Once upon a time, in a small village in the depths of an enchanted forest, there lived a sorceress named Genevieve. Genevieve was a formidable sorceress, known for her vast knowledge of magic and her ability to cast powerful spells. However, despite her prowess in the arcane arts, Genevieve had one weakness - an irrational fear of witches. Genevieve's fear of witches stemmed from a childhood encounter with a wicked witch who had placed a curse on her family. The witch had caused her parents to fall into a deep sleep, and only with great difficulty did Genevieve manage to break the curse and save her parents. Ever since then, the very mention of witches filled Genevieve with dread.
Ever since then, the very mention of witches filled Genevieve with dread. Despite her fear, Genevieve knew that witches did exist in the world, practicing their own form of magic. As a sorceress, she was familiar with the distinction between sorcery and witchcraft.
Homebrew "Forbidden" Spells
I decided to try to homebrew a few spells for a campaign I'm running. I hoped to create some more "taboo" spells that were forgotten due to the painful nature of the spells. I had never really homebrewed spells before so I was hoping to get some feedback.
Boil Blood
6th Level Transmutation
Components - V,S,M - (A vial of blood and a pinch of sulfur)
The target’s blood spikes in temperature, causing it to boil them alive from the inside out and inflict indescribable pain on the target. The target must make a CON save vs. your spell DC. If they fail the save, they take 8d8 Fire damage, have disadvantage on attack rolls, and cannot take reactions. If they succeed, they take half as much damage, with no additional penalties. At the start of the target’s next turn, they must repeat the save, taking 4d8 Fire damage (plus aforementioned penalties) on a failed save, or taking half as much on a successful one, with no additional penalties. If an enemy is killed by this damage, they turn into a puddle of boiling goo, as their viscera and bones are liquified. This spell only affects targets that are made of flesh.
Contort
2nd Level Evocation
Components - S,M - (A small twig, which is snapped and consumed after usage)
One of the appendages of your target is twisted and snapped into an uncomfortable and incredibly painful position, which can only be remedied by re-aligning the limb properly. The target makes a CON save vs. your spell DC. If they fail, they take 4d6 Force damage, and one of their limbs is contorted. If you selected an arm, they have disadvantage on attack rolls, and if you selected a leg, their speed is reduced to 0. The target can reverse this by taking an action to re-align their limb. This spell only affects creatures with a corporeal body that has limbs.
Phthisis
7th Level Necromancy
Components - S,M,V - (A rotten piece of fruit, or a moldy piece of bread)
Range - 100 feet
You create a sphere of rot and decay, weakening each living creature within it as decay eats through, skin, muscle and bone, leaving nothing behind. Each creature within a 20 foot sphere centered on a point of your choice must make a CON save vs. your spell DC. If they fail, they take 1d6 points of Strength damage and 1d6 points of Constitution damage, and take 10d8 necrotic damage. On a successful save, they take half as much damage, and suffer no penalty to strength or constitution. The Strength and Constitution can only be restored by a Greater Restoration Spell.
Waking Nightmare (Improved "Phantasmal Killer")
4th Level Enchantment
Components - S,M,V - (A page that contains the written contents of your most recent dream)
Range - 120 feet
Duration - Concentration (Up to 1 minute)
You tap into the mind of your enemy, causing them to see the horrible creatures that their subconscious creates in their nightmares. A creature you can see within range must make a WIS save vs. your spell DC. On a failed save, the target starts to hallucinate and see physical creatures made of their worst fears. They are frightened for the duration, and must make at least one attack at the illusory creatures on their turn if possible. In addition, they take 4d10 psychic damage at the beginning of their turn. They can repeat the save at the end of each of their turns. On a successful save, they take 2d10 psychic damage, and the spell ends.
You create a sphere of rot and decay, weakening each living creature within it as decay eats through, skin, muscle and bone, leaving nothing behind. Each creature within a 20 foot sphere centered on a point of your choice must make a CON save vs. your spell DC. If they fail, they take 1d6 points of Strength damage and 1d6 points of Constitution damage, and take 10d8 necrotic damage. On a successful save, they take half as much damage, and suffer no penalty to strength or constitution. The Strength and Constitution can only be restored by a Greater Restoration Spell.
While sorcery was considered a more refined and controlled form of magic, witchcraft was often perceived as dark and unpredictable. Genevieve's fear of witches escalated to the point where she refused to associate with anyone suspected of being a witch. She would recoil in terror at the mere sight of a broomstick, a common symbol associated with witchcraft. This fear became a hindrance in her magical studies, as she would avoid certain spells and potions that were traditionally associated with witchcraft. Genevieve's fear of witches also isolated her from the magical community. Other sorcerers and sorceresses would often gather to share knowledge and exchange magical techniques, but Genevieve would decline any invitation to such gatherings if she suspected there would be witches in attendance. This further deepened her fear and kept her from growing and evolving in her magical abilities. Over time, Genevieve's fear began to consume her life. She would constantly worry about witches plotting against her, leading her to spend sleepless nights and becoming increasingly paranoid. Her once joyous demeanor turned into one of anxiety and dread. One day, Genevieve received news of a powerful witch who had recently arrived in the village. This witch was said to possess incredible magical abilities and was rumored to be planning a dark and dangerous spell. Despite her fear, Genevieve felt a responsibility to protect her village from the potential chaos this witch could unleash. Summoning every ounce of courage she had left, Genevieve ventured into the forest to confront the witch. As she entered a clearing, she saw a young woman surrounded by books and potions, absorbed in her studies. To Genevieve's surprise, the witch seemed harmless and even slightly afraid of her. Through their conversation, Genevieve discovered that the witch, named Luna, had also faced persecution and judgment due to her magical abilities. Luna had come to the village seeking refuge, hoping to find acceptance and a place to belong. Genevieve realized that her fear of witches had blinded her to the fact that not all witches were evil, just as not all sorcerers were good. Genevieve and Luna formed an unlikely friendship, bonding over their shared experiences and their love for magic. They collaborated on various spells and potions, combining their respective knowledge and creating new forms of magic. In the process, Genevieve overcame her fear of witches, realizing that magical ability alone did not define a person's character. From that day forward, Genevieve and Luna worked together to dispel the misconceptions surrounding witches and sorcerers. They organized gatherings in which witches and sorcerers could come together to share their knowledge and learn from each other. Genevieve's fear had transformed into a deep appreciation for the diversity of magical practices and a dedication to fostering unity within the magical community. In the end, Genevieve's fear had taught her a valuable lesson - that sometimes the things we fear the most can turn out to be the very things that enrich our lives and help us grow..
Reviews for "The Sorceress's Paradox: Harnessing Magic While Fearing Witches"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "The sorceress that feared witches" as I love fantasy and magic books. However, I was disappointed by this one. The plot felt predictable and cliché, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. The protagonist lacked depth and the supporting characters were one-dimensional. The writing style was also lackluster, with awkward dialogue and descriptions. Overall, I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped.
2. James - 1 star - I don't understand all the hype around "The sorceress that feared witches." I found the story to be incredibly boring and slow-paced. The plot dragged on with unnecessary details, and the supposed twists were predictable and underwhelming. The protagonist was incredibly unlikable, and I couldn't empathize with her fear of witches. The world-building was also lacking, with little information on the magical aspects. I regret wasting my time on this book.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - "The sorceress that feared witches" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The pacing of the story was inconsistent and often dragged, making it hard for me to stay engaged. The characters' actions didn't always make sense, and their motivations felt forced. The magic system was not well explained, which left me confused and disconnected from the story. While there were a few moments of intrigue, overall, the book fell flat for me. I wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy lovers.