Math

Math refers to a walled scholarly community and the broader institution of such enclaves that make up the mathic world (community of maths). The term is used both for a specific place (a math) and for the institution that contrasts with life extramuros (outside the math's walls). One observed community is the Decenarian Math, which illustrates many of these practices.

Current usage at a Convox (large convocation of avout) explicitly distinguishes “maths” from “concents” (walled monastic complexes), indicating that avout (cloistered scholars) may identify as being from a particular math or from a larger concent.

First introduction and context

Math is introduced alongside notes that contrast the mathic world with the world extramuros. Within the story, a visiting artisan from outside is interviewed in the New Library inside a math, highlighting the separation between the two worlds and the rules that govern life within the walls.

Terminology and usage

• Math vs. Concent: Speakers use math to mean a specific enclave or house within the mathic world, while concent (walled monastic complex) refers to a larger, often multi‑house complex. A Convox is defined as a gathering drawn “from maths and concents,” preserving this distinction in official usage.
• Language notes: Terminology relating to maths is tracked in entries compiled in The Dictionary (lexicon of Orth), and usage has varied across historical Orth (in‑world language).

Distribution and settings

Accounts describe a wide range of scales and settings: - Some maths are large, self‑contained enclaves embedded in venerable complexes. - Others are small houses; one senior avout describes serving as Warden Fendant (outward‑facing sentinel) of a small math situated atop a city skyscraper during sectarian strife. - Individuals also identify themselves as being “from a little math,” implying that not all maths are widely known and that they may exist outside the most famous concents.

Practices and Discipline

Life in a math is governed by a Discipline that restricts tools and media. Under the Cartasian Discipline (rules limiting tools/media), those inside describe their permitted media as “chalk, ink, and stone,” and they avoid common extramuros devices and communications. Visitors are required to disable such devices and follow instructions closely.

Gardens and cultivated spaces are regulated by rule and custom; work in these areas (such as weeding) may be assigned as penance. Copying of texts continues in designated spaces, often with elder avout assisted by younger pupils. A periodic observance called Apert (periodic opening of math) is associated with maths. Different communities observe Apert on different cycles; at least one is referred to as a Decenarian (ten‑year cycle) math, and some avout celebrate it only once every hundred years. The precise rules and significance of these cycles have not yet been explained.

Roles and organization

• Residents: Individuals living within a math are called Avout (cloistered scholars). Younger students—sometimes called fids (novice students)—work under the guidance of elder fraas and suurs.
• Governance: Local rule and security are suggested by references to a Warden Regulant (internal rule enforcer) and a Warden Fendant (outward‑facing sentinel); the Ita (technical and medical order) help manage procedures for visitors and practicalities.
• Timekeeping and auts: Daily operation includes timekeeping duties—teams wind a large clock, and others ring extended sequences on the bells during certain observances and auts. Bells also mark points such as Provener (daily provisioning aut).

Structures and spaces

• Cloister: A roofed gallery surrounding a central garden that functions as the heart of the community’s daily circulation. Pathways, herb beds, and occasional trees are tended within, and adjoining arches open into key buildings.
• Scriptorium: A workspace for copying and illuminating texts.
• Libraries: An Old Library with very ancient fabric and a newer library building; both are central to study and record‑keeping.
• Refectory and chalk halls: Spaces for meals and instruction, respectively.
• Clock and bells: Prominent fixtures of daily life, tended by assigned teams.

Relationship with the outside world

Maths are distinct from, and often contrasted with, the world extramuros. They are described as protected by the Sæcular Power (worldly state authority). Access from outside may be permitted for specific purposes (such as needed repairs) but is tightly controlled, with designated areas and oversight. Some sites’ “Inviolateness” is attributed not only to walls or defenders but to formal agreements with the Sæcular Power.

Notable features observed so far

• A New Library and a prominent clock are present in the observed math; timekeeping chimes mark points such as Provener.
• External recording of events (e.g., using a “speelycaptor” (video recorder)) may be allowed only under strict conditions and supervision.
• The central complex, sometimes called the Mynster (central temple and clock), centers on the Præsidium and its starhenge‑driven clockworks. Above, the Warden Fendant’s aerie forms a perimeter walkway for sentinels; alternating gargoyles gaze outward (Fendant) and inward (Regulant). Below the walkway sit the Mathic arches of the Warden Regulant’s windows.