Character Creation Challenge: Day 16 Rowan & Witches in Arms

 At the start of this challenge, I introduced the Gallowglass subclass, a sort of mercenary for hire for witches. Today I want to detail The Witchknight, a different sort of armed-and-armored witch. 

I guess the simple way of looking at the Witch Knight vs the Gallowglass is that Witch Knights are considered part of the outer circle of the coven, where a Gallowglass isn't part of the coven at all. Both classes are martial fighting classes. The witch knight is a cavalier subclass and is related to the paladin. The gallowglass is a fighter subclass. Though both do have magical effects.

THE WITCH KNIGHT

A Witch Knight must have all the requisite ability scores of the cavalier, which are Strength 15, Dexterity 15, Constitution 15, and additionally a Wisdom score of 13 and a Charisma score of 13 or higher. Witch Knights are devoted champions of the Old Religion, chosen to defend its mysteries, sanctuaries, and priestesses. A witch knight can serve witches, wicce, druids, or even clerics of "the old faith." Though they wear the mail of warriors and fight with sword and shield, their power is rooted in ancient pacts and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. A Witch Knight who strays from this sacred duty or profanes the oaths of their Order becomes a fighter and loses all special Witch Knight powers.

Witch Knights must initially be of the correct cultural station or be initiated into a tradition by a coven, high witch, or spirit of the Old Ways. In either case, the Witch Knight must advance through the stages of Squire and Horned Blade (the equivalent of Horseman and Lancer) before gaining full Witch Knight abilities.

Witch Knights are sworn to an Order. Each Order reflects a different aspect of the Old Faith and grants unique features at the 1st level. The five major Orders are:

Order of the Green Knight

Knights of the Green are guardians of nature, the sacred grove, and the cycle of seasons. They draw strength from the wild and wield their weapons as extensions of the forest spirit. Their armor is often etched with vines, leaves, and antlers.

Benefit: May speak with plants and animals once per day (as druid spells, caster level equals Witch Knight level). Gain +1 to hit and damage when fighting in natural outdoor settings.

Order of the Waning Moon

These knights serve the night, the liminal, and the hidden roads of fate. They are the sword in shadow and the wardens of witch-haunted paths.

Benefit: Gain Infravision (60 feet). Once per day, may cast Invisibility to Undead or Faerie Fire (choose at creation). +2 to saves vs. illusions.

Order of the Grave

Sworn to guard the threshold between life and death, these knights serve as psychopomps and avengers. They defend the spirits of the dead and ensure the balance is kept.

Benefit: Detect undead within 60 feet at will. At 4th level, once per day, may turn undead as a cleric 3 levels below knight level. At 5th level, gains +1 to saves vs. death magic.

Order of the Hollow Road

These wandering knights are sworn to sacred places and paths. They serve the land itself, traveling between ley lines and old shrines, answering omens and dreams.

Benefit: Immune to magical fear. Once per day, may reroll a failed saving throw. +1 bonus to Constitution when determining hit points (only at character creation).

Order of the Thorn

The martial Order of the Thorn defends covens and witches with steel and unbreakable will. They are the first into battle, the last to fall, and their blood marks the battlefield.

Benefit: When protecting a known witch or sacred site, gain +1 AC and +1 to saving throws. May use a Witch Talisman (if provided one) to cast Protection from Evil once per day.

Aura of the Old Ways: Beginning at 2nd level, the Witch Knight radiates a sacred presence. Allies within 10 feet gain +1 to attack rolls and saving throws against fear; enemies suffer -1 to attack rolls. This aura is always active unless the Witch Knight is unconscious or has broken an oath.

Oath of Protection: At 3rd level, the Witch Knight may swear an Oath to defend a person, place, or relic of the Old Religion. While protecting their charge, they gain +1 to hit, damage, and AC. Only one Oath may be active at a time. Breaking an Oath incurs penalties.

Sacred Mount: Like cavaliers, Witch Knights gain a bonded mount at 4th level. This mount is often fey-touched, ghostly, or marked by the Old Ways (e.g., antlered horses, black steeds with glowing eyes).

Witch Spell Use: Beginning at 7th level, the Witch Knight gains limited spellcasting ability. They cast Witch spells as a 3rd-level Witch and may choose spells from the 1st through 4th levels. They do not use spellbooks but instead rely on ritual tools, talismans, and learned charms.

Witch Knight Restrictions:

• May use all weapons and armor as a cavalier
• Must follow their Order's rites and taboos
• Must follow their Order's oaths to covens

Name Level: Upon reaching 9th level (Witch Knight), the Witch Knight may establish a Sacred Bastion, a sanctified fortress or waystation on a ley line or near a powerful coven. They may attract initiates, witches, and even other knights sworn to the Old Ways.

Level	Title	Experience Points	Hit Dice (d10)	1	2	3
1	Aspirant of the Circle	2,750	1	-	-	-
2	Grove Squire	5,500	2	-	-	-
3	Horned Blade	11,000	3	-	-	-
4	Knight of the Moon	22,000	4	-	-	-
5	Green Champion	40,000	5	-	-	-
6	Thorn-Crowned Defender	80,000	6	-	-	-
7	Shield of the Old Ways	160,000	7	1	-	-
8	Spirit-Anointed Blade	360,000	8	2	-	-
9	Witch Knight	600,000	9	2	1	-
10	Witch Knight	900,000	9+3 hp	2	2	-
11	Witch Knight	1,200,000	9+6 hp	2	2	1
12	Witch Knight	1,400,000	9+9 hp	3	2	2
13	Witch Knight	1,700,000	9+12 hp	3	2	2
14	Witch Knight	2,000,000	9+15 hp	3	3	2
15	Witch Knight	2,300,000	9+18 hp	4	3	3
16	Witch Knight	2,600,000	9+21 hp	4	4	3
17+	Witch Knight	+300,000 per	+3 hp per

Witch Knight vs. Gallowglass

Both the Witch Knight and the Gallowglass are martial defenders of the occult world, but they differ in origin, role, and flavor.

