. You'll find Severns in the large enclaves in London and Edinburgh, but the ancestral home is a village outside Gloucester where a coven inhabits an old Christian monastery. Historical rivals to Hadrian.

'''Notable members:''' [[Zebadiah Ashlock]], current Chancellor; [[Octavia Pendelton]], Chancellor 2007-2009; [[Brandeis Noth]], Chancellor 1920-1928

== Clan Selkirk ==
A clan known for its connection to large, sprawling Scottish families. A good deal of wealth circulates among these families. They are old and rarely take political stances, giving them a reputation as fence-sitters. Meddling in politics is generally frowned upon by more traditional families but some, including the current Councillor of the City of Edinburgh, are trying to change that. Selkirks may be found in enclaves of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen - even as far north as the Orkney Islands.

Associated families include: Brodie

== House of Braddock ==
A "fallen" house. This house's reputation became so bad that it was broken apart and families were eager to marry into houses with a better reputation. Sometimes, public figures can be smeared if someone discovers they come from House of Braddock. Traditional districts in the Devon region.

== House Yarwood ==
Though not as old as other houses, Yarwood has been around for a good deal of time and claims close association to famous musicians, artists and writers over its long history. Nowadays not all families of Yarwood are artistically inclined but they do have a reputation for eccentricity. They may be found all about London, Brighton and Cardiff, in Wales.

Associated families include: Crowthers

'''Notable members:''' [[Edith Grackle]], Chancellor 1973-1978

== Minor Houses ==
* '''Bailrigg House''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of. Associated with the Fowler family among others.
* '''Lakewood House''' also known as '''House of the Lake''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of.

= At De Arcana =
* Writers may suggest additional houses and details about existing houses. Consider a cursory history and geography, perhaps associate it with an enclave or coven. Ideas might sound like House of Marsh, House of the Red Witch, Crowne House, etc. The most common convention is "House of" but you can just do "House Name" or "Name House" or less common "House of the". You may also use “Clan”.

* Writers can include their characters in whatever house they wish keeping in mind the House's history.

[[Category:Culture]]

Houses

2026-06-19T16:53:07Z

Niobe: /* House of Hadrian */

In the region of Britain and Ireland, there are traditional 'houses' or 'clans' among the Touched, related to old families of legendary association with the original Touched and the Fae.

Historically, these affiliations have followed family lines and were deeply politically important. In the modern day, with intermarriage and migration, the importance of Houses have dwindled, but they still play a role in covens and the [[Consortium]].

Houses (or a variation thereof) may also be found in the betwixt in some parts of Europe, such as France and Italy. They are generally not found in the [[United States]].

Houses have affiliations - some significant, some tenuous - with various [[enclaves]] and [[Coven|covens]].

== House of Hadrian ==
This house claims to date back to Roman times. It's one of the largest houses with several acknowledged branching surnames. Hadrians are most associated with a city enclave called The Keyes in Newcastle upon Tyne, and an all-wix village in the countryside called Catswall Bridge where there is a coven, Twelve Trees. Currently, twelve councillors are from the House of Hadrian. Historical rivals to Severn.

Associated families include: Pendleton, Rook

'''Notable members:''' [[Imogen Wolfe]], Chancellor 2019-2024; [[Demetrius Khan]], Chancellor 2016-2018; [[Leonidas Quinn]], Chancellor 2004-2006; [[Miles Dryden]], 1940-1945

== House of Severn ==
Named for the great river, the House of Severn is perhaps the most well-regarded House and of good size. They are among the most likely to be strict with who claims the House and maintaining a very clean reputation. You'll find Severns in the large enclaves in London and Edinburgh, but the ancestral home is a village outside Gloucester where a coven inhabits an old Christian monastery. Historical rivals to Hadrian.

'''Notable members:''' [[Zebadiah Ashlock]], current Chancellor; [[Octavia Pendelton]], Chancellor 2007-2009; [[Brandeis Noth]], Chancellor 1920-1928

== Clan Selkirk ==
A clan known for its connection to large, sprawling Scottish families. A good deal of wealth circulates among these families. They are old and rarely take political stances, giving them a reputation as fence-sitters. Meddling in politics is generally frowned upon by more traditional families but some, including the current Councillor of the City of Edinburgh, are trying to change that. Selkirks may be found in enclaves of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen - even as far north as the Orkney Islands.

Associated families include: Brodie

== House of Braddock ==
A "fallen" house. This house's reputation became so bad that it was broken apart and families were eager to marry into houses with a better reputation. Sometimes, public figures can be smeared if someone discovers they come from House of Braddock. Traditional districts in the Devon region.

== House Yarwood ==
Though not as old as other houses, Yarwood has been around for a good deal of time and claims close association to famous musicians, artists and writers over its long history. Nowadays not all families of Yarwood are artistically inclined but they do have a reputation for eccentricity. They may be found all about London, Brighton and Cardiff, in Wales.

Associated families include: Crowthers

== Minor Houses ==
* '''Bailrigg House''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of. Associated with the Fowler family among others.
* '''Lakewood House''' also known as '''House of the Lake''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of.

= At De Arcana =
* Writers may suggest additional houses and details about existing houses. Consider a cursory history and geography, perhaps associate it with an enclave or coven. Ideas might sound like House of Marsh, House of the Red Witch, Crowne House, etc. The most common convention is "House of" but you can just do "House Name" or "Name House" or less common "House of the". You may also use “Clan”.

* Writers can include their characters in whatever house they wish keeping in mind the House's history.

[[Category:Culture]]

Houses

2026-06-19T16:51:31Z

Niobe: /* House of Severn */

In the region of Britain and Ireland, there are traditional 'houses' or 'clans' among the Touched, related to old families of legendary association with the original Touched and the Fae.

Historically, these affiliations have followed family lines and were deeply politically important. In the modern day, with intermarriage and migration, the importance of Houses have dwindled, but they still play a role in covens and the [[Consortium]].

Houses (or a variation thereof) may also be found in the betwixt in some parts of Europe, such as France and Italy. They are generally not found in the [[United States]].

Houses have affiliations - some significant, some tenuous - with various [[enclaves]] and [[Coven|covens]].

== House of Hadrian ==
This house claims to date back to Roman times. It's one of the largest houses with several acknowledged branching surnames. Hadrians are most associated with a city enclave called The Keyes in Newcastle upon Tyne, and an all-wix village in the countryside called Catswall Bridge where there is a coven, Twelve Trees. Currently, twelve councillors are from the House of Hadrian. Historical rivals to Severn.

Associated families include: Pendleton, Rook

== House of Severn ==
Named for the great river, the House of Severn is perhaps the most well-regarded House and of good size. They are among the most likely to be strict with who claims the House and maintaining a very clean reputation. You'll find Severns in the large enclaves in London and Edinburgh, but the ancestral home is a village outside Gloucester where a coven inhabits an old Christian monastery. Historical rivals to Hadrian.

'''Notable members:''' [[Zebadiah Ashlock]], current Chancellor; [[Octavia Pendelton]], Chancellor 2007-2009; [[Brandeis Noth]], Chancellor 1920-1928

== Clan Selkirk ==
A clan known for its connection to large, sprawling Scottish families. A good deal of wealth circulates among these families. They are old and rarely take political stances, giving them a reputation as fence-sitters. Meddling in politics is generally frowned upon by more traditional families but some, including the current Councillor of the City of Edinburgh, are trying to change that. Selkirks may be found in enclaves of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen - even as far north as the Orkney Islands.

Associated families include: Brodie

== House of Braddock ==
A "fallen" house. This house's reputation became so bad that it was broken apart and families were eager to marry into houses with a better reputation. Sometimes, public figures can be smeared if someone discovers they come from House of Braddock. Traditional districts in the Devon region.

== House Yarwood ==
Though not as old as other houses, Yarwood has been around for a good deal of time and claims close association to famous musicians, artists and writers over its long history. Nowadays not all families of Yarwood are artistically inclined but they do have a reputation for eccentricity. They may be found all about London, Brighton and Cardiff, in Wales.

Associated families include: Crowthers

== Minor Houses ==
* '''Bailrigg House''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of. Associated with the Fowler family among others.
* '''Lakewood House''' also known as '''House of the Lake''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of.

= At De Arcana =
* Writers may suggest additional houses and details about existing houses. Consider a cursory history and geography, perhaps associate it with an enclave or coven. Ideas might sound like House of Marsh, House of the Red Witch, Crowne House, etc. The most common convention is "House of" but you can just do "House Name" or "Name House" or less common "House of the". You may also use “Clan”.

* Writers can include their characters in whatever house they wish keeping in mind the House's history.

[[Category:Culture]]

Forbidden craft

2026-06-19T16:46:24Z

Niobe: Formatting

''General content warning: violence, gore, death''

Some dark [[craft]] falls into categories forbidden by the [[Consortium]]. Certain forms of the ‘three Cs’ are permitted to be practiced by Watchers. [[Knareswick]] researchers may apply to the Consortium to practice forbidden Craft in pursuit of their studies.

== Corruptions ==
'''Necromancy''' and everything it entails. Corruptions require corpses as fodder - i.e. using entrails to draw sigils or pentagrams, consuming body parts to extract memories, etc.

Examples:

* '''Animating the dead''' - ritualistic craft that calls for animal sacrifice; sacrificing someone else’s familiar is preferable; animated corpses are temporary mindless workers.

* '''Creating Caliban''' - ritualistic craft that calls for the sacrifice of a baby or child as well as a body part belonging to the creator; grows a perfectly obedient and resilient humanlike person capable of complicated tasks.

* '''Death Flute''' - enchanted flute carved from bones of the recently dead and requiring the sacrifice of a creator’s ear; its music lures children and the emotionally vulnerable.

* '''Cobbling/Transplantation''' - Crafted grafting of body parts. Unlike medical transplantation, which is not perfect and done with consent of the deceased, cobbling is done with Craft and the body part will need to be replaced as it slowly decays.

Wixes who frequently practice Necromancy have a higher chance of experiencing mental decay in old age.

== Consumptions ==
Blood craft is the use of blood to perform ritualistic spells that are very difficult to break. They usually require a good deal of blood - even the simplest spells would need at least a cup’s worth. All blood craft requires an equal sacrifice of the practitioner’s blood and the subject's.

Examples:

* '''True bond''' - complicated ritual that binds two people by blood; any blood affliction (disease, curse, etc) felt by one will be felt by the other; if one dies so does the other.

* '''Blood curse''' - requires blood from at least two related people; curses a bloodline for three generations; anything from bad luck to chronic pain or illness.

* '''Blood oath''' - binds you to keep secret whatever is spoken within a certain measure of time, or forfeit one’s tongue. Blood is drawn in one’s palm and an obsidian pebble pressed into it, all the while murmuring an incantation specific to the nature of the oath; if successful the cut will be healed when the stone is removed.

* '''Tethering''' - A material is treated with a mixture of blood from two people and then woven into bracelets/anklets/rings that can only be removed by one person or the other. If a string is forcibly snapped, the other will also snap. This is used to alert someone if you are in trouble and cannot otherwise get in touch with them.

Some blood Craft, like blood analysis, are not considered by the Oversight to be Corruption, and involve the use of regular fodder instead. Children may play at spells by pricking their fingers and making promises, but it's hardly binding or Consumptive.

== Cruelties ==
The casting of spells and the enchantment of objects. Cruelties aim to inflict pain or control people. A wix must inflict a spell on themselves, once, before they are able to use it on other beings.

Examples:

* '''Clenched fist''' - some part of the victim (hair, blood, nails) must be mixed with fodder and held in a clenched fist whilst an incantation is recited; sensation similar to a heart attack. Requires physical proximity.

* '''Iron nail''' - an enchanted nail; once pinned into a person renders them walking comatose; white eyes, automaton response to orders, fuzzy consciousness. Effects fade within the hour. Used by Watchers in the apprehension of dangerous people, considered "humane".

* '''Suffocation''' - TBA

Of the three C’s, Cruelties come at the highest cost to its practitioner by shortening their lifespan. It can also cause emotional instability.

[[Category:Magic]]

Craft Directory

2026-06-19T16:43:13Z

Niobe:

<blockquote>Craft spells are listed using the following format:

'''''Name:'''''

'''''Keywords: focus, fodder, gesture, concentration, chant, object'''''

'''''Difficulty: basic, intermediate, advanced, master'''''

'''''Summary:'''''

'''''Variations:'''''

'''''Example:''''' </blockquote>

= At De Arcana =
Writers can suggest new Craft, keeping in mind the earth-bound, viscerally-focused tone of magic in this world

= Heat =

=== ↠ Spark ===
gesture

''basic''

Snap your fingers to produce a spark, a small, brief tongue of flame.

'''Notes:''' This is the first Craft learned at the coven.

'''Variations:''' Practice can improve the quality, size, and duration of the flame. See Fireball.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Frank pressed his middle finger to his thumb as hard as he could and brought to mind, as Dame Magna had taught him, the intention of fire. He imagined a lighter, how his thumb hurt when he tried to ignite his dad's old brass flip-top. He let his finger slide off his thumb and it struck his palm with a sharp crack, but also a flash of orange light and heat. He'd made his first spark but there'd been noone there to see.''
|}

=== ↠ Heat Water ===
''gesture''

''basic''

Make a stirring motion with your finger over a mug or pot of watery liquid.

'''Notes:''' Another very early bit of craft learned young

'''Variations:''' Use one finger for a small amount of water. Use a larger hand gesture for heating more quickly or at greater volume.

'''See also:''' Freeze Water

=== ↠ Fireball ===
''gesture''

''intermediate''

Conjure a small ball of fire between your hands which can be flung up to a meter. Do this by snapping all your fingers at once with a blazing flourish and form the fire between your hands. Throw the fire before it dissipates.

'''Notes:''' The more fire one creates the more chances of ill-crafting and burning yourself.

'''Variations:''' This is a progression of Spark.

=== ↠ Breathe Fire ===
''fodder (fresh or dried piquant leaves), gesture, intent''

''intermediate''

Chew on '''pepper leaves''' (or similar) to build up heat and fire in your mouth. The more you chew, the more flame you can produce. Blow out the fire in a jet or spray.

'''Notes:''' Risk of burning yourself
{| class="wikitable"
|''Nicolai dug into his pocket as he ran down the twisty alleys behind Seven Dials, fist coming close on curry leaves. They were crisp - his own little innovation to bake them in mustard oil - and brought tears to his eyes as he stuffed a handful into his mouth. Two sets of steps hurried along behind him, gaining. His lungs burned. They would burn yet more. The alley turned into a dead end, a cul-de-sac of abandoned terrace houses. The changeling swallowed with great effort, twisting about on the balls of his feet as he drew breath. The acolytes chasing him slowed down, breathless, grinning in self-satisfaction. Fuck them. Nika stuck out his tongue in a full-chested exhale, letting loose the first jet of fire into their advancing faces.''
|}

=== ↠ Lightning ===
''Gesture, fodder''

''intermediate''

Vigorously rub salt between your hands until you hear a crackling sound. Touching someone will give them a nasty electric shock and burns. Extended touch might render someone unconscious.

=== ↠ Acid ===
''saliva, blood, chant''

''advanced''

After muttering a quick incantation (''sal sanguinis ustiones)'' swish blood in your mouth and spit it out. This will have a corrosive effect on anything it touches, akin to a strong acid. A type of blood craft (consumption).

= Light =

=== ↠ Glow ===
''gesture, object''

''basic''

One of the Fae's most basic gifts is light. Hold a small object in your hand and cover it in your warm breath. The object will glow a heatless orangy-yellow for several minutes fading gradually.

=== ↠ Take Light ===
''gesture, focus''

''intermediate''

With your hand, reach out to a light source and take the light. Quickly place it upon your focus where it can remain for quite some time, until shaken away. Light from the source is dimmed until its mechanism would light it up again.
{| class="wikitable"
|''“Permit me,” he reached his hand into the hearth of the fireplace, not quite touching its flames. “The light is weak in here.” A burning light appeared to move through his knobbly fingers and into the silver watch that served as his focus. He turned his wrist in delicate gesture so that the light shone forward, cutting through the darkness of the hall. They could better see it now - the untouched bookshelves, stone sconces barren of torches, a rat skittering across the floor.''
|}

=== ↠ Salamander Lantern ===
''fodder (salamander)''

''intermediate''

Create a heatless lantern by taking advantage of a salamander. Place the salamander in a glass vessel with a bit of moss and splash of water and watch the salamander glow brightly. You'll need to feed the salamander.

=== ↠ Flash ===
''fodder (incendiary substance), gesture''

''intermediate''

Create a blinding flash of light. Smash between your clapping hands a considerable sum of incendiary material like matches, magnesium, or flint. Clumsily done, this could lead to burnt or harmed hands.

= Water =

=== ↠ Fill the Cup ===
''gesture, object (vessel)''

''basic''

Pull from thin air enough water to fill a vessel. The second thing you learn at the coven. Make a twisting motion with your hands and watch the water appear.

'''Notes:''' A vessel is the focal point of this craft. A pot, a tub, and open mouth.

'''Variations:''' Larger vessels require more skill and larger gestures.

