Sæcular Power

The Sæcular Power is a non-mathic authority recognized by avout as external to the maths. It is described as tolerating and sometimes protecting the maths, though avout note that such protection has not always been consistent. Some avout use the nickname “Panjandrums.”

First Appearance and Context

Avout discuss the Sæcular Power when framing relations with the world outside the walls, including in exchanges with visiting artisans before Apert. At the gate opening, onlookers from the outside—Saecular spectators—gathered, and one waved the flag of the Sæcular Power.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

• Stands outside the mathic orders and Discipline (part of the non‑mathic world), acknowledged by Avout but not governed by them.
• Considered capable of tolerating and protecting the maths, yet—per foundational texts and instruction—also able to “wreak changes” on them; avout resist the notion that it should “reform” the maths.
• Exercises formal judicial authority; accounts specify that Thelenes was executed in an orderly proceeding by the Sæcular Power (as contrasted with mob action).
• Around Apert, involvement is a subject of watch and speculation; the Warden Fendant is explicitly charged with monitoring such extramuros matters.

Relationships

• Saecular world: Distinct from individual Saecular people, but the authority under which they live; avout refer to both when speaking about conditions outside the walls.
• Math governance: The Warden Fendant monitors reports and distinguishes among outside authorities on the community’s behalf.
• Counterpart claims: The Warden of Heaven is treated by avout as a separate extramuros movement; some discussions note ambiguity in how outsiders conflate it with the Sæcular Power, which the avout reject.
• Historical framing: In internal histories, formal action by the Sæcular Power is contrasted with mob violence and with catastrophic events such as The Three Sacks.

Descriptions/Characteristics

• Symbols: Its flag is recognized; during a gate opening, a spectator displayed the flag of the Sæcular Power among the crowd outside the walls.
• Names and usage: Also called the Panjandrums in informal mathic speech.

Current Status/Location

Active as a recognized secular authority outside the walls. During the present Apert, onlookers included a person waving its flag; no concrete action by the Sæcular Power has been confirmed in the observed scenes.