Rhetors

Overview

Rhetors are referenced within in‑text discussions of how the mathic world is seen from the Saeculum. A quoted entry about the Incanter describes popular entertainments that pit Incanters against “the Rhetors,” with the latter said to be linked (by outsiders) to Procians. In a lesson on Iconographies—recurring stereotypes used by Saeculars—the Rhetors are treated as one such pattern.

Portrayals in Iconographies

According to the iconography summarized by avout during study, Rhetors are depicted as: - Fiendishly skilled at twisting words and confusing people in the Saeculum, or influencing them so subtly they do not notice. - Using Unarian methods—“Unarian maths”—to recruit and groom minions, then placing those followers into influential roles as a Burger or similar public figures. - Orchestrating a covert, far‑reaching conspiracy whose puppets act in the wider world.

These are presented as outsider caricatures that avout study to anticipate reactions, not as confirmed descriptions of any real order. In teaching, it is emphasized that Sæculars often do not distinguish between the various orders, so this iconography can color perceptions of any avout, not only Procians.

Relationships and Associations

• Frequently cast as adversaries to the Incanter in popular stories.
• Supposedly linked by outsiders to Procians; within the mathic world this association is discussed as part of the iconography rather than established fact.

Characteristics Attributed in Stereotypes

• Mastery of rhetoric and subtle persuasion.
• Preference for influence, recruitment, and infiltration over open force.
• Claimed use of Unarian approaches as tools for social manipulation.

Status

Within the narrative so far, Rhetors are discussed as an iconographic construct studied by avout. No concrete organizational structure, leadership, location, or confirmed membership has been presented.