Magic has always largely been gendered in Etelel . Men trained men, and dominated court wizard positions and mage numbers in the Adventurers Guild. But witches formed their own secret covens, building powers that grew increasingly dark and sinister with their lack of visibility. This led to the king forming an Inquisition and the witches defeating that Inquisition and seizing power themselves.
After, the witches banned men in Etelel from training in a dedicated magical caster class such as Wizard, Sorcerer, or Warlock—with an exception made for the Adventurers Guild, on whom the Ruling Coven relies to help keep the peace in the place of a weakened nobility. Exceptions are made for low-level tavern bards or wandering druids, who keep the people’s spirits up and who the witches do not consider ‘real’ mages. 'Half-caster' classes are also tolerated, as the witches are not threatened by a ranger or paladin using a few spells.
The witches have also greatly suppressed religious institutions. While the worship of gods is not outrighted banned, most clerical orders and churches have been outlawed and torn down. The Ruling Coven will brook no institutions that could challenge their power, be they mystical or holy.