The Schools
The various institutions of sorcerers in the world of Earwa are referred to as Schools. The dominant Schools are
The Mandate - Gnostic School founded by Seswatha in 2156 in order to continue the war against the Consult and to protect the Three Seas from the return of the No-God, Mog-Pharau. Their power is the Gnosis.
The Scarlet Spires - Anagogic School which is the most powerful in the Three Seas and de facto ruler of High Ainon since 3818.
The Imperial Saik - Anagogic School indentured to the Emperor of Nansur.
The Mysunsai - The self-proclaimed Mercenary School, which sells its sorcerous services across the Three Seas.
While it is made clear in the first book in the series that anyone who possesses the ability to wield magic is amongst the Few, it is also mentioned in book 2 (The Warrior-Prophet) that unless they are part of a School as sorcerers, they are merely wizards. To the rest of the people of Earwa, sorcery is regarded as sacrilegious and is only tolerated because of its effectiveness in battle.
There are also numerous references throughout the series to ancient artifacts that shield their bearer from any magic so long as they are held. They are known as Chorae, Trinkets, and Tears of God and they are highly sought after by many, including the Schools.
Read more about this topic: The Darkness That Comes Before
Famous quotes containing the word schools:
“Absolute catholicity of taste is not without its dangers. It is only an auctioneer who should admire all schools of art.”
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)
“To be a Negro is to participate in a culture of poverty and fear that goes far deeper than any law for or against discrimination.... After the racist statutes are all struck down, after legal equality has been achieved in the schools and in the courts, there remains the profound institutionalized and abiding wrong that white America has worked on the Negro for so long.”
—Michael Harrington (1928–1989)