Below is an excerpt from '"Gods and Hunters", a required text at The Abbey at Fountaincliffs.

although this belief is thought to predate the establishment of the Ring. More recently, popular tales of witches have centered around crop failure, hallucinations, and the eating of children.

The acceptance of the existence of witches remains widespread. Within the Ring, it is commonly believed that all witches are influenced by Helen Slate, sometimes referred to as Helene Slate, a powerful figure who can appear in multiple places at the same time.

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Understand that is it likely you will encounter those who hold these beliefs. They may believe that they have been affected by witchcraft, or that the actions of witches control the movements of the Gods. There will even be those that assume that your own abilities stem from the same source that grants power to witches.

Officially, the Abbey takes no position on the existence of witches. You should refrain from the derision of these beliefs, as this could undermine the idea that you are there to help.

However, it should be noted that our histories contain no verifiable instances of witches abducting or eating children, nor any reports of crop failure or violent behavior being traced to unnatural sources.

In your studies of the Gods' mechanisms, you will have learned a great deal about how they operate. While their origin may never be fully understood, it is quite clear that they are unaffected by the manipulation of unseen forces. While you will be respectful of the beliefs of all our neighbors, it is important that you do not stray towards the acceptance of these attitudes. To do so will not aid you in your work.

In short, witches do not exist.