Sylvester Archipelago

If I am under the effect of Winter's Breath and counterattack, can the opponent turn into an ice sculpture?

Are chainmail armors not considered heavy armor?

Do followers of Lok'tar counterattack with any melee weapon and regardless of whether they have the skills for counterattacking? For example, can a warrior with a two-handed weapon counterattack?

Is the study of combat magic frowned upon by the Hysteros?

What about literacy among the Hysteros? Do they teach their children to write, or is the fate of scribes reserved solely for slaves?

Does learning require category/skill or ability points?