Quin

Quin is an extramuros craftsman admitted to the New Library shortly before Apert to perform repair work and to answer questions from Fraa Orolo, with Fraa Erasmas acting as amanuensis. Quin is candid and quick to laugh, comfortable speaking on behalf of his crew and engaging with avout about how life outside the concent has been changing.

First Appearance and Context

Quin is first seen inside the New Library during preparations on the eve of a Decenarian opening. While present to mend a window, he participates in Orolo's questionnaire about conditions extramuros, providing practical, firsthand answers.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

• Shares observations about extramuros technology, media, literacy, and justice as part of Orolo's ongoing questionnaire.
• Notes the paradox of conditions outside the walls as "starving to death and dying from being too fat at the same time"; Erasmas later reflects on it while walking extramuros.
• Professional colleague of Artisan Flec, the extramuros worker previously admitted for urgent repair work.
• Reports that Flec was prevented by the Ita from recording a speely of a service from the north nave because the speelycaptor's zoom, stabilization, and low-light features would have revealed areas beyond the screen; this account is later cited during a Regulant inquiry with Fraa Erasmas.
• Accompanies Fraa Orolo to confer with the Warden Fendant when concerns about outside developments are reviewed ahead of the opening.
• Describes to Erasmas and Fraa Orolo the extramuros "spine clamps" sometimes worn by visitors; a guide later recognizes a clamp matching that description during a tour.

Relationships

• Father of Barb, who accompanies him during the opening and displays a keen eye for mechanical details.
• Ex-wife (name not given); together they appear to allow Barb wide freedom within the concent during the opening, which avout interpret as tacit openness to Collection.
• Works alongside Artisan Flec; both have been admitted under supervision to address repairs.
• Engages with Fraa Orolo in structured interviews, with Fraa Erasmas recording; he observes the Discipline when reminded.

Descriptions/Characteristics

Tall and bearded, Quin presents as a long-limbed, work-hardened artisan. He is talkative, quick-witted, and willing to joke, yet deferential to mathic rules when boundaries are made explicit. Later, the narrator groups Quin with extramuros individuals 'smart enough to be avout,' comparing him to Cord and the Crades as rational, calculating types who remain outside the math.

Current Status/Location

Present during the opening with his son and ex-wife; guides note Barb's frequent attendance on tours. Otherwise, Quin works extramuros with his crew after participating in repairs and interviews connected to the New Library.