Ultima Maleficarum

Dark Victorian Fantasy

Early 19th century Grimdark Fantasy taking place on a Europe-like continent known as Aerde. Where magic exists as described in history and folk-lore. The Arrymic Church has fully consolidated its power in Aerde by almost completely wiping out any non-allied magic-users known colloquially as witches. Any surviving witches have been driven underground. The Church has dogmatic and authoritarian doctrine. The treatment of their enemies is cruel and brutal. The Church has a well-trained military force meant to do nothing more than hunt witches down across the face of Aerde.

WIP more coming soon...

The Arrymic Church

Arrym

The god Arrym came to Aerde from the south. He brought with him his followers. Founding a temple so the people of Aerde could worship him.His next act was to slay the then current god of Growth and Sunlight, Lugh. Subsuming his domains and powers. Arrym moved on to attempt the same with Morrigan, the Witch Mother, but was unable to best her.Because he’d taken the agrarian god’s powers, he gained many followers. His cult steadily grew into a larger church over the decades and centuries.Relentlessly, they hunted and battled with Morrigan and her witches. As she was weakened with the loss of Lugh, time wasn’t in her favor.Her powers twisted and changed. More deeply embodying the night, shadows, and the wilds. She fled underground where she hides to this day. Arrym and his church are still searching for her.

Thaumaturges

There are two types of Thaumaturge; the few who’ve been gifted powers by Arrym. Or the many who’ve been born with Morrigan's gift. The latter, when found young enough, are taken in and forcefully indoctrinated by the Church.They are typically locked away in cells, completely alone. Until needed for hunting a witch or other enemy of the Church. While Arrym's chosen are given much more freedom, they are still subject to very similar rules and treatment.Due to the harsh conditions of their “educations,” they’re often unstable. The only thing keeping them in check is brainwashing and an absolute fear of their Church handlers.Occasionally, they break out of their psychological and physical restraints and go rogue.