In Witchspire, your initial choice of coven serves as your starting faction. While these covens determine your starting weapon and character outfit's color palette, they do not fundamentally alter gameplay mechanics. However, once selected, covens cannot be changed without creating a new character, making an informed decision crucial.
Developer Envar Games has clarified that covens are distinct from classes in Witchspire. The primary impact of a coven choice is the starting weapon—either a Wand or a Spellblade—and the associated outfit colors. Although the developer blog post mentioned unique passive bonuses for each coven, these are not currently implemented in the game as of writing. Envar Games has indicated that even if passive bonuses are introduced later, they may be optional and not significantly impact player choice. Regardless of your coven, players can acquire and utilize any weapon type as they progress.
The Six Witchspire Covens
The Cloudpiercers
These individuals are recognized for their bravery, innovative thinking, and positive outlook. Their attire features warm color palettes, including browns, oranges, and golds. The Cloudpiercers start with an Apprentice Cloudpiercer Spellblade and have a Lux elemental affinity.
The Starsmiths
Known for their frankness and skilled craftsmanship in both magical items and construction, the Starsmiths possess a brash yet honest nature. They are distinguished by bright purple and lavender outfits. Their starting weapon is the Apprentice Starsmith Spellblade, and their elemental affinity is Crystal.
The Foretellers
The Foretellers possess the ability to foresee future events, often prompted by minor occurrences. While their intentions are generally good, they are frequently misunderstood as harbingers of bad luck. Their outfits combine dark purple hues with light blue. They begin with the Apprentice Foreteller Spellblade and are associated with the Ethereal element.
The Wildroots
With a deep affection for all living things, the Wildroots are intrinsically linked to Nature, their elemental affinity. They are characterized by kind hearts and fiery temperaments, reflected in their green, brown, and maroon outfits. Their starting weapon is the Apprentice Wildroot Wand.
The Tomekeepers
This secretive group delves into dark magic and ancient texts, seeking lost knowledge from past civilizations. Their elemental affinity is Nox. Their outfits are a striking combination of deep blues and bright pinks. The Tomekeepers start with the Apprentice Tomekeeper Wand.
The Nightscribes
The Nightscribes are known for their passion for celestial study and their somewhat aloof demeanor. They are often seen with books, telescopes, and scrolls. Their outfits feature bright purple hues paired with pastel pinks. They begin with the Apprentice Nightscribe Wand and have an Astral elemental affinity.
Given the limited gameplay impact of covens beyond the initial selection, the primary recommendation is to choose a coven whose color scheme appeals most to you, as this visual element is the most enduring aspect of your choice for a single playthrough. Weapon variety can be achieved relatively quickly through gameplay progression.