A secret society of scholar witches?! The Cult of Hecate, unbeknownst to literally everyone, was founded in the early 1400s by a pureblooded witch who, unsatisfied with the fact that the Men in Her Life wouldn't let her do anything, murdered her husband, absconded with the literal library in their home, and fled to the continent until things blew over, returning two decades later with a new name and a vision: a collection of women, regardless of wealth or blood, who are willing to eschew the norms of society and, indeed, the order of the natural world in pursuit of knowledge—and the power it brings.
This secret society observes the women around them, looking for those that might make admirable admissions to their ranks:
Unmarried and 21+
Married and 35+
Legally permitted to use a wand
Each year, no more than two of up to five candidates are admitted to their ranks, on the spring equinox, following a one-month trial period in which they explore what the cult has to offer. Those who are accepted have a world of possibilities opened to them. Those who are not are obliviated and left on their doorsteps, oblivious not only to the cult but much of their own identities.
Though a direct democracy, they are nominally led by a High Priestess and Council of Six who handle whatever day to day matters might arise. The Fates (three seers labelled Maiden, Mother, and Crone) help to guide the Council, and the Cult as a whole in its decisions. The original headquarters, in London, burned down in 1666, and has been replaced by Gorgon House in Edinburgh, where each member is allotted a room but no one actually lives. It bosts a vast library, owlry, astronomy tower, and extensive gardens. It is unplottable, not connected to Floo, and spelled against apparition—the High Priestess serves as secret-keeper of the location, and only members may know of it.
How does this impact you? Looking for existing members who meet the age requirement and my Vibe Check, as well as up to three prospective slots for the coming year with the understanding that it will be Very Dramatic for your character if they don't make the cut. If you're looking to app a new character with Mysterious Amnesia, this might be your cause!
Clara Wakefield as an extant member
@"Juliana binns" as a prospect (you know I don't mind ruined lives <3)
RE: The Cult of Hecate - Elias Grimstone - December 26, 2022
My possibilities for members, take whoever you think fits:
— Porphyria Dempsey, 30, spinster, def loudly ~eschews the norms of society, less obviously academic... but is still a former Ravenclaw into pursuit of knowledge and weird rites and macabre things so might still Vibe.
— Carmelina Cramming, 38, married & widowed, good for runes and ancient curses.
RE: The Cult of Hecate - Natsuko Foxwood - December 26, 2022
Lunacy - my aspiring vivisectionist - would want to be a member, defined more bookish :research than a people person. And a possible person for this year.
Members
Christabel Dempsey - has a track record of intellectual curiosity, and would be down for this. She was in spinster territory there but is now married although I could see her trying to see if there is a cure for death.
Nephele lestrange is almost certainly a member. Sophia and I discussed her and Priam doing academic whiz together so she would definitely be off doing lady magic on her own and if Belpheobe is in Nel would def want to be.
I don't have anyone but Holly says someone best invite her in four years :P
RE: The Cult of Hecate - Faustus Prewett - December 27, 2022
Potential Members:
— Irene Crawley : she has a passion for the arts, which is a predominantly male field, and frankly she's sick of it. Coupled with her bout of unrequited love, she'd likely be a vulnerable candidate in the coming months depending on how Elias/Daffy relationship goes. Could also be pretty Dramatic™ if she were left with amnesia >D
— Adrienne Lestrange would have been a good prospect, but if I'm reading rules right, she's now ineligible?
— Malice Wakefield just turned 21, so could also be a good prospect
Philomena Sprout as a potential for The Maiden (?) depending on the "coupled with her own damn dreams conspiring against her got her in." detail in her want ad; did you have any specific details about the said conspiratorial dreams?
RE: The Cult of Hecate - Aldous Crouch - December 27, 2022
(December 27, 2022 – 2:21 AM)Faustus Prewett Wrote: Philomena Sprout as a potential for The Maiden (?) depending on the "coupled with her own damn dreams conspiring against her got her in." detail in her want ad; did you have any specific details about the said conspiratorial dreams?
That is entirely up to whoever takes her on!
RE: The Cult of Hecate - Jack Dorset - December 29, 2022
Louisa Embry - is deeply involved in the production, conservation, and study of magic portraits. (bonus ties to Irene Crawley who was mentioned above as they work together). Also everyone thinks she murdered her abusive husband so she's basically a poster child. Initial thoughts - when she was first brought in (ideally 5-6 years ago) she was struggling with the isolation of being a pariah and was a bit starved for friendship/community but depending on ~things~ might now regret joining and try to keep her distance.
(December 27, 2022 – 2:21 AM)Faustus Prewett Wrote: Potential Members:
— Irene Crawley : she has a passion for the arts, which is a predominantly male field, and frankly she's sick of it. Coupled with her bout of unrequited love, she'd likely be a vulnerable candidate in the coming months depending on how Elias/Daffy relationship goes. Could also be pretty Dramatic™ if she were left with amnesia >D
...
— Malice Wakefield just turned 21, so could also be a good prospect
Which one do you vibe more with doing this with? >D
She's inactive at the moment because I was struggling to come up with stuff for her to do and ended up not being happy with myself - but this sounds exactly what I was looking for and up Anthea's alley (I'm under strict gameify instructions with myself that I need to get more active first) and she will be back as an existing member if you want to count her in especially as a mentioned/npc thing.
RE: The Cult of Hecate - Anthea Selwyn - January 29, 2023
I failed my gameify instructions. OH WELL... Anthea is back. I have no idea when she joined so that will a future-Jen issue. I look forward to plotting with existing members now she's back mwahahahaha .