Witch Knights are cavalier sub-classes: bound by Orders, oaths, and ritualized codes of conduct. They are champions of the Old Religion, serving witches and priestesses with reverence, and receiving structured mystical powers in return.

Gallowglass are fighter sub-classes: grim, ancestral warriors with limited ritual magic. They serve clans, covens, or places of power through raw loyalty and sacred bonds, not knightly honor.

The Witch Knight is the mythic sword-arm of the sacred moon, while the Gallowglass is the blood-bound axe of the old ways.

Rowan

Rowan has always been a witch knight. Even when I didn't know that is what she was, that is what she was.  She has appeared in various stages of her life in past Character Creation challenges. 

• Rowan McGowan, D&D 3rd Edition
• Rowan McGowan, Pathfinder 2nd Edition
• Roawn McGowan, Wasted Lands

Each of these brought her a step closer to this ideal. 

Rowan
Human 16th level Witch Knight (Order of the Thorn), Lawful Neutral

Secondary Skill: Animal Trainner

S: 17
I: 13
W: 13
D: 15
C: 15
Ch: 18

Paralysis/Poison: 4
Petrify/Polymorph: 5
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 6
Breath Weapon: 4
Spells: 7

AC: -1 (Plate +2)
HP: 68
THAC0: 6

Weapon
Long Sword +2

Steed: Black Unicorn "Annwn"

Spells
First level: Comprehend Languages, Detect Spirits, Ghostly Slashing, Vertigo
Second level: Biting Blade, Delay Poison, Ghost Touch, Minor Image
Third level: Continual fire, Mirror Image, Suggestion

Theme Song: The Mummer's Dance

According to my wife, I spent days creating a "D&D Horse Girl." She is...not wrong. Again, my fondness for pagan things is showing here. If this were a modern game, she would be the plucky girl who works at the horse stables where her dad is a trainer, but not the owner, and she is the only one who can approach, let alone ride, the new, dangerous black stallion. ETA: I may have written up a NIGHT SHIFT character sheet for as well. 

Her steed (a wholly inadequate word here) is a black unicorn named "Annwn." They are bonded much in the same way a Paladin's steed is. 

Unlike witches, the witch-knigh does not get cantrips, bonus spells, or the ability to cast ritual spells.

Character Creation Challenge: Day 9 Aisling (Dreamer), Nida and The Shade

 I have been going through stacks of notes, character sheets, and just "stuff" from the days when I was playing AD&D all the time. Some things I find are fun, others are the typical gamer junk you expect from a 16-17-year-old. But sometimes I find something from a time long ago that makes me laugh out loud and wonder how on Earth I ever forgot it. The time was June (or so) 1989. The character was, is, Dreamer.

Dreamer was, is, an AD&D 2nd Edition character that I never played or really finished. That's not what makes her special. What makes her special is how much she reads like a rough draft of my Warlock character, Taryn. 

Dreamer, named after the movie "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors," was going to be a character who moved through dreams. She was Larina's daughter, but not from her husband, but my assassin character, Nigel. According to my notes, she was going to take some spells from the Dreamer class from Dragon #134. My thoughts were that she could invade people's dreams to kill them. But it never really worked out.

Taryn came much later. She is what I call my iconic warlock. She is Larina's daughter as well, but from a Shadow Elf Cavalier/Knight Scáthaithe, The Umbral Lord and Knight of Swords. She is a warlock, not a dreamer, but in both cases, Dreamer and Taryn are very specifically "Not Witches." They share some overlap, but only enough to make the differences more pronounced. Both live in a liminal world. Dreams for Dreamer (naturally) and shadows for Taryn. I take Taryn's liminality even further by making her a half-elf. Taryn is also named for Jennifer Rubin's character Taryn from Nightmare 3. Dark hair and a fondness for knives, yes, 10-inch mohawk, not so much.

Dreamer never got very far. I mean, she doesn't even really have a proper name, just a description and a couple of sentences of backstory (edit: A family tree suggests "Tarani," which is interesting, in one place, and "Belladonna" in another), BUT she does have something else. Notes. I know she was going to have some thief skills, not the whole set, but some. She was going to have some witch magic. I never got the dreamer class to work well for me, but I was going to use some of the spells.  I am taking all of this, along with some unused ideas for Taryn, and putting them into a blender.

For a class, well, the dreamer won't work, and this character is also not a warlock. She is not a witch, not completely anyway. I'd like to keep some aspects of the witch, but apply it to the thief class. Much like my Gallowglass is to Fighters. 

The Shade

Operating in the liminal places between light and dark, between law and illegality, and between the seen and occult worlds lies the Shade.  Subclasses of the thief they use the same to-hit and saving throw tables. They possess a sub-set of the thief's skills and a few unique to their profession.

Shades are those individuals who dwell at the margins of witchcraft, moving unseen between the powers of the Craft and the unknowing world beyond. Neither initiated into the mysteries of witches nor wholly ignorant of them, a Shade survives by caution, agility, and an instinctive understanding of forbidden boundaries. It is said that Shades are drawn to witchcraft as are witches, but never actually hear the Call of the Goddess (God).

Many Shades serve covens or lodges as messengers, watchers, scouts, or attendants, trusted to act where a witch’s presence would draw too much notice. Others arrive at this role by accident, having lived near old places, survived a failed rite, or been spared by powers that marked them but did not claim them.

Shades possess an uncommon familiarity with occult dangers. They learn where circles are drawn, which paths are watched by spirits, and when to flee rather than fight. Their talents lie in stealth, balance, swift movement, and the reading of subtle signs, and they often excel at tasks requiring silence, precision, and nerve. Witches value Shades not for their power, but for their discretion and survivability. Warlocks seek them out for services that a normal thief would shun. Even Magic-users, Druids and Clerics value a professional with an eye for magical artifacts and items.

