Warden of Heaven

Overview

The Warden of Heaven is referenced outside the walls as a system or movement connected to questions of wrongdoing and belief. It is treated by some outsiders as an authority—e.g., for adjudicating “heresy”—and followers listen to its casts while they work. Avout deny any official connection to the maths.

First known mention and context

In conversation with an extramuros artisan in the library before Apert, the Warden of Heaven is presented alongside other mechanisms for identifying and punishing crimes. In that setting, an artisan describes himself as a disciple and mentions listening to the Warden of Heaven’s casts during his work.

Avout perspectives

According to Fraa Orolo, claims that the Warden of Heaven comes from a concent to bring enlightenment of the mathic world to a select few are fraudulent, akin to periodic figures who invoke mathic ties to gain influence. Orolo speculates about such figures in terms of Throwbacks and Mystagogues, cautioning that some types can be dangerous. He later asks to what extent “the Warden of Heaven has become the same as the Panjandrums”—his nickname for the Saecular Power—and notes that assessing such matters falls to the Warden Fendant. No endorsement or sanction from the maths is indicated.

Iconographic context and current discussion

During a teaching session on Iconographies within the concent, avout identify the Warden of Heaven as the current guise of a Moshianic iconography: a recurring pattern that anticipates avout emerging from the gates to bring enlightenment and usher in a new age. This iconography tends to peak as people prepare for rare openings such as the Centenarian Gate and the Millenarian Gates. It is considered dangerous because it raises expectations to delirium and draws pilgrims and attention. The hierarchs are aware of its ascendancy; the Warden Fendant asked a senior teacher to lead this discussion.

Known followers and influence

• An extramuros craftsman, Artisan Flec, is identified as a disciple and is said to consume the Warden of Heaven’s casts.
• During an Apert near the Decade Gate, a contingent described as Warden of Heaven people was observed outside the walls; their leader was “got up in a kind of imitation of a chord.” Avout present referred to them collectively as Moshianics.

Current status

Active extramuros and regarded as a distinct, non‑mathic movement. Its self‑presentation as mathic is contested by avout, and outsiders’ tendency to treat it as an authority is noted without any confirmation of mathic backing.