Witchwardens
| Witchwardens | |
|---|---|
 The symbol of the Witchwardens, art by Ben Wooten (2002). | |
| Type: | Wizards' guild |
| Founded: | c.1 CY |
| Leader: | Lux Seoni |
| Members: | Arcane spellcasters |
| Symbol: | eight daggers arrayed in a rune circle |
| Headquarters: | Witchwarden Tower, Sasserine |
| Allies: | Dawn Council |
The Witchwardens are a secular mage's guild originally established nearly 600 years ago by the church of Wee Jas.[1]
Their goals include the study of magic, and protection of Sasserine.[2]
Description
"The first goal of the Witchwardens is the pursuit of arcane magic, and members spend a great deal of their time researching new spells and recovering lost lore. The guild is also charged with the defense of the city against any magical threat."[3]
History
Founded by a priest-mage of Wee Jas[2] near the turn of the first century CY, sometime between -4 CY[3] and c.1 CY.[2]
Members
"The Witchwardens are open to anyone who can cast arcane magic; including bards, sorcerers, and wizards. While some today still venerate the Witch Goddess, members may be of any faith. Many of the most powerful wizards and sorcerers in the city powerful are members, giving this guild important ties to the powerful and wealthy."[3][2]
Prospective members must pay a 20gp fee and present themselves for review to display their arcane spellcasting ability.[3]
- Hevrik Aldwattle (NG male human Wiz5/Expert2)—alchemist and naturalist, member of the Witchwardens in good standing.[4]
Headquarters
"Based in the Noble District, the Witchwarden Tower is the primary home of the guild. The 80-foot tall tower houses numerous libraries, workshops, and meeting halls, all freely available to members, provided that they share their findings and knowledge vided that they share their findings and knowledge. The Witchwardens prefeT to keep an air of secrecy about them, requiring all visitors to the ower to first make an appointment and restricting their access to the well-appointed meeting rooms on the first floor."[3]
Structure
The Witchwardens are organized in a stratified hierarchy, designated in ascending order by the color of the ceremonial dagger they carry.
Alignment
Heraldry
"A round disk bearing a circle of runes with eight daggers inside pointing toward the center. Each dagger represents one school of magic, each contributing to the greater cause. Members of the guild typically wear the symbol as a badge on their robes."[3]
Resources
Currency
Rumors and legends
Publication history
As an Affiliation
Classes: The Witchwardens favor wizards, but allow other arcane spellcasters to join.
Type: College
Scale: 7 (City and outliers)
Capital: 11 (gp limit 14,400, assets 158,400 gp)
Executive powers: Craft, Gift, Research.
Affiliation Score
| Criterion | Affiliation Score Modifier |
|---|---|
| Inherent | |
| Character level | +1/2 level |
| Acquired | |
| Has Knack for Magic feat | +1 |
| 5 or more ranks in Knowledge (arcane) | +1 |
| Can cast arcane spells of 3rd level+ | +1 |
| Can cast arcane spells of 5th level+ | +1 |
| Work | |
| Donates magic item valued at 1,000gp+ to the guild | +1/item, max 3/year |
| Research or recover a new arcane spell | +1/spell, max 5/year |
| Member of the Dawn Council affiliation | +2 |
| Adventure | |
| Investigate and report on a supernatural threat to Sasserine[5] | +1 |
| Penalties | |
| Member of any other affiliation | -4/affiliation |
| Fail to assist Sasserine against a magical threat | -4 |
| Unable to cast an arcane spell | -20 |
Benefits
These benefits are listed in Savage Tidings: The Adventure Begins.[3] Others are possible.
"Members who attain a new title are promoted at the end of the monly arcane symposium, where they receive their new dagger (a badge of office)."[3]
| Affiliation Score | Title: Benefits and Duties |
| 3 or lower | Not affiliated, or applicant with no benefits. |
| 4-10 | Initiate: You are recognized as a member of the guild and may use the services of the tower at any time. |
| 11-20 | White Dagger: +2 circumstance bonus on Knowledge skill checks made at one of the guild's libraries. Purchase spellcasting from the Witchwardens at 3/4 price (discounting material components). |
| 21-29 | Black Dagger: 10% discount on experience point costs when crafting a magic item made with arcane magic. Requisition one potion or scroll containing an arcane spell valued at 1,000 gp or less per month. |
| 30 or higher | Red Dagger: Once per month, you can borrow any wondrous item In the Dungeon Master’s Guide of 14,000 gp value or less for 2d4 days. You may not borrow a charged item in this fashion. |
References
Notes
Citations
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Witchwardens (Sasserine) | People Group | Organization/Society, | Dragon magazine #348 | 68, 72 |
| Witchwardens (Sasserine) | People Group | Organization/Society, | Dragon magazine #356 | 71 |