In the North, the wilderness reigns challenged futilely by brave souls who venture there. The mountains grow, casting their dark shadow over the valley. The forest looms thick and dense, protecting the wild and hungry beasts of the dark. Very few venture into the forest; very few are brave enough.
In this savage country, there is a village, apart from the rest, isolated by the distance and the dangers. The closest civilization is at the very gap between the mountains, 4 days walk through the forest. This village lies on the edge of a shallow lake, when the shadow of the mountains fall on it, it appears black, but during the hours of light the colour is of the purest azure. The forest seems to grow right into the waters, melting into the eerie melt-water lake.
The darkness of the mountains and forest, and the clarity of the water and sky send the villagers' world into stark relief, only emphasizing the imaginings of magic and sorcery around them; but, there is magic in this world, in everyone and everything. Magic is, however, only the name given to the force controlling life and death. In all life forms there is magic, but only a few are strong enough to see it and even less can use it. It can break the weak minded, driving them mad; but those that can use it are given access to an unfathomable store of power. These persons are outcast and martyred, cast away from the populace, who are afraid of their power, their control, and their strength.
This village, although untroubled by magic or a witch for nigh on two centuries, was living in a cocoon of paranoia. They taught their children to fear the forest, and whatever may inhabit it, including travellers and strangers. Stories of wild animals, and witches are told to the children constantly, a warning. Wreaths of garlic were placed upon the doors each night, and every villager carried with them an amulet; all measures to ward off the wicked.
The people of this entire land have discriminated against and ostracized witches, magicians, and sorcerers. They believe that they are protecting themselves from evil, but the evil deeds that they are doing, are securing their own way to destruction.