Shades operate like thieves but lack some of their key skills.

Shades have the following thief skills: Climb Walls, Find/Remove Traps, Hide in Shadows, Move Silently, Open Locks.

Additionally they have the follow skills unique to their class: Catwalking, Detect Magic, Sleight of Hand.

Shades do not have a sneak attack as do thieves and assassins. They can learn the Thieves Cant, but they must learn it as per any other language (not a free option). Shades of an evil sort can use poison. 

At 6th level a Shade also has limited spellcasting ability. They make cast witch spells from their own list of spells. 

(obviously a lot more to detail here. But that is my one cup of coffee so far effort.)

To test this out lets bring back Dreamer aka Belladonna aka Tarani, but as someone new. For a name? Well, when in doubt use Irish Gaelic! I also think to properly compare this new class I should use a thief with some magic, thankfully I have one on hand.

Aisling Rinceoir
9th level Human Shade, Chaotic Good

Secondary Skill: Performer (Dancer)

S: 12
I: 16
W: 12
D: 17
C: 12
Ch: 16

Paralysis/Poison: 11
Petrify/Polymorph: 10
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 10
Breath Weapon: 14
Spells: 11

AC: 1 (Bracers AC 1)
HP: 36
THAC0: 16

Weapon
Dagger +1 1d4/1d3
Baton +1 1d4

Shade Skills
Cat Walk: 85%
Climb Walls: 94%
Detect Magic: 85%
Find/Remove Traps: 50%
Hide in Shadows: 53%
Move Silently: 60%
Open Locks: 62%
Sleight of Hand: 65%

Spells
First level: Detect Invisibility, Glamour
Second level: Invisibility

Theme Song: Sweet Child O' Mine (First to Eleven cover)

Aisling (Irish for Dream or Dreamer) is no longer Larina's long lost daughter. She is a girl she rescued from in my playtest run of "A Barbarian in Hell" and adopted her as a "little sister." This way she is part of the West Haven Coven without being a full member. Plus I never gave Larina a sister before and I am kinda wishing I had done that.

Now to compare and contrast. I believe you all know Nida.

Nida
Human 4th level Thief / 9th level Witch, Chaotic Neutral

Secondary Skill: Herbalist

S: 11
I: 16
W: 13
D: 17
C: 16
Ch: 18

Paralysis/Poison: 11
Petrify/Polymorph: 11
Rod, Staff, or Wand: 12
Breath Weapon: 14
Spells: 13

AC: 6 (leather armor, ring of protection +2)
HP: 21
THAC0: 18

Weapon
Dagger 1d4/1d3

Familiar: Owl

Spells
First level: Bad Luck, Spell Dart, Minor Fighting Prowess, Blindness, Consecration Ritual (Ritual Spell)
Second level: Alter Self, Evil Eye, Hold Person, Rite of Remote Seeing, Weaken Poison
Third level: Bestow Curse, Dispel Magic, Toad Mind
Fourth level: Mirror Talk, Cloak of Intangible Shadows, Phantom Lacerations
Fifth level: Teleport

Theme Song: Spellbound

So Aisling is thief who has some witch powers and Nida is a witch with a thief's background.

Both characters have been fun in their respective games.

Blogsphere Links: Witches on Other Blogs, Part 2

 Here are some more links to other blogs, and the occasional message board, talking about things that interest me. Know more? Let us all know!

Dragonsfoot

Shamans / Witch Doctors and Unearthed Arcana
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=65694

Dreams of the Lich House

Mythic Monday: The Witch
http://dreamsinthelichhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/mythic-monday-witch.html

Any of the Gothic Greyhawk posts
http://dreamsinthelichhouse.blogspot.com/search/label/Gothic%20Greyhawk

Doomslakers!

Witch!
http://doomslakers.blogspot.com/2014/05/witch.html

Witch! (revised)
http://doomslakers.blogspot.com/2014/05/witch-revised.html

Witch (another revision)
http://doomslakers.blogspot.com/2014/06/witch-another-revision.html

Dump Stat
Deep Dive - Warlock Class
https://dumpstatadventures.com/blog/deep-dive-warlock-class

Dungeons Deep & Caverns Old
Fantasy Age Specializations - The Witch
http://dungeonsandcaverns.blogspot.com/2015/10/fantasy-age-specializations-witch.html

Elfmaids & Octopi

d100 Witches
http://elfmaidsandoctopi.blogspot.com/2014/01/d100-witches.html

The Blood Wizard Harvest  - Not really witches, but can be used as such.
http://elfmaidsandoctopi.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-blood-wizard-harvest.html

Your familiar is boring
http://elfmaidsandoctopi.blogspot.com/2015/10/your-familiar-is-boring.html

Wondering about Witchcraft
http://elfmaidsandoctopi.blogspot.com/2016/03/wondering-about-witchcraft.html

EN World

D&D 5th Edition Witch Class
http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?401243-Witch-Class

Let's talk about Witches
https://www.enworld.org/threads/lets-talk-about-witches.469321/

The Eye of Joyful Sitting Amongst Friends
I'm a DT-RPG publisher now! The Enchanter
http://joyfulsitting.blogspot.com/2015/09/im-dt-rpg-publisher-now.html

False Machine
GOBLINS GOBLINS GOBLINS
http://falsemachine.blogspot.com/2022/08/goblins-goblins-goblins.html

Flutes Loot

5e Guide to Playing a Witch
https://www.flutesloot.com/5e-guide-to-playing-a-witch/

Alchemist Artificer as a White Witch: D&D 5e Character Idea
https://www.flutesloot.com/reflavoring-the-alchemist-artificer-as-a-white-witch/

From the Sorcerer's Skull

Witches of Ix
http://sorcerersskull.blogspot.com/2014/08/witches-of-ix.html

Dark Days in Noxia
http://sorcerersskull.blogspot.com/2014/08/dark-days-in-noxia.html

