Hedge Witch

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Hedge Witch

A Hedge Witch practices ancient and unlicensed magic in the Empire. [1a]

Hedge witches are often confused with members of the Old Faith and most bond themselves to a small group of people, typically in small rural settlements and dispersed farmstead. They act for them as counsellors, healers and often historians, focussing on the little thing’s scholars ignore such as the names for springs, local family lineages, and which sow produces the healthiest piglets. [1a]

History

Hedge Witches could be found within the ancient Belthani, brewing potions, crafting charms, and advising tribal chiefs. As the land was settled, different traditions evolved - in Averland the Brigundian priest-kings gave rise to their hedge witches whilst in Middenland, hedge witches claimed to have a divine progenitor known as the Chieftain of Cats who is thought to be an antecedent of Ranald. In contrast those in Wissenland claimed to be inspired by Verena and in Nordland and Ostland, they worshipped the goddess, Halétha the Guardian. [1b]

However as the Cults of Ulric and Taal grew more and more powerful they viewed Hedge Witches with suspicion but it was the Cult of Sigmar that began their true persecution, declaring them as true Witches and by 1547 IC they were regularly being executed. [1b]

In 2304 IC Magnus the Pious, at the urging of Teclis, announced an amnesty for any hedge wizards who would be willing to abide by the High Elf's program of tuition. Many of them however considered being lumping them in together with a motley assortment of seers, illusionists, and conjurors as an insult and would not accept the imposition of an Elven understanding of magic and so rejected the offer. [1c]

Most modern Hedge Witches hide in plain sight as simple farmers, working the land, tending their animals. [1c]

Lore of Hedgecraft

A magical tradition passed from teacher to pupil, between friends or even traded with trusted acquaintances. Hedge witches often descend from a long line, their knowledge handed down, parent to child, generation after generation. Those without heirs will look to their siblings’ children or perhaps to trustworthy and capable offspring from well-liked local families. Hedge witches have to be wary and careful, but also practical and should they recognise a kindred spirit, they seek to learn from each other, sharing local information and knowledge, both mundane and magical. [1b]

As the practice of magic in the empire outside the Colleges of Magic is illegal, hedge witches have to be very cautious when using spellcraft. Instead, they prefer to work magic in the least obvious manner possible becoming known merely as an herbalist, midwife, or horse-doctor. [1c]

Gallery

Sources

  • 1: Archives of the Empire Vol III
    • 1a: Chapter IV: Minor Gods, Folk Worship & Hedgecraft, pg. 59
    • 1b: Chapter IV: Minor Gods, Folk Worship & Hedgecraft, pg. 60
    • 1c: Chapter IV: Minor Gods, Folk Worship & Hedgecraft, pg. 61