De Arcana Wiki - User contributions [en]

Bog men

2026-06-18T10:21:42Z

Nyx: Created page with "Also known as ''Straw Man'' and other similar slang, depending on local folklore. Bog men are Caliban who do not develop 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 ve..."

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

Bog men are [[Caliban]] who do not develop 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]]

United States

2026-06-18T10:13:59Z

Nyx: /* Culture and Society */

The Betwixt population in the US has a significantly smaller ratio to its Untouched because European wixes did not migrate to the Americas in as large numbers as their mundane counterparts.

Many believe what was done to its indigenous population has upset the natural balance of magic in North America and that the land no longer receives grace from the gods or the Fae.

== Governance ==
The governance follows closely to the British model.

Twixt governance in every state is managed by an assembly, which in its turn is headed by a mayor. Assemblies organise their own Watchmen, legal matters and visitor affairs. Mayors represent their assembly’s interest at Union meetings in Washington DC.

The Union is a federal power led by a Governor. It creates legislation and has its own Oversight Committee for Craft regulation, as well as a Liaison office. It also manages federal law, acting as mediator for interstate proceedings.

Whilst the Union does not have a Stalker division, bounty hunters are fairly commonplace and are hired by assemblies or private individuals to deal with extreme cases of Forbidden Craft.

== '''Culture and Society''' ==
Much of ancient North American magical history has been lost. What is left is safeguarded by indigenous wix, who govern themselves by tribal grouping. Indigenous Craft is a closed practice and it is not taught to outsiders.

There are two major institutes of higher learning and research. ''The'' ''Starling Institute'' (New York City) is the older, considered more prestigious and conventional. ''Pobladores'' (Los Angeles) is a slightly younger academy with a reputation for radical views.

[[Coblynau|Coblyn]] and [[Banshees|banshee]] communities are far fewer in the United States. However, there is a significant vampire population. [[Caliban]] numbers are unknown but it is believed that there are more here than in Great Britain, where Caliban were hunted and exterminated in great numbers.

Incarceration and the death penalty are still enforced in some states, although public opinion is slowly turning the tide on this.
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Locations]]

Caliban

2026-06-18T10:12:51Z

Nyx:

[[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. However, it is said that there are more Caliban remaining in the south and in North America (see: [[United States]]).

== 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. They are also able to see in the dark. 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]]

Dream Craft

2026-06-16T14:41:37Z

Nyx: Created page with "Dream craft is a particular kind of craft that may only be practiced by Seekers, whose favour allows them to sense emotions. The favour is not immediately recognised for what it is. However, beldam are adept at being able to discern when a young wix is receptive to emotions around them. Especially sensitive Seekers may be able to sense surface level thoughts. Seekers can also access and manipulate other people's dreams should they choose to train in dream craft..."

Dream craft is a particular kind of craft that may only be practiced by Seekers, whose [[favour]] allows them to sense emotions.

The favour is not immediately recognised for what it is. However, [[beldam]] are adept at being able to discern when a young wix is receptive to emotions around them.

Especially sensitive Seekers may be able to sense surface level thoughts. Seekers can also access and manipulate other people's dreams should they choose to train in dream craft. Advanced practitioners of dream craft may influence a person's memory or psyche through their dreamscape.

== Instruction ==
It is important for Seekers to learn how to protect themselves from being overwhelmed by other people's feelings. This is usually taught to young wixes by an older Seeker through basic meditative practices.

Seekers are able to obscure or hide their own emotions and thoughts from other Seekers.

Not all Seekers choose to practice dream craft. It is generally taught to an intermediate level. Further advancement can be pursued at [[Knareswick]], where it is studied as a form of dark [[craft]].

== Examples ==
As seen in the [[Craft Directory]]:

=== ↠ 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…''
|}
[[Category:Magic]]

Shape Shifters

2026-06-16T14:27:22Z

Nyx: /* Learning */

Shape shifters, upon reaching puberty, will spontaneously show signs of this [[favour]] - being able to transform into animal forms.

No matter what shape the shifter takes, there will be some tell about their identity. They cannot communicate with the animals they become.

