The Cataclysm

The Cataclysm is an event believed to have occurred at the start of Poorthwart: The Cataclysm, and the search for confirmation of its occurrence, and any purpose or implications, drives the events of the novel.

Appearance of the Cataclysm
The visual appearance of the Cataclysm depicts a man in a shallow black hat, with unusual sideburns (which may be a physical object jutting through his cheeks). He is smiling, and has the word 'Cataclysm' written across his eyes. He appears to have a fish-like scaled body emblazoned with the image of a dead tree, and may be hitting a cymbal against a wooden sign that appears to read 'Coney island'.

Characters' Ability to Detect the Cataclysm
It appears that most residents of Poorthwart have not detected the Cataclysm in any form. Characters that have detected it have all largely done so in their own ways.

The Claw-Hand Nose Nuns are the first characters to notice it, and it is implied that they visually see it and are afraid of it. Tyco Brahe feels it, and rushes outside quickly enough to see what he believes to be the sky blinking. The Admiral, like the Anchorites, believes to have felt something, but is unsure of its nature.