Diax

Overview

Diax is a seminal theoric (abstract-math) figure associated with the ancient Temple of Orithena. He is remembered for dispersing number-worshipping Enthusiasts (religious zealots) with a rake, coining "theorics," and for the cautionary maxim known as Diax’s Rake.

First appearance and context

Diax is introduced to readers via a fresco shown during a Hylaean Way (doctrinal tour) at the Concent of Saunt Edhar in Apert (opening period). In the scene, he charges down the steps of Orithena wielding a gardener's rake to disperse dice-casting Enthusiasts; the guide identifies him and explains his significance in the early theoric tradition.

Appearance and traits

• Portrayed as forceful and exacting; the fresco shows him brandishing a rake to restore order.
• Praised for disciplined thought and for drawing a sharp line between rigorous inquiry and credulous enthusiasm.

Roles and actions

• Opposed number-worshipping Enthusiasts at Orithena; after driving them out with a rake, he is said to have run the place.
• Credited with coining the term "theorics," distinguishing rigorous practice from Enthusiasm; his followers called themselves Theors.
• His admonition—do not believe a claim merely because it is pleasing—is remembered as Diax’s Rake, a self-check avout (cloistered scholars) use to keep emotion and preference from overrunning what is known.
• An Invocation recited at Saunt Edhar during Tenth Night is attributed to Diax and said to date from shortly after the rake episode; it is in Proto-Orth (early Orth language) and notably inhospitable to Enthusiasts.

Sites and associations

• Temple steps at Orithena: Excavation guides identify the forecourt steps as the place where Diax brandished his rake; visitors presently walk those paving-stones, which lie within the organized dig at Orithena.

Relationships

• Institutional: Closely tied to Orithena as a leader and exemplar whose stance helped define the identity and practice of the theors.
• Lineage: In early tradition, leadership at Orithena is attributed first to Adrakhones and later to Diax or one of his fids.

Current status

Presented as a historical figure in the theoric lineage; his present status is not stated. His influence persists through everyday use of Diax’s Rake among avout.

Legacy and cultural references

• The rake-wielding episode is sometimes invoked in vlor (martial training lore) practice; some avout speak of "rake vlor" for informal drills that echo the story (see Vale-Lore).
• In a later observation, Orolo's wall of notes at Bly's Butte shows a tree titled "orithena" with Adrakhones above Diax and Diax as a terminal node, preserving a view that ties him closely to that tradition and shows no further links from his name. See Fraa Orolo for context.