=== ↠ Freeze Water ===
''gesture, chant''

''intermediate''

Lay the palm of your hands against the surface of the water (or watery liquid). Amplify by invoking the chant.

'''Variations:''' The quantity and initial temperature of the water affect the difficulty. How fast, how much it freezes may require invoking the chant. Take care not to freeze your own hands.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Victor picked his way out of the shrubbery. It was spring and he had sneezed a half dozen times following the damned Caliban off the country road but now it was nowhere to be seen. A narrow river burbled noisily between shallow banks and past it there was more wilderness. Had the Caliban crossed? Victor knelt - mud on his nice jeans! - and felt out the chilly water, letting it flow along his palm and fingers. He frowned a little, murmuring.''

''“Lapis frigidam viam crescit…” Victor repeated thrice and the water under his fingers grew colder, freezing over, forming an icy path under which the deeper waters flowed.''

''He stood and tested his weight on the ice. It would do. He wasn’t wearing wellies, after all.''
|}

=== ↠ Cleanse Water ===
''fodder (salt, wood)''

Water or watery liquid can be cleansed with salt and wood. Sprinkle enough salt into dirty, poisoned, or cursed water and stir with naked wood. The salt and impurities (and alcohol) will move into the wood.

'''Variations:''' Whatever the wood has absorbed can be released by snapping the wood. Whatever trapped inside will seep out.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Ishmael was a paranoid man and always carried with him packets of salt from the cafe and wooden stir sticks from the Starbucks. Everyone mundane around him must have thought he was mad to pour salt into coffee and soups.''
|}

=== ↠ Part the Sea ===
''gesture, focus''

''intermediate''

Hold the focus and push or pull a quantity of water out of your way. The water only holds as long as you keep it held at bay.

= Making =

=== ↠ Stitch ===
''fodder, object''

Damaged fabric, knits or weaves itself back together. Thread a needle with your hair and get the needle started. The Craft will do the rest.

'''Notes:''' The hair will be consumed on this craft. The repair is binding back together the original material.
{| class="wikitable"
|''"Damn." Hollis had pricked her finger on the needle she'd been searching for but at least now she had it. The rip in her satchel was gaping. She took the needle, made sure it was free of blood, threaded it with a strand of her greying hair, and poked it through the start of the rip. On its own, thank fae, the needle began jetting through the heavy canvas inspiring the fabric to reweave itself. Soon as it was done, Hollis put the needle between the pages of her book, tested the satchel's heft, and was off.''
|}

=== ↠ Lock/Unlock ===
''focus, object, chant''

''intermediate''

Touch your focus against the a an actual lock, box, lid, door, drawer, pocket and speak a chant to craftily lock it up. "Close", "Lock up", or "Open to none other" are all popular.

You can also unlock something locked, either mechanical locks or Crafted locks. Touch the lock with the focus and speak clearly "open", "open up" or something like it.

'''Notes:''' Craft may or may not be able to open a coblyn-made mechanism.
{| class="wikitable"
|''To unlock a lock, the best way is clear: first lapis in manu dextra (hold your stone[read: focus] in the right hand) and hold it against the lock or clasp, whatever it is that should be barring your entry. Then with clear purpose invoke the Old Ones and command "open" in a clear voice. To the novice, this Craft sounds rather easy but one will find that even with practice, not every lock is so amenable to being tampered with. – "Craftwork for a Good Wife" (1952) by Dame Tanith''
|}

=== ↠ Paper Messenger ===
''fodder (saliva), object, gesture, chant''

''basic''

Smear a dab from your tongue onto the edges of your letter paper and fold it into the form of a winged animal, the more functional the better. Send it on its way by uttering the name of the recipient and giving it a puff.

'''Notes:''' The messenger is vulnerable to whatever paper is vulnerable to, and moves as fast as your quality of folding. It will never stop unless unfolded or damaged.

=== ↠ Weave ===
''fodder (cobwebs, varies)''

''advanced''

Gather cobwebs and treat, spin, and weave them according to the beldam's old patterns. Depending on how you do it, you can create useful things.

'''Variations:''' With cobwebs you can make uncuttable rope, trapping nets or bindings, invisible tripwires, with thread that's sticky, strong, or searing.

= Corpus =

=== ↠ Trip, Shove, Pull, Push ===
''focus, gesture, object''

''intermediate''

Cause someone to lose their footing as if by tripping. Make the gesture within sight of the subject while wielding your focus.

'''Variations:''' This craft can be performed upon all kinds of things in all different but simple ways. Doing it effectively and accurately requires practice.

''Tripping someone up falls into a category of Craft available to anyone in possession of a properly attuned focus whereso a Fae-Touched can manipulate the physical world with the corresponding mundane action, but at a distance. Trip, grab, hit, push, touch, pull to your heart's content, or play the feline and knock the vase from the mantle. Hold your focus, make the gesture in thin air, and see the Craft work.''

=== ↠ Leap ===
''fodder (live cricket or locust)''

''intermediate''

Swallow a live cricket or locust and steel your nerves. You'll be able to jump very high or very far. You've got one or two in you.

=== ↠ Zip ===
''gesture''

''intermediate''

Make a zipping motion over your mouth while making eye contact with your intended target, causing their lips to stick shut. Can you undone by reversing the motion or them unzipping it themselves (unless they are Untouched).

=== ↠ Stun ===
''fodder, gesture, object''

''intermediate''

Knock a body to the floor dizzy by pressing your thumb dipped in iron ink between their eyes.
{| class="wikitable"
|''He closed in on her and Bianca began to panic, but she forced herself to wait. Wait! Wait until he's closer. When he grabbed for her, Bianca lunged forward and pressed her thumb, dripping with ink from her handy well, between his eyes. He fell like a fleshy plank of wood.''
|}

=== ↠ Sleep ===
''fodder, chant''

Bring sleep upon someone by whispering "seven bells and all is well" into a fistful of sand and salt, and depositing the mixture over the intended's head. Expect the sleep to last about 30 minutes.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Heart in mouth, Dido peered over the banister at the Watcher on the floor below - he was too busy talking to someone on his cell to notice. She dug into her pocket, taking out a fistful of rough sand and salt. It wasn’t the good stuff but it would do.''

''Dido whispered into her fist, taking care not to rush her words. She stuck her hand over the railing and let the mixture trickle down onto the Watcher’s head. By the time he so much as felt it, he was heavy of limb - mumbling swears and bumping into furniture on his way to the floor.''
|}

=== ↠ Wake ===
''fodder (jade), object, chant''

Wake up someone from unnatural unconsciousness. Put a bit of jade under the patient's tongue and whisper "wake up" in the sleeper's ear.
{| class="wikitable"
|''"Please, please, please," wept Mara as she kissed Astrid's limp hand. Astrid had gone cold. Cadmon arrived and handed the Watcher the small stone green stone, perfect and round. Gently, the Watcher opened Astrid's mouth and placed the pebble under her tongue. Cadmon slid his daughter's dark wet hair away from her ear. The Watcher bent close and whispered.''
|}

=== ↠ Hide ===
''fodder (salt, wood ash), chant''

''advanced''

Draw a circle around you in a mixture of salt and ash, all why murmuring a chant, any variation of "unseen and unheard from without". To initiate, make your ears pop. While within the circle, you and anything else inside, and the circle will be invisible and unhearable.

'''Note:''' The circle is bound to he who made it, but anyone and anything else can enter. If the circle is disrupted by a footstep or wind, it the Craft will be broken.

'''Variations:''' You can make this circle however big you wish, but good luck keeping the entire perimeter intact.

=== ↠ Nauseate ===
''fodder (spit, ash), chant''

''intermediate''

Smudge a paste of ash and spit under a person’s nose. Provided they inhale, they will feel the effects for up to an hour. Effects fade if they vomit.

=== ↠ Deadlimb ===
''fodder (spit) object''

''advanced''

Spit on a brass thumbtack and press it into the flesh of the joint above the limb you wish to numb/paralyse. Works whilst in place. Considered dark craft but also used in healing.

=== ↠ Stoneskin ===
''Fodder, chant''

''intermediate''

Chant “from within and without” and swallow a smooth pebble; will toughen your skin against abrasion and heat for up to an hour.

=== ↠ Waterproof ===
''fodder (snail shell), gesture''

''basic''

Crush a snail shell underfoot and clap twice; will cause water to slide off your skin, hair and clothes. The larger the shell the longer the effect.

= Medicine =

=== ↠ Warmth ===
''gesture, object''

''advanced''

Warm up someone who is freezing. The Fae left us with their warmth and we can share it. Rub your hands together until they warm, then place your hands on the person you wish to warm up. Beware of giving away too much at once.

'''Notes:''' In a way, ''you'' are the fodder. You are transferring some of your body heat to another person. In theory, you could harm a living thing.

=== ↠ Cool ===
''fodder (soil), object''

''intermediate''

The earth's cool touch can save a body from overheating. Use fresh soil on your hands to cool the patient. In theory, you could harm a living thing.

'''Variations:''' See Heal Burns

=== ↠ Heal Burns ===
''fodder (soil, milk, sage)''

''advanced''

Combine fresh soil, milk (any mammal will do), and sage leaves into a poultice and apply to burned skin.

'''Notes:''' This fodder only has Craft if combined by the Touched

=== ↠ Heal Cuts ===
''fodder (yarrow, witch hazel, floral water)''

''advanced''

Immerse yarrow and witch hazel in floral (any) water. Soak cotton fabric in the infusion overnight, let dry. Press fabric against shallow cuts to heal. Deeper cuts require longer exposure. Often prepared ahead of time, kept in reserve like band-aids. Referred to as patches.

'''Notes:''' This fodder only has Craft if combined by the Touched

=== ↠ Sew Skin ===
''fodder (hair, honey, gold needle)''

''master''

A nasty gash can certainly be stitched up by hand in the mundane way, but this is faster. Take your clean gold needed, string it with human hair, and begin. The Craft will take over. Add honey to help.

=== ↠ Mend Bones ===
''fodder (raw silk, blood), gesture, object''

''master''

Weave a cat's cradle above the broken bone. The string should be of raw silk and dyed with the blood from the patient, preferably left to soak for two nights. The woven silk should be held there near to touching the injury for as long as it takes for the bones to knit, so you must be strong for it could take hours or even days.
{| class="wikitable"
|''It goes without saying that the more fractures one must mend, the more complicated your weave and movements. Ideally your string must be twisted of pure raw silk and treated with the blood of your patient for two consecutive nights at the very least. - “A Beldam Novice’s Guide to Practical Healing” (1968) by Temperance Hollinghurst''
|}

= The World =

=== ↠ Find Door ===
''focus''

''intermediate''

Find the nearest door. Something about you always knows if there is a door nearby. Using your focus as a kind of detector, cast about with it until you feel in your gut there's a door nearby.

'''Notes:''' Not all doors are findable, and even if you find it, you may not be able to use it.

=== ↠ Seek the Lost ===
''focus, object, chant''

''advanced''

Create a helpful wisp that will lead you to something lost, something singular. Apply your focus to something with a connection to the lost thing and speak its name. When you will it, the wisp would leave your focus and begin its journey towards the thing, getting dimmer the closer it comes.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Victor knelt and examined the dead woman, who had last been seen wearing a red trench coat over her dress. Where was the coat now? He removed his glove and touched his bare hand to her cold neck, making sure his focus made contact.''

''“Seek that which can be found, covering of red.”''

''No sooner did the words leave his lips than a bluish light shot from Victor’s ring - straight down the alley, away from the Phrontistery.''
|}

=== ↠ Clear the Air ===
''focus, object''

''advanced''

Using a sheet of natural paper, keeping it in contact with your focus, gesture in spirals as you walk around the room. A light breeze will pick up and syphon the air in the direction of your gestures. Larger, more expressive spirals will summon stronger winds.

= The Mind =

=== ↠ Pendulum Lie Detector ===
''device (lead plummet), object''

''advanced''

Hang a lead plummet/plumb bob from a string over the upturned palm of someone you suspect is lying. The plummet will hang dead steady over the hand of the honest and begin to swing if they're lying.

'''Notes:''' Cannot always be relied upon, because anyone can swing a pendulum.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Sorcerer Rhodes reached out and grabbed Nika's hand and pulled it towards him, twisting it around so Nika's palm faced upwards. Nika nearly fell forward over the desk. From his desk Rhodes took out a leaden plummet and hung it over Nika's hand. "Now, tell me again - what were you two doing last night?"''
|}

=== ↠ Sleepwalk ===
''fodder, favour (seeker)''

''advanced''

Dried valerian root placed under or over the sleeper. A seeker must consume a tendril from the same root and enter their dream, moving them as a puppet. The root can only be used once and the seeker is vulnerable when practicing. Considered darkcraft.
{| class="wikitable"
|''“Look alive,” drawled Victor to his familiar, who watched him settle in the armchair.''

''He chewed on a bit of the root, the rest of which was sitting pretty under Sebastian Pym’s bed. His pupils dilated, bled out until even the sclera turned black. He closed his eyes.''

''In the dorms across Knareswick, Sebastian opened his eyes. Victor saw through them clearly enough after a moment, even as one part of him could sense the acolyte dreaming. To move in Pym’s body was like moving through water - slowly rising, slowly turning towards the door…''
|}

=== ↠ Remote viewing ===
''Object, focus, favour (optional)''

''advanced''

A polished obsidian mirror submerged in water that contains something from the subject or place of viewing; submerge focus and incant “oculo meo” to activate. Soothsayers are said to produce the clearest images.
{| class="wikitable"
|''“Hold on,” he muttered, “I’m a bit rusty with this.”''

''Alasdair hadn’t used the obsidian plate in some years now - not since his Stalker days - and he felt ridiculous, placing the bloody thing in his bathtub of all places. Fae knew where the matching basin had gone.''

''Tom handed him Dahlia’s lock of hair, which was as good as anything. They exchanged a guilty look. The things you did for an old hearthmate!''

''“If she isn’t cheating on you, we’re taking this to our grave.” Alasdair warned as he dipped his hand in, clutching both focus and hair. “Oculo meo.”''

''Nothing happened. And then the glossy blackness frosted over, a patchy image taking form under the water. There was Dahlia, yes, walking into Pendragon with—''

''“Motherfucker!” Tom groused, breaking Alasdair’s concentration.''
|}

= Protection =
There are ways that a wix can resist, repel, reflect or otherwise stop Craft from taking affect on themselves or others. It all depends.

TBA

= Chalk =
Chalk of the earth is said to be the stone wall of the Fae. Carefully measured designs in the right kinds of chalk will create powerful effects. These are called sigils and they may be used as spells in themselves or as part of a ritual.

▶ More about [[sigils]]

[[Category:Magic]]

Craft Directory

2026-06-19T16:41:17Z

Niobe: Fixed headings

<blockquote>Craft spells are listed using the following format:

'''''Name:'''''

'''''Keywords: focus, fodder, gesture, concentration, chant, object'''''

'''''Difficulty: basic, intermediate, advanced, master'''''

'''''Summary:'''''

'''''Variations:'''''

'''''Example:''''' </blockquote>

= Heat =

=== ↠ Spark ===
gesture

''basic''

Snap your fingers to produce a spark, a small, brief tongue of flame.

'''Notes:''' This is the first Craft learned at the coven.

'''Variations:''' Practice can improve the quality, size, and duration of the flame. See Fireball.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Frank pressed his middle finger to his thumb as hard as he could and brought to mind, as Dame Magna had taught him, the intention of fire. He imagined a lighter, how his thumb hurt when he tried to ignite his dad's old brass flip-top. He let his finger slide off his thumb and it struck his palm with a sharp crack, but also a flash of orange light and heat. He'd made his first spark but there'd been noone there to see.''
|}

=== ↠ Heat Water ===
''gesture''

''basic''

Make a stirring motion with your finger over a mug or pot of watery liquid.

'''Notes:''' Another very early bit of craft learned young

'''Variations:''' Use one finger for a small amount of water. Use a larger hand gesture for heating more quickly or at greater volume.

'''See also:''' Freeze Water

=== ↠ Fireball ===
''gesture''

''intermediate''

Conjure a small ball of fire between your hands which can be flung up to a meter. Do this by snapping all your fingers at once with a blazing flourish and form the fire between your hands. Throw the fire before it dissipates.

'''Notes:''' The more fire one creates the more chances of ill-crafting and burning yourself.

'''Variations:''' This is a progression of Spark.

=== ↠ Breathe Fire ===
''fodder (fresh or dried piquant leaves), gesture, intent''

''intermediate''

Chew on '''pepper leaves''' (or similar) to build up heat and fire in your mouth. The more you chew, the more flame you can produce. Blow out the fire in a jet or spray.

