Fraa Haligastreme

First Appearance and Context

Fraa Haligastreme is first observed within the Concent of Saunt Edhar (mathic monastery) during Decennial Apert (decade-cycle public opening), when visitors enter under controlled conditions. He is approached by a visiting priest delivering a message to a small group; Haligastreme listens politely while casting significant glances toward nearby hierarchs, including Fraa Delrakhones and Statho.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

• An Avout (monastic scholar) identified as a theorical geologist.
• Serves as FAE (first among equals) of the Edharian chapter; within the community this aligns him with the Edharian Order.
• During a Tenth Night feast under the canopy at Apert, he was introduced to speak on behalf of the Edharian chapter. Repeated jeejah (hand computer) interruptions and the setting flustered him—he is noted to be funniest in spontaneous exchange but less effective with prepared remarks. He closed with: “If this all seems ambiguous, that’s because it is; and if that troubles you, you’d hate it here; but if it gives you a feeling of relief, then you are in the right place and might consider staying.”
• Later, during a stretch when Eliger rang frequently and after a Voco (formal summons) for a Centenarian (hundred-year Order), he received word in the Old Chapter house that a fid (novice avout) intended to join the Edharians. He acknowledged that Orolo wanted the fid on his team and offered tempered assent, emphasizing concern for the newcomer’s ability to keep pace and the chapter’s well-being.
• When preparations are made for a liaison to be declared by two Decenarians (ten-year Order), Haligastreme is the person to be contacted to set up the small aut (formal rite) and is named as a possible free witness for the declaration to be entered in the Chronicle.
• His instruction on volcanic morphology is recalled as Fraa Erasmas assesses a steep island volcano; he taught that low, lens-shaped volcanoes with runny lava are comparatively safe for walkers, while steep cones formed by thick, slow-moving lava are dangerous because pent-up pressure tends to be released explosively.
• In a later account, Erasmas explicitly cites geological terms taught by Haligastreme when describing a violent eruption near Orithena, using that vocabulary to frame pressure release, venting, and ash.
• Later, while work began at the crater site honoring Fraa Orolo, he visited from Edhar with root stock from Orolo’s vineyard at the Concent of Saunt Edhar; the vines were planted beneath trellises and have begun to take hold.

Relationships

• Professional coordination is implied with Fraa Delrakhones, the Warden Fendant responsible for outward watch during public openings, and deference is shown to Statho, the Primate, during formal proceedings.
• With Fraa Erasmas: speaks privately in the Old Chapter house when Erasmas declares his intention to join the Edharians; Haligastreme supports the step while noting that some members are lukewarm out of concern for Erasmas’s well-being and readiness.
• With Fraa Orolo: recognizes and relays that Orolo wants Erasmas on his team, and offers to connect them rather than interrupt ongoing observing work.

Descriptions/Characteristics

• Physically described as big, bald, burly, and bearded.
• During the period of frequent Eliger celebrations and heightened attention on the Order, he appears tired but remains candid and practical in counsel.

Current Status/Location

Active within the Concent of Saunt Edhar, functioning as the FAE of the Edharian chapter. He participates in chapter decisions about new members and has traveled beyond the walls to the Orolo site to deliver vineyard stock.