Penthabrian Iconography

The Penthabrian Iconography is one of the recurring patterns within the study of Iconographies by which people in the Saeculum imagine the avout and their world. In this depiction, avout are cast as custodians of primordial, mystical truths said to have been handed down by Cnous, while their public language of theorics is dismissed as a disguise to conceal their supposed real power.

First noted in context

It is presented during a discussion in a chalk hall where avout review the major iconographies ahead of increased contact with visitors during Apert. The Penthabrian is listed alongside other well‑known types (e.g., the Temnestrian and Doxan) to help fids recognize how outsiders may frame interactions.

Characteristics and themes

• Emphasizes secret, ancient wisdom and ritual authority, centering on lineage from Cnous.
• Reinterprets talk of theory and inquiry as deliberate misdirection ("smokescreen") that hides influence over the uninitiated.
• Positions avout as gatekeepers of esoteric power rather than as investigators of the natural and formal worlds.

Context and danger

Within the comparative review of iconographies, the Penthabrian motif combines with the Klevan to form the so‑called Moshianic hybrid, which was judged especially dangerous because it can ignite public expectation that avout will emerge to usher in a new age. Such expectations tend to surge around rare openings of long‑cycle gates (e.g., the Centenarian Gate) and thousand‑year observances connected to the Millenarians.

Related iconographies

• For contrast with a caricature that turns from farce to menace, see the Temnestrian Iconography.

Status

Recognized by avout as one of the standard iconographies taught to prepare for interactions extramuros; no specific incident or individual is tied to it in the current account.