'''Notes:''' Risk of burning yourself
{| class="wikitable"
|''Nicolai dug into his pocket as he ran down the twisty alleys behind Seven Dials, fist coming close on curry leaves. They were crisp - his own little innovation to bake them in mustard oil - and brought tears to his eyes as he stuffed a handful into his mouth. Two sets of steps hurried along behind him, gaining. His lungs burned. They would burn yet more. The alley turned into a dead end, a cul-de-sac of abandoned terrace houses. The changeling swallowed with great effort, twisting about on the balls of his feet as he drew breath. The acolytes chasing him slowed down, breathless, grinning in self-satisfaction. Fuck them. Nika stuck out his tongue in a full-chested exhale, letting loose the first jet of fire into their advancing faces.''
|}

=== ↠ Lightning ===
''Gesture, fodder''

''intermediate''

Vigorously rub salt between your hands until you hear a crackling sound. Touching someone will give them a nasty electric shock and burns. Extended touch might render someone unconscious.

=== ↠ Acid ===
''saliva, blood, chant''

''advanced''

After muttering a quick incantation (''sal sanguinis ustiones)'' swish blood in your mouth and spit it out. This will have a corrosive effect on anything it touches, akin to a strong acid. A type of blood craft (consumption).

= Light =

=== ↠ Glow ===
''gesture, object''

''basic''

One of the Fae's most basic gifts is light. Hold a small object in your hand and cover it in your warm breath. The object will glow a heatless orangy-yellow for several minutes fading gradually.

=== ↠ Take Light ===
''gesture, focus''

''intermediate''

With your hand, reach out to a light source and take the light. Quickly place it upon your focus where it can remain for quite some time, until shaken away. Light from the source is dimmed until its mechanism would light it up again.
{| class="wikitable"
|''“Permit me,” he reached his hand into the hearth of the fireplace, not quite touching its flames. “The light is weak in here.” A burning light appeared to move through his knobbly fingers and into the silver watch that served as his focus. He turned his wrist in delicate gesture so that the light shone forward, cutting through the darkness of the hall. They could better see it now - the untouched bookshelves, stone sconces barren of torches, a rat skittering across the floor.''
|}

=== ↠ Salamander Lantern ===
''fodder (salamander)''

''intermediate''

Create a heatless lantern by taking advantage of a salamander. Place the salamander in a glass vessel with a bit of moss and splash of water and watch the salamander glow brightly. You'll need to feed the salamander.

=== ↠ Flash ===
''fodder (incendiary substance), gesture''

''intermediate''

Create a blinding flash of light. Smash between your clapping hands a considerable sum of incendiary material like matches, magnesium, or flint. Clumsily done, this could lead to burnt or harmed hands.

= Water =

=== ↠ Fill the Cup ===
''gesture, object (vessel)''

''basic''

Pull from thin air enough water to fill a vessel. The second thing you learn at the coven. Make a twisting motion with your hands and watch the water appear.

'''Notes:''' A vessel is the focal point of this craft. A pot, a tub, and open mouth.

'''Variations:''' Larger vessels require more skill and larger gestures.

=== ↠ Freeze Water ===
''gesture, chant''

''intermediate''

Lay the palm of your hands against the surface of the water (or watery liquid). Amplify by invoking the chant.

'''Variations:''' The quantity and initial temperature of the water affect the difficulty. How fast, how much it freezes may require invoking the chant. Take care not to freeze your own hands.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Victor picked his way out of the shrubbery. It was spring and he had sneezed a half dozen times following the damned Caliban off the country road but now it was nowhere to be seen. A narrow river burbled noisily between shallow banks and past it there was more wilderness. Had the Caliban crossed? Victor knelt - mud on his nice jeans! - and felt out the chilly water, letting it flow along his palm and fingers. He frowned a little, murmuring.''

''“Lapis frigidam viam crescit…” Victor repeated thrice and the water under his fingers grew colder, freezing over, forming an icy path under which the deeper waters flowed.''

''He stood and tested his weight on the ice. It would do. He wasn’t wearing wellies, after all.''
|}

=== ↠ Cleanse Water ===
''fodder (salt, wood)''

Water or watery liquid can be cleansed with salt and wood. Sprinkle enough salt into dirty, poisoned, or cursed water and stir with naked wood. The salt and impurities (and alcohol) will move into the wood.

'''Variations:''' Whatever the wood has absorbed can be released by snapping the wood. Whatever trapped inside will seep out.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Ishmael was a paranoid man and always carried with him packets of salt from the cafe and wooden stir sticks from the Starbucks. Everyone mundane around him must have thought he was mad to pour salt into coffee and soups.''
|}

=== ↠ Part the Sea ===
''gesture, focus''

''intermediate''

Hold the focus and push or pull a quantity of water out of your way. The water only holds as long as you keep it held at bay.

= Making =

=== ↠ Stitch ===
''fodder, object''

Damaged fabric, knits or weaves itself back together. Thread a needle with your hair and get the needle started. The Craft will do the rest.

'''Notes:''' The hair will be consumed on this craft. The repair is binding back together the original material.
{| class="wikitable"
|''"Damn." Hollis had pricked her finger on the needle she'd been searching for but at least now she had it. The rip in her satchel was gaping. She took the needle, made sure it was free of blood, threaded it with a strand of her greying hair, and poked it through the start of the rip. On its own, thank fae, the needle began jetting through the heavy canvas inspiring the fabric to reweave itself. Soon as it was done, Hollis put the needle between the pages of her book, tested the satchel's heft, and was off.''
|}

=== ↠ Lock/Unlock ===
''focus, object, chant''

''intermediate''

Touch your focus against the a an actual lock, box, lid, door, drawer, pocket and speak a chant to craftily lock it up. "Close", "Lock up", or "Open to none other" are all popular.

You can also unlock something locked, either mechanical locks or Crafted locks. Touch the lock with the focus and speak clearly "open", "open up" or something like it.

'''Notes:''' Craft may or may not be able to open a coblyn-made mechanism.
{| class="wikitable"
|''To unlock a lock, the best way is clear: first lapis in manu dextra (hold your stone[read: focus] in the right hand) and hold it against the lock or clasp, whatever it is that should be barring your entry. Then with clear purpose invoke the Old Ones and command "open" in a clear voice. To the novice, this Craft sounds rather easy but one will find that even with practice, not every lock is so amenable to being tampered with. – "Craftwork for a Good Wife" (1952) by Dame Tanith''
|}

=== ↠ Paper Messenger ===
''fodder (saliva), object, gesture, chant''

''basic''

Smear a dab from your tongue onto the edges of your letter paper and fold it into the form of a winged animal, the more functional the better. Send it on its way by uttering the name of the recipient and giving it a puff.

'''Notes:''' The messenger is vulnerable to whatever paper is vulnerable to, and moves as fast as your quality of folding. It will never stop unless unfolded or damaged.

=== ↠ Weave ===
''fodder (cobwebs, varies)''

''advanced''

Gather cobwebs and treat, spin, and weave them according to the beldam's old patterns. Depending on how you do it, you can create useful things.

'''Variations:''' With cobwebs you can make uncuttable rope, trapping nets or bindings, invisible tripwires, with thread that's sticky, strong, or searing.

= Corpus =

=== ↠ Trip, Shove, Pull, Push ===
''focus, gesture, object''

''intermediate''

Cause someone to lose their footing as if by tripping. Make the gesture within sight of the subject while wielding your focus.

'''Variations:''' This craft can be performed upon all kinds of things in all different but simple ways. Doing it effectively and accurately requires practice.

''Tripping someone up falls into a category of Craft available to anyone in possession of a properly attuned focus whereso a Fae-Touched can manipulate the physical world with the corresponding mundane action, but at a distance. Trip, grab, hit, push, touch, pull to your heart's content, or play the feline and knock the vase from the mantle. Hold your focus, make the gesture in thin air, and see the Craft work.''

=== ↠ Leap ===
''fodder (live cricket or locust)''

''intermediate''

Swallow a live cricket or locust and steel your nerves. You'll be able to jump very high or very far. You've got one or two in you.

=== ↠ Zip ===
''gesture''

''intermediate''

Make a zipping motion over your mouth while making eye contact with your intended target, causing their lips to stick shut. Can you undone by reversing the motion or them unzipping it themselves (unless they are Untouched).

=== ↠ Stun ===
''fodder, gesture, object''

''intermediate''

Knock a body to the floor dizzy by pressing your thumb dipped in iron ink between their eyes.
{| class="wikitable"
|''He closed in on her and Bianca began to panic, but she forced herself to wait. Wait! Wait until he's closer. When he grabbed for her, Bianca lunged forward and pressed her thumb, dripping with ink from her handy well, between his eyes. He fell like a fleshy plank of wood.''
|}

=== ↠ Sleep ===
''fodder, chant''

Bring sleep upon someone by whispering "seven bells and all is well" into a fistful of sand and salt, and depositing the mixture over the intended's head. Expect the sleep to last about 30 minutes.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Heart in mouth, Dido peered over the banister at the Watcher on the floor below - he was too busy talking to someone on his cell to notice. She dug into her pocket, taking out a fistful of rough sand and salt. It wasn’t the good stuff but it would do.''

''Dido whispered into her fist, taking care not to rush her words. She stuck her hand over the railing and let the mixture trickle down onto the Watcher’s head. By the time he so much as felt it, he was heavy of limb - mumbling swears and bumping into furniture on his way to the floor.''
|}

=== ↠ Wake ===
''fodder (jade), object, chant''

Wake up someone from unnatural unconsciousness. Put a bit of jade under the patient's tongue and whisper "wake up" in the sleeper's ear.
{| class="wikitable"
|''"Please, please, please," wept Mara as she kissed Astrid's limp hand. Astrid had gone cold. Cadmon arrived and handed the Watcher the small stone green stone, perfect and round. Gently, the Watcher opened Astrid's mouth and placed the pebble under her tongue. Cadmon slid his daughter's dark wet hair away from her ear. The Watcher bent close and whispered.''
|}

=== ↠ Hide ===
''fodder (salt, wood ash), chant''

''advanced''

Draw a circle around you in a mixture of salt and ash, all why murmuring a chant, any variation of "unseen and unheard from without". To initiate, make your ears pop. While within the circle, you and anything else inside, and the circle will be invisible and unhearable.

'''Note:''' The circle is bound to he who made it, but anyone and anything else can enter. If the circle is disrupted by a footstep or wind, it the Craft will be broken.

'''Variations:''' You can make this circle however big you wish, but good luck keeping the entire perimeter intact.

=== ↠ Nauseate ===
''fodder (spit, ash), chant''

''intermediate''

Smudge a paste of ash and spit under a person’s nose. Provided they inhale, they will feel the effects for up to an hour. Effects fade if they vomit.

=== ↠ Deadlimb ===
''fodder (spit) object''

''advanced''

Spit on a brass thumbtack and press it into the flesh of the joint above the limb you wish to numb/paralyse. Works whilst in place. Considered dark craft but also used in healing.

=== ↠ Stoneskin ===
''Fodder, chant''

''intermediate''

Chant “from within and without” and swallow a smooth pebble; will toughen your skin against abrasion and heat for up to an hour.

=== ↠ Waterproof ===
''fodder (snail shell), gesture''

''basic''

Crush a snail shell underfoot and clap twice; will cause water to slide off your skin, hair and clothes. The larger the shell the longer the effect.

= Medicine =

=== ↠ Warmth ===
''gesture, object''

''advanced''

Warm up someone who is freezing. The Fae left us with their warmth and we can share it. Rub your hands together until they warm, then place your hands on the person you wish to warm up. Beware of giving away too much at once.

'''Notes:''' In a way, ''you'' are the fodder. You are transferring some of your body heat to another person. In theory, you could harm a living thing.

=== ↠ Cool ===
''fodder (soil), object''

''intermediate''

The earth's cool touch can save a body from overheating. Use fresh soil on your hands to cool the patient. In theory, you could harm a living thing.

'''Variations:''' See Heal Burns

=== ↠ Heal Burns ===
''fodder (soil, milk, sage)''

''advanced''

Combine fresh soil, milk (any mammal will do), and sage leaves into a poultice and apply to burned skin.

'''Notes:''' This fodder only has Craft if combined by the Touched

=== ↠ Heal Cuts ===
''fodder (yarrow, witch hazel, floral water)''

''advanced''

Immerse yarrow and witch hazel in floral (any) water. Soak cotton fabric in the infusion overnight, let dry. Press fabric against shallow cuts to heal. Deeper cuts require longer exposure. Often prepared ahead of time, kept in reserve like band-aids. Referred to as patches.

'''Notes:''' This fodder only has Craft if combined by the Touched

=== ↠ Sew Skin ===
''fodder (hair, honey, gold needle)''

''master''

A nasty gash can certainly be stitched up by hand in the mundane way, but this is faster. Take your clean gold needed, string it with human hair, and begin. The Craft will take over. Add honey to help.

=== ↠ Mend Bones ===
''fodder (raw silk, blood), gesture, object''

''master''

Weave a cat's cradle above the broken bone. The string should be of raw silk and dyed with the blood from the patient, preferably left to soak for two nights. The woven silk should be held there near to touching the injury for as long as it takes for the bones to knit, so you must be strong for it could take hours or even days.
{| class="wikitable"
|''It goes without saying that the more fractures one must mend, the more complicated your weave and movements. Ideally your string must be twisted of pure raw silk and treated with the blood of your patient for two consecutive nights at the very least. - “A Beldam Novice’s Guide to Practical Healing” (1968) by Temperance Hollinghurst''
|}

= The World =

=== ↠ Find Door ===
''focus''

''intermediate''

Find the nearest door. Something about you always knows if there is a door nearby. Using your focus as a kind of detector, cast about with it until you feel in your gut there's a door nearby.

'''Notes:''' Not all doors are findable, and even if you find it, you may not be able to use it.

=== ↠ Seek the Lost ===
''focus, object, chant''

''advanced''

Create a helpful wisp that will lead you to something lost, something singular. Apply your focus to something with a connection to the lost thing and speak its name. When you will it, the wisp would leave your focus and begin its journey towards the thing, getting dimmer the closer it comes.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Victor knelt and examined the dead woman, who had last been seen wearing a red trench coat over her dress. Where was the coat now? He removed his glove and touched his bare hand to her cold neck, making sure his focus made contact.''

''“Seek that which can be found, covering of red.”''

''No sooner did the words leave his lips than a bluish light shot from Victor’s ring - straight down the alley, away from the Phrontistery.''
|}

=== ↠ Clear the Air ===
''focus, object''

''advanced''

Using a sheet of natural paper, keeping it in contact with your focus, gesture in spirals as you walk around the room. A light breeze will pick up and syphon the air in the direction of your gestures. Larger, more expressive spirals will summon stronger winds.

= The Mind =

=== ↠ Pendulum Lie Detector ===
''device (lead plummet), object''

''advanced''

Hang a lead plummet/plumb bob from a string over the upturned palm of someone you suspect is lying. The plummet will hang dead steady over the hand of the honest and begin to swing if they're lying.

'''Notes:''' Cannot always be relied upon, because anyone can swing a pendulum.
{| class="wikitable"
|''Sorcerer Rhodes reached out and grabbed Nika's hand and pulled it towards him, twisting it around so Nika's palm faced upwards. Nika nearly fell forward over the desk. From his desk Rhodes took out a leaden plummet and hung it over Nika's hand. "Now, tell me again - what were you two doing last night?"''
|}

=== ↠ Sleepwalk ===
''fodder, favour (seeker)''

''advanced''

Dried valerian root placed under or over the sleeper. A seeker must consume a tendril from the same root and enter their dream, moving them as a puppet. The root can only be used once and the seeker is vulnerable when practicing. Considered darkcraft.
{| class="wikitable"
|''“Look alive,” drawled Victor to his familiar, who watched him settle in the armchair.''

''He chewed on a bit of the root, the rest of which was sitting pretty under Sebastian Pym’s bed. His pupils dilated, bled out until even the sclera turned black. He closed his eyes.''

''In the dorms across Knareswick, Sebastian opened his eyes. Victor saw through them clearly enough after a moment, even as one part of him could sense the acolyte dreaming. To move in Pym’s body was like moving through water - slowly rising, slowly turning towards the door…''
|}

=== ↠ Remote viewing ===
''Object, focus, favour (optional)''

''advanced''

A polished obsidian mirror submerged in water that contains something from the subject or place of viewing; submerge focus and incant “oculo meo” to activate. Soothsayers are said to produce the clearest images.
{| class="wikitable"
|''“Hold on,” he muttered, “I’m a bit rusty with this.”''

''Alasdair hadn’t used the obsidian plate in some years now - not since his Stalker days - and he felt ridiculous, placing the bloody thing in his bathtub of all places. Fae knew where the matching basin had gone.''

''Tom handed him Dahlia’s lock of hair, which was as good as anything. They exchanged a guilty look. The things you did for an old hearthmate!''

''“If she isn’t cheating on you, we’re taking this to our grave.” Alasdair warned as he dipped his hand in, clutching both focus and hair. “Oculo meo.”''

''Nothing happened. And then the glossy blackness frosted over, a patchy image taking form under the water. There was Dahlia, yes, walking into Pendragon with—''

''“Motherfucker!” Tom groused, breaking Alasdair’s concentration.''
|}

= Protection =
There are ways that a wix can resist, repel, reflect or otherwise stop Craft from taking affect on themselves or others. It all depends.

TBA

= Chalk =
Chalk of the earth is said to be the stone wall of the Fae. Carefully measured designs in the right kinds of chalk will create powerful effects. These are called sigils and they may be used as spells in themselves or as part of a ritual.

