Ostensibly, it was meant as a safe place for them to learn how to control their power and to learn how to resist the temptation of demons. In practicality... how much of a safe place it was varied.

The abuses committed against mages in some Circles led to the rebellion, which led to the mage-templar war, which-- [He breaks off with a breath.] It's a long story.

I suppose my most basic questions are: what happens if you register, and what happens if you don't?