Speelycaptor

The speelycaptor is a compact extramuros device used to record moving‑picture content (often called "speelies"). It is presented as a practical tool of the non‑mathic world and contrasts with the avout’s reliance on words and direct observation.

First appearance and context

The device comes to attention during a conversation between Fraa Orolo and an artisan admitted to the New Library to address a repair, where the visitor asks about recording the clock at Provener. The same visitor—Artisan Flec—is later seen in the north nave of the Mynster with his speelycaptor while observing the aut, highlighting how such devices may appear within sight of avout under supervision without being part of mathic practice.

Structure and features

When produced for demonstration, the speelycaptor appears as a small, silver, finger‑sized tube. It is handheld and portable, suitable for aiming at a subject to gather moving images. High‑spec units have been described with capabilities marketed as "Eagle‑Rez," "SteadiHand," and "DynaZoom"; claims about seeing across screened spaces are reported secondhand and are not shown in operation.

Usage and oversight

• Extramuros: Beyond the walls, authorities have installed additional speelycaptors as part of public monitoring; who has access to those recordings is not known to ordinary citizens.

• Within the math: Living under the Cartasian Discipline, avout do not ordinarily use such devices. When a visitor brings one inside the walls, its use is managed and overseen—e.g., being told not to activate it until guided and being directed to the Ita for supervision and placement. According to an artisan colleague, no speely was ultimately made of Provener because a particular speelycaptor was judged too capable to be allowed in use near the Mynster.

Current status

A speelycaptor was carried by an extramuros artisan during an aut of Provener and is discussed in arrangements surrounding that rite. Its presence remains that of a visitor’s tool under oversight; there is no indication it is kept or used by the avout as part of their own equipment.