The Witch Queen of Noxia
http://sorcerersskull.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-witch-queen-of-noxia.html

The Witch of the Woods
https://sorcerersskull.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-witch-of-woods.html

Giant in the Playground

Witches in D&D
https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?44145-Witches-in-D-amp-D

The Graverobber's Guide

The Witch's List (an adventure)
https://graverobbersguide.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-witchs-list-adventure.html

Design Document: Three Basic Classes
https://graverobbersguide.blogspot.com/2018/04/design-document-three-basic-classes.html

Magic as Language
https://graverobbersguide.blogspot.com/2018/07/magic-as-language.html

Wenches & Witches (d100 Carousing Table)
https://graverobbersguide.blogspot.com/2018/10/wenches-witches-d100-carousing-table.html

Greyhawk Grognard

Witch class preview: Ylfe-shot
https://www.greyhawkgrognard.com/2008/05/29/witch-class-preview-ylfe-sho/

Witch Class Preview: Evil Eye
https://www.greyhawkgrognard.com/2008/07/18/witch-class-preview-evil-eye/

Witch Preview #3: Familiar Names
https://www.greyhawkgrognard.com/2008/07/28/witch-preview-3-familiar-names/

The Witch
https://www.greyhawkgrognard.com/2011/10/17/witc/

Now Available: The Witch
https://www.greyhawkgrognard.com/2011/10/29/now-available-witc/

31 Days of Halloween: Grimoires
https://www.greyhawkgrognard.com/2015/10/08/31-days-of-halloween-grimoires/

Greyhawk Stories

Iggwilv: Mother of Witches
https://greyhawkstories.com/tales-from-the-flanaess/iggwilv-mother-of-witches/

Greyhawkery

Baba Yaga Mini (with discussion on the Baba Yaga-Iggwilv relationship)
https://greyhawkery.blogspot.com/2011/08/baba-yaga-mini.html

Greyhawk Related Stuff
https://greyhawkery.blogspot.com/2016/07/greyhawk-related-stuff.html

Witch Queen Iggwilv Discussion Tonight
http://greyhawkery.blogspot.com/2019/09/witch-queen-iggwilv-discussion-tonight.html

Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
https://greyhawkery.blogspot.com/2020/11/tashas-cauldron-of-everything.html

Gothridge Manor

Game Props Part 1: Tarot Cards
http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.com/2014/09/game-props-part-1-tarot-cards.html

Developing a Twisted Plot Within an Adventure: The Weeping Witch
https://gothridgemanor.blogspot.com/2016/12/developing-twisted-plot-within-adventure.html

Hall of the Mountain King

Witches, a series of images
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/search/label/witches
http://vaultofthemountainking.blogspot.com/search/label/Witch

Inspiring Illustrations - The Witch-Queen of Yithorium
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2013/06/inspiring-illustrations-witch-queen-of.html

NPC - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Czylle
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2018/04/npc-blackmoor-land-of-thousand-witches.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - The Red Witch
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/04/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Inkeri
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/05/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - the Sisterhood
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/05/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_16.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - NPC Tuure
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/05/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_17.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - NPC Eira
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/05/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_18.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - The Moon Hall
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/05/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_22.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - NPC Taraso Centaur-Lord
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/06/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Kampala Shrine of Obad-Hai
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/06/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_6.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - NPC Hilja
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/10/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - NPC Brenna
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/10/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_19.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - NPC Maarika the Fallen Sister
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/10/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_21.html

Land of Black Ice - The Frozen Monolith - Gateway to the Plane of the Gray
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/10/land-of-black-ice-frozen-monolith.html

Project - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Siivnna of the Reindeer People
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/12/project-blackmoor-land-of-thousand.html

NPC - Linnea Schnai Witch
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2019/12/npc-linnea-schnai-witch.html

Nation - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Part 1
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2020/04/nation-blackmoor-land-of-thousand.html

Nation - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Part 2
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2020/04/nation-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_8.html

Nation - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Part 3
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2020/04/nation-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_12.html

Nation - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Part 4
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2020/04/nation-blackmoor-land-of-thousand_19.html

Nation - Blackmoor Land of a Thousand Witches - Part 5
http://jasonzavoda-hallofthemountainking.blogspot.com/2020/05/nation-blackmoor-land-of-thousand.html

That's enough for today. More later!

Blogsphere Links: Witches on Other Blogs, Part 1

 I don't just like writing about witches; I enjoy other people's effort as well. In fact, I enjoy reading something I never would have considered. I also enjoy reading material that is obviously based on the same books and sources I have read, and comes to a different result. 

As part of my desire to do more linking and interacting with other blogs, here is a list of material, posts, ideas, or random thoughts from other blogs about my favorite topics.

This list is not exhaustive and will likely take a couple or more posts.

42 Rolls of Duck Tape

Covers the Dragon Magazine adventure "The Sword of Justice" and other adventures with the involvement of the Witch Queen Kyleth.

• One Shot Session Notes, https://42ducktape.blogspot.com/2017/04/one-shot-session-notes.html
• How are we not dead yet, part 2, https://42ducktape.blogspot.com/2017/03/session-notes-2.html

A Blasted, Cratered Land

Wizards Die Messily
https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/12/wizards-die-messily.html

A bunch of material for GLOG, including Witches.