A shape shifter's focus will shift with them but their attire will not. They must take care to plan ahead or risk transforming back to human without clothing or fodder on their person.

== 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]]

Shape Shifters

2026-06-16T14:11:57Z

Nyx: Created page with "Shape shifters, upon reaching puberty, will spontaneously show signs of this favour - being able to transform into animal forms. No matter what shape the shifter takes, there will be some tell about their identity. They cannot communicate with the animals they become. A shape shifter's focus will shift with them but their attire will not. They must take care to plan ahead or risk transforming back to human without clothing or fodder on their person. == Learning..."

Shape shifters, upon reaching puberty, will spontaneously show signs of this [[favour]] - being able to transform into animal forms.

No matter what shape the shifter takes, there will be some tell about their identity. They cannot communicate with the animals they become.

A shape shifter's focus will shift with them but their attire will not. They must take care to plan ahead or risk transforming back to human without clothing or fodder on their person.

== Learning ==
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]]

Favour

2026-06-16T11:25:12Z

Nyx: Redirected page to Wix#Favours

#REDIRECT [[Wix#Favours]]

Changelings

2026-06-16T11:24:43Z

Nyx: Created page with "'''Changelings''' are wix who have inherited the favour of being able to alter their appearance at will. The ability extends to changing one's physical appearance within one's original human shape and size. They can don a different face, change their hair colour, or conceal scars and injuries. Drastic structural changes to do with height and build would require more time - a matter of hours or days instead of seconds and minutes. Although a Changeling might conce..."

'''Changelings''' are wix who have inherited the [[favour]] of being able to alter their appearance at will.

The ability extends to changing one's physical appearance within one's original human shape and size. They can don a different face, change their hair colour, or conceal scars and injuries. Drastic structural changes to do with height and build would require more time - a matter of hours or days instead of seconds and minutes.

Although a Changeling might conceal an injury by 'growing' skin over it, the injury will still have to heal in the regular way or through craft.

The longer a Changeling wears a certain face, the more likely it will become their comfortable default appearance. Some may even forget their original appearance as a result.

[[Category:Magic]]

Favours

2026-06-16T10:58:17Z

Nyx: Redirected page to Wix#Favours

#REDIRECT [[Wix#Favours]]

Clairvoyance

2026-06-16T10:57:40Z

Nyx: Created page with "'''Clairvoyance''' is one of four favours a wix may inherit. It is the genuine ability to divine the future through visions, signs and omens. Those born with this ability are known as soothsayers, augurs and oracles. How one's clairvoyance expresses itself is idiosyncratic - it differs from one soothsayer to another. == Visions & Omens == The timing of a vision (glimpse of the future) or omen cannot be precisely determined. Mind-altering substances - herbs, fung..."

'''Clairvoyance''' is one of four [[favours]] a wix may inherit. It is the genuine ability to divine the future through visions, signs and omens. Those born with this ability are known as soothsayers, augurs and oracles.

How one's clairvoyance expresses itself is idiosyncratic - it differs from one soothsayer to another.

== Visions & Omens ==
The timing of a vision (glimpse of the future) or omen cannot be precisely determined.

Mind-altering substances - herbs, fungi, drugs - may be consumed to better 'open' your mind to the possibility. There are rituals that can be undertaken to encourage visions and omens in connection to a specific person or object.

Many soothsayers become aware of their gift when they witness their first vision or omen as a child. Some, however, may not realise they are favoured until much older.

== Scrying ==
Scrying is another term for divination [[craft]]. It can take many forms.

Soothsayers may have knack for some forms of divination craft and may experiment with different forms for years before settling on a method that suits them best - which is to say, the method most reliable.

Examples:

* ''Tasseography -'' divination through tea leaves, coffee grounds, etc
* ''Haruspicy'' - interpreting the entrails of dead animals
* ''Tarot card reading''
* ''Numerology'' - divination through numbers
* ''Lithomancy -'' interpreting the future through stones or the reflected light of stones
* ''Palmistry -'' interpreting palm lines

[[Category:Magic]]

Wix

2026-06-16T10:20:50Z

Nyx: /* Favours */

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 [[Clairvoyance]]

'''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]]

Coven

2026-06-16T10:13:09Z

Nyx: /* London */

'''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, on 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]]

Main Page

2026-06-16T09:43:47Z

Nyx: /* Places */

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.
* [[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

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

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

Knareswick

2026-06-16T09:40:35Z

Nyx:

Edinburgh is home to Knareswick Phrontistery, an expensive and elite higher education for wixes done in a socratic structure.

