So, I've been having ideas about the Witcher world. I've been playing with the idea of beginning a plot before the books/games take place (I'd probably prefer an AU) where all the Witcher schools are intact. Then, I got to thinking that they could have roles among themselves, perhaps. Then I got into why they take contracts (for money? for alchemy ingredients? for the well-being of the world?).

I have ideas of the Schools working against a force that wishes to rid Witchers from the world. 
Perhaps they control a territory that someone wants to usurp from them. 
Perhaps there's some kind of civil war among the schools themselves (which could make this into a Nation RP, which could be cool).

I've changed a few things that might offend others. But nothing is set in stone. 
Regardless, I'm not even really looking to make this into an RP. I'd like to first make this a brain-storming thread for possible Witcher RPs the rest of you could wish to start. I'd also like to open the discussion to the possibility of any sex (male or female (or hermaphroditic)) to be a Withcer. I'm also curious to see Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes be able to be Witchers. Would they be assigned to a specific school? If so, which one(s)?

[hider=School of the Bear (Ursine)]
Elemental Representation: Earth
Sign Specialization: Quen
Function: Self-defense and strength training
Acting Position: Vanguard/Defense
Contracts: Beasts, Cursed Ones, Hybrids, Elementa, Relicts, Ogroids, Draconids

Ursine Witchers usually train the young boys before and after they enter the Trial of the Grasses.[/hider]

[hider=School of the Raven (Corvine)]
Elemental Representation: Air
Sign Specialization: Aard
Function: Information gathering
Acting Position: Assassin/Intelligence
Contracts: Vampires, Relicts, Ogroids

Corvine Witchers are often gaining intelligence on Contracts pertaining to curses and people due to the complexity of such Contracts' natures.[/hider]

[hider=School of the Wolf (Lupine)]
Elemental Representation: Fire
Sign Specialization: Igni
Function: Support
Acting Position: Support/Strike
Contracts: Necrophages, Hybrids, Insectoids, Relicts, Draconids

Rounded in physical strength and speed, they train young Witchers and pursue contracts.[/hider]

[hider=School of the Elk (Cervine)]
Elemental Representation: Water
Sign Specialization: Axii
Function: Diplomacy
Acting Position: Diplomats
Contracts: 

Often keeping from pursuing Contracts, Cervine Witchers keep tabs on the world around them. They watch the succession of Kings, Sorcerers, and even the common folk. Cultures, languages, and territories are their main focus.[/hider]

[hider=School of the Viper (Aspine)]
Elemental Representation: Aether
Sign Specialization: Yrden/Somne
Function: Lore keeper and historian
Acting Position: Historian
Contracts:  Curses, Specters

Aspine Witchers combine the knowledge of the Elk, Eagle, and the Badger Schools. Histories of the world, natural monster habitats and their migrations, and the advancements of Magic fill the halls of the School of the Viper. They are usually sent to fulfill contracts on Curses, Cursed Ones, and Specters.[/hider]

[hider=School of the Eagle (Aquiline)]
Elemental Representation: All
Sign Specialization: Aagdi (Aard/Igni)
Function: Magic studies and training
Acting Positon: Magic/Education
Contracts: 

The School of the Eagle focuses on the refinement and the development of the Signs in which the Witchers specialize. They, of course, study much deeper Magics. But this is merely for the sake of education rather than its application.[/hider]

[hider=School of the Badger (Musteline)]
Elemental Representation: None
Sign Specialization: Heliotrop
Function: Mutation
Acting Position: Alchemy/Science
Contracts:

Boys arrive at the School of the Badger to go through the Trial of the Grasses. The Musteline Witcher specialize in all things alchemy. They have developed the Trial of the Grasses so that Females and other non-humans might be able to survive, but those have been few and far between.[/hider]