• The Witch (GLOG Class), https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-witch-glog-class.html
• Glitch Witch, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/04/glitch-witch.html
• Mad Scientist (Witch Tradition), https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/01/mad-scientist-witch-tradition.html
• Stress, Trauma, Summoning, and the Occultist, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/02/stress-trauma-summoning-and-occultist.html
• Cancer Warlock, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/10/cancer-warlock.html
• Warlock Patron: the Baleful Star, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/03/warlock-patron-baleful-star.html
• The Necromancer and the Cavalier, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-necromancer-and-cavalier.html
• Wizard Colleges Imply Wizard Undergraduates, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2021/06/wizard-colleges-imply-wizard.html
• GLΔG: Extra Wizard Templates, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2021/04/glg-extra-wizard-templates.html
• The Sorcerer and Spell Mutations, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-sorcerer-and-spell-mutations.html
• Mimics & Miscreants Spell List, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2019/04/mimics-miscreants-spell-list.html
• GLOG Item Enchantment, https://crateredland.blogspot.com/2021/12/glog-item-enchantment.html

A Hamsterish Hoard of Dungeons and Dragons
Monster: Changer, Wych
http://hamsterhoard.blogspot.com/2016/01/monster-changer-wych.html

A Knight at the Opera

H Monsters at the Opera (Hags)
https://knightattheopera.blogspot.com/2024/09/h-monsters-at-opera.html

L Monsters at the Opera (Lycanthropes)
https://knightattheopera.blogspot.com/2025/08/l-monsters-at-opera.html

A Paladin in Citadel

Um, I was promised Witches?
http://apaladinincitadel.blogspot.com/2011/04/um-i-was-promised-witches.html

Adventures in Gaming v2

Magical Cat Companions
http://adventuresingaming2.blogspot.com/2015/09/magical-cat-companions.html

Alien Shores

Mirror Demon
http://knightsky-alienshores.blogspot.com/2013/10/monster-monday-mirror-demon.html

Alone in the Labyrinth

WOUNDED BIRD - Build a witch challenge
https://aloneinthelabyrinth.blogspot.com/2020/05/wounded-bird-build-witch-challenge.html#more

Ancient Vaults & Eldritch Secrets-An oldschool gaming blog….

[New Magic Item] Witch's Coin
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2020/02/12/new-magic-item-witchs-coin/

Asshat Paladins

Edith the Harpy Witch
http://asshatpaladins.blogspot.com/2010/01/labyrinth-lord-npc-edith-witch.html

AV&ES - Roll those Dice!

[New Magic Item] Stone of the Crone
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/new-magic-item-stone-of-the-crone/

[New Spell] Animal Aversion
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2018/08/03/new-spell-animal-aversion/

[New Magic Item] Witch’s Coin
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2020/02/12/new-magic-item-witchs-coin/

[New Spell] Let Us See The Tools Of Your Trade
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2021/01/01/new-spell-let-us-see-the-tools-of-your-trade/

[New Magic Item] Spellseeking Sword
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2021/08/31/new-magic-item-spellseeking-sword/

[New Magic Item] Witch’s Ring
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2023/03/06/new-magic-item-witchs-ring/

[New Monster] Great Winged Wizard
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2023/08/27/new-monster-great-winged-wizard/

[New Magic Item] Mask of the Witch Queen
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2023/11/17/new-magic-item-mask-of-the-witch-queen/

[New Magic Item] Blood of the Witch Fish
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2023/08/31/new-magic-item-blood-of-the-witch-fish/

[New Spell] Cannot Be Silent
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2024/04/17/new-spell-cannot-be-silent/

[New Magic Item] Box of Gossip
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2024/12/03/new-magic-item-box-of-gossip/

[New Magic Item] Ribbon of Witches
https://ancientvaults.wordpress.com/2025/10/21/new-magic-item-ribbon-of-witches/

Autocratik

Adventures in a World of Magic
http://autocratik.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/adventures-in-world-of-magic.html

Beyond the Black Gate

Baba Yaga's Hut
http://beyondtheblackgate.blogspot.com/2010/08/baba-yagas-hut.html

Hathras, City of Dreams
http://beyondtheblackgate.blogspot.com/2010/09/omegea-atlas-hathras-city-of-dreams.html

Black Gate

The Witch Bottle, or How to Catch a Witch With a Bit of Pee and Some Pins
http://www.blackgate.com/2015/04/15/the-witch-bottle-or-how-to-catch-a-witch-with-a-bit-of-pee-and-some-pins/

Built by Gods Long Forgotten

What's in the spell book of the evil wizard or sorceress?
http://builtbygodslongforgotten.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-in-spell-book-of-evil-wizard-or.html

B/X Blackrazor

The B/X Witch Class
http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2011/05/bx-witch.html

Considering Witches
http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2014/10/considering-witches.html

Holmes Rules: The Witch
http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2015/11/holmes-rules-witch.html

Boccob's Blessed Blog

20 Pathfinder Witch Quest Ideas
https://boccobsblog.com/2019/05/17/20-pathfinder-witch-quest-ideas/

Bottomless Sarcophagus

Witches like Wizards: A customisable Witch class
https://bottomlesssarcophagus.blogspot.com/2018/10/witches-like-wizards-customisable-witch.html

Canonfire!

Witches of Greyhawk - The Coven
http://www.canonfire.com/cf/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=641

The Witch
http://www.canonfire.com/cf/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=709

The Witch Addendum
http://www.canonfire.com/cf/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=736

Witch of the High Secret Order Prestige Class
http://www.canonfire.com/cf/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=739

What use for the Witch, why not a Wizard?
http://canonfire.com/cf//modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5137

Cirsova

Alternatives to Spell Books
https://cirsova.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/alternatives-to-spell-books/

Coins and Scrolls

OSR: Class: Witch Coven
https://coinsandscrolls.blogspot.com/2018/08/osr-class-witch-coven.html

OSR: Class: Weather Witch
https://coinsandscrolls.blogspot.com/2018/08/osr-class-weather-witch.html

Cross Planes

Witch Doves
http://crossplanes.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-to-z-challenge-w-is-for-witch-dove.html

D&D Next Witches

• Maiden, https://www.crossplanes.com/2013/02/witch-maiden-d-next.html
• Mother, https://www.crossplanes.com/2013/02/witch-mother.html
• Crone, https://www.crossplanes.com/2013/03/witch-crone-d-next.html

