Iconography

Iconography refers to the recurring, simplified patterns that outsiders use to imagine and explain the mathic world and its avout. Rather than grapple with the full complexity of mathic life, people in the Saeculum carry around caricatures that repeat across eras. Avout who study extramuros have long cataloged these patterns so they can recognize them and respond safely during interactions.

In-story context

A Grandsuur-led review in Saunt Grod’s chalk hall—held as a preparation for Apert—reminded the current crop of fids that recognizing iconographies is a practical safety skill. Concern about rising public attention prompted the Warden Fendant to request this training.

Origins and examples

The tradition of naming and sorting these patterns goes back at least to the days of Thelenes and earlier entertainments. Examples mentioned include: - Temnestrian: portrays avout first as clowns, then reveals a sinister phase (e.g., “seducing the impressionable”); adherents may become hostile when abstractions “from our mother Hylaea” enter the conversation. - Doxan: admires avout expertise while insisting they must be subordinated to intuitive, common-sense leaders; respectful but patronizing. - Yorran: the praxic “mad scientist” image—stained by chemicals, sporting grotesque features, forever plotting domination. - The Rhetors: fears of subtle manipulation and conspiracy, with word-twisting and the grooming of worldly “minions.” - Muncostran: the eccentric, lovable, disheveled, absent‑minded theor. - Pendarthan: high‑strung, meddling know‑it‑alls who lack physical courage and are overruled by more “masculine” Sæculars. - Klevan: the wise elder statesman who can solve worldly problems. - Baudan: cynical frauds living in luxury at the common person’s expense. - Penthabrian: guardians of ancient mystical secrets; overt theorics are treated as a smokescreen for hidden powers.

Use and risk

Training focuses on spotting which iconography an outsider subscribes to and adjusting expectations accordingly. For instance, Temnestrian subscribers may be pleasant until abstract discussion begins, while Doxan‑influenced visitors show enthusiastic curiosity tempered by condescension. Understanding these cues helps avout steer conversations and manage risk during contact.

Current status

Among a round dozen patterns surveyed, the Moshianic—described as a hybrid of the Klevan and Penthabrian that foretells avout‑led enlightenment when major gates open—was judged most dangerous in the present climate because it inflates expectations and draws pilgrims. It is said to be ascendant in the guise of the Warden of Heaven.

Terminology

The plural “Iconographies” refers to the catalog of recurring patterns as a whole. The singular “Iconography” refers to a specific named pattern (e.g., “the Temnestrian Iconography”).