Sorcerers and their acolytes study niche [[Craft]] for power and prestige. The school is old and privately run - the [[Consortium]] has no special authority. It is an open secret that questionable research is ongoing, with Sorcerors dabbling in [[forbidden craft]]. Wealth and reputation keep Knareswick from scrutiny.
[[File:DA Knareswick.jpg|thumb|385x385px]]
A small campus of old buildings are adjacent to [[Candlestick Row]] and includes lecture theatres, laboratories, and residences for staff and students. Anyone who's anyone has done a course at Knareswick, including some [[beldam]].

Some lectures and workshops are open to the public, at a fee.

== Faculty, student body & staff ==

* '''Chair & Board''' - Oversee Knareswick
* '''Staff''' - Other admin, groundskeepers, etc.
* '''Sorcerers''' - Professors, specialized
* '''Disciples''' - Graduate students, teaching assistants attached to a Sorcerer
* '''Acolytes''' - Undergraduate students
* '''Sizar''' - Acolytes who must work for Knareswick to pay their way. This is looked down on.

== Matriculation ==
Wixes must sit for a series of written and oral entrance examinations in order to secure a place at Knareswick. It is a highly competitive process. Some areas of study may be more difficult to apply for than others.

Mature students are common, not everyone applies to Knareswick straight out of coven.

Acolytes may stay on for several years at a Sorcerer’s discretion. As a stepping stone to another career, they are expected to have a minimum of three to four years academic experience before moving on.

Academic careers are more select. If your Sorcerer has not elevated you to Disciple after your sixth year of study, it is unlikely they ever will. Students who have studied as acolytes in other institutes may disciple themselves to a Knareswick Sorcerer if applied directly, although this is rare.

Changes of study are allowed at the discretion of Sorcerers.

== Areas of study ==
Many subjects may be studied and read at Knareswick. Some are more practical and hands-on while others are more bookish. Certain subjects are precursors to other forms of Craft.

* '''<big>History and Society</big>'''
** Twixt history, government, culture...
* '''<big>Ancient/Fae Studies</big>'''
** Archeology, classical history...
* '''<big>Law</big>'''
** Legal studies, family law, Consortium policy...
* '''<big>Foreign Craft</big>'''
** Craft practiced by outsider cultures...
* '''<big>Craft Theory</big>'''
** Theoretical study of Craft aspects like foci, corruptions, portals, familiars...
* '''<big>Natural Studies</big>'''
** Analysis of craft materials (iron, chalk, etc) + practical study of fodder in elemental spells to do with water, heat, rock...
* '''<big>Kin Studies</big>'''
** Anthropological study of non-human cultures, history...
* '''<big>Dark Craft</big>'''
** Practice + study of dark craft such as dream craft, malicious magic, animal sacrifice, etc. Precursor to the Forbidden Craft acolyte curriculum.
* '''<big>Forbidden Craft (Acolyte Curriculum)</big>'''
** Practice + research of consumptions, cruelties, corruptions. Special license must be applied for through the Consortium.
* '''<big>Augury Studies</big>'''
** Practice + study of different foretelling methods such as astrology, palmistry, tasseomancy...

Acolytes apply to an area of study with a ‘special emphasis’ in a particular subject. The ambitious may also choose an emphasis on a relevant subject outside of their general area, if permitted by the respective Sorcerers.

For example:

* ''Archeology (Ancient Studies) with a special emphasis on ancient coblyn history (Kin Studies)''
* ''Animal sacrifice (Dark Craft) with a special emphasis on haruspex (Augury Studies)''
* ''Elemental Craft with a special emphasis on foci theory (Craft Theory)''

== Campus Map ==
Annotated by the infamous [[Sebastian Pym]], third year acolyte.
[[File:DA Knareswick Map.png|center|thumb|910x910px|Annotated by the infamous Sebastian Pym, third year acolyte. ]]

=== Dormitories ===
There are two dormitory buildings at Knareswick, each with its own dining hall and courtyard. Not all acolytes choose to live on-campus.

