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.

While departing Tredegarh amid a controlled dispersal, he spent long stretches on headsets relaying information over the Reticulum; when the link was cut in transit he showed obvious relief and fatigue. Observers note his strong Orth despite having studied it only briefly by Laterran standards.

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. An opposition movement aboard the Daban Urnud is referred to as the Fulcrum.
• 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.
• Communications debrief: During evacuation travel he is “pumped” for details via the Reticulum, at times sketching diagrams; connectivity is curtailed while moving and is expected to resume through wired links when stationary.
• Surveillance capabilities: He underscores that the Urnudans couple excellent telescopes to syndevs to sift imagery and detect decoys, reinforcing cautions not to rely on simple balloon tricks.

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. During flight he alternates between speaking and drawing, but tires as the debrief extends.
• Diet incompatibility: Arbran enzymes cannot digest his provisions, and he cannot metabolize local food. Remaining Laterran victuals were gathered for him; he sometimes eats local bread for fullness but relies for nutrition on Laterran supplies. He expects compatible food to be available aboard the Daban Urnud.
• Technical grasp: When introduced to suit‑integrated upper stages intended for independent ascent and maneuver, he immediately recognizes the design concept and operating logic, aiding discussions about how the gear will be used in orbit.
• Launch tolerance: During the ascent he was more affected than most, becoming disoriented and incoherent, but recovered with rest and care.

Relationships and Affiliations

• Lise: He identifies the deceased woman recovered at Orithena as his wife, Lise. He states they had no children and grieves her loss.
• 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.
• Traveling companions: After Tredegarh he departs with a mixed cell under military escort and trains alongside avout including Erasmas, Fraa Jesry, and Lio. He also confides in Sammann and works with him on communications.
• Suur Esma: Intercepted and towed his rig after ascent when he drifted and could not operate controls safely.
• Suur Vay: Provided calm field care in orbit, tending both him and Fraa Jad until they stabilized.

Current Status

Having completed the covert ascent with a small mixed cell, he is in low orbit taking part in a stealth approach toward the Daban Urnud. Initial disorientation left him weak, exacerbated by limited compatible food, but he has recovered and participates as the cell consolidates payloads and prepares for onward travel. His immediate survival remains closely tied to conserving Laterran rations.

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.