04-06-2018, 05:35 AM
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foxy made this
foxy made this
foxy made this
THE COVEN.
eep woods hide saints of another kind―holy, unholy, beast, and divine. She warns you, [i]these forests echo with whispers of gods and beasts; they beckon to the children. take care in your stride. You brush it off as a simple village elder who speaks mad tales, but at night when your breath turns to steam and goosebumps light up your skin, you feel the call. You try to sleep it off, but at night your spirit slips through your bones and passes through trees, silently, ghostly, and returns to fill your head with thousands of animal memories, alive and raw with longing; where a wilderness begins growing in your chest, slowly at first but then growing vast, until your heart is swallowed in the trees. you felt alive for the first time, truly alive, here―fearful and wild and beautiful, and you can't help but yearn for those ink-black nights again; when the moon turns her pallid face away and you experience winter once more. when she murmured her last breath the old gods run rampant in the thicket, still, it was then you pretended you heeded her words, yet secretly disregarded them. you knew what to do. you finally left the village in the dead of night, with only the crow cawing to guide you, and your wits about you, to rejoin from whence you came, to join your true family: the coven. they welcome you with open arms, their wispy flowing garments trailing delicately in the wind; their darkly-shrouded pale faces grin, revealing sharp teeth, their nails sharp as well. however, you feel at home, and eventually, you transform too.
the coven is a place for those who wish to return to the wild, for those who want to become one with freedom. they are nicknamed the "cunning folk", and the appellation holds true. ghosts, supernatural beings find their way into this sanctuary, those who are lost find a home inside the coven. a group of witches residing in the wilderness. for those who have that indescribable feeling similar to homesickness for a place you've never been, or for those simply looking for a quiet place to stayâ€â€or a haunted location to ventureâ€â€the coven may just be for you. the coven is known to be primarily women, however, there have been rumors of men in the midst, although they may be simply that: rumors. #thecoven
Deep in the forest, the cathedral rests; its massive structure and foreboding nature deters anyone who may come across it. No local dares go near the forest, due to the tales of supernatural beings haunting the site where witches died, or tales regarding the mysterious entity where beings haunt the holy site; it is no longer holy and left to be feared. The gothic church has now become a forgotten, hallowed place, where only the coven lives, and beings avoid. footpaths are bare in number, the ground is mainly flat, and the trees' branches can brush low against your thighs. it is quiet, devoid of sound―from population that is. otherwise, the sound of a babbling brook can be heard in the distance and crows caw more often than the songbirds sing.
the esbats are a coven meeting at a time other than one of the Sabbats, they are the opposite of the sabbats (aka the fire/sun festivals). Esbats are rites held for the purpose of communing with the Moon's energies and are regarded as the time for most magickal workings. As opposed to the Sabbats, which are fire or sun festivals, Esbats are dedicated to the Moon in her various phases. These are considered the 'working' celebrations, the time in which to attract, banish, invoke protection, or to perform any other magickal workings. Most Sabbat festivals are held in order to celebrate the changing of the seasons, the gathering of the harvest, etc. The Esbats are held in honor of the Goddess. The Lunar Year contains 13 Full Moons. esbat ref
initiation process: The altar is prepared, the circle is cast, quarters are called (north, east, south, west), and the wiccan gods are invoked (if the initiate chooses to do so, they may request a god/gods of their choosing). The circle is emblazoned on the wooden floor and five spokes stick out of the five points, where a red or black rope will be wrapped and used to trace the circle as the initiation begins. After the ropes are tied, another set of ropes (of the initiate's choosing) will be taken upon by the initiate. they will hold the two cords in each hand, and after a set of questions are asked, will be bound after the priestess instructs the initiate to hold out their hands, dominant hand outward. When the hands have been presented she takes the first cord and bounds them loosely at the wrists continuing the process. Eventually, after the wrists are bound and more questions and answers, the ankles are bound, just so the initiate can walk comfortably, and will lead them away from the circle, where the circle is then cut. The initiate is lead to kneel at the altar, their hands held out and after more initiation processes, the ropes are cut, and then their magical name is received, if they wish for one, and will be referred to by their magickal name. It is the custom to adopt a new name upon initiation. This reflects ones new identity as a witch. Magickal names tend to be individualistic in nature and may reflect heritage or aspirations. You select a Magickal name through meditation, study or divination. Witches may also change their Magickal name as they advance in the levels. the magickal name is meant to be kept close to the heart, for it is believed that if someone knew your magickal name along with your full name, then you could be hexed. however, some aren't as drawn to this belief. Then, a knife is used to cut the palms of the initiate, an indication they are willing to bleed for the coven, and will be accepted then. info here
moon cycle whenever a member is on their period, other members of the coven bring energy-replenishing and nutrient-rich foods and supplements to them, often times, the blood is taken (with consent) for a ritual.
elder: also called the "high priestess/priest" or, in older times, "(my) crown", they are the leader of the group. generally lead by the clan head or family head, they have absolute authority, and are generally trained in medicinal practices and act as a general of sorts. are considered a demi-god or simply one closest to the gods they worship, the gods speak to them. they don a silver circlet, horns, or anything of their choosing.
