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 that 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 twelve. 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. Noble blood must be proven for at least two generations before a scholar is considered. Some have tried to fake blue blood in order to enter, but no matter how elaborate the attempt, they have always been discovered within a few days.

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.

Since its inception the Academy of Thread Weaver's has always been led by a member of House Aeolus to ensure the Great Six retain a measure of control over its dealings. Proconsul Cressida Aeolus currently holds this position. Her teaching methods have elicited some criticism; Cressida teaches by educating students in a few basic rituals and then leaving them to discover the principals of Thread Weaving for themselves from this point. She sees this as an effective method of control - only an able student will be able to decipher the principles of Thread Weaving from these limited rituals and progress their studies further. This methodology may not always be favoured however. Lady Hypatia Aeolus, believed to be the most likely candidate to succeed Cressida considers this a foolish move. She has spoken extensively about her intention to teach principle rather than rote rituals. Whether this proves to be a wise move or not will be a matter of great future interest.