▶ More about [[sigils]]

[[Category:Magic]]

Main Page

2026-06-19T16:36:11Z

Niobe: /* Beings */

[[File:De-arcana-banner.png|frame|center|alt=Looking through the trees into the night sky at a crescent moon]]

<div style="text-align: center;">This is the original lore for '''De Arcana''', an urban fantasy forum RPG.</div>

== Lore Index ==

Welcome to the [[Betwixt]] - one word that encompasses Wix, the Craft, their culture, history, and enclaves, all that is hidden from the mundane world.

=== Beings ===

* [[Wix]] - Humans who can do magic
* [[Banshees]] - The beings of legend, with powerful keening and an affinity for mourning
** [[Banshees#Caoiní|Caoiní]] - Banshee/human
* [[Coblynau]] - Magical in their own right, their city lies below Edinburgh
** [[Coblynau#Bazzin|Bazzin]] - Coblyn/human
* [[Vampires]] - The once dead, risen in a new form to drink the blood of the living
* [[Caliban]] - Constructed with dark Craft, powerful puppets made living
* [[Untouched]] - Normal, everyday humans

=== Society ===

* [[Covens]] - Where Craft is learned and healing is done, run by [[Beldam|beldams]], a priestess class
* [[Houses]] - Groups of wix families bound by tradition
* [[Enclaves]] - Betwixt neighbourhoods and villages.
* [[Occupations]] - Example jobs and how to get them

=== Government ===

* [[Consortium]] - Governance of the Betwixt and caretakers of the Craft.
** [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watchmen]] - Magical cops and detectives
* [[:Category: Government]]

=== Places ===

* [[Knareswick]] - old, elite, private institution for research into Craft
* [[Candlestick Row]] - main commercial enclave in Edinburgh, home of Knareswick as well as the Council office.
* [[Seven Dials]] - twixt square that is the meeting point (via Door) of several twixt streets from around Britain
* [[Craeky Hob]] - the underground city of the coblynau
* [[:Category: Locations]]

=== Craft ===

* [[Craft]]
* [[Craft Directory]]

=== Culture ===

* [[Books of the Betwixt]]
* [[:Category: Culture]]
* [[:Category: History]]
* [[:Category: Media]]

=== More ===
* [[What's Happening?]]
* [[Special:AllPages|All Pages]]

Conveyance craft

2026-06-19T16:35:43Z

Niobe: /* Creation and Regulation */

[[File:DA Door.jpg|thumb|369x369px]]
Conveyance craft is the enchantment of Doors that act as gateways between locations. It is a form of specialised [[craft]].

'''Doors''' are permanent installations whereas '''Chalk''' is used on-the-go, and could result in accidents if not properly drawn .

== '''How do doors work?''' ==
A mundane door is enchanted with Craft to be a portal between two fixed points.

The Door can be a regular door, opening in and out of a room or building or closet. Or the Door can be put on a wall, its only intended use being for travel.

Once the Door is opened in the correct way, anyone or anything may pass through it.

Some ways a Door may be opened, depending on the Door:

# Knocking
# Key
# Drop of blood
# Being a specific individual
# Password, activation with a focus, chalking the right symbol, etc

There is nothing special about the appearance of a Door. They can be large or small and they have as much variation as regular mundane doors. They may be locked from either side. Opening a door that has been locked from the other side will open it onto where it normally goes if it were not enchanted.

A Door can be physically damaged to the point it won't work. When a Door is thus damaged it's connection may need to be re-Crafted.

Very rare types of Doors:

# Exceptionally large doors
# Doors that open onto multiple destinations

== '''Chalk''' ==
Skilled Touched can use chalk for Doorcraft. The chalk creates a temporary enchantment that can make doors on the fly. Chalk doors are one-way, require precision chalking, and last only as long as the chalking is intact. The markings for a safe door are intricate and exacting. A regular Door is far safer and more secure.

== '''Creation and Regulation''' ==
Creating and connecting proper Doors is a specialized Craft regulated by the [[Consortium]]. The local Council Office maintains a directory of public doors and arranges for their inspection and repair. The Council or private doorman (doorknocker) can repair a broken door.
[[Category:Magic]]

Conveyance craft

2026-06-19T16:35:17Z

Niobe: /* How do doors work? */

[[File:DA Door.jpg|thumb|369x369px]]
Conveyance craft is the enchantment of Doors that act as gateways between locations. It is a form of specialised [[craft]].

'''Doors''' are permanent installations whereas '''Chalk''' is used on-the-go, and could result in accidents if not properly drawn .

== '''How do doors work?''' ==
A mundane door is enchanted with Craft to be a portal between two fixed points.

The Door can be a regular door, opening in and out of a room or building or closet. Or the Door can be put on a wall, its only intended use being for travel.

Once the Door is opened in the correct way, anyone or anything may pass through it.

Some ways a Door may be opened, depending on the Door:

# Knocking
# Key
# Drop of blood
# Being a specific individual
# Password, activation with a focus, chalking the right symbol, etc

There is nothing special about the appearance of a Door. They can be large or small and they have as much variation as regular mundane doors. They may be locked from either side. Opening a door that has been locked from the other side will open it onto where it normally goes if it were not enchanted.

A Door can be physically damaged to the point it won't work. When a Door is thus damaged it's connection may need to be re-Crafted.

Very rare types of Doors:

# Exceptionally large doors
# Doors that open onto multiple destinations

== '''Chalk''' ==
Skilled Touched can use chalk for Doorcraft. The chalk creates a temporary enchantment that can make doors on the fly. Chalk doors are one-way, require precision chalking, and last only as long as the chalking is intact. The markings for a safe door are intricate and exacting. A regular Door is far safer and more secure.

=== '''Creation and Regulation''' ===
Creating and connecting proper Doors is a specialized Craft regulated by the [[Consortium]]. The local Council Office maintains a directory of public doors and arranges for their inspection and repair. The Council or private doorman (doorknocker) can repair a broken door.
[[Category:Magic]]

Bog men

2026-06-19T16:29:41Z

Niobe:

Also known as ''Straw Man'' and other similar slang, depending on local folklore.

Bog men are [[Caliban]] who were imperfectly made or abandoned, or otherwise not developing true consciousness after their creator's death. They are susceptible to corruption and go rogue, often attacking mindlessly or to satisfy a base animalistic hunger.

Due to the way in which Caliban are grown - from the heart of a sacrificed child - bog men are said to be drawn to the presence of children.

These rotted Caliban are feared but very few people have seen one in-person. To many, bog men are simply fairy tales told to wix children as a warning of the betwixt's dangers.

Bog men possess all the strength and resistance of a Caliban. They are notoriously difficult to kill.

[[Category: Beings]]

Antecedent Chancellors

2026-06-19T16:26:06Z

Niobe:

A brief overview of Chancellors who have led the [[Consortium]] in recent years. Chancellors can stay in power for three consecutive terms but this is rare.

See also: [[Historical Events]]

== '''⧫ 2025 - CURRENT''' ==
''Zebadiah ‘Zeb’ Ashlock (64 years)''

''House of Severn''

''Hearthmate of Red Gate''

Zeb Asclock claims to be a centrist but his policies cater more to the concerns of the right: those who take a hardline against non-humans, who want tighter controls on Visitors and more funding for Watchmen. However, he is known to make concessions to appease the left. Bit of weedling and oleaginous personality. Said to have won off the back of his predecessor’s unpopularity.

== '''⧫ 2019 - 2024''' ==
''Imogen Wolfe''

''House of Hadrian''

''Hearthmate of The Vale''

Wolfe sat as Chancellor for two terms and was famously difficult with non-humans in her second term. Bad relations with Craeky Hob and supported the Corpse Hunt ‘barter’ until riots forced her hand.

== '''⧫ 2016 - 2018''' ==
''Demetrius Khan''

''House of Hadrian''

''Hearthmate of Twelve Trees''

Khan was elected to his position as a progressive Chancellor but did not make waves once he came into power. He fine-tuned law enforcement legislation and established the Oversight Affairs office to lighten bureaucratic responsibilities for The Oversight itself.

== '''⧫ 2010 - 2015''' ==
''Ansel Northroad''

''House of Thistledown''

''Hearthmate of TBA''

Northroad was a surprise win, having come from neither of the two usual houses. He was focused on maintaining the secrecy of the Betwixt (due to the growing influence of the internet) without stonewalling Visitors. Worked closely with the Liaison. A popular Chancellor but criticised for not doing more, especially after the murder of a caoini child at Seven Dials.

== '''⧫ 2007 - 2009''' ==
''Octavia Pendelton''

''House of Severn''

''Hearthmate of Old Burrow''

Pendelton sat as Chancellor for a single term and was not particularly popular. She was criticised as a fencesitter who sat on her laurels and relied on the prestige of her house. Her most marked move was to instill a system of checks on Knareswick Phrontistery , which did not pass the Council vote.

== '''⧫ 2004 - 2006''' ==
''Leonidas Quinn''

''House of Hadrian''

''Hearthmate of TBA''

Quinn was known for being a great economist and for formalising a system by which money flowed freely between the Betwixt and mundane realms without jeopardising secrecy. He formalised the cash-only law. His administration had rough relations with Craeky Hob, which peaked when the Consortium did not relinquish Polonius Kincaid to Hob authorities in 2005.

== '''⧫ 1973 - 1978''' ==
''Edith Grackle''

''House of Yarwood''

The first woman Chancellor and a surprise win for having come from House of Yarwood. Grackle was an alumnus and a keen supporter of Knareswick. She encouraged the Oversight to further loosen their restrictions on researching forbidden craft. In her second term, Grackle introduced the role of ‘emmisaries’ from the coblyn, banshee and vampire communities.

== '''⧫ 1940 - 1945''' ==
''Miles Dryden''

''House of Hadrian''

Dryden came into power at the start of the second world war and saw the Betwixt through this difficult period, particular in London. He accepted the help of Craeky Hob to take in wix children during the Blitz and encouraged relations between wix and non-wix folk, though he would be censured for the latter after his terms had ended.

== '''⧫ 1920 - 1928''' ==
''Brandeis Noth''

''House of Severn''

After a Caliban was used as an accessory to a series of violent crimes, Chancellor Noth set into motion a widespread Caliban ban. One of few Chancellors who remained in power for three consecutive terms.
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Government]]

Main Page

2026-06-19T16:24:32Z

Niobe:

[[File:De-arcana-banner.png|frame|center|alt=Looking through the trees into the night sky at a crescent moon]]

<div style="text-align: center;">This is the original lore for '''De Arcana''', an urban fantasy forum RPG.</div>

== Lore Index ==

Welcome to the [[Betwixt]] - one word that encompasses Wix, the Craft, their culture, history, and enclaves, all that is hidden from the mundane world.

=== Beings ===

* [[Wix]] - Humans who can do magic
* [[Banshees]] - The beings of legend, with powerful keening and an affinity for mourning
* [[Coblynau]] - Magical in their own right, their city lies below Edinburgh
* [[Vampires]] - The once dead, risen in a new form to drink the blood of the living
* [[Caliban]] - Constructed with dark Craft, powerful puppets made living
* [[Untouched]] - Normal, everyday humans

=== Society ===

* [[Covens]] - Where Craft is learned and healing is done, run by [[Beldam|beldams]], a priestess class
* [[Houses]] - Groups of wix families bound by tradition
* [[Enclaves]] - Betwixt neighbourhoods and villages.
* [[Occupations]] - Example jobs and how to get them

=== Government ===

* [[Consortium]] - Governance of the Betwixt and caretakers of the Craft.
** [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watchmen]] - Magical cops and detectives
* [[:Category: Government]]

=== Places ===

* [[Knareswick]] - old, elite, private institution for research into Craft
* [[Candlestick Row]] - main commercial enclave in Edinburgh, home of Knareswick as well as the Council office.
* [[Seven Dials]] - twixt square that is the meeting point (via Door) of several twixt streets from around Britain
* [[Craeky Hob]] - the underground city of the coblynau
* [[:Category: Locations]]

=== Craft ===

* [[Craft]]
* [[Craft Directory]]

=== Culture ===

* [[Books of the Betwixt]]
* [[:Category: Culture]]
* [[:Category: History]]
* [[:Category: Media]]

=== More ===
* [[What's Happening?]]
* [[Special:AllPages|All Pages]]

File:De-arcana-banner.png

2026-06-19T16:17:41Z

Niobe:

Looking through the trees into the night sky at a crescent moon.

Coven

2026-06-15T17:48:24Z

Niobe: /* At De Arcana */

'''Covens''' are important cultural sites for the Betwixt and are most known for where young [[Wix|wixes]] are taught the Craft. They are also were many wix are laid to rest, were familiars are bonded, and where people will go for Crafted healing.

There are many covens across the country and vary in size, specialty, and prestige. They are often historically or geographically linked to [[Houses]]. There is not a 1:1 relationship with Houses or [[enclaves]], and local culture or family tradition tends to dictate which coven is yours. Rivalries exist between some covens.

Covens are the home of the [[beldam]], monastic witches who serve as teachers, healers, and mentors.

The actual facilities will vary, but there's a trend towards the rustic. City covens may all be in a single more modern building, but rural covens could be a collection of buildings like a farm, or an old Christian church or monastery. There are a few very stately manor covens.

There are 30-40 covens in Britain and Ireland.

= Education =

Teaching of Craft is done on evenings, weekends, and during holidays.

Young wixes are taught the basics of [[Craft]] at coven. Depending on the beldam of their coven, they may also choose to focus on studying to sit for entrance examinations to particular career paths - such as becoming a [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watcher]] or specialising in certain craft at [[Knareswick]].

Wixes who inherit a [[Wix#Favours|favour]] may also receive training at coven, if there is a beldam who shares their favour. Otherwise the beldam may reach out to a beldam from another coven to assist.

Wixes tend to 'leave' coven at around the age they might complete their secondary education in the mundane - sixteen to seventeen years old.

Students learn fundamental Craft, history, and traditions.

They'll form life-long bonds with their hearthmates, and it is customary to return to the coven at least once a year for Samhain.

= Familiars and foci =

The beldam typically arrange the imprinting of a [[Craft#Focus|focus]] before a wix leaves their care. They also arrange the bonding ritual Craft through which a wix acquires their companion creature, a [[Wix#Familiars|familiar]].

= Healing and caring for the dead =
Beldam often have mundane medical training and are the keepers of healing Craft. It is common for more traditional wix to come to the coven for medical care, but especially for magical care of uniquely magical ailments.

Most covens have cemeteries and there are grave-cleaning traditions.

= Known Covens =

== London ==

: '''The Vale'''
: Located in a popular residential district of Central London, primarily associated with the Thistletwaite enclave. Those who attended this coven are typically well-to-do wix with connections to House of Severn, Selkirk and Yarwood. The coven can be found in a block of Edwardian mansions in Maida Vale, one the edge of Regent’s Canal.

== Edinburgh ==

:'''Red Gate'''
: A city coven. This coven is in the Edinburgh enclave of Little Twist. It's associated with Clan Selkirk as well as House of Severn and several smaller houses. It's hidden inside a deconsecrated Christian church, one of the old ones made of stone with the stained glass windows.

== Northumberland ==

: '''Twelve Trees'''
: Located in the village enclave of [[Catswall Bridge]] in the countryside. It's buildings are on an old farm and they are known for their honey. Like anything associated with the great House Hadrian, it is a well-respected coven. It had produced several Councillors and Chancellors.

== Lancashire ==

:'''Andwyrdan Coven'''
: Located in the Lake District of Lancashire and associated with the enclaves dispersed in that area (Lune, Longwick, Crowcroft). It has close ties to the Bailrigg and Lakewood Houses. People who attended this coven were likely from rural families. The name comes from the Old English "to answer". The coven is in a great stone house with several smaller supporting buildings.

== Oxfordshire ==
: '''Old Burrow'''
: Tucked away not far from the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Old Burrow is a medley of old farmland buildings by the edge of a young forest (where once stood an older one). Associated with most enclaves in Oxfordshire, as well as the Silverscale enclave of Reading.

= At De Arcana =
Writers may suggest new covens to fill out the list and additional details about existing covens. There are about 30-40 covens. Consider spacing them out geographically, and think about any association with Houses and enclaves.

[[Category: Magic]]
[[Category: Education]]
[[Category: Culture]]

Houses

2026-06-15T17:48:12Z

Niobe: /* At De Arcana */

In the region of Britain and Ireland, there are traditional 'houses' or 'clans' among the Touched, related to old families of legendary association with the original Touched and the Fae.

Historically, these affiliations have followed family lines and were deeply politically important. In the modern day, with intermarriage and migration, the importance of Houses have dwindled, but they still play a role in covens and the [[Consortium]].

Houses (or a variation thereof) may also be found in the betwixt in some parts of Europe, such as France and Italy. They are generally not found in the [[United States]].

Houses have affiliations - some significant, some tenuous - with various [[enclaves]] and [[Coven|covens]].

