Ice Witches

The Ice Witches are the main body of Rannva’s cult, acting as her clerics and protectors. They consider themselves the truest embodiment of their northern homeland, tracing their heritage back before the calamity that was the Aetherbreach. Their order is made up exclusively of female Noreya, and guards its secrets and rituals very closely. They claim that men are unsuitable for magic and prone to corruption, blaming them and the cult of Dazh for their people’s downfall. The Ice Witches have their hands in almost every aspect of Noreyan culture today, working hard to ensure they are the dominant voice in its rebuilding. Their members range far and wide across the world, often on missions or errands on behalf of the cult itself. Their hierarchy is strict, yet difficult to ascertain for outsiders. The cult is centred in Vanne on the edge of the steppe, though Maugard in the Midlands is a growing centre for their power as well.

Rituals and Practices

Ice Witches are chosen as young girls, taken on as part of winter equinox celebrations in honour of Rannva. Every eligible girl in a Noreya settlement or neighbourhood is paraded on display for the attending Ice Witches, forced to stand shivering on the coldest day of the year as they’re appraised. It is uncommon for one to display the natural talent for magic that the Witches look for, though when one does she is instantly taken from her family to be apprenticed. Young men who display a spark of magic are often taken as well, though those that go are never seen again. For higher class Noreya girls, this process typically takes place indoors in a much more casual setting, paraded before a visiting Ice Witch in her finest clothes.

In the months that follow, these young girls are trained in the ways of Ice Magic as their ancestors have for generations, venturing out into the wilderness to mature and grow with their powers. Much of their daily tasks revolve around survival; gathering firewood and setting traps for wild game. The rest of their waking moments are spent training in harnessing their newfound magic. Many do not survive this training, ending up overwhelmed by either the wilds or the harsh magic they seek to control. For those who remain steadfast and determined in the face of these challenges, the rewards can be significant. While their powers grow, many experience a surge of self-confidence and gathering awareness of their place in the world, providing them with the aloof certainty that the Ice Witches are known for.

Upon completing their initial training and earning their release from their mistresses, the former Apprentice’s eyes typically turn a bright blue or black, almost overnight. No matter their former complexion, they typically also take on a translucent paleness, shifting their skin tone to be more the colour of pale ice or snow than anything else. It is rumoured that an apprentice witch, on the first anniversary of her selection, must break a hole in the frozen ice of a lake without the aid of tools and plunge into the waters. Using nothing but a thin blanket, they are then to survive the night exposed to the elements. Since neither apprentices nor witches will discuss their rituals, the veracity of this rumour remains to be seen.

Ice Witches do not have a set hierarchy as other churches or cults do. No formal titles or divisions separate them, instead having an internal political structure based on many different factors. Bloodlines, beliefs, who trained them, deeds done, magical strength, and even more all factor into how an Ice Witch is received by her colleagues. The Witches’ only formal gathering is at the annual Caucus in Vanne, held during the summer solstice. The Witches travel, if they can, to Rannva’s main temple to meet and discuss their strategies and plans for the upcoming year. The Caucus can last for a few days or weeks depending on the topics discussed. Another gathering has become popular on Miskaden, the spring equinox, when a similar gathering happens in Maugard’s Frosthome. The older Ice Witches in the north are suspicious of this gathering, believing that some of the younger Witches are seeking to undermine their authority among that bustling Noreya community.

Notable Members

Khionya Berlardskaya, Matriarch

The highest authority of Rannva, ancient mother-goddess of the Noreya, Khionya is seemingly as ancient as the steppe itself. Born long after the Aetherbreach, she is nonetheless centuries old, having lived in Vanne for much of her life. As a young girl she was selected as many of the Ice Witches are; standing naked on a frozen morning with a cluster of young Noreyan girls. The inspecting Witch saw the spark of magic in her, and she was taken from her family for the proper training. Since then, Khionya has dedicated herself solely to furthering her cult’s agenda. Her tenure has seen Rannva become even more influential among the Noreya, and even garner some influence over the humans in the north. Her and her other elder Witches guide their order throughout the land, sending itinerant members far and wide to further their goals. Khionya is several hundred years old, and yet one would be hard pressed to realize it. She appears as young and beautiful, if ethereal and otherworldly. Her eyes are completely white, while her skin is pale blue. Horns wrap tightly around her head, pointing down towards her neck. Black hair stretches down her back, disappearing into her dress. Her features are pointed and sharp, giving her a severe impression.

Shoika, Queen of Ice

Shoika is the most powerful Ice Witch outside of the north; an agent of the cult of Rannva and their most respected member in the Midlands. While she is in communication with the Witches in Vanne, she has complete autonomy in ensuring the goals they all share are realized. She is a permanent fixture in the court of Goroyev Bokha, and has considerable influence over the fiery Druzhina. Despite the resistance of the other cults, the Ice Witches consider themselves the most integral piece of a Noreyan restoration movement, and Shoika has worked hard to maintain a tight grip over the Druzhina and his court. Her charisma and power have granted the Ice Witches special considerations in the city, which they use to sculpt Noreyan society how they wish it to be remade. This control has made her mentors in Vanne suspicious of her motives, allowing her a very powerful base in which she has independent control. Her followers act as enforcers of these goals, and command immense authority and respect in the realm. Shoika’s skin is a pale blue with eyes the colour of fallen snow. She is exceptionally beautiful, dressing in fashionable furs and skins. Despite her beauty, there is an otherworldly air surrounding her, and many in her presence often feel uncomfortable.

Vajena Ursolavnuka

After serving the cult of Rannva for much of her life, Vajena disappeared into the north on some secret errand. Many assumed she had died, but after thirty years missing she has recently returned from her sojourn. She speaks of the horrors of the Aetherbreach first hand, and wields even more tremendous power than before. Her disjointed warnings about the tear and a new calamity approaching have fallen on deaf ears at the Caucus, and she has fled to gather her own faction to confront some new threat to the north. Vajena is an old Noreya who bears the weight of her experiences, despite her glamour. She has purple skin that appears almost translucent, with black hair and glowing blue eyes.