The Academy

It soon became apparent that a formal educational institution was necessary to train the nobles in the control of their new power. Unchecked, many accidents occurred through inexperienced uncontrolled use of the Threads. Antonia Aeolus addressed the nobles gathered at the Star Chamber on the issue. She stated that “A wildfire will destroy everything in its path, ultimately leading to its own destruction. So will it be with the Threads unless our new power is channelled and controlled”. In the same year she established the Academy of Thread Weavers.

To truly master the Threads learning must begin at an early age. New pupils, called novitiates, join the Academy at age 14. New Thread Weavers are taught the basics in classes of about six led by a tutor. These classes initially teach only the simple rituals with the more talented students then being invited to learn the more complex rites.

The Academy keeps detailed ledgers on all of its students. They will detail their level of competence, who has taught them and also a brief family history. Nobles blood must be proven for two generations at least before a scholar is considered. Some have tried to fake blue blood in order to enter, but no matter how elaborate their attempts, they have always been discovered within a few days. The reason is simple. Deceitfulness shines in the Tapestry as a dark thread that has sheen on it akin to molten haematite.

As with the guilds, the Academy members are split into four ranks: novitiate, alumni, luminaries and the Proconsul. The current Proconsul is Cressida Aeolus. Ever since the Academy’s birth an Aeolus has always been at its helm.

Upon first entering the Academy the first ritual undertaken is that which binds a lalenthrium focus to a new Weaver. During the ritual, Weaver’s Knot, Threads from the lalenthrium and the bearer are woven together. A Weaver must keep their focus near at all times to use it effectively. The focus is a most treasured possession. It is of great importance to the one who owns it, but if it were to be stolen it would be of little use to the felon. It is bound inexorably to its weaver and can be used by no other.

The building that houses the Academy is a plain seeming villa on the Aeolus’ estate. The interior is beautifully decorated although not extravagant. Tapestries adorn the walls; the furniture is sturdy, well crafted wood. Mosaics cover the floor and numerous sconces ensure a continued source of light. The classrooms have plenty of space for students and tutors. An entire floor is given over to the Academy library which houses written accounts of all but the very earliest Thread Weaving experiments. Also housed here is the Evron Mirror, the instrument though which Jase Evron first saw the Threads. In the past attempts have been made to steal this artifact and now it is protected by several rituals designed to incapacitate the thief and set a beacon to show the location of the mirror.