Warden Fendant

The Warden Fendant is the outward‑watching office of a math, responsible for maintaining sentinels and surveillance along the rooftop perimeter of the Mynster’s central complex.

First Appearance and Context

It is introduced in an architectural description of the Mynster and its central tower, the Praesidium. Built atop the steeply vaulted roof is the aerie of the Warden Fendant. The aerie encloses an inner court squared around the Præsidium—divided into storerooms and headquarters—while its outer edge forms an open walkway that allows the Fendant’s sentinels to pace a full circuit in a few minutes, seeing to the horizon in all directions except where structural elements intervene. Along the same elevation, the Warden Regulant’s windows sit tucked below the sentinels’ walkway, emphasizing the division between outward and inward oversight. Gargoyles mounted on the supporting braces mirror this split: half (the Fendant gargoyles) gaze outward, while the Regulant gargoyles look down into the concent.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Maintain an outward watch over the surrounding lands from the Mynster’s heights.
• Field and direct sentinels who patrol the rooftop perimeter walkway.
• Provide early sighting of approaching activity beyond the walls, complementing the inward‑focused oversight of the Warden Regulant.
• Assess extramuros movements and authorities, advising the math on distinctions between groups such as the Warden of Heaven and the Panjandrums (the Sæcular Power).
• Plan and implement precautionary measures around Apert, including adjustments to watch and access control during the days when gates are open.
• Maintain communication with counterpart Wardens Fendant in other maths to share warning signs and concerns.

Location and Structure

• Headquarters in the aerie constructed on the flat roof above the Mynster’s vaulted ceilings.
• Inner court arranged around the Præsidium with enclosed workspaces and storage.
• Open periphery walkway supported by close‑spaced braces, each capped by a gargoyle; Fendant gargoyles face outward.
• A high ledge associated with the office is referenced as Warden Fendant's Ledge.

Relationships and Counterparts

• Counterpart to the Warden Regulant, whose domain is symbolically and physically below the sentinels’ level and oriented inward toward the concent.
• Works at the interface with extramuros authorities and investigators within the math; when external situations evolve, avout may consult with the office and the Warden Fendant may relay concerns to and from the outside.
• During rites held in the Mynster (e.g., the aut at Provener), the Warden Fendant sits to the Primate’s left, while the Warden Regulant sits to the right.

Current Status

Active, with a visible presence atop the Mynster where sentinels continue to patrol the rooftop circuit. At this time the office is held by Fraa Delrakhones. He has been observed seated to the Primate’s left during a rite in the Mynster and, during the opening of the gates, standing aside with the Primate as visitors enter. In the lead‑up to Apert, the Warden Fendant met with avout to review concerns and indicated additional precautions would be put in place, and the holder is monitoring reports from other Wardens Fendant.