Deolaters

Overview

“Deolaters” is used by avout as a broad label for God-worshipping communities beyond the walls of the maths, sometimes pointing to a specific congregation and sometimes to a wider set of traditions. In mathic iconography this current is at times contrasted with Hylaea as followers of Deat, but in everyday speech the term functions more generally for extramuros believers and their institutions.

Usage in mathic discourse

• In a chart of thinkers concerned with the Hylaean Theoric World (ideal mathematical realm), speakers describe pruning off branches labeled as fanatics, Enthusiasts, Deolaters, and dead-enders to reveal a narrow main line (a “dowel”) of inquiry. This frames “Deolaters” as a category set aside when tracing strictly theoretic lineages.
• Adjectival form: “Deolatrous” is used figuratively to denote a worship-like fervor; a visitor at the Orithena dig was described as having a “Deolatrous epiphany.”

Purpose and Structure

• Organized life commonly takes place within Arks, a family of extramuros affiliations. Examples that Deolaters may belong to include The Bazian Church and communities described as a Counter-Bazian Ark.
• Institutional forms vary: cathedrals and basilicas in towns, and in some regions monasteries with adjacent retreat centers that host visitors. Some settlements are visibly organized around a central ark building that serves as the focus of worship and community events.
• Political posture varies by ark and region: some communities emphasize preserving their apartness from the surrounding culture, while others are described as actively pursuing civic influence; which specific arks fit these descriptions is reported by speakers and may be debated in-character.

Practices

• Worship centers on God; observed rites include a pre-meal prayer that symbolically recalls sacrifice, followed by praise and petitions.
• Services can be quiet or, in some congregations, notably vigorous, with loud, participatory singing.
• Devotional tokens are sometimes displayed in everyday settings (for example, hanging in vehicles).
• Language and music used in certain Deolater settings (e.g., monastic houses) employ Orth that is largely intelligible to mathic listeners, with very old prayers sounding notably similar in form.
• Scriptural literacy is emphasized by some isolated sects, with congregants studying texts directly; in one such group, Classical Orth was learned to avoid reliance on translations. Some communities study scripture in older forms directly, emphasizing reading in the original language.
• Regional custom: in some areas locals customarily carry sidearms; this was explained as a local tradition rather than a threat.
• Crisis prayer (observed): in one instance two travelers identified as Deolaters responded to being stranded by kneeling face to face, holding hands, and praying rapidly; later, after rescue from a fall, one called on his deity as he revived.

Known Members/Associations

• Named adherent: Ferman Beller, a driver who identifies with the Bazian tradition and coordinates lodging at a nearby monastery and retreat.
• Estemard — described as a Deolater living near a remote butte; interacts with a counter-Bazian community in the nearby village.
• Ganelial Crade — a driver from a Deolater community who travels north with the group; he identifies his community’s lineage with Saunt Bly and characterizes the Warden of Heaven as an offshoot.
• Laro and Dag — two migrants identified as Deolaters by a fellow traveler during a winter crossing; they were seen praying while awaiting pickup after a sledge departed.
• The term “Deolater” is also used colloquially by avout to refer to outside proselytizers or ark-affiliated helpers encountered during openings and journeys.

Recent Activity

• A mixed party of avout and volunteers traveling extramuros accepted hospitality at a mountain retreat operated by Bazian monks. The hosts opened meals with their customary prayer and presented the visitors with books before seeing them off the next morning.
• The same traveling party later came to a small settlement organized around a counter-Bazian ark, where the townsfolk held a lively service characterized by loud singing, followed by a large picnic on the green that welcomed visitors.
• While staging in and around a northern port region, travelers interacted with members of a Deolater community; a local elder offered hospitality, and an apostate relative of a Deolater driver assisted with outfitting and later joined the journey north.
• During a mountain pass crossing toward an icebound port, two passengers identified as Deolaters were observed kneeling to pray after being left by a sledge; one later received care at a charity clinic run by the local Kelx. A fellow traveler used the label “Deolaters” with open contempt, illustrating varying local attitudes.

Status/Access

Active and diverse across the extramuros world. Deolaters are frequently referenced in teaching as a familiar comparison and sometimes appear offering practical aid (transport, lodging) to travelers.