Matarrhites

The Matarrhites are described as one of the very few orders of avout (monastic scholars) who profess belief in God. At the current Convox (rare convocation of avout) convened at the Concent of Saunt Tredegarh (walled monastic complex), a contingent of Matarrhites is in attendance but keeps to itself.

Origins and first notice

Earlier accounts list the Matarrhites among names first recorded when the gates at Saunt Byadin’s opened during a centennial season, notably the Third Centennial Apert (gate‑opening ceremony). These accounts establish that the group existed within the mathic world and continued to be referenced thereafter.

Beliefs and standing

• Belief: Identified as explicitly theistic by observers, and counted among the very few mathic orders to hold such a doctrine.
• Lineage: Characterized as the residuum of a Centenarian order that “went hundred”—that is, became Hundreders (hundred‑year cycle)—in the centuries after the Reconstitution (post‑Sack re‑establishment). The specific ancestry and internal structure are not detailed.

Appearance and conduct at Convox

• Attire: At Inbrase (formal induction into the Convox), the Matarrhites wore their bolts pulled over their heads, fully veiling the face except for a screened opening at the eyes.
• Dining customs: At a messal hosted in Avrachon’s Dowment, a Matarrhite delegate kept the bolt drawn down to cover the face during the meal, with an opening below through which food could be introduced. Their servitor handled plating and preparation, they declined a green salad, and a separate stew‑like dish with a strong odor was prepared for them. Observers took this as evidence of distinct culinary rules and a wish to remain set apart.
• Demeanor: Their contribution to ceremony has been described as a dirge‑like chant interpreted as a lament for being drawn from their own concent and a signal of minimal mingling. In discussion they remain reserved but will speak when addressed.

Participation in ongoing discussions

• Representation: Convox rosters recorded at least one Matarrhite by a personal name without the Fraa/Suur style. A delegate identified as “Zh’vaern” attended a Plurality of Worlds messal and expressed skepticism toward claims that other universes exist or that the visitors originated there. The same delegate reported that provisional, informal names for the four visitor groups—Antarcts, Pangees, Diasps, and Quators—were in circulation based on ship iconography and labels seen on sample vials.

Current status

• Presence: A contingent is present at the Convox hosted at Tredegarh.
• Interactions: They are seen as self‑separating and do not seek contact beyond what rites and sessions require. No leadership, numbers, or home concent are specified.

Notes

• Details above are reported by participants and observers during Convox proceedings and should be read as descriptions of behavior rather than official Matarrhite statements.