'''Novus''' is home to first year acolytes and sizars, whereas older acolytes are housed in '''Eruditus'''. There is usually some friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition between the two - pranks and ribbing and whatnot.

Two faculty members lodge in the same building as the faculty meeting rooms. A caretaker and nurse are always on campus. All other staff - groundskeeping, cleaning, cooking - clock out after the dinner hour.

=== Experimental Chambers ===
All experimental chambers are located in the cellars. It is easy to get lost down here if you aren’t careful, and maybe a new acolyte has had to be found in its mazelike passageways.

Experimental chambers are assigned to Sorcorers and disciples for research purposes.

== Known Faculty ==
TBA

[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Location]]
[[Category:Magic]]

Knareswick

2026-06-16T09:40:01Z

Nyx:

File:DA Knareswick.jpg

2026-06-16T09:30:23Z

Nyx:

Knareswick Phrontistery

Consortium

2026-06-15T15:06:32Z

Nyx: /* 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.
[[File:DAConsortium.jpg|thumb|Consortium HQ, London]]
[[Consortium HQ]] can be accessed through a Door in [[Seven Dials]], which in itself is located near the mundane area of the same name, near Covent Garden in Central 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]], [[vampires]] 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.
[[File:DA Watch Station.jpg|thumb|397x397px|A typical Watch Station]]
'''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 and work from Watch Stations in their council area. 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]]

Caliban

2026-06-14T16:20:08Z

Nyx:

[[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. They are also able to see in the dark. 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]]

Main Page

2026-06-14T14:33:10Z

Nyx:

What's Happening?

2026-06-14T14:32:43Z

Nyx: Created page with "Ongoing plots and hijinks! == '''Murder of a Kind''' == A string of murders begins to concern the Consortium. Bazzin and caoiní targeted - Watchers believe the murderer is from Craeky Hob, and beings believe the murderer is a wix. * Open - Watchers, witnesses, politicians, friends and family of victims * Murderer identity unknown == '''Unseating the Establishment''' == An entrenched political ruling family is unseated by a scandal making way for a young upstart with..."

Ongoing plots and hijinks!

== '''Murder of a Kind''' ==
A string of murders begins to concern the Consortium. Bazzin and caoiní targeted - Watchers believe the murderer is from Craeky Hob, and beings believe the murderer is a wix.

* Open - Watchers, witnesses, politicians, friends and family of victims
* Murderer identity unknown

== '''Unseating the Establishment''' ==
An entrenched political ruling family is unseated by a scandal making way for a young upstart with new ideas (TBA)

* Open - Politicians, media

== '''Calibans Lifted''' ==
Following an event (TBA) the Consortium discusses granting amnesty for all Caliban who can pass for human. Highly controversial due to prejudice and the widespread belief that Caliban are dangerous.

* Open - Caliban, allies, opponents, politicians, media

== '''By Hook or by Crook''' ==
A new magical drug (TBA) is spreading throughout the betwixt and taking hold of the vulnerable at Knareswick. Some say a certain vampire coterie has a hand in it but few are brave enough to snitch on the Southside Hookers.

* Open - Watchers, substance users, criminals, anyone affected

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Plots]]

Main Page

2026-06-14T14:28:01Z

Nyx: /* More */

Craft Directory

2026-06-14T14:27:15Z

Nyx: created

<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]]

Covens

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#REDIRECT [[Coven]]

Beldam

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Nyx: Created page with "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. == Responsi..."

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.

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

* Novice
* Beldam
* Senior Beldam
* Head Beldam

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

Occupations

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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.

=== '''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 - N'''o 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]]

Coblyn

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#REDIRECT [[Coblynau]]

Main Page

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Fodder

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#REDIRECT [[Craft#Fodder]]

__FORCETOC__

Vampire

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#REDIRECT [[Vampires]]

Banshee

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#REDIRECT [[Banshees]]

__FORCETOC__

Banshee

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#REDIRECT [[Banshees]]

Occupations

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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.

