The Defenders of the Mother are a non-miltary offshoot of the City Guard, a faith-based police formed to ensure that the generosity enshrined in Lady Bune’s teachings translates into charitable works to help the neediest in the city, and that support for the faith continues to flourish.
Comprised primarily of devout citizens, members of the clergy, clerics and military veterans, The Defenders of the Mother perform a wide range of duties, in service to Lady Bune – under the overall command of cleric Rilith Jol’gonas.
From providing charity for the needy and making sure the Mother’s bounty is paid to all elligible believers, to maintaining order during religious ceremonies and gently enforcing religious laws and customs, the Defenders of the Mother are an ever-present reminder of Aranthaes faith and the generosity of The Mother.
The Defenders of the Mother are organized into three specialized units, each with a specific focus.
The Doctrine Enforcement Unit is responsible for gently reminding the city’s citizens of Lady Bune’s religious doctrines, while the Temple Security Unit is charged with keeping the city’s religious sites safe from harm.
The Carriers of the Basket distribute charitable offerings to the needy and of course deliver gold to the faithful.
In addition to their law enforcement duties, the Defenders of the Mother also act as ambassadors for the church, spreading Lady Bune’s teachings throughout the city and beyond. This includes missions to neighboring towns and cities, as well as the conversion of non-believers to the worship of Lady Bune (and provision of subsequent stipend for life).
They are generally loved by the city’s population and are a positive force for good, happy to spread the generosity and love of The Mother, giving money and food to the poorer members of Aranthaen society and collecting offerings from the wealthy for redistribution.
However, the Defenders of the Mother are not without controversy. Some citizens – in particluar the wealthy merchant classes – feel that the organization’s methods can be heavy-handed and invasive.
Despite these few criticisms, the Defenders of the Mother are a powerful group, and their role in upholding the city’s religious charitable traditions and customs is widely acknowledged and respected.
Hierarchy Within the Defenders
Defenders hierarchy exists not to elevate individuals, but to preserve continuity, safeguard doctrine, and ensure that the Mother’s will is carried out with care, restraint, and purpose.
Each of the 8 tiered ranks within the Church reflects a specific duty of service, forming a clear chain of responsibility through which faith, protection, and mercy are maintained across Aranthaes.
#1 High Mother
Rilith Jol’gonas – Head of the Mothers, with supreme doctrinal and operational authority, immediately beneath the Holy Mother.
#2 Mother Overseer
Ermile Valenor – Administrative, archival, and procedural authority; keeper of rites, succession, and order – the Mother Overseer is second in command within the Defenders and heir to the role of High Mother.
Senior Clergy
#3 Mother Superior
Senior Mothers entrusted with regional oversight, doctrine, or major institutions.
#4 Mother Ordained
Fully consecrated Mothers serving temples, courts, or specialised offices.
#5 Mother Consecrate
Junior Mothers, recently elevated, serving under supervision.
Operational Branches
Each branch of the Defenders follows the same internal rank ladder, with unique branch-specific titles layered on top of senior clergy titles.
1. Doctrine Enforcement Unit
#3 Mother Superior – Prefect of Doctrine
Orlonas Dasir – Overall commander of the Doctrine Enforcement Unit.
#4 Mother Ordained – Canon of Inquiry
Senior doctrinal officer; oversees investigations and judgments.
#4 Mother Ordained – Justicar of the Word
Field commander empowered to interpret and enforce doctrine.
#4 Mother Ordained – Examiner
Investigator, interrogator, doctrinal auditor.
#5 Mother Consecrate – Adjudicant
Trained doctrinal officer in service.
#6 Clerk of Orthodoxy
Record-keeper, aide, observer.
2. Temple Security Unit
#3 Mother Superior – Warden of the Sanctum
Vyvaen Weller – Overall commander of Temple Security.
#4 Mother Ordained – Shield-Mother
Senior protective authority assigned to major sites or figures.
#4 Mother Ordained – Guardian Ordained
Fully sworn protector of temples or clergy.
#5 Mother Consecrate – Guardian Consecrate
Active-duty security under supervision.
#6 Watch of the Mother
Temple guards and sentinels.
3. Carriers of the Basket
#3 Mother Superior – Steward of the Basket
Thaelema Arkannis – Overall authority for charitable works.
#4 Mother Ordained – Bearer-Principal
Senior organiser of distribution and logistics.
#4 Mother Ordained – Mother Ordained – Bearer Ordained
Trusted distributors of aid and alms.
#5 Mother Consecrate – Bearer Consecrate
Active carriers and organisers.
#6 Hand of the Basket
Assistants, porters, coordinators.
Common Lower Tiers
#7 Initiate of the Mother
Formal members undergoing instruction.
#8 Novice of the Way
Recent entrants to church service.
The Faithful (Non-hierarchical)
Children of the Mother: Volunteers, lay helpers, and ordinary faithful who serve without rank or authority.