Homed in Castle D'Cerf, the coven of witches that shares the name of D'Cerf was once well-reputed, known for their magic, resources, wealth, prestige, and kinship. Powerful, they ruled among the other covens; they were the kings of the occult, ambassadors to magic, nobles of the witches. The largest of the coven, diversity and conflict was expected among them, but family always overcame enimity. However, when the rival coven Vilicus began to challenge the D'Cerf's sovereignty, tears in the community formed.

Under the pressure of being usurped of their power, the mighty house began to crumble. The veil beginning to tear, many voiced their convictions, some even suggesting to voluntarily give up their position to the Vilicus in order to stave off a detrimental war. Before the two heads of the coven could act, the very foundation of the coven was shaken!

In an event some considered impossible, the two leaders of the coven, High Priestess Olwyn and her husband Lord Bayard were found dead in their bedroom, faces unusually expressionless and hands clasped together in what otherwise would've been a sign of affection. Some speculated suicide, others speculated murder, but all were rendered distraught.

A power vacuum was created. The death of the two had been untimely; the lovers had yet to make children for heirs. Suddenly, friend turned against friend, family against family, witch against witch. A coven once known for its solidarity and close community was split, as many fought their way up to claim the position as leader of the D'Cerf, each for their own reason. Deceit became as common as magic; traitors and alliances were both many; friends were no longer trusted, family no longer together. Even the common laborers and servants had their hand at moving up the ladder. It seemed as if, in one fell swoop, the D'Cerf had been all but destroyed by its own people. That is, until the Vilicus made their appearance at the door of Castle D'Cerf.

It was a small battalion of warriors, witches from the Vilicus—the emblazoned, crimson 'v' was unmistakable. Their presence was a herald, an omen. Armed with weapons, they did not wage war, for their threatening appearance was already an act of war. They marched into the throne room with no opposition. Standing in front of the empty thrones, the captain of the battalion addressed the coven.

The general talked of a revolution in the world of the witches. Pointing to the empty thrones, he voiced how the old ways were no longer, how the times were progressing, and no longer could each separate coven continue on its own. He talked of a new system of governance, of witchcraft, and of coven life. Yet for all his talk of unification, his eyes were red with fire, and his tongue blazing with destruction. His message was hollow, and his face bore no care the welfare of the witches. Despite his words, he was threatening the D'Cerf. This was a warning against the ones who long had been those seated on the thrones. Slithering snakes and crouched lions were waiting to strike and remove the D'Cerf from power. And with that, the Vilicus marched out.

The D'Cerf were pale, their faces drained of color, their eyes flung wide like open doors. Not a breath escaped into the empty throne room. Was it a joke? A foolish move? A lie? Or was this the truth?

Whispers began, faint voices watering the seed of doubt, of defeat, of discord, of destruction. Something would have to be done, but none were courageous or wise or kind enough to give up their chance at the D'Cerf throne. It seemed now more than ever, the fate of the D'Cerf rested among themselves. What was needed was unity, but amidst selfish hearts, pointed tongues, and honeyed words, it would seem the D'Cerf are doomed to shatter.

Welcome to Coven: Shattered, the first book of the Coven RP series. I'm very excited to be reviving this series, and I am completely overjoyed in your interest! Below, I've provided a synopsis. I hope you find this RP to be interesting and immersive. In the realm, magic may exist everywhere, but it's us, writing and roleplaying together that is the real magic.

Coven: Shattered is a story about politics, war, magic, ambition, and the unknown. There'll be combat, exploration, and intrigue. This RP is intended to provide a fantastical plot wherein your characters' choices shape not just themselves but the whole realm. This RP will be dark and gothic, as an overarching motif is on the capacity for all to do evil. A common question posed regards what one will do, when everything is at stake, to secure themselves, to survive. I hope to challenge the characters' morals and goals, as well as the player's creativity. As a consequence of this, expect mature and possibly triggering themes to make their appearances in the RP - this is your warning.

Planned conflicts will include dilemmas involving: the few vs the many, personal morality versus personal goals, and the past vs the future. These conflicts have been planned ahead of time, but considering RPing is a collaborative effort, things are expected to change as we work together and find ourselves immersed in the world.

Way back when I first started this RP, the magic system developed in a way I had not expected - through the debates, questions, and collaboration of the players. The system became robust, intuitive, and required a lengthy FAQ to explain well. We will be using that magic system; however, to make learning it easier, I will be working on a nice write-up to explain it all. Some adjustments will be made from the original system to aid in this effort.

That explanation will come with the OOC thread and not here in the interest check. If you are interested in getting an idea what the magic system will be like, feel free to check out the FAQ on the old thread (which is already linked at the top of this interest check).

As I did then, I encourage debate and discussion! On almost everything, I am willing and desiring the input of the players, from the magic system to the lore. If you have questions or ideas, feel free to shoot them my way.

To add a bit more structure to the RP and make including everyone easier, I will be providing archetypal roles for the characters. The use of this archetype system does mean that the RP will have limited slots, although I may make exceptions, especially if someone is able to suggest a new archetypal role! The fact that we're limited also means that I expect commitment from the players! If you think you might be unable to post regularly or don't know what your schedule will be like, you may take part in the OOC but please don't try to take part in the RP - your absence may be detrimental! Please use your discernment here.

The roles will all have distinct qualities, and I will personally provide specific information for each character and their role via PMs. Each character will have different and specific information or resources. Each role is general, and the details of the character are left up to the player. E.g. the clergy may be a Temple Guardian or take care of the general needs of the people as a Cleric. Or maybe the peasant was an immigrant from another coven or earned his slavery through a crime. It's up to the player.

The Roles

• The Noble: At the bottom of the coven's upper echelons, the noble has had a better education than most everyone else and has experienced the chaotic politics and corruption of the nobility.
• The Guardsman/Knight: A sword for the D'Cerf, they are more than just a threat or nameless warrior. Their role has provided them special insight into things beyond the castle walls, and they have the most knowledge of things that threaten the D'Cerf.
• The Clergy: Having spent most of their time under the White Temple's roof, the clergy is part of the temple but never made it into priesthood. A scholar and defender of the temple, the clergy has the most intimate connection with the mysterious Occult.
• The Peasant: Perhaps a slave or lowly laborer, the peasant has permission to places meant only for nobles when laboring. They lack a noble's life, but their position allows them special access to the gossip of the grapevine.
• The Healer/Doctor: Practiced in medicine, the healer has a special place in the coven. Knowing about various maladies and injuries, a lot of their time has been with corpses, and they have seen things that some others would never know existed.
• The Commoner: Possibly a merchant or artisan, the commoner is more specialized than the peasant and has a place to call their own, albeit small. They may not have power or money, but they make up for it with their other resources.