== House of Hadrian ==
This house claims to date back to Roman times. It's one of the largest houses with several acknowledged branching surnames. Hadrians are most associated with a city enclave called The Keyes in Newcastle upon Tyne, and an all-wix village in the countryside called Catswall Bridge where there is a coven, Twelve Trees. Currently, twelve councillors are from the House of Hadrian. Historical rivals to Severn.

Associated families include: Pendleton, Rook

== House of Severn ==
Named for the great river, the House of Severn is perhaps the most well-regarded House and of good size. They are among the most likely to be strict with who claims the House and maintaining a very clean reputation. You'll find Severns in the large enclaves in London and Edinburgh, but the ancestral home is a village outside Gloucester where a coven inhabits an old Christian monastery. Historical rivals to Hadrian.

== Clan Selkirk ==
A clan known for its connection to large, sprawling Scottish families. A good deal of wealth circulates among these families. They are old and rarely take political stances, giving them a reputation as fence-sitters. Meddling in politics is generally frowned upon by more traditional families but some, including the current Councillor of the City of Edinburgh, are trying to change that. Selkirks may be found in enclaves of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen - even as far north as the Orkney Islands.

Associated families include: Brodie

== House of Braddock ==
A "fallen" house. This house's reputation became so bad that it was broken apart and families were eager to marry into houses with a better reputation. Sometimes, public figures can be smeared if someone discovers they come from House of Braddock. Traditional districts in the Devon region.

== House Yarwood ==
Though not as old as other houses, Yarwood has been around for a good deal of time and claims close association to famous musicians, artists and writers over its long history. Nowadays not all families of Yarwood are artistically inclined but they do have a reputation for eccentricity. They may be found all about London, Brighton and Cardiff, in Wales.

Associated families include: Crowthers

== Minor Houses ==
* '''Bailrigg House''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of. Associated with the Fowler family among others.
* '''Lakewood House''' also known as '''House of the Lake''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of.

= At De Arcana =
* Writers may suggest additional houses and details about existing houses. Consider a cursory history and geography, perhaps associate it with an enclave or coven. Ideas might sound like House of Marsh, House of the Red Witch, Crowne House, etc. The most common convention is "House of" but you can just do "House Name" or "Name House" or less common "House of the". You may also use “Clan”.

* Writers can include their characters in whatever house they wish keeping in mind the House's history.

[[Category:Culture]]

Enclaves

2026-06-15T17:47:59Z

Niobe: /* At De Arcana */

'''Enclaves''' are areas within the mundane where many wix families reside and where Betwixt business is done. Think in terms of areas like China Town or Little Italy, except enclaves are secret from the mundane. They are dependent on geography.

Some enclaves are urban neighborhoods whilst others are villages. Not all wix families live in enclaves but they may nonetheless have an association with their closest enclave.

Enclaves may be associated with certain [[Houses]]. The children of an enclave tend to attend the same [[coven]].

= Known Enclaves =

== Edinburgh ==
: '''Little Twist'''
: A large older urban enclave in the city of Edinburgh and like other urban enclaves is somewhat House agnostic.

: '''[[Candlestick Row]]'''
: Technically an enclave but more of a commercial district. There are are some residential flats in this neighborhood.

== Northumberland ==
: '''[[Catswall Bridge]]'''
: All-wix village focused around the coven of Twelvetrees. This region is strongly associated with House Hadrian.

== Newcastle ==
: '''The Keyes'''
: City enclave in Newcastle closed associated with the large and well-known House Hadrian.

== Lancashire ==
: '''Rural enclaves'''
: There are several rural enclaves in Lancashire such as '''Lune''', '''Longwick''', and '''Crowcroft'''. These are associated with the old minor houses of Bailrigg and Lakewood.

== London ==
: '''Thistletwaite'''
: A large enclave encompassing the well-to-do neighbourhoods of North London. Many families here are associated with House of Severn but this enclave is very diverse and includes smaller, less notable houses. Wixes of Thistlewaite don’t always have much camaraderie with each other. There is a lot of inside snobbery, feuds and old drama.

== South of England ==
: '''Silverscale'''
: In Reading, Berkshire. Associated with the Old Burrow coven in nearby Oxfordshire.

= At De Arcana =
Writers may suggest new enclaves and additional details of existing enclaves. Consider the location and any association with Houses or covens.

Main Page

2026-06-15T17:47:06Z

Niobe: /* Culture */

This is the wiki for De Arcana, an original urban fantasy for forum RPG.

== Lore Index ==

=== Beings ===
* [[Wix]] - Humans who can do magic
* [[Banshees]] - The beings of legend, with powerful keening and an affinity for mourning
* [[Coblynau]] - Magical in their own right, their city lies below Edinburgh
* [[Vampires]] - The once dead, risen in a new form to drink the blood of the living
* [[Caliban]] - Constructed with dark Craft, powerful puppets made living
* [[Untouched]] - Normal, everyday humans

=== Society ===
* [[Betwixt]] - One word to encompass Wix, the Craft, their culture, and places, all that's hidden
* [[Covens]] - Where Craft is learned and healing is done, run by [[Beldam|beldams]], a priestess class
* [[Houses]] - Groups of wix families bound by tradition
* [[Enclaves]] - Betwixt neighbourhoods and villages.
* [[Occupations]] - Example jobs and how to get them
* [[Books of the Betwixt]]

=== Government ===
* [[Consortium]] - Governance of the Betwixt and caretakers of the Craft.
** [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watchmen]] - Magical cops and detectives

=== Places ===
* [[Knareswick]] - old, elite, private institution for research into Craft
* [[Candlestick Row]] - Main commercial enclave in Edinburgh, home of Knareswick as well as the Council office.
* [[Craeky Hob]] - the city of the coblynau

=== Craft ===
* [[Craft]]
* [[Craft Directory]]

=== More ===
* [[:Category: Culture]]
* [[:Category: History]]
* [[:Category: Media]]
* [[:Category: Locations]]
* [[:Category: Government]]
* [[What's Happening?]]
* [[Special:AllPages|All Pages]]

Coven

2026-06-15T17:45:40Z

Niobe: /* Edinburgh */

'''Covens''' are important cultural sites for the Betwixt and are most known for where young [[Wix|wixes]] are taught the Craft. They are also were many wix are laid to rest, were familiars are bonded, and where people will go for Crafted healing.

There are many covens across the country and vary in size, specialty, and prestige. They are often historically or geographically linked to [[Houses]]. There is not a 1:1 relationship with Houses or [[enclaves]], and local culture or family tradition tends to dictate which coven is yours. Rivalries exist between some covens.

Covens are the home of the [[beldam]], monastic witches who serve as teachers, healers, and mentors.

The actual facilities will vary, but there's a trend towards the rustic. City covens may all be in a single more modern building, but rural covens could be a collection of buildings like a farm, or an old Christian church or monastery. There are a few very stately manor covens.

There are 30-40 covens in Britain and Ireland.

= Education =

Teaching of Craft is done on evenings, weekends, and during holidays.

Young wixes are taught the basics of [[Craft]] at coven. Depending on the beldam of their coven, they may also choose to focus on studying to sit for entrance examinations to particular career paths - such as becoming a [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watcher]] or specialising in certain craft at [[Knareswick]].

Wixes who inherit a [[Wix#Favours|favour]] may also receive training at coven, if there is a beldam who shares their favour. Otherwise the beldam may reach out to a beldam from another coven to assist.

Wixes tend to 'leave' coven at around the age they might complete their secondary education in the mundane - sixteen to seventeen years old.

Students learn fundamental Craft, history, and traditions.

They'll form life-long bonds with their hearthmates, and it is customary to return to the coven at least once a year for Samhain.

= Familiars and foci =

The beldam typically arrange the imprinting of a [[Craft#Focus|focus]] before a wix leaves their care. They also arrange the bonding ritual Craft through which a wix acquires their companion creature, a [[Wix#Familiars|familiar]].

= Healing and caring for the dead =
Beldam often have mundane medical training and are the keepers of healing Craft. It is common for more traditional wix to come to the coven for medical care, but especially for magical care of uniquely magical ailments.

Most covens have cemeteries and there are grave-cleaning traditions.

= Known Covens =

== London ==

: '''The Vale'''
: Located in a popular residential district of Central London, primarily associated with the Thistletwaite enclave. Those who attended this coven are typically well-to-do wix with connections to House of Severn, Selkirk and Yarwood. The coven can be found in a block of Edwardian mansions in Maida Vale, one the edge of Regent’s Canal.

== Edinburgh ==

:'''Red Gate'''
: A city coven. This coven is in the Edinburgh enclave of Little Twist. It's associated with Clan Selkirk as well as House of Severn and several smaller houses. It's hidden inside a deconsecrated Christian church, one of the old ones made of stone with the stained glass windows.

== Northumberland ==

: '''Twelve Trees'''
: Located in the village enclave of [[Catswall Bridge]] in the countryside. It's buildings are on an old farm and they are known for their honey. Like anything associated with the great House Hadrian, it is a well-respected coven. It had produced several Councillors and Chancellors.

== Lancashire ==

:'''Andwyrdan Coven'''
: Located in the Lake District of Lancashire and associated with the enclaves dispersed in that area (Lune, Longwick, Crowcroft). It has close ties to the Bailrigg and Lakewood Houses. People who attended this coven were likely from rural families. The name comes from the Old English "to answer". The coven is in a great stone house with several smaller supporting buildings.

== Oxfordshire ==
: '''Old Burrow'''
: Tucked away not far from the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Old Burrow is a medley of old farmland buildings by the edge of a young forest (where once stood an older one). Associated with most enclaves in Oxfordshire, as well as the Silverscale enclave of Reading.

= At De Arcana =
Writers may suggest new covens to fill out the list. There are about 30-40 covens. Consider spacing them out geographically, and think about any association with Houses and enclaves.

[[Category: Magic]]
[[Category: Education]]
[[Category: Culture]]

Enclaves

2026-06-15T17:45:29Z

Niobe: /* Northumberland */

'''Enclaves''' are areas within the mundane where many wix families reside and where Betwixt business is done. Think in terms of areas like China Town or Little Italy, except enclaves are secret from the mundane. They are dependent on geography.

Some enclaves are urban neighborhoods whilst others are villages. Not all wix families live in enclaves but they may nonetheless have an association with their closest enclave.

Enclaves may be associated with certain [[Houses]]. The children of an enclave tend to attend the same [[coven]].

= Known Enclaves =

== Edinburgh ==
: '''Little Twist'''
: A large older urban enclave in the city of Edinburgh and like other urban enclaves is somewhat House agnostic.

: '''[[Candlestick Row]]'''
: Technically an enclave but more of a commercial district. There are are some residential flats in this neighborhood.

== Northumberland ==
: '''[[Catswall Bridge]]'''
: All-wix village focused around the coven of Twelvetrees. This region is strongly associated with House Hadrian.

== Newcastle ==
: '''The Keyes'''
: City enclave in Newcastle closed associated with the large and well-known House Hadrian.

== Lancashire ==
: '''Rural enclaves'''
: There are several rural enclaves in Lancashire such as '''Lune''', '''Longwick''', and '''Crowcroft'''. These are associated with the old minor houses of Bailrigg and Lakewood.

== London ==
: '''Thistletwaite'''
: A large enclave encompassing the well-to-do neighbourhoods of North London. Many families here are associated with House of Severn but this enclave is very diverse and includes smaller, less notable houses. Wixes of Thistlewaite don’t always have much camaraderie with each other. There is a lot of inside snobbery, feuds and old drama.

== South of England ==
: '''Silverscale'''
: In Reading, Berkshire. Associated with the Old Burrow coven in nearby Oxfordshire.

= At De Arcana =
Writers may suggest new enclaves. Consider the location and any association with Houses or covens.

Coven

2026-06-15T17:45:11Z

Niobe:

'''Covens''' are important cultural sites for the Betwixt and are most known for where young [[Wix|wixes]] are taught the Craft. They are also were many wix are laid to rest, were familiars are bonded, and where people will go for Crafted healing.

There are many covens across the country and vary in size, specialty, and prestige. They are often historically or geographically linked to [[Houses]]. There is not a 1:1 relationship with Houses or [[enclaves]], and local culture or family tradition tends to dictate which coven is yours. Rivalries exist between some covens.

Covens are the home of the [[beldam]], monastic witches who serve as teachers, healers, and mentors.

The actual facilities will vary, but there's a trend towards the rustic. City covens may all be in a single more modern building, but rural covens could be a collection of buildings like a farm, or an old Christian church or monastery. There are a few very stately manor covens.

There are 30-40 covens in Britain and Ireland.

= Education =

Teaching of Craft is done on evenings, weekends, and during holidays.

Young wixes are taught the basics of [[Craft]] at coven. Depending on the beldam of their coven, they may also choose to focus on studying to sit for entrance examinations to particular career paths - such as becoming a [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watcher]] or specialising in certain craft at [[Knareswick]].

Wixes who inherit a [[Wix#Favours|favour]] may also receive training at coven, if there is a beldam who shares their favour. Otherwise the beldam may reach out to a beldam from another coven to assist.

Wixes tend to 'leave' coven at around the age they might complete their secondary education in the mundane - sixteen to seventeen years old.

Students learn fundamental Craft, history, and traditions.

They'll form life-long bonds with their hearthmates, and it is customary to return to the coven at least once a year for Samhain.

= Familiars and foci =

The beldam typically arrange the imprinting of a [[Craft#Focus|focus]] before a wix leaves their care. They also arrange the bonding ritual Craft through which a wix acquires their companion creature, a [[Wix#Familiars|familiar]].

= Healing and caring for the dead =
Beldam often have mundane medical training and are the keepers of healing Craft. It is common for more traditional wix to come to the coven for medical care, but especially for magical care of uniquely magical ailments.

Most covens have cemeteries and there are grave-cleaning traditions.

= Known Covens =

== London ==

: '''The Vale'''
: Located in a popular residential district of Central London, primarily associated with the Thistletwaite enclave. Those who attended this coven are typically well-to-do wix with connections to House of Severn, Selkirk and Yarwood. The coven can be found in a block of Edwardian mansions in Maida Vale, one the edge of Regent’s Canal.

== Edinburgh ==

:'''Red Gate''' ===
: A city coven. This coven is in the Edinburgh enclave of Little Twist. It's associated with Clan Selkirk as well as House of Severn and several smaller houses. It's hidden inside a deconsecrated Christian church, one of the old ones made of stone with the stained glass windows.

== Northumberland ==

: '''Twelve Trees'''
: Located in the village enclave of [[Catswall Bridge]] in the countryside. It's buildings are on an old farm and they are known for their honey. Like anything associated with the great House Hadrian, it is a well-respected coven. It had produced several Councillors and Chancellors.

== Lancashire ==

:'''Andwyrdan Coven'''
: Located in the Lake District of Lancashire and associated with the enclaves dispersed in that area (Lune, Longwick, Crowcroft). It has close ties to the Bailrigg and Lakewood Houses. People who attended this coven were likely from rural families. The name comes from the Old English "to answer". The coven is in a great stone house with several smaller supporting buildings.

== Oxfordshire ==
: '''Old Burrow'''
: Tucked away not far from the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Old Burrow is a medley of old farmland buildings by the edge of a young forest (where once stood an older one). Associated with most enclaves in Oxfordshire, as well as the Silverscale enclave of Reading.

= At De Arcana =
Writers may suggest new covens to fill out the list. There are about 30-40 covens. Consider spacing them out geographically, and think about any association with Houses and enclaves.

[[Category: Magic]]
[[Category: Education]]
[[Category: Culture]]

Enclaves

2026-06-15T17:43:30Z

Niobe:

'''Enclaves''' are areas within the mundane where many wix families reside and where Betwixt business is done. Think in terms of areas like China Town or Little Italy, except enclaves are secret from the mundane. They are dependent on geography.

Some enclaves are urban neighborhoods whilst others are villages. Not all wix families live in enclaves but they may nonetheless have an association with their closest enclave.

Enclaves may be associated with certain [[Houses]]. The children of an enclave tend to attend the same [[coven]].

= Known Enclaves =

== Edinburgh ==
: '''Little Twist'''
: A large older urban enclave in the city of Edinburgh and like other urban enclaves is somewhat House agnostic.

: '''[[Candlestick Row]]'''
: Technically an enclave but more of a commercial district. There are are some residential flats in this neighborhood.

== Northumberland ==
: '''Catswall Bridge'''
: All-wix village focused around the coven of Twelvetrees. This region is strongly associated with House Hadrian.

== Newcastle ==
: '''The Keyes'''
: City enclave in Newcastle closed associated with the large and well-known House Hadrian.

== Lancashire ==
: '''Rural enclaves'''
: There are several rural enclaves in Lancashire such as '''Lune''', '''Longwick''', and '''Crowcroft'''. These are associated with the old minor houses of Bailrigg and Lakewood.

== London ==
: '''Thistletwaite'''
: A large enclave encompassing the well-to-do neighbourhoods of North London. Many families here are associated with House of Severn but this enclave is very diverse and includes smaller, less notable houses. Wixes of Thistlewaite don’t always have much camaraderie with each other. There is a lot of inside snobbery, feuds and old drama.

