Magister Sark

Overview

Magister Sark is a magister of Kelx (religious tradition) who ministers among working crews and portside congregations. He leads brief, focused services paired with one-on-one interviews that press attendees toward moral accountability. In the crowded docks of Mahsht, he recognized Ringing Vale (martial mathic order) avout (cloistered scholar-monk) and told them a lone avout was being pursued by a mob; their ensuing intervention protected the traveler. Afterward, Sark arranged a coach from his local Kelx to carry the Valers south toward safer transit.

Appearance and Traits

Sark is described as leathery and weathered, with a serious demeanor. His preaching is urgent and direct. In private exchange he can be terse but attentive; when thanked for his help he credits his action to Kelx doctrine (invoking the Innocent [Kelx mercy figure] and the Magistrate [Kelx judging figure]) rather than to personal merit. Observers note a dry, almost coughing chuckle when he is amused.

Roles and Actions

• Leads shipboard and dockside Kelx services that combine a forceful sermon with individual interviews, then a closing exhortation.
• Counseled a first-time avout attendee, allowing that the circumstances might excuse perceived wrongdoing while urging a better showing when next tested.
• In Mahsht, alerted Ringing Vale avout to a lone avout being hunted by a crowd; this prompted a coordinated rescue. He then secured a Kelx-owned coach, arranged a driver, and saw the Valers off toward the south.
• Spoke at length with local allies while arrangements were made; he showed concern for the injured traveler's condition and for swift, practical logistics.

Relationships

• Kelx and its adherents: Serves as a magister with a congregation of Kedevs (Kelx adherents), operating through local arks and practical charity.
• Ringing Vale avout: According to a senior Valer, Sark is well known to them and sometimes attends their Aperts (period when concents open) to share ideas; in Mahsht he coordinated with them during the street crisis and their departure.
• Cord: After the Orithena events, a close associate of the narrator begins interpreting what happened from a Kelx point of view; the speaker remarks that Sark "got himself a convert," suggesting his earlier words had persuasive effect.
• Avout traveler: First encountered as a shipboard attendee whom he questioned and advised; later, he aided that traveler indirectly by mobilizing Valers and transport.

Current Status

Active and mobile. Most recently seen in Mahsht facilitating transport for Ringing Vale avout and departing once a relief driver arrived for the Kelx coach.