D&D 5th Edition: Mantle of the Kodiak
http://crossplanes.blogspot.com/2014/11/d-5th-edition-mantle-of-kodiak.html

Daddy Rolled a 1

Open Game Content: REVISED Sorcerer for B/X - Old School Essentials
https://daddyrolleda1.blogspot.com/2020/03/open-game-content-revised-sorcerer-for.html

• 1st Level Spells: https://daddyrolleda1.blogspot.com/2021/01/open-game-content-new-1st-level-bx-ose.html
• 2nd Level Spells: https://daddyrolleda1.blogspot.com/2021/01/open-game-content-new-2nd-level-bx-ose.html
• 3rd Level Spells: https://daddyrolleda1.blogspot.com/2021/02/open-game-content-new-3rd-level-bx-ose.html
• 4th Level Spells: https://daddyrolleda1.blogspot.com/2021/02/open-game-content-new-4th-level-arcane.html

Open Game Content: D12 Fairy Tale Subclasses for B/X or Old School Essentials Games
https://daddyrolleda1.blogspot.com/2020/05/open-game-content-d12-fairy-tale.html

Dangerous Brian

Zama: The Drune
http://dangerousbrian.blogspot.com/2011/04/z-of-zama-drune.html

The Houri, Part 1 and Part 2
http://dangerousbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-osric-class-houri-part-i.html
http://dangerousbrian.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-character-class-houri-part-ii.html

DCC Trove of Treasures
DCC focused, but still good stuff for my games.

Angels, Daemons, and Beings Between
https://dcctreasures.blogspot.com/2016/06/angels-daemons-and-beings-between.html

Hubris: A World of Visceral Adventure
https://dcctreasures.blogspot.com/2017/05/hubris-world-of-visceral-adventure.html

Sanctum Secorum Episode #27 Companion: The King of Elfland's Daughter
https://dcctreasures.blogspot.com/2018/05/sanctum-secorum-episode-27-companion.html

The Witch of Wydfield
https://dcctreasures.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-witch-of-wydfield.html

The Disoriented Ranger

Another rejected Magic Item (The Cauldron of Decadence)

http://the-disoriented-ranger.blogspot.com/2015/03/another-rejected-magic-item-cauldron-of.html

I'll do some more later on!

Let me know if you have content you want to see added to my list here.

Monstrous Mondays: Wyrdcat

Carla Bosteder from Pixabay

 I am working on another piece of something that may or may not involve my "The One Who Remains."  Think of this as a warm-up sketch an artist would do before getting into their main composition. 

As it turns out, this also makes a decent OGL-ready version of a Displacer Beast. This is based on a monster we used to use called a "Tessercat." 

Wyrdcat

Dimensional Apex Predator

“It isn’t invisible. It’s just in three places you’re not.”

- Notes from the Archives of Killian Mazior

The Wyrdcat is a predator from beyond the edges of known planes, not born of one world, but between them. It is not native to any reality, and perhaps not even alive by most definitions. When Killian’s Tower began drawing in unstable planar energies, the Wyrdcat slipped through. A wandering apex hunter, now trapped within the folds of fractured dimensions.

Though feline in form, the Wyrdcat is a thing of quantum uncertainty and temporal stutter. It appears as a sleek, panther-like creature with oily black fur, three shadow-laced tails, and eyes that glint in colors no one can name. Its form pulses with fractured reflections. At any given moment, it may exist in multiple nearby positions, flickering like an unsynced illusion.

It hunts with the precision and cruelty of a big cat; stalking, pouncing, toying with prey before the kill. The laws of space and time bend around it. Some say it sees not just where a creature is, but where it was and will be. Those who survive a Wyrdcat encounter speak of claws that cut through armor, wounds that reappear after healing, and psychic echoes that return in dreams.

Behavior

Solitary Apex Predator: The Wyrdcat hunts alone. It marks its territory across multiple overlapping realities. If another apex predator enters its distorted hunting grounds, it becomes immediately aggressive.

Reality Drifter: The Wyrdcat can manipulate its form to align with different versions of reality. This shift can cause localized changes in reality, resulting in distorted probability fields. (This results in the players needing to use different dice to roll for initiative, to hit, and damage. It can also cause the local "rules" to shift between editions of the game.)

Mirror Flicker: It always appears in three semi-distinct forms: one solid, two afterimages or preimages. Only one is real at any time, and it may shift between them without warning.

Dimensional Stalker: It may pursue prey even after they plane shift, teleport, or escape into another zone of the tower. It remembers where they will be.

Wyrdcat (1st Edition)

Frequency: Very Rare
No. Appearing: 1 (always solitary)
Armor Class: 2
Move: 15"
Hit Dice: 7+2
% in Lair: 5%
Treasure Type: Q (×10), X
No. of Attacks: 2 claws / 1 bite
Damage/Attack: 2–8 / 2–8 / 2–12
Special Attacks: Surprise (90%), planar pounce
Special Defenses: Mirror Flicker (see below), +2 or better weapon to hit
Magic Resistance: 25%
Intelligence: Low (animal cunning)
Alignment: Neutral
Size: L (8–10' long)
Psionic Ability: Nil

The Wyrdcat is a sleek, black-furred feline predator from beyond the known planes. Though it resembles a panther or great jungle cat, the Wyrdcat’s form flickers unnaturally between overlapping dimensions, accompanied by afterimages that move out of sync with its body. Its three shadow-tailed limbs seem to lag or stutter through space, and its eyes shimmer with alien colors beyond mortal comprehension.

Wyrdcats are not native to any world. They are planar anomalies. Believed to be either accidents of cross-dimensional entropy or the predatory echoes of something far older and deeper. The creatures now prowl the fringes of unstable magical structures such as witch gates, collapsed covensites, and reality-warped ruins.

Though bestial in nature, Wyrdcats hunt with a cruel cunning. They stalk arcane spellcasters and dimensional travelers, and are particularly drawn to witches, warlocks, and those who have tampered with interplanar forces.