- sage winters currently played by laure
summoner: the second-in-command, and act as an advisor; they must have a good head for strategy and witchcraft. in line to succeed the elder, usually one of the elder's familial members.
- currently played by (1)name
oracles: very skilled in the medicinal field, they act as doctors to the group. they must have a vast knowledge of anything related to medicine. they act as seers for the group as well, predicting the future and are able to lead religious rites, they are some of the more spiritually-guided population. the gods may speak to them through an animal of their choosing, and usually speak in poetry, although there have been exceptions.
- currently played by (2)names
sauges: (sauge is from the old french meaning of sage) acting as an oracle's apprentice, they are next in line to become an oracle. they may not know as much as an oracle themselves, but are capable enough to stand in for the oracle when they themselves are unable to
- currently played by (2)names
crescent circle: a group of elected members who oversee trade, events, act as a jury to punishments, keep others in line to make sure not one is pondering mutiny. They are often trusted, loyal people who the elder can trust to carry out the elder's word, and can sometimes serve as diplomats during times of conflict with other groups. Highly regarded. they don a wet moon symbol between their eyebrows/upon their forehead. the darker the crescent, the longer they have been in service.
- currently played by (4-5)names
the ancients: the elite who have proven themselves through years of dedication of a certain path/paths, and are vital to the group. often skilled warriors and/or diplomats, they should be respected and listened to at all times. they have the authority to hold group training sessions and may lead raids with permission from the alpha. these members may also be sent on diplomatic missions.
witches: these are the common folk, who practice the art of magick and loyally follow the elder whom they praise as a demi-god.
heathens: heathens are those who are prisoners of the group; treated slightly better than fungi, a muzzle is put around their mouth to make them sound like an animal.
- show respect where it is due
- disloyalty may be punishable by death
- strict rule of privacy regarding business with the coven, No member may ever reveal Coven business to anyone outside the group. This includes the names of other Coven members, ritual activities, and meeting information.
- intentional harm without cause within the group may result in punishment
- open disrespect of others based on race, gender, religion or other features may not be tolerated, and may result in punishment
[sub]intro inspiration from dappermouth[/sub]
the coven is a place for those who wish to return to the wild, for those who want to become one with freedom. they are nicknamed the "cunning folk", and the appellation holds true. ghosts, supernatural beings find their way into this sanctuary, those who are lost find a home inside the coven. a group of witches residing in the wilderness. for those who have that indescribable feeling similar to homesickness for a place you've never been, or for those simply looking for a quiet place to stayâ€â€or a haunted location to ventureâ€â€the coven may just be for you. the coven is known to be primarily women, however, there have been rumors of men in the midst, although they may be simply that: rumors. #thecoven
[b]TERRITORY ―
the coven made their name in a large dense forest with towering pines blocking any sign of sunlight, living in a large church-converted mansion, originally known as the Thorncrown Cathedral. The cathedral was built entirely from black lava stone, where it gets its striking dark appearance, then reinforced with some of the strongest and toughest minerals, with origins from volcanic eruptions or graphite meteorite strikes, making it stronger than a diamond. The forest holds many secrets about it: stone circles or fairy circles/rings can be found when one is seeking an answer. Stone circles are large towering spike-like rocks fashioned in a stonehedge-similar shape, and can offer prophetic dreams to those who drink from its luminescent pool. druids, nicknamed wyldkeepers by the locals, may be found guarding these stone circles, and fairies may be found dancing around the fairy circles, attempting to entice mortals to waltz forever with them. the circles only reveal themselves to those who are lost and searching for answers, to those wishing to be healed, or to the elder. Deep in the forest, the cathedral rests; its massive structure and foreboding nature deters anyone who may come across it. No local dares go near the forest, due to the tales of supernatural beings haunting the site where witches died, or tales regarding the mysterious entity where beings haunt the holy site; it is no longer holy and left to be feared. The gothic church has now become a forgotten, hallowed place, where only the coven lives, and beings avoid. footpaths are bare in number, the ground is mainly flat, and the trees' branches can brush low against your thighs. it is quiet, devoid of sound―from population that is. otherwise, the sound of a babbling brook can be heard in the distance and crows caw more often than the songbirds sing.