== South of England ==
: '''Silverscale'''
: In Reading, Berkshire. Associated with the Old Burrow coven in nearby Oxfordshire.

= At De Arcana =
Writers may suggest new enclaves. Consider the location and any association with Houses or covens.

Houses

2026-06-15T17:16:54Z

Niobe:

In the region of Britain and Ireland, there are traditional 'houses' or 'clans' among the Touched, related to old families of legendary association with the original Touched and the Fae.

Historically, these affiliations have followed family lines and were deeply politically important. In the modern day, with intermarriage and migration, the importance of Houses have dwindled, but they still play a role in covens and the [[Consortium]].

Houses (or a variation thereof) may also be found in the betwixt in some parts of Europe, such as France and Italy. They are generally not found in the [[United States]].

Houses have affiliations - some significant, some tenuous - with various [[enclaves]] and [[Coven|covens]].

== House of Hadrian ==
This house claims to date back to Roman times. It's one of the largest houses with several acknowledged branching surnames. Hadrians are most associated with a city enclave called The Keyes in Newcastle upon Tyne, and an all-wix village in the countryside called Catswall Bridge where there is a coven, Twelve Trees. Currently, twelve councillors are from the House of Hadrian. Historical rivals to Severn.

Associated families include: Pendleton, Rook

== House of Severn ==
Named for the great river, the House of Severn is perhaps the most well-regarded House and of good size. They are among the most likely to be strict with who claims the House and maintaining a very clean reputation. You'll find Severns in the large enclaves in London and Edinburgh, but the ancestral home is a village outside Gloucester where a coven inhabits an old Christian monastery. Historical rivals to Hadrian.

== Clan Selkirk ==
A clan known for its connection to large, sprawling Scottish families. A good deal of wealth circulates among these families. They are old and rarely take political stances, giving them a reputation as fence-sitters. Meddling in politics is generally frowned upon by more traditional families but some, including the current Councillor of the City of Edinburgh, are trying to change that. Selkirks may be found in enclaves of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen - even as far north as the Orkney Islands.

Associated families include: Brodie

== House of Braddock ==
A "fallen" house. This house's reputation became so bad that it was broken apart and families were eager to marry into houses with a better reputation. Sometimes, public figures can be smeared if someone discovers they come from House of Braddock. Traditional districts in the Devon region.

== House Yarwood ==
Though not as old as other houses, Yarwood has been around for a good deal of time and claims close association to famous musicians, artists and writers over its long history. Nowadays not all families of Yarwood are artistically inclined but they do have a reputation for eccentricity. They may be found all about London, Brighton and Cardiff, in Wales.

Associated families include: Crowthers

== Minor Houses ==
* '''Bailrigg House''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of. Associated with the Fowler family among others.
* '''Lakewood House''' also known as '''House of the Lake''' - Rural northwest England, Lake District. Minor but well-thought-of.

= At De Arcana =
* Writers may suggest additional houses. Consider a cursory history and geography, perhaps associate it with an enclave or coven. Ideas might sound like House of Marsh, House of the Red Witch, Crowne House, etc. The most common convention is "House of" but you can just do "House Name" or "Name House" or less common "House of the". You may also use “Clan”.

* Writers can include their characters in whatever house they wish keeping in mind the House's history.

[[Category:Culture]]

Enclaves

2026-06-15T17:11:27Z

Niobe: Organized geographically

'''Enclaves''' are areas within the mundane where many wix families reside and where Betwixt business is done. Think in terms of areas like China Town or Little Italy, except enclaves are secret from the mundane. They are dependent on geography.

Some enclaves are urban neighborhoods whilst others are villages. Not all wix families live in enclaves but they may nonetheless have an association with their closest enclave.

Enclaves may be associated with certain [[Houses]]. The children of an enclave tend to attend the same [[coven]].

== Known Enclaves ==

=== London ===
: '''Thistletwaite'''
: A large enclave encompassing the well-to-do neighbourhoods of North London. Many families here are associated with House of Severn but this enclave is very diverse and includes smaller, less notable houses. Wixes of Thistlewaite don’t always have much camaraderie with each other. There is a lot of inside snobbery, feuds and old drama.

=== Edinburgh ===
: '''Little Twist'''
: A large older urban enclave in the city of Edinburgh and like other urban enclaves is somewhat House agnostic.

: '''[[Candlestick Row]]'''
: Technically an enclave but more of a commercial district. There are are some residential flats in this neighborhood.

=== Northumberland ===
: '''Catswall Bridge'''
: All-wix village focused around the coven of Twelvetrees. This region is strongly associated with House Hadrian.

=== Newcastle ===
: '''The Keyes'''
: City enclave in Newcastle closed associated with the large and well-known House Hadrian.

=== Lancashire ===
: '''Rural enclaves'''
: There are several rural enclaves in Lancashire such as '''Lune''', '''Longwick''', and '''Crowcroft'''. These are associated with the old minor houses of Bailrigg and Lakewood.

= At De Arcana =
Writers may suggest new enclaves. Consider the location and any association with Houses or covens.

Main Page

2026-06-15T04:55:51Z

Niobe:

This is the wiki for De Arcana, an original urban fantasy for forum RPG.

== Lore Index ==

=== Beings ===
* [[Wix]] - Humans who can do magic
* [[Banshees]] - The beings of legend, with powerful keening and an affinity for mourning
* [[Coblynau]] - Magical in their own right, their city lies below Edinburgh
* [[Vampires]] - The once dead, risen in a new form to drink the blood of the living
* [[Caliban]] - Constructed with dark Craft, powerful puppets made living
* [[Untouched]] - Normal, everyday humans

=== Culture ===
* [[Betwixt]] - One word to encompass Wix, the Craft, their culture, and places, all that's hidden
* [[Covens]] - Where Craft is learned and healing is done, run by [[Beldam|beldams]], a priestess class
* [[Occupations]] - Example jobs and how to get them
* [[Books of the Betwixt]]

=== Government ===
* [[Consortium]] - Governance of the Betwixt and caretakers of the Craft.
** [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watchmen]] - Magical cops and detectives

=== Places ===
* [[Knareswick]] - old, elite, private institution for research into Craft
* [[Candlestick Row]] - Main commercial enclave in Edinburgh, home of Knareswick as well as the Council office.
* [[Craeky Hob]] - the city of the coblynau

=== Craft ===
* [[Craft]]
* [[Craft Directory]]

=== More ===
* [[:Category: Culture]]
* [[:Category: History]]
* [[:Category: Media]]
* [[:Category: Locations]]
* [[:Category: Government]]
* [[What's Happening?]]
* [[Special:AllPages|All Pages]]

Beldam

2026-06-15T04:47:23Z

Niobe:

Beldam are monastic witches who oversee [[covens]].

They are an ancient order whose responsibilities were once far more extensive. As the [[Consortium]] grew and gained significance in the betwixt, beldam relinquished more of their duties as caretakers of the [[Craft]].

Nowadays beldam are known as teachers and healers. They are required, by oath, to heal any wix who comes to them in need.

A beldam takes on the title 'dame' in front of her given name.

== Responsibilities & Traditions ==
Among the responsibilities of the beldam are the following.

* To instill knowledge and practice of the Craft to their charges
* To conduct the bonding of a wix to their familiar
* To heal any wix who comes to their doorstep in need
* To bury the dead and mind their resting place
* To abide by celibacy and moderation

It should be noted that not all dames are loyal to their oaths.

Beldam are also beekeepers and archivists of coven lore. They 'tell the bees' of the year's events every summer equinox before harvesting honey. A [[Soothsayer]] may access this record by tasting of the honey from previous years.

Covens are also able to conduct the imprinting of a wix onto their focus. However, this may also be done by a focalist (see [[Occupations]]).

== Hierarchy ==
A witch submits as a novice to a coven of choice as young as 18 but usually older.

The '''novice''' stage is 2-3 years and an important ritual initiates one as a full beldam. A beldam may attend medical school in the mundane before submitting herself to service. Novices are typically given menial tasks in addition to their training.

* Novice
* Beldam
* Sage Beldam, experienced bedlams with high importance roles
* Covena, the leader of the coven

[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Magic]]

Coven

2026-06-15T04:42:20Z

Niobe:

'''Covens''' are where [[Wix|wixes]] are taught the Craft, growing up. There are many covens across the country and some are more prestigious than others. They are often linked to [[houses]]. A coven may teach wixes who come from many different [[enclaves]].

Covens are the home of the [[beldam]], monastic witches who serve as teachers, healers, and mentors.

Teaching is done on evenings, weekends, and during holidays.

Wixes tend to 'leave' coven at around the age they might complete their secondary education in the mundane - sixteen to seventeen years old.

The beldam typically arrange the imprinting of a [[Craft#Focus|focus]] before a wix leaves their care. They also arrange the ritualistic bonding ceremony through which a wix acquires their companion creature, a [[Wix#Familiars|familiar]].

== Craft ==
Young wixes are taught the basics of [[Craft]] at coven. Depending on the beldam of their coven, they may also choose to focus on studying to sit for entrance examinations to particular career paths - such as becoming a [[Consortium#Watchmen|Watcher]] or specialising in certain craft at [[Knareswick]].

Wixes who inherit a [[Wix#Favours|favour]] may also receive training at coven, if there is a beldam who shares their favour. Otherwise the beldam may reach out to a beldam from another coven to assist.

== Known Covens ==
Covens can be found in cities, towns and rural areas. A coven in a rural area may teach young wix from several enclaves, if twixt populations in an area are not dense enough to sustain respective covens.

Rivalries exist between some covens.

=== '''Red Gate''' ===
One of the few covens located in an urban setting. This coven is in the Edinburgh enclave of Little Twixt. It's associated with Clan Selkirk as well as House of Severn and several smaller houses. It's hidden inside a deconsecrated Christian church, one of the old ones made of stone with the stained glass windows.

=== '''Andwyrdan Coven''' ===
Located in the Lake District of Lancashire and associated with the enclaves dispersed in that area (Lune, Longwick, Crowcroft). It has close ties to the Bailrigg and Lakewood Houses. People who attended this coven were likely from rural families. The name comes from the Old English "to answer".

=== '''The Vale''' ===
Located in a popular residential district of Central London, primarily associated with the Thistlethwaite enclave. Those who attended this coven are typically well-to-do wix with connections to House of Severn, Selkirk and Yarwood. The coven can be found in a block of Edwardian mansions in Maida Vale, one the edge of Regent’s Canal.

=== '''Old Burrow''' ===
Tucked away not far from the town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Old Burrow is a medley of old farmland buildings by the edge of a young forest (where once stood an older one). Associated with most enclaves in Oxfordshire, as well as the Silverscale enclave of Reading.

=== '''Twelve Trees''' ===
This is a Hadrian coven in the small village enclave of Catswall Bridge not far from Newcastle. Like anything associated with the great House Hadrian, it is a well-respected small coven. It had produced several Council wix and Chancellors.

[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Culture]]

Craft

2026-06-15T04:36:13Z

Niobe:

Practiced magic is referred to as Craft or The Craft.

"Magic" is innate to Touched, but Craft is innovated, created, and learned like a science. Craft often requires a focus, an incantation (rhythmic chant), or material sacrifices (called fodder).

Craft that involves sacrifice, malicious intent and violation of autonomy is usually referred to as dark craft. Some dark craft is considered forbidden craft by the [[Consortium]]. There are other specialised types of craft, such as [[music craft]] and conveyance craft.

Examples of craft spells may be explored in the [[Craft Directory]].

== Components ==
Craft spells typically require concentration and some combination of the following components:
[[File:DA Fodder.jpg|thumb|321x321px]]

=== Focus ===
A bespoke item through which a wix channels magic. Examples include watches, rings, bracelets, pendants, etc.

Foci can be used in various ways: held in right or left hand, placed against the body (temple, heart, stomach, mouth), dipped into substance, have substances dripped in, held in fire, levitated in the hand, gesturing, set on top of an object.

Foci are specially made by Focalists and a wix imprints upon their focus, making it difficult to replace if lost or damaged. Skin contact is required. A focus can only be used by the wix it belongs go. Covens or a Focalist can assist with new imprinting.

=== Fodder ===
Reagents or material sacrifices for specific spells. Examples inlude:

Chalk, vinegar, gold, silver, mercury, ice, water, sand, glass, quartz, soil, jade, coal, ash, wood, insects, tongue, bone, marrow, hair, nails, ink, flowers, honey, silk, sulphur, ochre, clay, algae, seeds, saliva, blood, tears, iron, bronze, copper, rust, beeswax, mirror, witch stone (stone with a hole in it), leaves, paper, alcohol.

Fodder is typically bought from Apothecaries although common ones (like chalk and salt) can be gotten in tuck shops or newsstands and such.
[[File:DA Gesture.jpg|left|thumb|319x319px]]

=== '''Gesture''' ===
Physical gesticulations, usually with ones hands. Snap, point, touch another person, touch an object, paint/smear, wrap inside of, fold, burn, grind into powder, swallow, hold in mouth, bite on, draw blood, pinch, spit.

=== '''Chant''' ===
Incantations, typically in an ancient or classical tongue, e.g. latin, ancient greek, sanskrit, old gaelic, etc etc.

=== '''Object''' ===
An item upon which the spell is concentrated, e.g. making an object glow, saturating material in fodder, etc etc.

Not all craft is created equal. There are various levels of difficulty and exposure, and ones go-to spells may depend on which [[coven]] you attended or what you have picked up over the years.

== Conveyance Craft ==
A mundane door is enchanted with Craft to be a portal between two fixed points. The Door can be a regular door, opening in and out of a room or building or closet. Or the Door can be put on a wall, with its only intended use being for travel.

Skilled Touched can use chalk fto create temporary, one-way Doors. This requires precision chalking and lasts only as long for as long as the chalk is intact. A regular Door is far safer and more secure.

Creating and connecting proper Doors is a specialized Craft, regulated by the [[Consortium]] through local Council Offices who keep a directory of public doors. The Council or a private doorman (doorknocker) can repair broken Doors.

▶ More about [[conveyance craft]]

== Forbidden Craft ==
''General content warning: violence, gore, death''

Dark craft is generally understood to mean craft that requires the sacrifice of animals or blood. It is not a strict classification of craft. For example, ''haruspex,'' a form of divination involving the interpretation of animal entrails, would be considered a form of dark craft. Certain aspects of [[dream craft]] is also considered dark craft if it violates an individual's psyche without their consent.

Some dark craft falls into categories forbidden by the Consortium. Certain forms of the ‘three Cs’ (Corruption, Consumptions, Cruelties) are permitted to be practiced by Watchers. [[Knareswick]] researchers may apply to the Consortium to practice forbidden Craft in pursuit of their studies.

▶ More about [[forbidden craft]]

== Chalk ==
Chalk of the earth is said to be the stone wall of the Fae.

Carefully measured designs in the right kinds of chalk will create powerful effects - these are referred to as sigils. They are used to cast lasting enchantments or as part of more extensive ritualistic spells.

▶ More about [[sigils]]
[[Category:Magic]]

Wix

2026-06-15T04:35:10Z

Niobe:

Wix - also known as witches, or Touched - are humans with magical ability who make up the majority of the [[Betwixt]], or the hidden magical society and its culture.

=Biology=

Physically speaking, wixes are indistinguishable from the [[Untouched]]. They catch colds, diseases, rheumatisms, and such. They may be treated by modern medicine or by the healing Craft practiced by the beldam who run the [[Coven|covens]].

There are some exceptions: see "Favors" below.

=Society=

Recent generations of Touched are more and more integrated with the mundane world. They attend mundane school and have mundane jobs. At their core, however, they are culturally of the Betwixt and retain strong ties.

==Education and Careers==

Wix attend regular schools. Education in the Craft is done at [[Coven|covens]], the teaching done by the nuns there. Many wix have careers in the mundane world. Conversely, some Betwixt positions may require credentials from a mundane education.

==Enclaves and Houses==

It is most common for Touched to live in [[enclaves]] - several families concentrated in the same neighborhoods and villages. Some enclaves are urban neighborhoods whilst others are villages. Some are old and established and associated with a particular coven, some are newer. Many are associated with a traditional [[Houses]].

==Marriage==

A lot of match-making marriages happen and [[oracles]] are consulted - especially among traditional families. There is a strong desire for wix to carry on the Fae's Touch by partnering with other wix.

If you marry out, you'll be taking the first step of branching away from the Betwixt. There is a 50/50 chance of producing Touched children. This emphasis on wanting to continue Touched populations complicates the acceptance of same-sex couples among the Touched.

==Discrimination==
On the whole, no animosity is felt towards by the Touched towards the Untouched at large. There are varying levels of prejudice against non-human beings.

= Craft =

By nature, the Touched have innate magical abilities said to be inherited from their long-lost [[Fae]] ancestry. This allows them to perform simple magic like sensing magic, summoning objects, boiling a cup of water.
[[File:DA Wix Craft.jpg|left|thumb|203x203px]]
Practiced magic is known as [[Craft]]. "Magic" is innate to Touched, but Craft is innovated, created, and learned like a science. Craft often requires a focus, an incantation (rhythmic chant), or material sacrifices (called [[Craft#Fodder|fodder]]).