The Wyrdcat attacks via a claw/claw/bite routine common to large cat predators. Each claw can do 2-8 (2d4) hp worth of damage, while its bite can do 2-12 (2d6).

Mirror Flicker (Special Defense)

The Wyrdcat constantly flickers between three visible forms. It functions as if under a permanent mirror image spell with two false images. The true form randomly shifts every round. Attacks against the creature have a 66% chance to target an illusion unless the attacker has true seeing or similar magic.

Planar Pounce (Special Attack)

Once per encounter, the Wyrdcat may teleport up to 30 feet to attack as if using a dimension door. This grants it +2 to hit and imposes a -2 penalty on the target's surprise roll.

Edition Flux (Optional Rule)

Once per turn, the GM may declare that the Wyrdcat is using mechanics from a different edition (i.e., switch initiative methods, AC rules, etc.). Players must quickly adapt.

Wyrdcat (3.5 Edition)
Large Magical Beast

Hit Dice: 8d10+32 (76 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares), planar pounce 1/day
AC: 18 (–1 size, +4 Dex, +5 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 14
Base Atk/Grapple: +8/+17
Attack: Claw +12 melee (1d8+5)
Full Attack: 2 claws +12 melee (1d8+5), bite +7 melee (2d6+5)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft. (10 ft. with claws)
Special Attacks: Planar Pounce
Special Qualities: Mirror Flicker, Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, DR 5/magic, SR 18
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +5
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 19, Con 18, Int 6, Wis 14, Cha 10
Skills: Hide +8, Listen +8, Move Silently +12, Spot +8
Feats: Multiattack, Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Any extraplanar
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: None
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 9–12 HD (Large); 13–18 HD (Huge)

The Wyrdcat is a sleek, black-furred feline predator from beyond the known planes. Though it resembles a panther or great jungle cat, the Wyrdcat’s form flickers unnaturally between overlapping dimensions, accompanied by afterimages that move out of sync with its body. Its three shadow-tailed limbs seem to lag or stutter through space, and its eyes shimmer with alien colors beyond mortal comprehension.

Wyrdcats are not native to any world. They are planar anomalies. Believed to be either accidents of cross-dimensional entropy or the predatory echoes of something far older and deeper. The creatures now prowl the fringes of unstable magical structures such as witch gates, collapsed covensites, and reality-warped ruins.

Though bestial in nature, Wyrdcats hunt with a cruel cunning. They stalk arcane spellcasters and dimensional travelers, and are particularly drawn to witches, warlocks, and those who have tampered with interplanar forces.

The Wyrdcat attacks via a claw/claw/bite routine common to large cat predators. Each claw can do 1d8+5 hp worth of damage, while its bite can do 2d6+5.

Mirror Flicker (Su): The Wyrdcat exists partially in multiple dimensions. It is constantly under an effect similar to mirror image, generating 2 illusory copies of itself. These cannot be dispelled normally. True seeing reveals the true form.

Planar Pounce (Su): Once per day as a free action, the Wyrdcat may teleport up to 30 feet before making a full attack. This does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Edition Flux (Ex): Once per encounter, the Wyrdcat may twist reality, forcing all initiative to be rerolled using d10 (2e style) or d6 (1e style), randomly determined. It may also alter damage reduction, attack styles, or magic resistance at the GM’s discretion.

Wyrdcat (D&D 5e)
Large monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 16 (natural armor, flickering defense)
Hit Points 95 (10d10 + 40)
Speed 40 ft.

STR 20 (+5)
DEX 18 (+4)
CON 18 (+4)
INT 6 (–2)
WIS 14 (+2)
CHA 10 (+0)

Saving Throws Dex +7, Wis +5
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +8
Damage Resistances force, necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages —

Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3

The Wyrdcat is a sleek, black-furred feline predator from beyond the known planes. Though it resembles a panther or great jungle cat, the Wyrdcat’s form flickers unnaturally between overlapping dimensions, accompanied by afterimages that move out of sync with its body. Its three shadow-tailed limbs seem to lag or stutter through space, and its eyes shimmer with alien colors beyond mortal comprehension.

Wyrdcats are not native to any world. They are planar anomalies. Believed to be either accidents of cross-dimensional entropy or the predatory echoes of something far older and deeper. The creatures now prowl the fringes of unstable magical structures such as witch gates, collapsed covensites, and reality-warped ruins.

Though bestial in nature, Wyrdcats hunt with a cruel cunning. They stalk arcane spellcasters and dimensional travelers, and are particularly drawn to witches, warlocks, and those who have tampered with interplanar forces.

Mirror Flicker.

The Wyrdcat projects two illusory versions of itself, similar to the mirror image spell. At the start of each turn, roll 1d6. On a 1–4, the attack targets an illusion, which vanishes; on a 5–6, the attack targets the real creature. If all images are destroyed, they regenerate at the start of the Wyrdcat’s next turn.

Planar Pounce (1/Day).

As a bonus action, the Wyrdcat teleports up to 30 feet to a space it can see and makes a full multiattack.

Reality Flux (Recharge 5–6).

The Wyrdcat distorts the battlefield. Until the end of its next turn:

• All initiative rerolls use a d10 or d6
• Saving throws use the 3e categories (Fort/Ref/Will).
• AC is treated as descending (lower = better) for targeting purposes.

This affects PCs and NPCs alike. Creatures with truesight are unaffected.

Actions 

Multiattack. The wyrdcat makes two attacks with its claws and one attack with its bite.

Claw.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target

Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.

If the target is a spellcaster concentrating on a spell, it must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or lose concentration due to the Wyrdcat’s disruptive phasing claws.

Bite.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target

Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.

If this attack reduces a creature to 0 hit points, the Wyrdcat may teleport up to 30 feet as a free action at the start of its next turn (Planar Reflex Surge).

