In the time period Divided is set in, there is a distinction between the true witches - witches whose lineages have always been witches - and the magical bloodlines, whose lineages are comprised of a mixed ancestry of humans and witches. This distinction exists for multiple reasons:
- Bloodline casters' magic is not as powerful as a true witch's magic, and because of this, they cannot cast all of the spells that a true witch can cast.
- Some true witches consider bloodline casters to not be 'legitimate' due to their lineages also including non-magical humans.
- Some also consider them something to be wary of, believing that non-magical humans are trying to fall in love with witches and spellcasters to 'infiltrate' their communities and do harm to them. This is not as common an attitude in the era of Divided, as the more accurate reality is that many non-magical folk who fall in love with witches are often burned alongside them.
- Perhaps the biggest reason for the distinction is because bloodline families tend to be quieter about their abilities, not wanting to be associated with true witches so they are not persecuted as they are. Many bloodline families completely stay out of 'magical politics', doing nothing to stand up or speak out against the witch-hunts and keeping their own abilities quiet.
Many bloodline families have excelled in their fields due to their magic, yet many feel forced to keep quiet about their abilities for the sake of themselves and their families. Whilst not all bloodline families do this, many of them have a representative animal or mythological / extinct creature as a symbol that reflects the family's achievements or values, or as a symbol of pride and power.
HOUSE CHARM
House Charm, represented by the Mare, are a bloodline family who specialise in both Practical and Wild magic. The Charm family have a reputation for being stern and for having very high expectations for their children.
The Charm family are most well-known for their performance in various equine sports and traditionals, especially the art of classical dressage. Their horses are always well-kept, beautifully-bred, and the synergy between horse and rider is something to marvel at.
An element of this synergy is not just good training, however - the Charm family tend to each have a horse magically-bound to them as their familiar, allowing a level of telepathy and therefore greater connection. They have many awards for their excellence in these fields.
The symbolism of the Mare grew to have a second meaning for the women of the Charm family. Three or four generations back, a Charm wife was protected by her mare familiar from her abusive husband; the mare kicked and killed him. This has become custom for any Charm husband who does not treat his wife with respect: he is kicked, trampled or otherwise killed by his wife's horse.
The current living Charm family is matriarch Evadne, and her two daughters, Genevieve and Elaina.
HOUSE VIRIDIS
The Viridis family, represented by the Lion and the Sun, is a family of Mischief-casters and alchemists. Unlike the Annorin family, who sought to heal and treat illness with their alchemical process, the Viridis family are more interested in processes such as the transmutation of metals into precious metals, and what they consider 'spiritual alchemy'.
They are known to have ties to the Fae in some ways, but no-one is entirely sure what those ties are. They often speak of being watched over by a fae they call the Green Lion, but no such thing has ever been seen.
The Viridis family are known for being eccentric, some believing their eccentricity to be something caused by the chemicals in their alchemical studies. The Viridis family are open about their magic and have always lived in Glimmerbrook, a place historically settled by witches, rarely venturing outside of their territory. Despite their openness about magic, they still don't step in to do anything about the witch-hunts.
The current living Viridis family members are young matriarch Isidora, and her uncle, Walter, who tries to peddle false cures - though he seems to genuinely believe them to work, and seems to not intentionally be trying to swindle people...
HOUSE ANNORIN
The Annorin family, represented by the Gryphon, are a family of ridiculously-rich alchemists and physicians. They are one of the most famous and influential bloodline families in the Western world, and are revered for their scientific and medical knowledge.W Whilst most are physicians, there has also been a few surgeons.
The Annorin family are well-feared by many. They have a tendency to do whatever they can to remove any medical 'competition' from the local area, and have a habit of having their detractors or enemies 'dealt with' in indirect ways. Whilst not an official part of the Oath, every Annorin physician swears to do no physical or emotional harm to their patients. Despite their cures being ridiculously expensive in the recent years, patients of the Annorin family note their intelligence, confidence, determination and bedside manner.
In the years recently past, the Annorin family have done their part to convince people to be more open-minded to the idea of women in medical silence, with patriarch Samuel Annorin citing his wife as his inspiration to do this- stating that the emotional intelligence and loving nature of women makes them perfect for the world of medicine, so why leave them out of it? Many note how this generally goes against the family's nature of trying to wreck the competition in any way possible, bringing into question whether or not this is genuine or just trying to save face to some extent.
The Annorins market their alchemical potions as 'remedies', and sell everything from potions to boost energy, to cures for common illnesses, to potions with an aphrodisiac effect.They often use the cleaning spell Katharis to clean wounds, and this has also led to unbelievable survival rates within surgery. The Annorin family have helped to promote the importance of cleanliness and reliable food sources for good health...whilst doing to help ensure the working class and those living in poverty have reliable access to any of those things.
The living members of the Annorin family are patriarch Samuel and his two sons, Owen and Elijah, with Elijah not being born with magic.