=== '''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 - N'''o 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''' ===
TBA

=== Vampire Occupations ===
TBA

=== Caliban Occupations ===
TBA
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Culture]]

United States

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The Betwixt population in the US has a significantly smaller ratio to its Untouched because European wixes did not migrate to the Americas in as large numbers as their mundane counterparts.

Many believe what was done to its indigenous population has upset the natural balance of magic in North America and that the land no longer receives grace from the gods or the Fae.

== Governance ==
The governance follows closely to the British model.

Twixt governance in every state is managed by an assembly, which in its turn is headed by a mayor. Assemblies organise their own Watchmen, legal matters and visitor affairs. Mayors represent their assembly’s interest at Union meetings in Washington DC.

The Union is a federal power led by a Governor. It creates legislation and has its own Oversight Committee for Craft regulation, as well as a Liaison office. It also manages federal law, acting as mediator for interstate proceedings.

Whilst the Union does not have a Stalker division, bounty hunters are fairly commonplace and are hired by assemblies or private individuals to deal with extreme cases of Forbidden Craft.

== '''Culture and Society''' ==
Much of ancient North American magical history has been lost. What is left is safeguarded by indigenous wix, who govern themselves by tribal grouping. Indigenous Craft is a closed practice and it is not taught to outsiders.

There are two major institutes of higher learning and research. ''The'' ''Starling Institute'' (New York City) is the older, considered more prestigious and conventional. ''Pobladores'' (Los Angeles) is a slightly younger academy with a reputation for radical views.

[[Coblynau|Coblyn]] and [[Banshees|banshee]] communities are far fewer in the United States. However, there is a significant vampire population. [[Caliban]] numbers are unknown and believed to be negligible after the Great Extermination of the 1990s.

Incarceration and the death penalty are still enforced in some states, although public opinion is slowly turning the tide on this.
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Locations]]

Main Page

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Category:History

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History of the betwixt.

Antecedent Chancellors

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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]]

Historical Events

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Points of interest in history, known to most in the betwixt.

▶ See also: [[Antecedent Chancellors]]

== '''17 Jan 1921''' ==

=== '''Consortium explicitly bans the creation, harboring, and existence of caliban''' ===
Over the next few years, all caliban are presumed to have been killed, and many makers were exiled. Knareswick was formally censured and several sorcerers were expelled for their research. All writing on the subject was destroyed or confiscated by the Oversight. There were several raids on covens and this event was collectively known as the Monday Burglary.

The Chancellor at the time was Brandeis Noth, and the Councilor who led the charge was the pioneering Louisa Forsythe, only the third woman to hold a councilor's seat.

* Open - Any characters ancestors who were caught up in this.

== '''February - May 1941''' ==

=== '''The coblynau of the Craeky Hob take in wix children to protect them from the Blitz.''' ===
This was considered a remarkable act of kindness on the part of the coblynau. Children who were sent to the Craeky Hob by their parents reported being blind-folded day and night and were sworn to secrecy about all they saw and heard. It was considered by many of them a mark of honor that they would never tell.

* Open - Any characters who there among these children.

== '''1 October 1964''' ==

=== '''The House Yarwood Fire or Yarwood Massacre''' ===
The escalating violence between House Yarwood and House [B] ends in tragedy when an apparent arson kills twelve people at a wedding. To great uproar, no arrests are made at the time. The event is considered by many to signify the beginning of a cultural movement away from the importance of houses and wix theatre star Magdalena de Rossi disavows House Yarwood. Several others follow suit. There was swath of people disavowing their Houses and claiming they belong to House Goodness. House Goodness has become a dismissive term for hippie-style idealism, a performative kumbaya.

* Open - Characters could push to re-open this case

== '''25 December 1975''' ==

=== '''Last prisoner released from Gatelock prison'''. ===
This marked the end of the Consortium using incarceration for punishment. Other forms of punishment replaced it. The prison was subsequently demolished.

