The term Witch refers to one who practices magic. In this context, witch has no association with gender or religious practice.
Practicing Witches
Not all practicing witches are natural witches. In fact, most practitioners are those with no natural abilities or aptitudes. A human (generally, any 'Crede, although the term is based in human culture) can study the supernatural and learn to use these forces, however, their natural barriers will conflict with these activities, thus limiting their ability.
For those with strong natural barriers, practicing magic often takes a serious toll. When a practicing witch uses magic there is a buildup of ‘residue’ inside the body. Generally, the body can get rid of this residue over time without aid. However, if too much magic is used in a short period of time, the residue will build up and force itself out, most often through the mouth but sometimes through the nose, eyes, or other orifices. The color of this residue changes based on what type of magic is used.
Like natural witches, practicing witches can find the use of these supernatural powers addictive. Symptoms of withdrawal, disruption of everyday life, exhaustion, and weight loss are all common side effects for any practicing witch.
Natural Witches
There are several theories as to why humans, more so than any 'Crede, have difficultly reproducing natural magic-users. It is thought that all humans are born with blocks against the paranormal – natural barriers which prevent the influence of unknowable forces. Because of this, humans especially have difficulty perceiving the supernatural. A natural witch is born without these barriers, but humans can only thrive in environments lacking paranatural elements, and so the human body will create them with the witch’s own supernatural abilities. The body’s ability to form these natural protective barriers keeps humans safely separate from those things which cannot be comprehended. For most natural witches, 100% of their supernatural energy goes toward the construction and maintenance of these important barriers.
Babbling
At birth, all natural witches will begin to build the barriers they lack. Any witch with a power beyond this will find that they will begin to ‘babble’; the beginning stages of any ability that will later inform a witch’s aptitude. The babbling stage does not present strong ability but does allow a child to experience a wide spectrum of abilities on small scale. Once a child is old enough, around the onset of puberty, the babbling will cease and the witch’s aptitude will begin to become clear. Aptitude is decided by the level of interest and experience a witch acquires while babbling, and by theirs and their peers understanding of their abilities. For example; many witches are mediums. This is in part due to people being convinced supernatural events are happening to them rather than believing they are influencing their surroundings. In this way, a witch’s aptitude is tailored to fit their personal psychology.
Surging
After babbling, natural witches will begin to experience surges. Usually beginning around puberty, these 'surges' come with an influx of natural ability and the fervent desire to use their power, possibly the body’s attempt to practice and control their ability. For some, the surges are addictive and dangerous, others barely feel them. Most experience a euphoric feeling or prevailing serenity after using their power during a surge. The surges last from early teenage years to the late 20’s or early 30’s, coming as frequently as once a month to once or twice a week and stay for several hours.
From the end of the surges a witch’s abilities will weaken, and they will remain that way for the entirety of their lives. Witches that overused during surges may experience depression or a variety of physical and mental afflictions; general weakness or exhaustion, trouble sleeping, episodes of seizure, episodes of cold sweats, episodes of dizziness, confusion, extreme anger, mood swings, etc. The transition is difficult even for those that closely monitored their usage during surges.
Tesh: Witches of the West
The history of Marcwith and its inhabitants show, if nothing else, a dedicated passion for tradition and ceremony. Proof of this is the continued presence of (and in some cases, reliance on) Tesh. Like much in Marcwith the full history of the Tesh is muddled, but most believe it can at least be traced back to the feudal era when - according to legend - a loosely strung clan called Joros was hired by the Extiez family to wreak preternatural havoc on their enemies.
While there is as yet no scientific method to measure the ability of a Tesh the majority of Marcwith continues to respect their culture, even occasionally relying on Tesh as small-town doctors, leaders, or religious advisors.
Anodynes
Anodynes are a somewhat recent discovery. Not supernatural but rather paranormal or paranatural, they possess abnormally powerful barriers that protect themself and others from supernatural influence. More than likely they themselves are unaware of their gifts and because they block supernatural phenomena from others as well, are often the largest skeptics of the inexplicable. Anodynes can be useful in controlling supernatural influence in natural witches or those otherwise afflicted. However, when confronted with a powerful entity or energy, the anodyne risks illness.
Some anodynes have abilities a step beyond. Although there is only one documented case, the famous violinist Alde Alsanov is one such anodyne. He was not only able to soothe the abilities of powerful natural witches, the likes of which would paralyze other anodynes, but he was able to utilize the abilities of those around him to enhance his own practice. He claims his enhanced ability is a side-effect from the practice and study of music, not of magic, though others have yet to repeat his successes.