Mathic World

The mathic world refers to the social and institutional realm within the walls of a math. It is contrasted with extramuros, a term that denotes what lies outside the walls. The phrase is used by avout to distinguish their disciplined life and customs from those of the non‑mathic world.

Definition and usage

The concept is framed explicitly in entries from The Dictionary, which contrast extramuros meanings across historical forms of Orth. In those senses, “non‑mathic world” serves as the counterpart to the mathic world, with later usage sometimes focusing on settlements immediately around a math’s walls. Within daily speech, avout invoke the distinction when describing visitors “from extramuros” or practices prevalent outside.

Practices and boundaries

Life in the mathic world is governed by a Discipline that limits tools and media used inside the walls. As described by avout, permitted media are “chalk, ink, and stone,” and common extramuros devices are avoided. For example, recording devices such as a speelycaptor are not part of ordinary practice and, if allowed for observation, are handled under strict supervision.

Relationships

• Maths: The mathic world is composed of maths and the avout who live within them.
• Extramuros society: Defined in contrast to life outside the walls; differences often center on technology, customs, and language.
• Language: Orth functions as the formal language of the mathic world, while visitors are often addressed in extramuros tongues.
• External authority: The maths are described as protected by a Sæcular Power, an authority from outside the walls.

Perceptions in the Saeculum

The Dictionary notes that a legendary figure called the Incanter is popularly associated with the mathic world in Sæcular imaginations, with roots in work conducted within the maths before the Third Sack and later inflated by entertainment traditions. Avout study recurring outsider stereotypes as Iconographies to anticipate reactions during contact extramuros.

First noted context

The term is highlighted when The Dictionary’s explanation of “extramuros” distinguishes between the mathic world and what lies beyond, illustrating how meanings shift across Old, Middle, Praxic, and New Orth.

Current status

Active and distinct from extramuros life, the mathic world maintains its own governance and customs within walled communities, admitting outsiders only under rules set by the Discipline.