* Open - Characters who have connections to the councilors who pushed for this, or who were prisoners

== '''31 October 1998''' ==

=== '''Innsbrook''' '''Revelry''' ===
Known by simply "Innsbrook", a massive Samhain celebration in a remote field near a town of that name, became legendary for its size and scale of the revelry. It was a reaction to the previous years' more stuffy traditional celebrations and was organized by a particularly popular wix musical group. Thousands of youth descended as night fell, eschewing returning to their covens as was typical. There are stories of elaborate costumes, massive bonfires, hours long band sets, drugs, nudity, sex, and violence. Attendees will claim that Watchers tried to break up the party but were repelled. Over the course of three days, two people died. After the second death, the party broke up. Cleaning up was the job of wix doing a community service sentence.

* Open - anyone who went, anyone sent to clean up, people who witnessed the deaths, etc

== '''May 2005''' ==

=== '''Capture and exile of serial killer Polonious Kinkaid''' ===
Kinkaid was a wix who had been murdering coblynau for a period spanning eleven years. He was captured on 18 May and sentenced to exile on 29 August. His memory was wiped entirely of all knowledge of the Betwixt and past life and was put out on the street in an undisclosed location. The coblynau were furious that the Consortium did not hand him over to their own courts. Additionally, this case tested the limits of the Consortium's ending of imprisonment. Some conspiracy theorists claim that Kinkaid was simply killed in secret by the Consortium. Others claim he was handed over to Craeky Hob as is imprisoned there.

* Open - Anyone associated with the original case
* Other theories
* Copycat murders

== '''6 July 2012''' ==

=== '''Murder of caoinì child at Seven Dials''' ===
An altercation broke out between the father of a caoinì child and a group of bigoted wixes who were campaigning to outlaw interspecies marriage, due to the murder of a witch by her bazzin lover earlier that year. Abraham Anozie and his caoinì daughter Rowena were killed. As was one of the campaigners. The incident was highly controversial. The banshee mother of the child, Dáirine, broke banshee tradition and travelled to London to speak to the dead and testify before the Consortium. This eventually led to the consolidation of caoinì and bazzin rights to exist in the Betwixt.

* Open - Witnesses, Watchers who intervened (or failed to intervene), campaigners, judges who dealt with the backlash, etc. Many people may have opinions on this.

== '''21 January 2021''' ==

=== '''Corpse Hunt riots''' ===
Knareswick archeologists unearthed an ancient coblyn tomb in Dinas Emyrs, Wales. Multiple councillors proposed bartering mummified coblyn remains for annual access to Craeky Hob’s sacred river, Kokytus, where the bodies of missing persons often turn up. Coblyn tradition only allows them to dredge the river every five to six years in something called a Corpse Hunt. Craeky Hob declared the so-called ‘exchange’ to be a form of cultural blackmail. Sympathetic protests from within Knareswick, led by disciple Victor Crowthers, seeped into Twixt media. Riots broke out on Candlestick Row. The death of a bazzin and two Watchers compelled the Consortium to curtail the bartering motion. To this day nobody is certain of the respective identities of those responsible for the three deaths.

* Open - Anyone who was for or against the motion, Councillors, Knareswick folk, friends/family/colleagues of the bazzin or watchers

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Government]]

Main Page

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Category:Culture

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Everything to do with the culture of the Betwixt

Category:Media

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Newspapers and periodicals of the Betwixt

Main Page

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Books of the Betwixt

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Nyx: Created page with "A comprehensive list of well-known books in the Betwixt (above as well as below) == Reference Books == === '''Encyclopedia Magi''' === A brick. Common reference book for the Craft containing basic instruction, fodder tables, general knowledge, etc. Found in wix homes across the country. === '''Warlock’s Handbook''' === A slim pocket-sized handbook of incantations and craft tips usually carried on your person. Wide margins for personal notes. Also known as ''vade mec..."

A comprehensive list of well-known books in the Betwixt (above as well as below)

== Reference Books ==

=== '''Encyclopedia Magi''' ===
A brick. Common reference book for the Craft containing basic instruction, fodder tables, general knowledge, etc. Found in wix homes across the country.

