Sæcular Power

The Sæcular Power is a non‑mathic authority recognized by avout as external to the maths. It is described as tolerating and sometimes protecting the maths, though avout note that such protection has not always been consistent. Some avout use the nickname “the Panjandrums.”

First appearance and context

The term arises in discussion within the math as avout frame relations with the world extramuros. In an earlier exchange in the New Library, Fraa Orolo referenced it while speaking with an extramuros artisan amid preparations for Apert. Later, in the Refectory kitchen while food was being prepared for the community, avout discussed expected precautions at Apert and whether any response would come from the Sæcular Power, with Orolo joking about “robots with stun guns” and the like as a way to signal uncertainty about what, if anything, might be sent.

Role and function

• Stands outside the mathic orders and Discipline (i.e., part of the non‑mathic world), acknowledged by avout but not governed by them.
• Considered capable of tolerating and protecting the maths, yet—per avout readings of foundational texts—also able to “wreak changes” on them; avout resist the notion that it should “reform” the maths.
• As Apert approaches, avout anticipate added precautions; the specific form of any involvement by the Sæcular Power is unknown and a subject of speculation. The office of the Warden Fendant is explicitly charged with watching and assessing such extramuros matters.
• Avout note difficulty discerning the extent to which the Sæcular Power overlaps with, or is distinct from, the Warden of Heaven; this ambiguity affects how any response is interpreted.
• Historical context raised in the same discussion recalls rare, wide‑impact sackings of a concent—Sacks-General—contrasted with more local troubles; precautions include moving valuables into the labyrinths before Apert.

Relationships and references

• Mathic world: A counterbalancing, extramuros authority to which the maths must sometimes adapt while maintaining their Discipline. The Sæcular Power’s actions can precipitate changes within maths even when avout reject the idea of outside “reform.”
• Math governance: Monitored and interpreted for the community by the Warden Fendant; avout rely on that office to detect broader rumblings and to advise on responses.
• Public perception: The nickname “Panjandrums” appears in avout speech as an informal label for this authority.

Current status

Active as a recognized secular authority outside the walls. As the community prepares for Apert, the Warden Fendant is described as actively working the problem of potential involvement by the Sæcular Power; no concrete action by it has been confirmed so far.