Hag

Aeetes of Colchis, in The Hidden Powers, writes that servants of the dark powers are well rewarded: hags gain a lifespan far beyond mortal measure, time enough to learn many spells, but without youth or beauty, and they come to hate the world they turned from. A hag is a witch who has struck a bargain with a greater devil. He grants her long life, usually without matching youth or looks, and teaches and helps her in black magic and other spell casting; in return she serves him for as long as she stays on earth.

Most of her magic is of the Black Arts, along with assorted other spells, charms and enchantments. Few are strong, but they give her real power over ordinary people; many are curses that cripple, blight fields or harm livestock. Hags are also skilled brewers of potions and philtres, and some sell them to common folk, love potions above all. Their aim is usually to stir up trouble and strife, and even apparent help serves their own wicked ends; a cure generally costs the seeker a favor or deed.

A hag looks like a bent, ugly old woman, yet is surprisingly strong and nimble. Her master gives her a familiar, often a devilish spirit shaped like a cat that can take other forms, which advises her in magic, carries messages to her master and spies across the countryside. Only hags of great power and experience can really fly on enchanted broomsticks. Common people dare not cross them, and even officials and magistrates fear to deal with them. They can tear with their long, claw-like nails, but prefer magic and rarely carry weapons, though some hide a knife or dagger.