Jules Verne Durand

First known to avout as “Zh’vaern,” he appeared as a cloaked Matarrhite doyn at a Plurality‑of‑Worlds messal in Avrachon’s Dowment during the Convox. After servitors isolated the room within a grounded mesh, he cast off the disguise and transmitter, identified himself as Jules Verne Durand of Laterre (the world some call Antarct), and stated that the figure presented as his servitor—Orhan—was in fact a minder from another world.

Roles and Information Shared

• Infiltration and mission: He explains that he was inserted under Matarrhite cover as part of an intelligence probe to assess whether tales of Incanters (and related powers) had any grounding. He reports that the Matarrhite concent was covertly seized, with its people kept unharmed but silenced, to facilitate the ruse.
• Factions among the visitors: He describes a bloc alliance—called the Pedestal by its members—comprising peoples of Urnud and Tro, in tension with Fthos, and says Laterre itself is divided between sympathies. He portrays the Pedestal leadership as fearful of Arbre’s capabilities and considering extreme measures. These are his statements, offered under pressure and time constraints.
• Travel account: Briefly outlines a tradition of inter‑cosmic voyages aboard a craft refitted across “Advents,” centering on a ship known as the Daban Urnud. He presents this as context rather than theorem, noting he is a linguist, not a theor.

Traits and Practical Constraints

• Linguist and interpreter: Chosen for Orth proficiency; earlier, his speech and dining customs led observers to treat “Zh’vaern” as a Matarrhite.
• Diet incompatibility: Arbran enzymes cannot digest his provisions, and he cannot metabolize local food. Remaining Laterran victuals were gathered for him, and Sæcular officials present resolved to prioritize secure resupply to prevent starvation.

Relationships and Affiliations

• Orhan: Publicly revealed as his minder from Urnud (not a Matarrhite servitor). A concealed wireless transmitter was taken off him after the room was shielded.
• Convox leadership and doyns: Speaks directly with senior avout and Sæcular guests at messal to deliver warnings and context about the Geometers and their internal politics.

Current Status

Amid demolition‑opened exits and a rucksack‑guided dispersal, he joins the Tredegarh evacuation and departs with a small, mixed cell under military escort. His immediate survival depends on conserving remaining Laterran food and arranging compatible supplies.

Notes on Prior Presentation

Before the reveal, he was consistently addressed as “Zh’vaern” (often styled “Fraa Zh’vaern”) and treated as one of the Matarrhites, with a separate, pungent stew prepared to suit his apparent order’s customs. The later disclosure recontextualizes those observations as elements of a cover identity.