=== '''Warlock’s Handbook''' ===
A slim pocket-sized handbook of incantations and craft tips usually carried on your person. Wide margins for personal notes. Also known as ''vade mecum.''

=== '''Maleficarum Malcontentus''' ===
A classic reference for dark and forbidden Craft. Its sale is restricted to licensed practicioners but copies may be found on the black market.

=== '''Apothecarium''' ===
Comprehensive listing of fodder - reagents, materials, etc etc. Not a household book but common to apothecaries, libraries and places of learning.

=== '''Who’s Who''' ===
Reference work containing summarised biographies of notable persons in the Consortium, various fields, old Houses, etc. Libraries will always have a copy. There is also a phone number you may ring to inquire after a name.

=== '''Vivlos Metallon''' ===
A coblyn reference scroll describing the uses and qualities of various metals. Written in Rhem. Most coblynau households will have an old family edition.

=== '''Chartii''' ===
Properly known as Meykites Chartii. Coblyn book on the cultivation of fungi. Illustrated and written in Old Rhem. Coblynau are taught from young to use the Chartii and humans find it impossible to parse.
[[Category:Books]]
[[Category:Culture]]

Craeky Hob

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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.

[[Zodiakos]] is a popular coblyn newspaper written in Rhem.

== 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]]

Zodiakos

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A popular coblyn newspaper, published in Rhem, that reports on [[Craeky Hob]] goings-on.

Not sold in the betwixt above except under the counter at The Boar, a pub on [[Candlestick Row]].
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Culture]]

Cipher

2026-06-14T08:17:14Z

Nyx: created

A modern newspaper that has started publishing online through an encrypted password-protected news site. Small-bite articles covering politics and culture.

Cipher is monitored by the [[Consortium]] Liason to ensure it does not breach secrecy. Although it is handy and increasing in popularity, you would be hard pressed to find opinion pieces that challenge the status quo.

[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Culture]]

The Heretic

2026-06-14T08:15:22Z

Nyx: created

An underground publication that reports on occurrences usually not given much attention by mainstream press, including the goings-on of [[Coblynau|coblyn]] and [[Banshees|banshee]] communities.

The Heretic has a popular classified section for small and shady jobs.

It can only be gotten at newsstands or tuck shops frequented by bazzin or caoini, both in the betwixt above as well as in [[Craeky Hob]]. The Heretic has an office in the Hob and a smaller one on Candlestick Row.
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Culture]]

Gossamer

2026-06-14T08:12:30Z

Nyx: created

A trendy weekend publication reporting on the latest fashions and rumours of the Betwixt. Its reporters and columnists tend to use pseudonyms.

Gossamer pays very well for good gossip and protect their sources. Their office can be found at Seven Dials. Also knowns as Goss - as in, ''have you seen the latest Goss?''

Can be found at most twixt newsstands and bookshops. It is not unusual to find copies of Gossamer in waiting rooms.
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Culture]]

Morning Star

2026-06-14T08:10:57Z

Nyx: created

The oldest and most respected British newspaper in the Betwixt. A fairly solid and reliable journalistic institution and covers a wide variety of beats including politics, society, and crime. You may find it at most twixt newsstands and bookshops.

It is staffed by an editor, reporters, editors, photographers, typesetters, and news sellers.

Morning Star headquarters are located in a building of their own in Central London, and they maintain an office on [[Candlestick Row]]. They have very good access at [[Consortium]] HQ.
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Culture]]

Main Page

2026-06-14T07:52:08Z

Nyx: /* More */

Knareswick

2026-06-14T07:49:13Z

Nyx: /* Campus Map */

Edinburgh is home to Knareswick Phrontistery, an expensive and elite higher education for wixes done in a socratic structure.

Sorcerers and their acolytes study niche [[Craft]] for power and prestige. The school is old and privately run - the [[Consortium]] has no special authority. It is an open secret that questionable research is ongoing, with Sorcerors dabbling in [[forbidden craft]]. Wealth and reputation keep Knareswick from scrutiny.

A small campus of old buildings are adjacent to [[Candlestick Row]] and includes lecture theatres, laboratories, and residences for staff and students. Anyone who's anyone has done a course at Knareswick, including some [[beldam]].

