Here we are. 2026! Let's make some AD&D witches.
Today I am working from my original The Witch: A sourcebook for Basic Edition fantasy games using the "Advanced Option Appendix" and the Winter Witch for Swords & Wizardry using the same options. I also peeked at my Green Witch and Faerie Witch for OSE. There is not much difference between them save for rules presentation, traditions and spells. But the key for me is some of the material inside. In particular, how to make a Troll Witch.
I have always liked trolls, but ones that cleave closer to Norse myth than the Three Hearts and Three Lions versions that dominate D&D. And if I can do trolls, I can also do goblins.
1st level Troll Witch, Chaotic Neutral
Secondary Skill: Hunter/Fisher
S: 17
I: 13
W: 14
D: 13
C: 17
Ch: 17
Paralysis/Poison: 13
Petrify/Polymorph: 13
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 14
Breath Weapon: 16
Spells: 15
AC: 7 (leather armor)
HP: 4
THAC0: 20
Weapon
Staff 1d6
Familiar: Crow, Leitarmaðr ("Seeker")
Spells
First level: Darkness, Black Fire, Chill Touch
Theme Song: I Put a Spell On You
Grýlka is a troll witch from the Broken Mountains. She worships the "Trollfather" (who I see as a Troll version of Odin). He speaks to her from her crow familiar Leitarmaðr.
She has joined the West Haven coven to learn more about seiðr.
1st level Goblin Druid/Witch, Neutral
Secondary Skill: Herbalist
S: 8
I: 11
W: 13
D: 14
C: 16
Ch: 16
Paralysis/Poison: 13
Petrify/Polymorph: 13
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 14
Breath Weapon: 16
Spells: 15
AC: 9 (no armor, small)
HP: 5
THAC0: 20
Weapon
Dagger 1d4/1d3
Familiar: Frog, "Toad O"
Spells (Witch)
First level: Darkness, Fey Sight, Mend Light Wounds
Spells (Druid)
First level: Animal Friendship, Purify Water
Theme Songs: Doreen / Goblin Girl
Doireann is a sweet little goblin witch. I wanted her to be Chaotic Good, but I also wanted her to be a druid since that fit with my idea of her. Plus, I want a druid/witch. A neutral goblin might be easier to sell than a Chaotic Good one.
She follows the Swamp Mother, who speaks to her via frogs, water, and rain. She loves humans and thinks jellyfish are the strangest things ever.
I also like to think that Doireann and Grýlka are good friends, finding similarity in their witchcraft. I have used both characters as NPCs, and Doireann is one of my favorites.
Goblins and Trolls make for great witches. I can't wait to see what else I can do with these two.
No. There is no rhyme or reason for the various colors of character sheets. If I had been smart I'd color code the covens.
