Cousins

Definition

“Cousins” is the avout-coined label for the presumed occupants of the Cousins’ ship, an enormous icosahedral craft observed near Arbre. The name expresses perceived kinship and intelligibility aimed at mathematically literate viewers; identity and intent are not established.

Context and Usage

• Origin in observation: The term spread among traveling avout after processed images associated with Fraa Orolo showed exterior features that seem designed to be legible without shared language (a mosaic-like geometry proof and a neat line of unfamiliar glyphs). These visual cues prompted speakers to adopt a family-tinged label rather than a hostile one.
• Vantage-taking: In conversation, “the Cousins” is used as shorthand for an outsider’s perspective on Arbre (e.g., remarks contrasting traditional continent tallies with what newcomers “would” conclude on first orbital survey). The label thus frames discussions that try to see Arbre as visitors might.
• Ongoing handling: Outside authorities such as the Sæcular Power are described as tracking and coordinating observations, with practical mediation and filtering by the Ita. Avout speakers routinely hedge, separating what has actually been seen from conjecture about purpose.
• Public signals under debate: Reports of a narrow red beam from the craft illuminating prominent maths remain subject to interpretation; some treat it as benign signaling, others as potentially ominous targeting. No consensus exists.

Related Terms

• Cousins’ ship — the orbital craft associated with the label (see dedicated page)
• Arbre — the inhabited world the visitors are observing
• Sæcular Power — non-mathic authority coordinating logistics and information
• Ita — practical order often acting as communications and instrumentation intermediaries
• Fraa Orolo — cosmographer whose images catalyzed discussion of the visitors
• Fraa Jad — senior Thousander noted for urging strict separation of observation from speculation

Notes

• The designation “Cousins” is provisional and descriptive of how avout choose to frame the visitors; it carries no claim about species, polity, or motives.
• Interpretations, including religious ones, vary widely; where attributions appear in dialogue, they are preserved as speakers’ views rather than settled fact.
• To keep the page spoiler-free, technical details about structure, markings, and maneuvers are summarized on the ship’s page and will be refined only as observations become available in-text.