The Old Black Witch and the Magical Creatures: A Forbidden Alliance

In folklore and legends, the figure of the old black witch often emerges as a dark, mysterious and malicious character. The old black witch is often portrayed as an elderly woman with a sinister appearance, typically with dark, wrinkled skin and a long, crooked nose. This depiction associates the witch with negative connotations and reinforces stereotypes of black magic and evil powers. Throughout history, the old black witch has been the subject of fear, superstition, and suspicion. In many cultures, witches, particularly those of African descent, have been accused of practicing dark arts and causing harm to others. These accusations often led to persecution, discrimination, and even execution.

Iggwilv, also known as Tasha or Natasha, [1] [note 1] and the alias Zybilna, [15] [5] was an Oerthian archmage and demonologist. She famously wrote the Demonomicon of Iggwilv, a tome on demonic lore. [9]

One of Iggwilv s most wondrous and powerful items was her personal cauldron , an artifact that she crafted with the assistance of her adoptive mother. Both Iggwilv and Graz zt sought to use or betray the other, yet also supported or even rescued one another when in peril, and in their own twisted way, both genuinely shared a bond of love with the other.

These accusations often led to persecution, discrimination, and even execution. The portrayal of the old black witch is deeply rooted in racism and prejudice. The stereotype of the wicked witch, with her black skin and unusual features, perpetuates harmful stereotypes about black people and contributes to the dehumanization and marginalization of an entire race.

Iggwilv, the Witch Queen (5e Creature)

Armor Class 25 (cloak of the witch queen)
Hit Points 405 (411 with false life) (30d8 + 210)
Speed 60 ft. (30 ft. without boots of swiftness), fly 60 ft.

Saving Throws Dex +16, Con +17, Wis +13
Skills Acrobatics +16, Arcana +19, Athletics +10, History +19, Insight +13, Nature +19, Perception +13, Religion +19
Proficiency Bonus +10
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire
Damage Immunities lightning, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., truesight 60 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal
Challenge 30 (155,000 XP)

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Iggwilv fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.

Permanency Spells. Iggwilv has the following spells always in effect unless she chooses them not to be: darkvision, true seeing, arcane sight, fly, and tongues.

Gift from Death. Iggwilv is able to cast spells from the cleric spell list in addition to the wizard spell list.

Greater Contingency. Iggwilv has the following spell in effect through greater contingency: resurrection.

Contingency. Iggwilv has the following spell in effect through contingency: greater restoration.

Worn Equipment. Iggwilv has the following pieces of equipment attuned to her: cloak of the witch queen, belt of battle, robe of the abyss and boots of swiftness.

Cloak of the Witch Queen. The cloak of the witch queen has the following properties:

• Magic Item. The cloak of the witch queen is a magic item that grants a +3 bonus to AC while worn. The cloak also functions as a ring of protection, ring of spell storing, ring of djinni summoning, ring of arcanum (very rare version; 6th level), robe of the archmagi, amulet of the planes and ring of free action. When Iggwilv is attuned to this item, she is allowed to make an additional attunement to another magic item.
• Power of Mind and Will. When Iggwilv the Witch Queen is attuned and wearing her cloak, her Intelligence and Charisma scores are each increased by 6 to a maximum of 28 and cannot be lower than 25. If Iggwilv isn't attuned to the cloak, her Intelligence and Charisma scores are both 25.
• Vitality. While wearing this cloak, Iggwilv is immune to effects that reduce her hit point maximum. In addition, she has an additional 2 hit points per hit die (included in the hit points).
• Random Properties.
  • 2 minor beneficial properties
  • 1 major beneficial property
  • 2 minor detrimental properties
  • 1 major detrimental property

  Belt of Battle. The belt of battle has the following properties:

  • Take the Initiative. Iggwilv has advantage on initiative rolls.
  • Exertion. The belt of battle has 3 charges and regains 1d4 - 1 expended charges daily at dawn. While wearing the belt Iggwilv can use a bonus action and expend 1 or more charges to cause any of the following effects to take place:
    • Move (1 charge): Iggwilv can move an additional 15 feet on the turn she uses this feature.
    • Reaction (2 charges): Iggwilv can take an additional reaction this round but it must be taken before the start of her next turn.
    • Action (3 charges): Iggwilv can take an additional action on the turn she uses this feature. The additional action can be any of the following: Attack (one attack only), Dash, Dodge or Hide. Alternatively, she can use the action to cast a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

    Boots of Swiftness. The boots of swiftness have the following properties:

    • Dexterous. While wearing these boots, Iggwilv has advantage on Dexteritysaving throws.
    • Quick Footed. While wearing these boots, your walking speed is doubled.
    • Evasive. When you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexteritysaving throw to take only half damage while wearing these boots, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, and only half damage if you fail.
      
    • Peak Condition. While wearing these boots, Iggwilv has proficiency in the following skills: Acrobatics and Athletics
    • Haste. As an action, you can be under the effect of the haste spell. While under the effect of the haste spell from this item, your walking speed is not doubled again but all other speeds are as normal. You must maintain concentration for this effect to remain active and it lasts up to the duration of the spell. You can use this feature again after 8 hours.

    Robe of the Abyss. The robe of the abyss has the following properties:

    • Demon Blood Shielding. When wearing this robe, Iggwilv has immunity to lightning and poison damage as well as the poisoned condition. In addition, Iggwilv has resistance to acid, cold and fire damage.
    • Veil of Evil. While wearing this robe, Iggwilv is permanently under the effect of the protection from evil and good spell.
    • Familiar. As long as Iggwilv wears this robe, she has a quasit familiar. His name is Black Comet.

    Spellcasting. Iggwilv is a 20th level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 26, +18 to hit with spell attacks). Iggwilv can cast false life* and misty step at will and has the following wizard spells prepared.

    *Iggwilv casts these spells on herself before combat.

    ACTIONS

    Multiattack. Iggwilv makes two Arcane Fire attacks and casts a spell of 1st level or higher from her spellcasting feature.

    Arcane Fire. Ranged Spell Attack: +18 to hit, range 60 ft., one creature. Hit: 22 (4d6 + 8) fire damage. This attack ignores resistance and immunity to fire damage.

    LEGENDARY ACTIONS

    Iggwilv can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Iggwilv regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
    

    Cantrip. Iggwilv casts a cantrip.
    Check (Costs 2 Actions). Iggwilv casts a spell of 5th level or lower.
    Checkmate (Costs 3 Actions). Iggwilv casts a spell of 6th level or higher.

    Beloved and hated of Graz'zt, Matriarch of Diabolists, Mother of Iuz, Daughter of Baba Yaga, Apprentice of Zagig, the Witch-Queen of Perrenland and author of the Demononmicon, Iggwilv currently dwells with her apprentices in the Grey Wastes of Hades. Iggwilv is an archmage, her apprentices, arcanaloths, and her guard dogs linnorms, so her privacy is impressive.

    One of Iggwilv's most wondrous and powerful items was her personal cauldron , an artifact that she crafted with the assistance of her adoptive mother. It held two different forms and many magical properties, including the power to permanently 'freeze time' for everyone within a 1,000‑foot (300‑meter) radius. [23]

    

    It is important to challenge and reject these harmful stereotypes and representations of the old black witch. Real-life witches, or those who practice witchcraft, come from diverse backgrounds and should not be stigmatized or demonized based on their race or appearance. Witches today are often peaceful, spiritual individuals who strive for harmony and connection with nature. By challenging and dismantling these negative portrayals, society can work towards breaking down racial stereotypes and embracing diversity and inclusivity. It is crucial to promote understanding, tolerance, and empathy rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes that further marginalize certain groups of people. In conclusion, the portrayal of the old black witch in folklore and legends perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to racial discrimination. It is important to challenge and reject these representations, promoting understanding and acceptance instead. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society..

    Reviews for "The Old Black Witch's Coven: A Glimpse into the Dark Society of Witches"

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