SANCTIFICATION ―
a wiccan belief in the three-headed goddess, and the horned god is not required, but appreciated if worshipped. other gods and goddesses are worshipped as well, through the maintenance of multiple altars and sacrifices. While they are not regarded as deities, the classical elements are a key feature of the Wiccan world-view. Every manifest force or form is seen to express one of the five archetypal elements  Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit  or several in combination. The pentagram points are meant to represent these five elements, especially while casting a magical circle.TRADITIONS ―
observing the traditional sabbats and esbats, the sabbats are the traditional days of celtic fire festival and of the solstices and equinoxes are ostara, litha, mabon and yule. sabbat ref. ref2the esbats are a coven meeting at a time other than one of the Sabbats, they are the opposite of the sabbats (aka the fire/sun festivals). Esbats are rites held for the purpose of communing with the Moon's energies and are regarded as the time for most magickal workings. As opposed to the Sabbats, which are fire or sun festivals, Esbats are dedicated to the Moon in her various phases. These are considered the 'working' celebrations, the time in which to attract, banish, invoke protection, or to perform any other magickal workings. Most Sabbat festivals are held in order to celebrate the changing of the seasons, the gathering of the harvest, etc. The Esbats are held in honor of the Goddess. The Lunar Year contains 13 Full Moons. esbat ref
initiation process: The altar is prepared, the circle is cast, quarters are called (north, east, south, west), and the wiccan gods are invoked (if the initiate chooses to do so, they may request a god/gods of their choosing). The circle is emblazoned on the wooden floor and five spokes stick out of the five points, where a red or black rope will be wrapped and used to trace the circle as the initiation begins. After the ropes are tied, another set of ropes (of the initiate's choosing) will be taken upon by the initiate. they will hold the two cords in each hand, and after a set of questions are asked, will be bound after the priestess instructs the initiate to hold out their hands, dominant hand outward. When the hands have been presented she takes the first cord and bounds them loosely at the wrists continuing the process. Eventually, after the wrists are bound and more questions and answers, the ankles are bound, just so the initiate can walk comfortably, and will lead them away from the circle, where the circle is then cut. The initiate is lead to kneel at the altar, their hands held out and after more initiation processes, the ropes are cut, and then their magical name is received, if they wish for one, and will be referred to by their magickal name. It is the custom to adopt a new name upon initiation. This reflects ones new identity as a witch. Magickal names tend to be individualistic in nature and may reflect heritage or aspirations. You select a Magickal name through meditation, study or divination. Witches may also change their Magickal name as they advance in the levels. the magickal name is meant to be kept close to the heart, for it is believed that if someone knew your magickal name along with your full name, then you could be hexed. however, some aren't as drawn to this belief. Then, a knife is used to cut the palms of the initiate, an indication they are willing to bleed for the coven, and will be accepted then. info here
moon cycle whenever a member is on their period, other members of the coven bring energy-replenishing and nutrient-rich foods and supplements to them, often times, the blood is taken (with consent) for a ritual.
HIERARCHY ―
elder: also called the "high priestess/priest" or, in older times, "(my) crown", they are the leader of the group. generally lead by the clan head or family head, they have absolute authority, and are generally trained in medicinal practices and act as a general of sorts. are considered a demi-god or simply one closest to the gods they worship, the gods speak to them. they don a silver circlet, horns, or anything of their choosing.
- sage winters currently played by laure
summoner: the second-in-command, and act as an advisor; they must have a good head for strategy and witchcraft. in line to succeed the elder, usually one of the elder's familial members.
- currently played by (1)name
oracles: very skilled in the medicinal field, they act as doctors to the group. they must have a vast knowledge of anything related to medicine. they act as seers for the group as well, predicting the future and are able to lead religious rites, they are some of the more spiritually-guided population. the gods may speak to them through an animal of their choosing, and usually speak in poetry, although there have been exceptions.
- currently played by (2)names
sauges: (sauge is from the old french meaning of sage) acting as an oracle's apprentice, they are next in line to become an oracle. they may not know as much as an oracle themselves, but are capable enough to stand in for the oracle when they themselves are unable to
- currently played by (2)names
crescent circle: a group of elected members who oversee trade, events, act as a jury to punishments, keep others in line to make sure not one is pondering mutiny. They are often trusted, loyal people who the elder can trust to carry out the elder's word, and can sometimes serve as diplomats during times of conflict with other groups. Highly regarded. they don a wet moon symbol between their eyebrows/upon their forehead. the darker the crescent, the longer they have been in service.
- currently played by (4-5)names
the ancients: the elite who have proven themselves through years of dedication of a certain path/paths, and are vital to the group. often skilled warriors and/or diplomats, they should be respected and listened to at all times. they have the authority to hold group training sessions and may lead raids with permission from the alpha. these members may also be sent on diplomatic missions.
witches: these are the common folk, who practice the art of magick and loyally follow the elder whom they praise as a demi-god.
heathens: heathens are those who are prisoners of the group; treated slightly better than fungi, a muzzle is put around their mouth to make them sound like an animal.
ORDER ―
even if the coven is full of witches and beasts, and are known to be rather wild in terms of civility, this doesn't mean that - show respect where it is due
- disloyalty may be punishable by death
- strict rule of privacy regarding business with the coven, No member may ever reveal Coven business to anyone outside the group. This includes the names of other Coven members, ritual activities, and meeting information.
- intentional harm without cause within the group may result in punishment
- open disrespect of others based on race, gender, religion or other features may not be tolerated, and may result in punishment
[sub]intro inspiration from dappermouth[/sub]