Avout

Definition

Avout are members of the mathic world who reside within a Math under the Cartasian Discipline. Their life centers on study, liturgy, and work inside the walls; contact with the outside is carefully bounded.

Context and Usage

• Contact cycles: Formal contact with the outside world occurs during Apert, when gates open under rules set by the Discipline. Outside authorities cannot enter the math except at this time.
• Legal status: Avout are described as existing wholly apart from the legal system of the Sæcular Power. They are not recorded in that system, are outside its jurisdiction and benefits, and do not receive identity documents. As a practical consequence, crossing political frontiers that require documents can be difficult or impossible for avout.
• Travel abroad: When sanctioned, avout may go extramuros under Peregrin or as part of a formal Voco. Groups often travel together to preserve the spirit of the Discipline while outside.

Related Terms

• Math: Walled, cloistered community where avout live.
• Cartasian Discipline: Rule‑set governing avout life and permitted media/devices.
• Apert: Periodic opening of the gates that regulates contact with outsiders.
• Sæcular Power: The worldly authority outside the maths; avout are legally separate from it.
• Ita: Practical order associated with the maths; an ancient taboo discouraging close avout–Ita contact is mentioned in current accounts.
• Peregrin: Sanctioned avout travel in the Sæculum while keeping to the Discipline.

Notes

• Avout describe an ancient taboo against contact between avout and Ita; reasons for its institution are not explained, and current accounts depict avout and Ita sometimes working together despite it.
• Everyday kit and customs (e.g., bolt, chord, sphere; use of honorifics such as “fraa” and “suur”) are constrained by the Discipline, and details vary by community.