The Guardians of the Temple

The Guardians of the Temple are the martial defenders of the Church and the Faithful. Knights and Dames Guardian undergo extensive spiritual and martial training and face the Trials and Seven Chalices. Most possess no supernatural gifts. Rarely, a Guardian experiences the Calling, an unusual connection to the Light that carries resistance to Shadow Corruption and may manifest sacred gifts known as Blessings.

The Orders are led in parallel by Garran Veyne, Lord High Commander of the Knights Guardian, and Ellyn Corbray, Lady High Commander of the Dames Guardian. Neither office is subordinate to the other.

[LINK NOTE: Link this section to the dedicated Guardians of the Temple document.]

The Sisters of Silence

The Sisters of Silence are a practical and charitable order devoted to relieving suffering throughout life and preserving dignity at its end. Most are trained healers rather than supernatural practitioners, skilled in wound care, bone-setting, medicines, nursing, common illnesses, care of the dying, preparation of the dead, and counsel for the bereaved. A minority possess genuine healing Gifts associated with Sídhe ancestry.

Their principal Sanctuary is Ynys Wydrin, the Isle of Glass, within Lake Jahassa. Local hospitals and hospices are associated with temples throughout settled lands, but the Sisters retain ancient traditions, independent resources, and considerable authority over their own work. The Church publicly regards their service as an expression of the mercy and grace of Ceros.

[LINK NOTE: Link this section to the dedicated Sisters of Silence document.]

The Cardinal's Hand

The Cardinal's Hand is a small, secretive body answering directly to the Cardinal of D’Hassa. Its agents undertake investigations, surveillance, interrogations, and other sensitive work the Church cannot openly assign to the Guardians of the Temple. Their existence is little understood outside the highest levels of the Church, and their actions are frequently blamed on the Templars—or confused with those of the far more sinister Dark Templars.

• Guardians: protect the Church.
• The Hand: quietly protects the Church's interests.
• Dark Templars: something the Church would very much prefer not be confused with the others.