Craft that involves sacrifice, malicious intent and violation of autonomy is usually referred to as dark craft. Some dark craft is considered [[forbidden craft]] by the [[Consortium]].

Different types of craft may be quite specialised, such as [[music craft]] - or even [[conveyance craft]], which is the craft of creating and maintaining the magical Doors used in the betwixt.

See: [[Craft Directory]]

Some wixes, typically those with the money, ambition, and privilege for it, may pursue a higher education in specialised craft at [[Knareswick]].

== Familiars ==
Upon leaving their coven, most wixes undergo a blood ritual during Samhain (Halloween) through which they are tethered to a creature who will serve as their familiar. The ritual extends the life span of the familiar to about 20 - 30 years.

Wixes can communicate with their familiars by understanding their intentions. Familiars can run errands, send messages, and may defend their wix. Familiars need not always be close by.

Those who have lost their familiars will usually join these rituals at their old coven. Due to the close nature of their bond, the loss of a familiar can cause intense grief. Some may feel it so intensely that they do not take on another familiar. All the same it is not unusual to have multiple familiars in a lifetime, though there are wixes who choose not to have a familiar at all.

Familiar examples: ''cats, spiders, birds, beetles, dogs, etc etc.''

Familiars do not survive their wixes.

== Favours ==

A favour is an innate gift, often inherited through a bloodline. It is known as a ‘blessing of the Fae’. Certain favours might run in certain families. Not all wixes inherit a favour.

'''Soothsayer'''

Craft alone cannot divine the future (though many claim it can). It takes a born Soothsayer to interpret the signs and predict the future. This can take many forms and varies from one Soothsayer to another. Ones skill can improve with practice.

▶ More on [[Clairvoyancy]]

'''Shape Shifter'''

Some wixes, upon reaching puberty, will spontaneously show signs of being able to transform into animal forms. In order to control the ability they must practice it with a specific animal in the flesh. No matter what shape the shifter takes, there will be some tell about their identity. They cannot communicate with the animals they become.

▶ More on [[Shape Shifters]]

'''Changeling'''

Some wix are born with the ability to change their appearance within their human shape and size. They can don a different face, change their hair color, or conceal scars or injuries. Drastic structural changes require more time. The longer a wix wears a certain look, the more comfortable they become. Some changelings ‘forget’ their original appearance. The skill requires conscious effort.

▶ More on [[Changelings]]

'''Seeker'''

Wixes gifted at dream magic are sensitive towards anything to do with the mind. They are able to sense emotions and, if especially sensitive. surface level thoughts. Seekers can access and manipulate other people’s dreams. If they train in dream craft they may influence memory or the psyche.

▶ More on [[Dream Craft]]

[[Category:Beings]]

Wix

2026-06-15T04:33:22Z

Niobe: A little rearranging

Wix - also known as witches, or Touched - are humans with magical ability who make up the majority of the [[Betwixt]], or the hidden magical society and its culture.

=Biology=

Physically speaking, wixes are indistinguishable from the [[Untouched]]. They catch colds, diseases, rheumatisms, and such. They may be treated by modern medicine or by the healing Craft practiced by the beldam who run the [[Coven|covens]].

There are some exceptions: see "Favors" below.

=Society=

Recent generations of Touched are more and more integrated with the mundane world. They attend mundane school and have mundane jobs. At their core, however, they are culturally of the Betwixt and retain strong ties.

==Education and Careers==

Wix attend regular schools. Education in the Craft is done at [[Coven|covens]], the teaching done by the nuns there. Many wix have careers in the mundane world. Conversely, some Betwixt positions may require credentials from a mundane education.

==Enclaves and Houses==

It is most common for Touched to live in [[enclaves]] - several families concentrated in the same neighborhoods and villages. Some enclaves are urban neighborhoods whilst others are villages. Some are old and established and associated with a particular coven, some are newer. Many are associated with a traditional [[Houses]].

==Marriage==

A lot of match-making marriages happen and [[oracles]] are consulted - especially among traditional families. There is a strong desire for wix to carry on the Fae's Touch by partnering with other wix.

If you marry out, you'll be taking the first step of branching away from the Betwixt. There is a 50/50 chance of producing Touched children. This emphasis on wanting to continue Touched populations complicates the acceptance of same-sex couples among the Touched.

Wixes - also known as witches, wizards, Touched - are humans with magical ability who make up the majority of the [[Betwixt]]. They exist in hidden streets, areas and neighbourhoods of the mundane realm but are generally integrated with [[Untouched]] society.

Physically speaking, wixes are indistinguishable from the [[Untouched]], regular people. They catch colds, diseases, rheumatisms and such. They may be treated by modern medicine or by healing Craft practiced by the beldam who run covens. Craft may be the quicker route for broken bones or wounds.

= Craft =

By nature, the Touched have innate magical abilities said to be inherited from their long-lost [[Fae]] ancestry. This allows them to perform simple magic like sensing magic, summoning objects, boiling a cup of water.
[[File:DA Wix Craft.jpg|left|thumb|203x203px]]
Practiced magic is known as [[Craft]]. "Magic" is innate to Touched, but Craft is innovated, created, and learned like a science. Craft often requires a focus, an incantation (rhythmic chant), or material sacrifices (called [[Craft#Fodder|fodder]]).

Craft that involves sacrifice, malicious intent and violation of autonomy is usually referred to as dark craft. Some dark craft is considered [[forbidden craft]] by the [[Consortium]].

Different types of craft may be quite specialised, such as [[music craft]] - or even [[conveyance craft]], which is the craft of creating and maintaining the magical Doors used in the betwixt.

See: [[Craft Directory]]

Some wixes, typically those with the money, ambition, and privilege for it, may pursue a higher education in specialised craft at [[Knareswick]].

== Familiars ==
Upon leaving their coven, most wixes undergo a blood ritual during Samhain (Halloween) through which they are tethered to a creature who will serve as their familiar. The ritual extends the life span of the familiar to about 20 - 30 years.

Wixes can communicate with their familiars by understanding their intentions. Familiars can run errands, send messages, and may defend their wix. Familiars need not always be close by.

Those who have lost their familiars will usually join these rituals at their old coven. Due to the close nature of their bond, the loss of a familiar can cause intense grief. Some may feel it so intensely that they do not take on another familiar. All the same it is not unusual to have multiple familiars in a lifetime, though there are wixes who choose not to have a familiar at all.

Familiar examples: ''cats, spiders, birds, beetles, dogs, etc etc.''

Familiars do not survive their wixes.

== Favours ==

A favour is an innate gift, often inherited through a bloodline. It is known as a ‘blessing of the Fae’. Certain favours might run in certain families. Not all wixes inherit a favour.

'''Soothsayer'''

Craft alone cannot divine the future (though many claim it can). It takes a born Soothsayer to interpret the signs and predict the future. This can take many forms and varies from one Soothsayer to another. Ones skill can improve with practice.

▶ More on [[Clairvoyancy]]

'''Shape Shifter'''

Some wixes, upon reaching puberty, will spontaneously show signs of being able to transform into animal forms. In order to control the ability they must practice it with a specific animal in the flesh. No matter what shape the shifter takes, there will be some tell about their identity. They cannot communicate with the animals they become.

▶ More on [[Shape Shifters]]

'''Changeling'''

Some wix are born with the ability to change their appearance within their human shape and size. They can don a different face, change their hair color, or conceal scars or injuries. Drastic structural changes require more time. The longer a wix wears a certain look, the more comfortable they become. Some changelings ‘forget’ their original appearance. The skill requires conscious effort.

▶ More on [[Changelings]]

'''Seeker'''

Wixes gifted at dream magic are sensitive towards anything to do with the mind. They are able to sense emotions and, if especially sensitive. surface level thoughts. Seekers can access and manipulate other people’s dreams. If they train in dream craft they may influence memory or the psyche.

▶ More on [[Dream Craft]]

[[Category:Beings]]

User:Niobe

2026-06-12T16:35:51Z

Niobe: Created page with ":wave: hello!"

:wave: hello!

Main Page

2026-06-12T15:06:54Z

Niobe:

This is the wiki for De Arcana, an original urban fantasy for forum RPG.

= Lore Index =

== Beings ==
* [[Wix]] - Humans who can do magic
* [[Banshees]] - The beings of legend, with powerful keening and an affinity for mourning
* [[Coblynau]] - Magical in their own right, their city lies below Edinburgh
* [[Vampires]] - The once dead, risen in a new form to drink the blood of the living
* [[Caliban]] - Constructed with dark Craft, powerful puppets made living
* [[Untouched]] - Normal, everyday humans

== More ==
* [[Craft]]
* [[:Category: Locations|Locations]]
* [[:Category: Government|Government]]

Category:Government

2026-06-12T15:06:23Z

Niobe: Created page with "Topics concerning governance in the Betwixt"

Topics concerning governance in the Betwixt

Untouched

2026-06-12T15:06:00Z

Niobe:

Also known as ''mundanes''.

There is Craft to allow Untouched access to the Betwixt. Such persons are known as Visitors. This access is granted by the [[Consortium]], although previously it was granted by the covens.

In order to be recognized, visitors carry a Mark which is a coin-like talisman bearing the visitor's name and magical etching. It is used to allow Visitors to "see" hidden things, and also serves as identification.

Marks do not allow Untouched to use Craft but they are able to utilise Doors. Visitors do not have full rights under the Consortium but they enjoy some protections against abuse. Criteria to be allowed to Visit is usually via a blood relation or through marriage.

[[Category: Beings]]

Wix

2026-06-12T15:05:51Z

Niobe:

Wixes - also known as witches, wizards, Touched - are humans with magical ability who make up the majority of the [[Betwixt]]. They exist in hidden streets, areas and neighbourhoods of the mundane realm but are generally integrated with [[Untouched]] society.

Physically speaking, wixes are indistinguishable from the [[Untouched]]. They catch colds, diseases, rheumatisms and such. They may be treated by modern medicine or by healing craft practiced by the beldam who run covens. Craft is the quicker route for broken bones or wounds.

== Society ==
Wixes attend regular schools in addition to learning the craft in their respective [[covens]].

Some have jobs or go to universities in the mundane. Certain Twixt careers may require a mundane degree. Wixes use regular technology and consume modern media. However, recording devices are scrambled by magic.

=== Enclaves ===
[[Enclaves]] are areas within the mundane where many wix families reside. Think China Town or Little Italy but hidden from the mundane. They are dependent on geography. Some enclaves are urban neighborhoods whilst others are villages.

=== Marriage ===
A lot of match-making marriages happen and Oracles are consulted - especially among traditional families. There is a strong desire for wix to carry on the Fae's Touch by partnering with other wix.

If you marry out, you'll be taking the first step of branching away from the Betwixt. There is a 50/50 chance of producing Touched children. This emphasis on wanting to continue Touched populations complicates the acceptance of same-sex couples among the Touched.

=== Discrimination ===
On the whole, no animosity is felt towards by the Touched towards the Untouched at large. There are varying levels of prejudice against non-human beings.

== Craft ==
By nature, the Touched have innate magical abilities said to be inherited from their long-lost [[Fae]] ancestry. This allows them to perform simple magic like sensing magic, summoning objects, boiling a cup of water.
[[File:DA Wix Craft.jpg|left|thumb|203x203px]]
Practiced magic is known as Craft. "Magic" is innate to Touched, but Craft is innovated, created, and learned like a science. Craft often requires a focus, an incantation (rhythmic chant), or material sacrifices (called [[fodder]]).

Craft that involves sacrifice, malicious intent and violation of autonomy is usually referred to as [[Dark craft|dark]] [[Dark craft|craft]]. Some dark craft is considered [[forbidden craft]] by the [[Consortium]].

Different types of craft may be quite specialised, such as [[music craft]] - or even [[conveyance craft]], which is the craft of creating and maintaining the magical Doors used in the betwixt.

See: [[craft examples]]

Some wixes, typically those with the money, ambition, and privilege for it, may pursue a higher education in specialised craft at [[Knareswick]].

== Familiars ==
Upon leaving their coven, most wixes undergo a blood ritual during Samhain (Halloween) through which they are tethered to a creature who will serve as their familiar. The ritual extends the life span of the familiar.

Wixes can communicate with their familiars by understanding their intentions. Familiars can run errands, send messages, and may defend their wix. Familiars need not always be close by.

Those who have lost their familiars will usually join these rituals at their old coven. Due to the close nature of their bond, the loss of a familiar can cause intense grief. Some may feel it so intensely that they do not take on another familiar. All the same it is not unusual to have multiple familiars in a lifetime, though there are wixes who choose not to have a familiar at all.

Familiar examples: ''cats, spiders, birds, beetles, dogs, etc etc.''

Familiars do not survive their wixes.

== Favours ==
A favour is an innate gift, often inherited through a bloodline. It is known as a ‘blessing of the Fae’. Certain favours might run in certain families. Not all wixes inherit a favour.

'''Soothsayer'''

Craft alone cannot divine the future (though many claim it can). It takes a born Soothsayer to interpret the signs and predict the future. This can take many forms and varies from one Soothsayer to another. Skill can improve with practice.

'''Shape Shifter'''

Some wixes, upon reaching puberty, will spontaneously show signs of being able to transform into animal forms. In order to control the ability they must practice it with a specific animal in the flesh. No matter what shape the shifter takes, there will be some tell about their identity. They cannot communicate with the animals they become.

'''Changeling'''

Some wix are born with the ability to change their appearance within their human shape and size. They can don a different face, change their hair color, or conceal scars or injuries. Drastic structural changes require more time. The longer a wix wears a certain look, the more comfortable they become. Some changelings ‘forget’ their original appearance. The skill requires conscious effort.

'''Seeker'''

Wixes gifted at dream magic are sensitive towards anything to do with the mind. They are able to sense emotions and, if especially sensitive. surface level thoughts. Seekers can access and manipulate other people’s dreams. If they train in dreamcraft they may influence memory or the psyche.

[[Category:Beings]]

Caliban

2026-06-12T15:05:39Z

Niobe:

[[File:Vitruvian Man.jpg|thumb|339x339px]]
A created being, not unlike a golem, that has developed autonomy after the death of its [[wix]] creator.

Caliban resemble human beings. They are alive and fully conscious. Caliban are generally said not to experience emotions although it is more accurate to say they process emotions in their own way, which to others may seem literal and unfeeling.

The creation of these beings was forbidden long ago and they were destroyed if discovered. Those who became autonomous went into hiding, typically in places like [[Craeky Hob]] or in the mundane realm if they can pass for human.

Few wixes have knowingly met a Caliban and many do not believe there are any left in the [[betwixt]] above.

== Origin ==
When originally grown and during the lifetime of their creator, Caliban are extremely obedient. They are created through a type of [[forbidden craft]] known as ''Corruptions'' or ''Necromancy.''

How a Caliban is made:<blockquote>''A figure is built of clay, wood, or sewn up. A child's heart is sewn or sealed in along with a sacrifice of the maker (eye, finger, tongue, etc). Then the figure must be soaked in barley beer or rice wine and buried in the ground from new moon to new moon, weighed down under a river stone. While in the ground, it will become alive and minded, and will look every bit like a real human. The only tell will be a seam somewhere on the body where the sacrifice/gift was laid in.'' </blockquote>After the death of their creator, a Caliban may fully develop free will and self-awareness.

== Society ==
Thusfar Caliban do not form communities as they are so few.

Many fear them as abandoned Caliban who do not become autonomous are susceptible to corruption and eventually turn rogue. These rotted caliban live in the local folklore as "[[bog men]]", "straw man" or other similar slang, for they crawl out of the ground and stagger, aimlessly wanting and aggressive, apparently.

== Abilities ==
Caliban do not practice Craft nor do they have innate magic in the way of coblynau or wixes. However, they are unusually strong and may live up to twice as long as a human. Their appearance does not age. Caliban have a ‘seam’ somewhere on their bodies that marks them out for what they are.

Caliban are resistant (but not impervious) to magic and physical harm. Their creators often bequeath a non-magical talent on them (weaving, stealth, etc) to aid their work.

Caliban have a high threshold for pain. Although resistant to harm, they can still be injured or hurt. They cannot be fixed using regular Craft. In order to heal a Caliban must be buried in good soil for several nights - the more severe the damage, the more time is required.

While Caliban require nourishment and sleep, they can sustain themselves on very little. They cannot be poisoned or drugged

[[Category:Beings]]

Vampires

2026-06-12T15:05:34Z

Niobe:

Conventional legend has it that vampires have a history as old as the [[Fae]] but were too clever and wise to have fallen victim to whatever caused the Fae to pass into legend. They are disciplined, hierarchical and able to live covertly among humans.

Vampires are non-human beings created in the particular death of a human corpse.

They are resistant to darkcraft and dreamcraft. They are vulnerable to naked sunlight and can only be killed by a wooden stake to the heart. Vampires are visible in reflections.

== Society ==
Vampires live among but apart from the regular world and have refused governance by the [[Consortium]]. Their society is structured around '''coteries''', groups of vampires in a hierarchy. The coteries have territories where they carefully manage their feeding, secrecy, and safety. Some coteries are peaceful and others criminal.

