Decenarian math

The Decenarian math is a walled mathic community inhabited by avout who live under formal Discipline and maintain a careful separation from the world outside the walls (often called Extramuros). It comes into focus when an artisan from extramuros is permitted inside the New Library to address a rotted rafter shortly before Apert, observed by Fraa Erasmas while he serves as amanuensis to Fraa Orolo.

Features and Facilities

• New Library: A major building within the math. At one point, a rotted rafter required repair, prompting the carefully supervised admission of an outside artisan and the erection of scaffolding.
• Great clock: A colossal timepiece—visible from the library windows—chimes Provener. Avout are tasked with winding and tending it as part of their duties.

Discipline and Governance

Residents adhere to the Cartasian Discipline, which constrains media and tools to simple means such as chalk, ink, and stone. Devices brought in by visitors are tightly controlled: communications functions must be disabled, and image‑capturing artifacts (e.g., “speelycaptors”) may only be used under strict conditions. The Warden Regulant enforces rule observance, and the Ita can direct visitors where to stand and how to proceed so as not to disturb order.

Relations with Extramuros

Contact with extramuros occurs by exception and is closely managed. An artisan was allowed into the math for urgent repairs under supervision, illustrating the boundary between mathic protocol and external customs and technologies. Local terminology and practices sometimes differ from those outside the walls, reflecting the math’s distinct culture.

Naming and Cycles

The community’s name marks it as the Decenarian math. The text contrasts it with neighbors referred to as “Hundreders,” who celebrate Apert only once every hundred years, implying that different maths observe different cycles. The specific cycle observed here has not yet been detailed on the page.

Notable Residents and Associations

• Fraa Erasmas: An avout associated with the New Library and timekeeping duties at Provener.
• Fraa Orolo: An avout who conducts inquiries about extramuros within the New Library.

Current Status

Active and orderly, preparing for Apert while undertaking necessary maintenance. Outsider presence, when permitted, remains tightly regulated by the math’s authorities.