Beldam
Beldam are monastic witches who oversee covens.
They are an ancient order whose responsibilities were once far more extensive. As the Consortium grew and gained significance in the betwixt, beldam relinquished more of their duties as caretakers of the Craft.
Nowadays beldam are known as teachers and healers. They are required, by oath, to heal any wix who comes to them in need.
A beldam takes on the title 'dame' in front of her given name.
Responsibilities & Traditions
Among the responsibilities of the beldam are the following.
- To instill knowledge and practice of the Craft to their charges
- To conduct the bonding of a wix to their familiar
- To heal any wix who comes to their doorstep in need
- To bury the dead and mind their resting place
- To abide by celibacy and moderation
It should be noted that not all dames are loyal to their oaths.
Beldam are also beekeepers and archivists of coven lore. They 'tell the bees' of the year's events every summer equinox before harvesting honey. A Soothsayer may access this record by tasting of the honey from previous years.
Covens are also able to conduct the imprinting of a wix onto their focus. However, this may also be done by a focalist (see Occupations).
Hierarchy
A witch submits as a novice to a coven of choice as young as 18 but usually older.
The novice stage is 2-3 years and an important ritual initiates one as a full beldam. A beldam may attend medical school in the mundane before submitting herself to service. Novices are typically given menial tasks in addition to their training.
- Novice
- Beldam
- Sage Beldam, experienced bedlams with high importance roles
- Covena, the leader of the coven