Claim the Sky
Most people prefer never to say her name aloud, lest the "Pendle Witch" appear and steal their soul. Whether or not she possesses such omniscient hearing is beside the point; Demdike terrorizes the British Isles with conjured ghosts and demonic entities, using her powers to curse her enemies and control the minds of others. According to the history books, Demdike died in 1612, a victim of hysteria and witch trials. But unless she's lying (as some believe), she survived because she was—and remains—a real witch, and one who leads a modern coven of mystical practitioners.
Powerful and mostly devoid of empathy, Demdike's schemes are designed to benefit herself, usually at someone else's expense. She's been known to travel throughout the EU and the USA as part of her centuries-long effort to track down mystical items related to witchcraft. While so engaged, she appears in her modern identity as Elizabeth Southerns, antiquities and rare book dealer.
Motive: Personal power
Environment: Mainly England
Health: 27
Damage Inflicted: Major wound (9 points)
Armor: 5 (base spell protection)
Movement: Short
Modifications: Magic lore as level 10
Combat: The ghosts (level 5) of three witches, once part of her coven, invisibly accompany Demdike at all times. They respond violently to any attacks on her person (or when she commands it).
She is also known for a powerful curse called Demdike's Stare, an attack affecting up to three creatures she can see in long range. The attack causes auditory hallucinations, and those who fail an Intellect defense roll take 8 points of Intellect damage from the flood of discordant sounds and horrifying images.
One of her rings is a magic portal artifact, which she can use either to call other members of her coven (level 5) or to transport herself directly to them. Each coven member that supports her cumulatively eases her tasks.
Finally, she knows a variety of spells, including those that charm or disorient foes, cause them to fall into a deep slumber, become poisoned, or just die. Given the proper time and mystic materials, she can cast very powerful spells that summon demonic hordes or change the environment of a whole region.
She also carries a few cyphers in the form of tiny clay figure charms that grant healing.
Interaction: Articulate and knowledgeable, Demdike is a witty, if biting, conversationalist.
She might negotiate in good faith with someone, but only if she clearly stands to benefit.
Use: A group of three women just made off with a rare book from the collection of mystical tomes.
Other Equipment: Demdike carries two or three magical items, including at least two level 7 cyphers that restore health.
GM Intrusion: The character meets Demdike's gaze just as she uses her Stare attack, which hinders their defense roll and inflicts an additional 2 points of Intellect damage (10 points total).