Some lectures and workshops are open to the public, at a fee.

== Faculty, student body & staff ==

* '''Chair & Board''' - Oversee Knareswick
* '''Staff''' - Other admin, groundskeepers, etc.
* '''Sorcerers''' - Professors, specialized
* '''Disciples''' - Graduate students, teaching assistants attached to a Sorcerer
* '''Acolytes''' - Undergraduate students
* '''Sizar''' - Acolytes who must work for Knareswick to pay their way. This is looked down on.

== Matriculation ==
Wixes must sit for a series of written and oral entrance examinations in order to secure a place at Knareswick. It is a highly competitive process. Some areas of study may be more difficult to apply for than others.

Mature students are common, not everyone applies to Knareswick straight out of coven.

Acolytes may stay on for several years at a Sorcerer’s discretion. As a stepping stone to another career, they are expected to have a minimum of three to four years academic experience before moving on.

Academic careers are more select. If your Sorcerer has not elevated you to Disciple after your sixth year of study, it is unlikely they ever will. Students who have studied as acolytes in other institutes may disciple themselves to a Knareswick Sorcerer if applied directly, although this is rare.

Changes of study are allowed at the discretion of Sorcerers.

== Areas of study ==
Many subjects may be studied and read at Knareswick. Some are more practical and hands-on while others are more bookish. Certain subjects are precursors to other forms of Craft.

* '''History and Society -''' concerning Twixt history, government, culture, etc.
* '''Ancient/Fae Studies -''' archeology, classical history, etc.
* '''Law -''' legal studies, family law, Consortium policy, etc.
* '''Foreign Craft -''' craft practiced by outsider cultures, etc.
* '''Craft Theory -''' theoretical study of Craft aspects like foci, corruptions, portals, familiars, etc.
* '''Natural Studies -''' analysis of materials used in Craft (iron, chalk, etc) as well as practical study of the relationship between fodder and elemental spells to do with water, heat, rock, etc.
* '''Kin Studies -''' anthropological study of non-human cultures, history, etc.
* '''Dark Craft -''' practice and study of sinister Craft such as dream craft, malicious magic, animal sacrifice, etc. Precursor to the Forbidden Craft acolyte curriculum.
* '''Forbidden Craft - Acolyte curriculum''' '''-''' practice and research of consumptions, cruelties, corruptions. Special license must be applied for through the Consortium.
* '''Augury Studies -''' practice and study of different foretelling methods such as astrology, palmistry, tasseomancy, etc.

Acolytes apply to an area of study with a ‘special emphasis’ in a particular subject. The ambitious may also choose an emphasis on a relevant subject outside of their general area, if permitted by the respective Sorcerers.

For example:

* ''Archeology (Ancient Studies) with a special emphasis on ancient coblyn history (Kin Studies)''
* ''Animal sacrifice (Dark Craft) with a special emphasis on haruspex (Augury Studies)''
* ''Elemental Craft with a special emphasis on foci theory (Craft Theory)''

== Campus Map ==
Annotated by the infamous [[Sebastian Pym]], third year acolyte.
[[File:DA Knareswick Map.png|center|thumb|910x910px|Annotated by the infamous Sebastian Pym, third year acolyte. ]]

=== Dormitories ===
There are two dormitory buildings at Knareswick, each with its own dining hall and courtyard. Not all acolytes choose to live on-campus.

'''Novus''' is home to first year acolytes and sizars, whereas older acolytes are housed in '''Eruditus'''. There is usually some friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition between the two - pranks and ribbing and whatnot.

Two faculty members lodge in the same building as the faculty meeting rooms. A caretaker and nurse are always on campus. All other staff - groundskeeping, cleaning, cooking - clock out after the dinner hour.

=== Experimental Chambers ===
All experimental chambers are located in the cellars. It is easy to get lost down here if you aren’t careful, and maybe a new acolyte has had to be found in its mazelike passageways.

Experimental chambers are assigned to Sorcerors and disciples for research purposes.

== Known Faculty ==
TBA

[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Location]]
[[Category:Magic]]