Covens are important cultural sites for the Betwixt and are most known for where young 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 Watcher or specialising in certain craft at Knareswick.

Wixes who inherit a 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 focus before a wix leaves their care. They also arrange the bonding ritual Craft through which a wix acquires their companion creature, a 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.