An apprentice witch of the Ice Witches of Kislev must learn to survive, and even thrive, among the frigid rigours of the oblast.
An apprentice witch is a young Ice Witch of Kislev who has just begun her training in the channelling of Ice Magic.
Every year, Ice Witches emerge from the frozen oblast to assess shivering Gospodar girls. The rare girl demonstrating magical talent is taken away and is unlikely to see her family again. Barely old enough to be called women, these apprentices-to-be are led into the depths of Kislev's cruel winter, and there, they are taught the ways of the Gospodar khan-queens of old.[1a]
Those who survive (and many do not) are forever changed: they are cold, aloof, mature well beyond their years, and very aware of their insignificance beside the might of the Ancient Widow's glacial heart. Eventually, these successful apprentices will be released from their mistresses and allowed to venture forth as junior Ice Witches called "Ice Maidens" or "Frost Maidens."[1a]
In the months that follow, these young girls are trained in the ways of Ice Magic just as the khan-queens once were for countless generations. They are taught to survive the cold winters in the oblast while they mature and grow cold themselves.[2a]
Much of their daily routine involves tasks geared towards simple survival on the oblast, like gathering firewood and setting snares to capture wild game, with the rest of their waking hours devoted to the practice and study of the Lore of Ice. Many do not survive this training under such harsh conditions, but those who do become protectors of the Motherland and its people, and a force to be reckoned with.[2a]
Some apprentice witches find the challenges inherent in becoming an Ice Maiden too daunting and too lonely. Many of these use their knowledge to help others without embracing the solitary path of a Maiden of the Ice. For those who remain steadfast and determined in the face of the countless challenges, however, the rewards can be significant. The prospect of unlocking further mysteries of their ancient magical tradition is certainly apparent, but not to be overlooked is the surge of self-confidence and growing awareness and acceptance of one's abilities and personal limitations.[2a]
Upon completing their initial training and earning their release from their mistresses, the former apprentice witch's eyes turn an icy shade of blue -- almost overnight. No matter their former complexion, upon completion of their apprenticeship, the soon-to-be Ice Maiden's skin adopts an almost translucent paleness, and is slightly chilled to the touch.[2a]
It is rumoured that an apprentice witch, on the first anniversary of her selection for her apprenticeship, must break a hole in the ice of a frozen lake without the aid of tools and plunge in. The apprentice must then survive the night out of doors, still wet, with only a thin blanket as a shield against the elements. Since neither apprentice witches, Ice Maidens nor Ice Witches will discuss this ritual except amongst themselves, its veracity has never been confirmed.[2a]