Elise Kova
Hi again :)
The apprentice system in the tower I imagine to be about 5-7 years. But it depends since people can manifest at different ages and some will learn to master their sorcery faster than others. It's less of a strict education system and more of a collective to teach young sorcerers how to control their magic and not go around randomly freezing or burning things.
After confident in their magic, apprentices can either work in the Tower and instruct future generations or go out and find jobs across the main continent. Most of these jobs for sorcerers are in the West (given the West's love/non-issue with sorcery), but many Waterrunners will go to the coastal and mountain towns in the South as well (since that's also home for many).
Because the world is such a harsh place for Sorcerers and the Tower offers a literal oasis for people with magic the mentality of "The Tower takes care of its own" developed. There's no formal payback system because the need has never arose. Most of the "alumni" (if you will) turn around and donate back to the Tower to ensure that younger sorcerers have the same safe haven they did.
And, even if they didn't, most citizens like the existence of the Tower because it "corrals" the sorcerers and helps them be "less dangerous". So the Empire wouldn't see it disbanded due to lack of funds.
In modern terms... it'd be like a not-for-profit funded mostly by donations and subsidized by the government as needed.
The apprentice system in the tower I imagine to be about 5-7 years. But it depends since people can manifest at different ages and some will learn to master their sorcery faster than others. It's less of a strict education system and more of a collective to teach young sorcerers how to control their magic and not go around randomly freezing or burning things.
After confident in their magic, apprentices can either work in the Tower and instruct future generations or go out and find jobs across the main continent. Most of these jobs for sorcerers are in the West (given the West's love/non-issue with sorcery), but many Waterrunners will go to the coastal and mountain towns in the South as well (since that's also home for many).
Because the world is such a harsh place for Sorcerers and the Tower offers a literal oasis for people with magic the mentality of "The Tower takes care of its own" developed. There's no formal payback system because the need has never arose. Most of the "alumni" (if you will) turn around and donate back to the Tower to ensure that younger sorcerers have the same safe haven they did.
And, even if they didn't, most citizens like the existence of the Tower because it "corrals" the sorcerers and helps them be "less dangerous". So the Empire wouldn't see it disbanded due to lack of funds.
In modern terms... it'd be like a not-for-profit funded mostly by donations and subsidized by the government as needed.
More Answered Questions
Carol
asked
Elise Kova:
I ADORED your Alchemist's of Loom series and I was wondering if you intend to write any more adult high fantasy in the future? I know you kind of stubbled in the adult genre for this series, but since you did it SO well I was wondering if you'd try it on purpose. Also please make more characters like Cvareh. He was just so open, honest, and respectful to female characters. He's quite refreshing as a male lead
Catherine Ann
asked
Elise Kova:
I just wanted to say thank you for gracing us with your talent and skills. Far too often have I been urged to read books recommended by friends that are written haphazardly. The "authors" of these books make me want to bash my head against a wall. Thank you for re-establishing my faith in good authors worldwide. I love the series so far. I've read the Air Awaken series in 2 days and pre-ordered Water's Wrath. ?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more