Baethlae
Overview
The first daughter of the Hycatha takes her mother’s power and subsequent daughters only inherit lower ones. For example, a Cyntha mother’s first child will be a Cyntha too but any daughters who come after will only be Baethlae. The first-born child of a Baethla will inherit her mother’s Baethla powers, but any subsequent daughters will be powerless. At this point, future children could be female or male.
It is very important for the young Hycathae to practice their magic since it is the only way they can develop and improve. A very experienced and well-practised Baethla has indeed on occasion proved more powerful than a Cyntha who hasn’t spent any time training or developing their skills.
Nowadays, there are established institutions, such as the Hycath Salvation Program, to ensure such women can learn about their abilities and receive proper training from their more-experienced sisters.
Abilities
See also: Hycathic Powers
Similar to the Cynthae and Nyridiae, the powers of Baethlae are nature-based. They have an understanding of how to manipulate atoms but lack the raw capacity of their sisters. This means although they might be able to perform telekinesis, pyrokinesis, self-healing, or shape-shifting, they can only do so on a much smaller scale, and for a much reduced time period.
A Baethla’s power drains more rapidly and requires a longer time to recharge before the magic can be repeated and her power is limited to the touch. In the case of shape-shifting, blood is also required to learn one’s DNA.
Notable Baethlae
- Meredith Eymor (1056-1141), mother to Alice
- Alice Eymor (1107-1141), 1st Duchess of West Mercia
- Mered Eymor (1124 – 1183), 2nd Duchess of West Mercia, Alice’s daughter
- Some of the Blomgren Sisters late 19th century
- Melanie Howe (1990 – )