Poppet Crafters
| Training for | Witch |
|---|
Poppet Crafters, sometimes known as Stitch Witches, are the busybody hobbyists of the Witching set. Their coven teaches Powers that center around the creation of different types of dolls. These include, but are not limited to, animated dolls which most often exhibit human, child-like movement, and effigy dolls designed to act as stand-ins for punishment meant to transfer from the doll to the likeness of the target. Lastly, they create simulacra, dolls that mimic a person so closely that they can stand up to the closest inspection.
Students of the Poppet Crafters are insane collectors by nature. While acquiring cloth is second nature to them, they will also lay claim to all manner of items that a normal person would consider trash. Any strange object that can somehow be converted into a doll is fair game for such a Witch, from bundles of sticks to the clippings of a horse groomer. This refuse frequently finds its way into a doll's design.
While Sophists and Divines work out the relationships that we as individuals have with the Universe, Poppet Crafters work out the relationship between the Universe and their poppet creations. Animated poppets all have a story and a reason to exist; otherwise, it is reasoned, they would not rise from the workbench. When Will is breathed into them, they come to life and serve the Witch for as long as they are viable and can be sustained.
Students learn the best materials and techniques for poppet creation, as well as acceptable substitutions that will not lessen the effectiveness of their creations. They learn how to source and hoard these materials, if intuition hasn't already stepped in to take care of that detail. They also learn to catalog their hoards and record their "recipes" or instructions for doll-making for the sake of instructing others and sharing techniques at coven gatherings.
Teaching Methods
As discussed elsewhere, Witch covens differ greatly from other archetypal schools. There are no traditional classrooms. Classes are broken down into one-on-one instruction and most often take place right in the instructing Witch's home. In rare circumstances, there may be additional students, but the standard intake is a single apprentice. Witches seeking new Powers live with their instructor, perform chores, and labor in the setup of any rituals needed until the new Power is acquired.
Students assist their instructor in collecting materials for the creation of poppets, from pigments for paint to wool for cloth. A Poppet Master might have spinning wheels, looms, embroidery hoops, and all manner of other fabric tools to aid in their craft, and they master every single station. Consequently, the student learns to spin, weave, knit, and sew.
Students also take part in documenting the precise procedures for the preparation of new poppets, remarking upon techniques beginning with the raw preparation of materials to the final creation of the doll. The new Power comes to the student naturally after enough time is spent in the creation of the relevant poppets. Students may leave their instructor immediately after the Power is granted.
Once they depart, they must be careful to transcribe a copy of the "recipe" for the poppet's creation and guard it carefully so they can repeat the process. Payment for the lesson varies greatly, but it often takes the form of a gift or favor. Poppet Crafters are particularly partial to elaborate storage solutions, interesting glass jars, and cabinets with many drawers.
| Copyright © 2021-2026 by Robyn Blaber and Will to Power Games. All rights reserved. Content on this website may not be reproduced without written permission of the copyright owner. |
