Church Of The Matron

The Church of the Matron is the official church of Kardia.

Belief

The Matron is called The Mother or simply The Lady. The sign of the cradle is often made when referring to the Lady. Ostensibly a monotheistic religion, the Matron is believed to have multiple aspects and saintly servants to whom prayers can be directed. Though foreign churches are not actually illegal in Kardia, they are frowned upon and often persecuted, especially in rural areas.

The Mother is protector, nurturer, teacher, and guide, but she can also take the role of disciplinarian. The punishment of the Matron can be harsh, but it is never cruel, and alway dispensed with compassion.

  • Sain Ord - Patron Saint of Healers and Lamplighters
  • Al Lyra - Patron Saint of Artists and Drunkards
  • Sain Urman - Patron Saint of Craftsmen and Sailors
  • Al Rhea - Patron Saint of Midwives, Farmers, and Gamblers
  • Sain Vyr - Patron Saint of Beaureucrats, Politicians, and Philosophers
  • Al Liri - Patron Saint of Warriors and Charcoal Burners
  • Amalya - Patron Saint of the Wretched and Damned, de facto Patron Saint of Criminals and Lovers
  • Heloth - Patron Saint of the Dying and Condemned

Organization

The Queen of Kardia is the symbolic head of the Church, the High or Grand Matriarch. The Church holds no "offical" political power, but presides over official ceremonies, and provides spiritual guidance and legitimacy. In the past, church elders have acted in advisory capacities to the throne. There is a great deal of tension between the Church and the [Wizard's] Guild, both have waxed and waned in favor throughout the years.

Effectively, the Church has a great deal of support among commoners and the faithful (both of whom distrust the Guild). The Guild provides support directly to the throne. Most Kings have kept the role of the Guild to the background to avoid losing the goodwill of the Church and commons.

The Church performs coronations and weddings (for example), and could theoretically exercise power by denying their blessing to a royal ceremony. In reality, this has never happened. The Church has been known to exercise this privilege among minor nobilty and commons, perhaps even among the baronies once or twice.

The Church is hierarchical within itself, with each Barony presided over by a Matriarch.

Current

Since King Richard is unmarried, and his mother is dead, the de facto leader is one of several high preistesses elected to the position pro tem.