When there is a conflict of territory and behaviour between coteries, a '''Tribunal''' is formed by the leaders of nearby coteries in order to examine the situation at hand.

Vampires largely feed on humans but a minority have developed a taste for [[coblynau]], bazzin and caoini. They do not drink banshee. Drinking from a [[Caliban]] can be deadly to a vampire.

A minority of coteries have '''bloodwells,''' humans who live among them to be fed on. Some wix find feeding pleasurable and will seek a coterie for the purpose.

The odd vampire may choose to live in [[Craeky Hob]], where vampires are welcomed as long as they abide by Hob law.

== Talents ==
Vampire talents are unique to them Capacity varies among individuals but older vampires have a better grip on their skills. They possess impossible speed and stillness, and great strength.
[[File:DA Vampire Bat.jpg|left|thumb|261x261px]]

=== '''Bat Form''' ===
Vampires can turn into a bat at will. New vampires need time to acquire and practice this ability, whilst older vampires are more graceful with transformations.

=== '''Telekinesis''' ===
They are able to summon and levitate objects. Older vampires can slightly levitate themselves, a skill often used to prevent their footsteps from being heard.

=== '''Hypnotism (Thrall)''' ===
Vampires can utilise eye contact in order to hypnotise people into believing what they are told, or into following orders. It is more effective on people who lack confidence or who are emotionally vulnerable. Seekers and soothsayers are less susceptible. Caliban cannot be enthralled.

=== '''Taste''' ===
All vampires are able to detect the presence of substances (alcohol, drugs, etc) in someone’s blood. Experienced ones may develop the knack of discerning more subtle attributes - an iron deficiency, disease, blood curses, etc.

== Known Coteries ==

* [[Southside Hookers]] - Edinburgh

[[Category:Beings]]

Banshees

2026-06-12T15:05:28Z

Niobe:

Banshee are a magic people native to Ireland, obsessed with death. They are not human, but they appear very much like humans and can often pass freely. All banshees appear female. They have very long hair which will regrow overnight if cut, and red irises. They tend to live for twice as long as humans. Poison is ineffective on banshees. They are physically resilient and resistant to dark craft.

Like [[vampires]] and [[coblynau]], banshees are not governed by the [[Consortium]]. They live among wix as a novelty, or out of a lovesick heart, or having been ostracized from their people. Some live in [[Craeky Hob]], where they are welcome.

== Society ==
[[File:DA Banshee Home.jpg|thumb|A banshee home.]]
Banshee tend to cluster around cemeteries and burial sites. They live in areas or homes that, to the mundane eye, appear abandoned. The Untouched will inexplicably feel that these places are eerie or ‘haunted’. Wixes are less susceptible to this effect but know that they are not welcome.

Banshee are gestated within the trunks of old graveyard trees before they are born into this world. Banshees who were born from the same tree are effectively sisters.

It is traditional for some wix houses to ask a banshee to attend and sing at funerals. Custom demands an offering be made to the banshee and even the wording for the request is particular.

== Gifts ==
Banshee do not practice Craft otherwise but their innate magic allows them to summon objects and move things around as a wix or coblyn might.

They have the following gifts. Caoiní may inherit one or two of these gifts.

=== '''Keening''' ===
The angry wail of a banshee will overwhelm and disable non-banshees who hear it; they will become overwhelmed by abject sadness, cry, and grow weak against the sudden wave of involuntary emotion. The effects can linger.

=== '''Guise''' ===
A mature banshee can change the age they appear, able to appear younger or older for a time if they concentrate. A mirror will betray the disguise.

=== '''Speak to the Dead''' ===
The voice of a banshee can command answers from the latent memories and experiences of the dead. They are not speaking with the living spirit or ghost, but rather accessing what's left behind when someone dies. Speaking with the dead grows difficult to impossible as the body decomposes.

=== '''Silver tongue''' ===
Banshees can apparently speak any language they hear, and can sing magical songs in their own tongue, unrepeatable by other beings.

== Constitution ==
Although banshee may drink and consume what a human might, they also require sustenance in the form of grief. They can be found observing funerals, memorials and other death rites. Some banshee work at or run funeral services in the mundane world. Starving banshees will contrive to create grief around them.

== Caoiní ==
Etymology: from Irish for "keening". Caoine singular (kwee-na or kee-na). Caoiní plural (kwee-nee or kee-nee)

A banshee can have a child via a human man and these are known as caoiní. Caoiní will unfailingly have long hair past their shoulders. If cut, it will grow back overnight. They have a high tolerance against poisons but are not immune like banshees.

They are most likely to live among the wix, often unwanted by banshees. They can be of any sex and share one or two banshee gifts.

Caoiní have the capacity to learn and practice Craft because, it is believed, they inherit the Fae Touch. Caoiní have not been historically included at covens, but they can use Doors, see the Twixt, etc.

Caoiní do not take familiars because they do not access covens. They do not have favours.

[[Category:Beings]]

Coblynau

2026-06-12T15:05:23Z

Niobe:

Coblyn singular (kob-lin) and coblynau plural (kob-lin-eye).

Coblynau and coblyn-humans (bazzin) are green-skinned, pointy-eared elf-like beings typically between 4 and 5' tall. They have a wide range of body shapes and green-to-grey skin tones. Their ears vary in shape and size and earrings are a popular adornment. Their hair is similar to humans in distribution and texture, but in colors more in the coblyn skin-tone range.

Coblynau are said to have come to Britain a long time ago and they have their own folklore about how that happened. Naming convention for coblynau is ‘[First name] of [Family name]’ e.g. Meyron of Fizink.

'Coblyn' is an exonym from the Welsh, borrowed by wix from folklore. They call themselves Kobalos (kobaloi, plural) from their Greek roots. The coblyn language is called Rhema.

== Society ==
Coblynau in Britain are a relatively small population (50k) and live almost completely hidden from the mundane world. Their society is focused around the sprawling underground city [[Craeky Hob]] that is forbidden to humans. They live in big extended families with a strong focus of craftsmanship. They have had to learn a great deal about wix culture, but the opposite is not true - culturally, they wish to preserve their culture from human influence.

Coblynau come from eggs that grow for several months before hatching into babies. Their life spans are similar to humans.
[[File:DA Coblyn Fungi.jpg|thumb|Glowing fungi down in Craeky Hob]]

=== Fungi ===
Coblynau are brilliant cultivators of all manner of mushrooms and fungi. With Skill they are able to alter and amplify ordinary mushrooms for magical purposes. For example, they can light the Hob with glowing mushrooms, protect the portals to the Hob with fairy rings, or send messages with a mycelium network.

=== Electricity & Technology ===
Coblynau have mastered, in their own way, electricity. With Skill they can make magical use of current and magnetic fields to make their lives easier and to improve their crafted tools and mechanisms. For cultural and logistical reasons, there is little human technology down in the Craeky Hob. Many young coblynau and certainly most bazzin are curious and fluent in human technology and will engage with it when above ground. There have been past efforts to get cell signal, for example, in the Hob, but there's little traction.

== Skill ==
Coblynau practice of magic is known as the Skill. There is some foundational overlap in that they can see the Betwixt, use Doors, and can access the same magical properties of natural things as wix can.

Coblynau have innate magic that's practically and culturally different from wix and known as Skill. Scholars disagree on its origins, but suffice it to say, there is a clear distinction. Coblyn magic focuses on the creation and enchantment of tools, materials, and objects of the earth, like soil, stone, and metal.

They imbue tools with magic by way of alchemy and inscriptions. Coblyn-made tools are enduring, coblyn-made clocks are precise and prescient, coblyn-made locks cannot be opened with Craft. Coblynau and and bazzin tend to develop aptitudes for one or two materials - gold, silver, steel, granite, marble. This kinship to particular materials makes it easier to work with them.

In terms of everyday magic, coblynau can do similar things to wixes like float or summon objects. They do this by ‘asking’ the object in their tongue, Rhema. A bazzin might be able to simply gesture as wixes do. Otherwise, coblynau rely on the tools and objects they have created to practice magic.

== Constitution ==
Foods that would be poisonous to humans are consumed by coblynau to various effects. It would be very difficult to poison a coblyn.

Coblynau have a different way of processing and metabolising consumed substances. They are expert at treating different kinds of fungi to different effect.

Examples:

* Glamour - imbibing an infusion of ''Deadly Dapperling'' mushrooms (toxic to humans) will disguise a coblyn as human; the effect wears off should they lose consciousness.

* Bright Eyes - consuming sauteed ''Jack-o’-lantern'' mushrooms enable coblynau to see in the dark for up to a day; a popular breakfast for miners.

* Strength - drinking mercury instills great physical strength on coblynau for up to three hours; commonly used by metalworkers and can only be taken once a day.

Results are inconsistent amongst bazzin but the general rule is that effects are less potent and do not last for half as long.

== Bazzin ==
Bazzin is a Rhema (coblyn language) word for coblyn-humans. They almost exclusively live amongst the coblynau in a somewhat outcast position. Bazzin are taller and more likely to have smaller ears and more human skin colors ranging from a pale pink to dark brown, depending on their human parents' appearance.

They have the capacity to learn and practice Craft. It is believed they inherit the Fae Touch. Bazzin have not been historically included at covens, so they have a reputation of being poor Crafters. Bazzin also have the capacity for Skill. If they are raised in Craeky Hob, they can learn it.

Since humans are not allowed in the Hob, bazzin typically have to chose (or have chosen for them) the path they take.

Bazzin do not take familiars because they do not access covens. Bazzin born to humans are live born, and bazzin born to coblynau come from eggs.

[[Category:Beings]]

Category:Locations

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Niobe: Created page with "Locations in our world"

Locations in our world

Seven Dials

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Niobe:

Named after its Untouched equivalent near Covent Garden, London, from where it can be reached through a door in a hidden twixt alleyway.
[[File:DA Seven Dials Clocktower.jpg|left|thumb|Seven Dials, London]]
Seven Dials is a gathering square for the Touched, a meeting point of seven betwixt locations from across Great Britain. A small clocktower takes precedence at the center. It is usually quite busy as a thoroughfare, with wixes cutting through from one Door to another. It plays host to a weekend market and serves as a meeting point in emergencies.

The seven betwixt areas that may be accessed through Doors in Seven Dials include the [[Consortium]] and [[Candlestick Row]].

[[Category:Locations]]

Craeky Hob

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Niobe:

The hidden underground coblyn city whose existence is a secret/forbidden from humans. Also known as ''Cheapstowe.''

Geographically, it lies under the Thames in London, but access ingress is via enchanted portals which open and close in peculiar ways. One of these portals can be found in [[Melrose Cemetery]] on [[Candlestick Row]].

It is said that all lost things end up in the 'Hob and can be retrieved. The bodies of missing persons are said end up in their underground river, Kokytus.

Banshees and vampires are welcome in the Craeky Hob, but familiars are not. The Hob is governed by a synod made of the heads of the most influential coblyn clans, as well as the heads of their guilds.

== Description ==
[[File:DA Craeky Hob.jpg|thumb|A corner of Craeky Hob]]
Creaky Hob is a warren of beautiful stone-work tunnels, chambers, and alcoves. Underground water is well managed in canals, and there are many fine bridges, gates, and doors. There are streets, homes, and businesses. There are fine areas and shady areas.

=== The Bazaar ===
At the heart of Craeky Hob, a maze of an open space market where one might find just about anything. The eponymous "hag market", but they don't call it that. Trade is by coin (coblyn currency) or barter.

=== Tyburt's Turn ===
A cul de sac of small, hole-in-the-wall shops. Sometimes known as ‘the turn’ because it is where you might end up if your business takes a turn for the worse. Its inhabitants often live above their shops and they are a tight-lipped lot who don’t snitch on their neighbours.

=== Lockes ===
These subterranean docks allow water-borne access to the Craeky Hob. It takes a skilled pilot to manuever the labyrinth of rivers to open water.

=== Magistrate ===
The seat of government in the Craeky Hob. It is a triumph of coblyn architecture and finishing. It houses offices, courtrooms, holding cells, and the Sphinx's lair.

[[Category:Locations]]

Candlestick Row

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Niobe:

[[File:DA Twixt Alley.jpg|left|thumb|324x324px|Hidden twixt alleyway leading down to Candlestick Row]]
An old "twixt road" in Edinburgh, hidden away for Touched eyes only and named for its Untouched equivalent. These old roads were said to have been laid down by the Fae, but the more recent ancient reality is that they were enchanted to be hidden by Touched and maintained by the Consortium.

Candlestick Row is home to [[Knareswick]], [[Pendragon Hotel]], shops, homes, and a local Council office. It is connected to [[Seven Dials]] by a Door.

It is a long and wide cobbled road with the odd alleyway branching off.

Non-humans may get to [[Craeky Hob]] through [[Melrose Cemetery]], a very old graveyard located at the very end of the row.

[[Category:Locations]]

Caliban

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Niobe:

Vampires

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Niobe:

Banshees

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Niobe:

Coblynau

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Niobe:

Consortium

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Niobe: /* Watchmen */

The Consortium governs the people of the [[Betwixt]] and caretakes the [[Craft]]. Its early roots were an alliance of trade guilds and Touched families, and has evolved into what we know today: a representative law-making body, law enforcement, with regulatory offices.

[[Consortium HQ]] can be accessed through a hidden ticket gateway in the Covent Garden tube station, London.

It is a sprawling underground structure built into and around abandoned train tunnels no longer remembered by the Untouched.

==Council==
Councilors are elected every 5 years by popular vote of traditional districts. There are about 25. The Council's convention meets at HQ in London every month but each councilor operates out of a [[local council office]] with their staff.

The [[Chancellor]] is a councilor elected from the others to run the Consortium.

There are small local council offices around the country where councilors can be reached, paperwork filed, etc.

==Liaison==
The Consortium maintains the separation of the Betwixt through a committee embedded in the British government. This is a dense office with lawyers, financiers, and councillors. They handle legal jurisdiction and economic conflicts.

==Diplomats==
A small cadre of diplomats work under the Chancellor to advise on foreign affairs and relations with other twixt authorities from around the world.

==The Oversight==
The Consortium body of Overseers who caretake the Craft and has made certain magic strictly forbidden is called the Oversight. The Oversight defines, archives, and categorizes Craft. They tend to be a conservative body and have a scholarly aesthetic. The Oversight is the oldest part of the Consortium. This is an illustrious position for the most skilled, educated, and connected Touched.

==Offices==
There are smaller offices in the Consortium to keep track of specific areas.

'''Door Authority''' - Oversees issues about public and private doors and their maintenance

'''Visitor Affairs''' - Handles cases where the Untouched can be granted their Mark and other concerns.

'''Lorekin Bureau''' - Attempts to coordinate relationships with other magical people such as [[coblynau]] and [[banshees]].

'''Oversight Affairs''' - Investigates, processes and issues special licenses to practice Forbidden Craft. The Oversight itself is given final say on respective licenses.

==Watchmen==
These are the law enforcement wing of the Consortium with jobs ranging from basic patrol and security, to detectives, and highly trained special operators. They are called Watchmen or Watchers.

They are known by two special foci that only a Watchmen may possess: [[Onreon Glass|Crafted spectacles]] that allow them to discern traces of dark craft . The other is an [[Dead nail|iron nail]] which, once pinned onto a person, renders them walking comatose - white eyes, automaton response to orders, fuzzy consciousness. The iron nail is a form of Cruelty and otherwise forbidden.

Stalkers are specialised Watchers who deal with extreme cases of [[Forbidden craft]], especially cruelties. They have additional license to use forbidden craft in their work but it is a dangerous job with a higher mortality rate. Stalkers are asked to retire by fifty, if they live to it. They work in small teams and some are known to abuse their privileges, a fact that many turn a blind eye towards.

Watchmen are organized at the local Council Office level. Stalkers report directly to Consortium HQ. They are often required to work together. Stalkers are promoted from the ranks of outstanding Watchers.

=Law=

A tribunal of nine magistrates metes out law for the Consortium. The legal structure is similar to the mundane world where Touched have civil rights to counsel, fair trials, appeals, etc. The jurisdiction of the Consortium mainly concerns the particular transgressions of the Between. There is a procedure for handing Touched and Visitors back to the mundane government.

Examples of charges include: interference in the mundane world, burglary, harming a familiar, using Forbidden craft, violation of Door regulation, money laundering, identity theft.

Legal penalties include fines, community service, temporary or permanent brand, house arrest, confiscation of focus (temporary or permanent), and exile.

Exile is the most severe form of punishment; memory wipe and banishment from the Betwixt.

=Secrecy=
The keeping of the secret of the Betwixt currently falls to the local council offices. There is no Consortium law against revealing the Betwixt per se, so the chronically indiscreet or those being reckless or harmful are usually dealt with by other statutes. Conflicts are relatively rare and usually minor and any gaffes are cleaned up by local Council offices.

Coblynau, vampires, and banshees have a long-vested and existential interest in remaining unknown by the Untouched (though, of course, many Untouched are aware of them through their own folklore.)

See also: [[Visitors]]

[[Category: Government]]