Fraa Gratho

Fraa Gratho is one of the Valers present at Tredegarh during the extraordinary gathering. Erasmas later recognizes him as the Valer who, during street unrest in Old Mahsht, placed his body between the narrator and a Gheeth leader’s firearm and then disarmed the attacker—an example of the Valers’ controlled, non‑lethal methods.

During the ordered dispersal from Tredegarh, Gratho appears with a small departing unit (Cell 317) that includes fellow Valers and trusted companions of Erasmas. Lio leads the cell, and the Valers present pay formal respects to Fraa Jad before departure; Gratho travels with them as they transfer to a military aerocraft under escort. Other Valers named alongside him in this context are Osa, Vay, and Esma.

At the Caravansery of Elkhazg, as Cell 317 prepares for an ascent into orbit, Gratho works alongside Fraa Jesry assembling space suits and associated equipment. He demonstrates a retractable blackout screen that hides the suit’s external lights and displays, leaving the wearer matte black and less conspicuous—an answer to concerns about covert movement in the suits. He participates in the group’s simulator and equipment‑staging sessions as part of launch preparations.

Low‑orbit consolidation and communications

After ascent, Gratho is among the first icons visible on the reticule alongside Sammann. He confirms an initial star check, inviting independent verification. While the cell regroups under a balloon decoy and begins gathering payloads, he hovers watchfully as Suur Esma tows in Jules Verne Durand. At Lio’s order, Gratho and Sammann clamber across the payload tangle to mount and align a line‑of‑sight relay, restoring the cell’s link to the Reticulum. He continues EVA tasks as the team maintains station and connects incoming payloads in the balloon’s shelter.

Gratho is characterized by courage, discipline, and close‑quarters skill consistent with Vale‑lore training. As seen, he favors restraint and protection of bystanders over escalation.

Current status: in low orbit with Cell 317, performing EVA and communications tasks during the cell’s consolidation phase.

Summary:

A Valer recognized for decisive, protective action in Old Mahsht; later a member of Cell 317 who helps with suit preparation at Elkhazg and, in orbit, assists in re‑establishing the Reticulum link while the cell consolidates payloads.

Known as:
Fraa GrathoGratho