Witchcraft has long been associated with offensive practices, whether it be curses, hexes, or other forms of black magic. The concept of using witchcraft as a means to harm or manipulate others is deeply rooted in history and folklore. Across different cultures and time periods, tales of witches casting spells and engaging in dark rituals to cause harm have abounded. In many societies, the fear and suspicion of witches have led to widespread persecution and violence. From the infamous Salem witch trials in the 17th century to the witch hunts of medieval Europe, innocent individuals, mostly women, have been accused and put to death based on allegations of practicing offensive witchcraft. The offensive nature of witchcraft is attributed to the belief that witches are able to tap into supernatural forces and channel their energy towards negative ends.
The offensive nature of witchcraft is attributed to the belief that witches are able to tap into supernatural forces and channel their energy towards negative ends. Whether it is inflicting illness, causing accidents, or instigating discord and chaos, offensive witchcraft is believed to have the power to wreak havoc in people's lives. Throughout history, various protective measures and remedies have been developed to counteract the effects of offensive witchcraft.
Witch's slightly offensive and a one dimensional
I'll start off say I really loved the Idea of having a Witch class in the as a base class. But as a student of Witch mythology and the religion I found myself (surprisingly) offended by how they where portrayed. And it acutely took me a few moments to realize why. Witch's in mythology, history and fantasy have Two distinctive and conflicting images , healers and sages or the Hag and deamonologist. The class for the most part seems to cater to the more negative aspect. For those that follow the “Craft” this can be a bit offensive. But it is part of the mythology an and indeed history. But as it's presented in this game context it also makes the class a bit one- dimensional.
While witches are skill in casting curses and hexes they are also skilled in warding against, protecting and removing them. If the class was made to cater to both aspects it it would be a much more interesting and balanced class.
The ability to scenes curses
the Ability to gives party member(s) a bonus to Save against cure and or a second save against the Cures/hex with a bonus (thus removing it)
the ability to counter many of the hexes and curs the may cast.
Remove cackle its just silly maybe replace with: Moppet or doll if witch posses a moppet or doll to represent player effected by cure ( it would do same affect as cackle) .
To make the class really work appeal equity to both sides of the theme. Make a better class and better playing enjoyment and resource for GM's. I really would like to see this class work. Please realize the theme of witchcraft and as if very broad and with would be good to see it represented and a balanced and respectful way that clerics and druid's are. In closing it king of seems like the designer wanted to make A PC Hag class but while Hag's may be witches witches are not , all, Hags. I hope my insight helps and it is coming from a love of your game and the theme.
Granfather wrote:I'll start off say I really loved the Idea of having a Witch class in the as a base class. But as a student of Witch mythology and the religion I found myself (surprisingly) offended by how they where portrayed. And it acutely took me a few moments to realize why. Witch's in mythology, history and fantasy have Two distinctive and conflicting images , healers and sages or the Hag and deamonologist. The class for the most part seems to cater to the more negative aspect. For those that follow the “Craft” this can be a bit offensive. But it is part of the mythology an and indeed history. But as it's presented in this game context it also makes the class a bit one- dimensional.
While witches are skill in casting curses and hexes they are also skilled in warding against, protecting and removing them. If the class was made to cater to both aspects it it would be a much more interesting and balanced class.The ability to scenes curses
the Ability to gives party member(s) a bonus to Save against cure and or a second save against the Cures/hex with a bonus (thus removing it)
the ability to counter many of the hexes and curs the may cast.Remove cackle its just silly maybe replace with: Moppet or doll if witch posses a moppet or doll to represent player effected by cure ( it would do same affect as cackle)
To make the class really work appeal equity to both sides of the theme. Make a better class and better playing enjoyment and resource for GM's. I really would like to see this class work. Please realize the theme of witchcraft and as if very broad and with would be good to see it represented and a balanced and respectful way that clerics and druid's are. In closing it king of seems like the designer wanted to make A PC Hag class but while Hag's may be witches witches are not , all, Hags. I hope my insight helps and it is coming from a love of your game and the theme.
I dont mind some more emphasis on the 'positive' side of witch mythology. But 'anti hex' abilities would be extremely circumstantial. Unless you make witches a staple of your game world the ability to provide bonuses vs hexes is not a good ability, and would be meaningless in most encounters. Even if you include curses its still highly circumstantial and wont really improve the apeal of the class, or it's 'image'. No one would take these options (assuming they are optional).
Pathfinder Adventure Path SubscriberA remove curse hex that is more powerful then the normal remove curse, but usable 1/day/target and can affect both curses and hexes might be a good addition ot the repertoire of major hexes.
Consider instead of "anti-hex" something more like "anti-debuff".
For instance, the enemy cleric casts Doom at the fighter (or Domination, or any other kind of effect). The ally witch manipulates the fighter-keyed fetish (like a doll, or more appropriately, a charm made of his hair) and the effect is countered.
This just defines "hex" a lot more broadly to mean "mind-affecting ability that allows a WILL save" or somesuch.
Granfather wrote:I'll start off say I really loved the Idea of having a Witch class in the as a base class. But as a student of Witch mythology and the religion I found myself (surprisingly) offended by how they where portrayed.
I think that the class is really modeled on Witchcraft according to Hollywood, not on Wicca. The Witch 'Hexes' are a mixed bag of party-aiding effects, and foe-cursing effects, and so I don't think it focuses only on the 'Evil Witch' stereotype. The class can support the 'Good Witch' stereotype as well, just interpret 'Cackle' as giggling.
Dilvish the Danged wrote:I think that the class is really modeled on Witchcraft according to Hollywood, not on Wicca.
I'm going to be flamed for this, but.
