Fraa Tavener

Overview

Fraa Tavener is an avout of the Concent of Saunt Edhar, known for mechanical curiosity and precise, literal speech. First seen visiting during an opening with his father Quin, he quickly became a familiar face on tours, was later Collected, and showed early strength in orbital topics. Following a large Voco, he travels with companions toward the Concent of Saunt Tredegarh.

Also referred to formally as Fraa Tavener.

Appearance and Traits

Mechanically minded and literal, Barb speaks with crisp precision and tends to pursue the immediate problem before moving on. When excited by ideas he may become rambunctious; brief exertion helps him settle. He memorizes definitions and bell patterns readily and can miss social cues. On the road he is rule-focused and methodical.

Among companions, “Barb-like” is used as shorthand for a single‑minded, mechanics‑first focus on immediate practicalities—for example, fixating on door‑latching mechanisms—an association noted during the covert entry of the Daban Urnud observatory.

Roles and Actions

• Study and inquiry: In quiet sessions with peers including Fraa Erasmas, Barb helps digest a Praxic-Age text on nuclear pulse propulsion, keeping the group focused on practical details.
• Measurement drive: When interpreting a pinholed solar record, he presses for establishing concrete angles and geometry so orbital changes can be reasoned about.
• Analogies and recall: Offers precise analogies (for example, masking tracks "like a fugitive who walks in a river") and recalls prior definitions such as polar orbits and relativistic travel.
• Peregrin travel: During overland travel he rides in changing vehicle groups, shows a preference for the company of senior mentors, and occupies himself by memorizing posted rules at stops.
• Summit encounter: At a butte-top cell associated with Orolo above a nearby village, Barb is first among the arriving companions and immediately clarifies that an Edharian’s sidearm reflects local custom rather than immediate threat, helping steady the situation.
• Settlement work at Orolo: At the crater site named for Fraa Orolo, he helps haul bundled stakes to survey lines on the rim, then crosses to the island for preparations.
• Cornerstone-laying: On the island he adds his name to a cube shaped from the fallen rod—carved to mark “Year 0 of the Second Reconstitution”—and is pulled back by Yulassetar Crade just before the stone drops cleanly into place, as Fraa Jesry’s sun‑clock trigger line tightens.
• Practical focus on food and tools: Spots barbecue pits and calls out an oven under construction by peers; asks if messallans will be provided; when cautioned about wading ashore, replies that his clothes are made of non‑absorbent fibers.
• Ceremonies: Present for two auts on the island before the day’s feast.

Relationships

• Family: Son of the extramuros artisan Quin.
• Peers and mentors: Works closely with fellow Tenners and studies alongside Fraa Erasmas; shows respect for senior figures such as Fraa Jad during travel.
• At Orolo’s site: Moves among friends and mentors including Yulassetar Crade, Cord, Fraa Jesry, Fraa Arsibalt, Suur Tulia, and Suur Karvall during the foundation‑laying and related preparations.

Current Status

Active at the crater‑lake island named for Fraa Orolo, present for the laying of the cornerstone inaugurating a new era described as two coequal Magisteria. Connectivity over the Reticulum is available intermittently at the site. He continues to assist with practical tasks and ceremonies among avout, Sæculars, and visitors.