WitchCraft Wednesday: The Hand Mirror of the Silver Witch

Photo by Esra Korkmaz

  I have a couple of threads of things I am developing at the moment. One has been my ongoing "Occult D&D" idea, which in itself grew out of my "War of the Witch Queens" campaign. The other is an idea based on my rereading of a lot of things I have written over the decades. Some of which I "re-discovered" recently, something I have been calling "The One Who Remains." 

This is the product of the intersection of many of these ideas and threads.

The Hand Mirror of the Silver Witch

This ancient handmirror is the final relic of the Silver Witch, who gave her life to halt the unraveling caused by The One Who Remains. In her last stand, the Silver Witch allowed herself to be unmade. Her memories, power, and will were drawn into the mirror she carried, preserving a single thread of her identity.

The glass is now cool and pale, like winter water. When the light strikes it just right it glimmers with a faint silver glow, as if the moon reflects upon it even indoors.

Only witches and warlocks may safely handle the mirror. Those who seek knowledge for selfish or destructive ends invite peril.

Description

The Hand Mirror is a finely wrought hand mirror of cold iron and silver alloy. Its back bears the mark of the Triple Moon. The mirror never tarnishes and cannot be cracked by mundane force. Looking upon the glass produces a reflection that appears slightly delayed, as if the viewer’s image moves a moment behind.

When held during a ritual, witches report a soft whisper like wind through winter leaves.

Primary Powers

The mirror grants the following abilities when properly attuned. Attunement requires one hour of meditation, incense, and a whispered invitation to the Silver Witch. These powers can be used by any spellcaster.

Second Sight: Three times per day the bearer may gaze into the mirror to cast detect invisibility, detect charm, or detect spirit (witch version). Each use requires one round of concentration.

Moonlit Guidance: Once per night the mirror casts a soft argent glow. While this glow persists, the bearer gains a +2 bonus on saving throws against magical fear, illusions, and enchantment effects. Duration: 1 turn.

Veil of the Silver Witch: Once per day the bearer may cloak herself in silver mist, as blur cast by a 10th-level magic-user. Duration: 5 rounds.

There is a cumulative 5% chance per non-witch use that the mirror becomes inactive in the hands of the user. Worse, echoes of The One Who Remains begin to seek out those who hold the mirror. (Treat as spectres).  

Greater Powers

The mirror holds deeper abilities tied to the Silver Witch’s sacrifice. These powers can only be used by a witch or warlock.

Memory of the Fallen Star: Once per week the bearer may commune with an echo of the Silver Witch. This functions as a limited form of contact other plane. The entity contacted is not a deity but the preserved remnant of Larina’s future self.

Answers are clear but tinged with sorrow. Each use risks emotional fatigue: after communion the bearer must save vs spells or be drained of 1 hp per level for 24 hours due to mental strain.

The Last Reflection: Twice per week the mirror allows the bearer to read a single moment from her own future. This functions as an augury, with a 75% accuracy rate. The glass reveals images of silver fire and shadow intertwined.

Mirror-Walk: Once per month the bearer may step through a reflective surface and emerge from another mirror within five miles. This requires full concentration and a quiet chant. The bearer becomes insubstantial for one round upon exit.

The Doom of the Silver Witch

The Mirror of the Silver Witch is powerful but dangerous. Within the artifact lies the remaining fragment of the Silver Witch’s mind. That remnant strives to protect others from the fate she endured, yet her presence is fading.

Each time a Greater Power is used, there is a cumulative 5% chance the mirror’s “echo” attempts to guide the bearer toward events tied to The One Who Remains. This influence is subtle. The bearer may feel prophetic dread, be drawn to gates of power, or suffer moonlit dreams.

If the chance ever reaches 25%,  the DM should require a saving throw versus spells whenever the mirror is used. A failed save means the bearer glimpses the Silver Witch’s unmaking and must roll a system shock check or fall unconscious for 1d6 turns.

If the chance reaches 50% the mirror loses one Greater Power of the DM’s choice, symbolizing the last of the Silver Witch’s memories fading away.

Texts, including the near-mythical Adnerg Codices (an artifact in it's own right), speak of even greater powers the Mirror once had. 

Destruction

The Mirror cannot be shattered, melted, or banished by mundane or magical means. It may only be destroyed if:

• It is placed at the center of a Witch Gate during a total eclipse,
• Seven witches of different traditions willingly break their coven-bonds for one night,
• And the bearer renounces her name while holding the mirror.

This ritual unravels the last thread of the Silver Witch. The mirror dissolves into silver dust. All memory of the Silver Witch fades from history unless preserved in text.

Larina Nix, The Silver Witch

Who Was the Silver Witch?

This is not something players would know, and it is certainly not in the histories of the mirror. But the Silver Witch is a future version of my witch, Larina. 

Back in January, I did TardisCaptain's New Year, New Character challenge where I took a lot of Grenda's characters and revised them for Wasted Lands. I mentioned before that in his stack of characters were a bunch of his versions of my characters. 

One of them was Larina. 

I didn't use her then because I was saving her for something special. But in my writings about The One Who Remains, I figured it out. Those versions of my characters? They are all gone. Unmade. Well, maybe one or two survived, but Larina, that Larina, did not. 

Why would I kill off one of my beloved characters? It was because of love that I did it. Or rather, that Larina's sacrifice. She loved her world enough to warn others via her Mirror. Since here she was an NPC her fate was entirely of my own design. Her world, a reflection of my own game world, was unraveled by The One Who Remains, or at least a part of him. Funny, I can hear Grenda in my head now saying, "You destroyed my version of your world, all because I am dead? What a dick!" 

That is the REAL power of the Mirror. Not the magics in it, those are just side effects. The real power is that it will fall into the hands of those who could do something about The One Who Remains and maybe, just maybe, prevent it from happening to their own world.

Who, or What, it The One Who Remains? Well. That is going to be a much longer post.