Wicca, as a religion, is not descriptive of witchcraft, either in the classical world, the mythological world, the various folklore traditions of Europe and Asia, or the medieval witchcraft scare context. It really should be left completly out of the discussion.
This is NOT to say that witches were not portrayed as helpful at various times. Look at the myriad traditions of Baba Yaga, a very archetypal witch. Sometimes she ate people, other times she helped them out. That extreme bipolar quality is repeated again and again in folklore traditions as concerns witches (and even rogue shamans in the Americas).
PFRPG being a fantasy game, I believe that the mythological and folklore traditions are the most appropriate to use, and the witch class covers many aspects of the folklore tradition while the Oracle covers much of the mythological tradition.
As a wiccan myself (for 20+years) I find
nothing offensive about the class and heres why.
First off the class is modeled after mostly
fairytales and not real life wicca.
Second, even though it is molded on fairy tales
it allows you to play witches of any alignment.
So it is not the class of witch that is evil,
but those who take it up for thier own evil ends.
When I first heard they were going to do the witch I
too was worried. Now having said all that I do feel
class has alot of rework that has to be done, but
that is all about mechanics and not the way it is portrayed.
Someone wanting to play a Wiccan Witch would be better off playing a druid or cleric with appropriate domains. As a Wiccan myself I suppose I would like a specifically Wiccan Witch class but its just a preference or bias. I am not offended by Paizo making a 'fairy tale' witch.
A more Wiccan themed fantasy Witch would have a totally different focus.
1. ability to combine as a group to cast more powerful spells.
2. Ability to cast long range curse type spells and other spells, and similarly remove them.
3. Healing spells
4. divination spells/second sight (ability to see spirits and detect magick)
5. candle magick, rope magick, astral projection, luck magick, herbalism/potions
6. Exorcism and cleansing/banishment type effects. Bindings (ability to geas someone to do/not do something)
7. weather magick
9. sympathetic magick. Bonuses when you have somethign related to subject and ability to cast certain spells at subjects any distance away if you have something you can use with sympathy.
Very little in the way of direct damage spells. No armour. combat ability as a wizard.
More skill points than a wizard. Probably 4-6 per class level. Class skills:
knowledge: local, nature, arcane, religion
craft: herbalism, alchemy
sense motive, persuasion, perception. and euphemistically for persecution, stealth and disguise.
The class would likey be charisma based, and spontaneous casting like a sorceress.
I'll start off say I really loved the Idea of having a Witch class in the as a base class. But as a student of Witch mythology and the religion I found myself (surprisingly) offended by how they where portrayed. And it acutely took me a few moments to realize why. Witch's in mythology, history and fantasy have Two distinctive and conflicting images , healers and sages or the Hag and deamonologist. The class for the most part seems to cater to the more negative aspect. For those that follow the “Craft” this can be a bit offensive. But it is part of the mythology an and indeed history. But as it's presented in this game context it also makes the class a bit one- dimensional. While witches are skill in casting curses and hexes they are also skilled in warding against, protecting and removing them. If the class was made to cater to both aspects it it would be a much more interesting and balanced class. The ability to scenes curses
the Ability to gives party member(s) a bonus to Save against cure and or a second save against the Cures/hex with a bonus (thus removing it)
the ability to counter many of the hexes and curs the may cast. Remove cackle its just silly maybe replace with: Moppet or doll if witch posses a moppet or doll to represent player effected by cure ( it would do same affect as cackle) To make the class really work appeal equity to both sides of the theme. Make a better class and better playing enjoyment and resource for GM's. I really would like to see this class work. Please realize the theme of witchcraft and as if very broad and with would be good to see it represented and a balanced and respectful way that clerics and druid's are. In closing it king of seems like the designer wanted to make A PC Hag class but while Hag's may be witches witches are not , all, Hags. I hope my insight helps and it is coming from a love of your game and the theme.
Talismans, amulets, and charms are often used as defenses against spells and curses. Additionally, rituals and ceremonies are performed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. In contemporary times, the belief in the offensive power of witchcraft persists in many cultures, although its prevalence may vary. Some people continue to consult witches or practitioners of magic to seek assistance in inflicting harm upon their enemies or resolving personal conflicts through offensive means. However, it is important to note that these practices are often surrounded by controversy and can have legal and ethical repercussions. It is essential to approach the topic of offensive witchcraft with caution and skepticism. While cultural beliefs and traditions may be deeply ingrained, it is important to respect the rights and well-being of others and not engage in activities that may cause harm or distress..
Reviews for "The Psychology of Offensive Witchcraft: Exploring the Dark Side of Human Nature"
1. John - 2/5 - "Offensive by witchcraft" was a disappointment for me. I was expecting a captivating story about witches and magic, but instead, I found it to be offensive and insensitive. The book seemed to perpetuate negative stereotypes about witches and portrayed them in a derogatory manner. Furthermore, the writing style was mediocre at best, and the plot felt dull and predictable. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and respectful portrayal of witchcraft.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I found "Offensive by witchcraft" to be deeply offensive and insensitive. As someone who practices witchcraft, I was appalled by the lack of research and understanding the author put into the subject matter. The novel was filled with inaccuracies and misconceptions that only served to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Additionally, the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their story. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone, especially those interested in witchcraft or looking for accurate representation.
3. Emily - 2/5 - "Offensive by witchcraft" failed to live up to my expectations. The crude language and offensive jokes throughout the book were unnecessary and detracted from the overall story. The characters lacked development and were often portrayed in a stereotypical and shallow manner. Moreover, the plot was disjointed and seemed to jump from one scene to another without proper transitions. I believe there are better books out there that provide a more respectful and engaging portrayal of witchcraft.