The Sisterhood of the Raven

The Raven Goddess has dominion over the realms of Healing, Protection, Initiation and Messengers. She is the Keeper of Secrets and Protector of the Innocent.
The priesthood is only open to women, by long-standing tradition, though the ranks of the Exalted and Sages are open to men and women alike.
The Sisterhood of the Raven are known for spectacular charity, and are the reason that poverty and beggardom are essentially unknown in Weirth. The church is open to aid and comfort all of the afflicted, whether through accident, malice or warfare. All who are so healed are given tasks and responsibilities within the church, in the Laity or in Service. These jobs are meaningful and rewarding, especially as a full education is available to all who pledge their lives to the Raven.
The Sisterhood is the source of messenger birds across the world, and as such, operate across state and national borders without (much) interference. In the older, more populous areas, the Sisterhood also breed and train the Parrot-cats and Scroll Dragons of the nobles and aristocracy.
The Ravenwing are a group specially dedicated to traveling about the world and its realms, healing the sick and the injured.
All members of the cult dress in all black, with a white cloth headband, embroidered with a raven within a red circle tied about their forehead. Soldiers, guards and Exalted Warriors wear black armor and helms with raven face-masks, the Raven and Circle emblem being painted upon the brow of the helmet/mask. Cult members of fourth level and above wear a short, hooded cape, with a red lining and a white, embroidered hem. Under the hood is a raven mask (like that of a plague-doctor).

Structure

The Sisterhood of the Raven is the public arm of the Cult of Thunder, a sect dedicated to Narapathenia, goddess of Wind, Storms, Dreams, Changes, Secrets, Fate and Destiny. Narapathenia does not have an organized church, per se, but has many followers in the magical school of Divination. There is a hierarchy of Arcanists, a small mendicant priesthood of wandering seeresses/oracles and a very small cult of Exalted Warriors dedicated to the protection of Narapathenia's isolated shrines and monasteries.
The Ecclesiarchy of Narapathenia is dedicated to the collection of information, a sort of uber-spy network. In the larger cities the Ecclesiarchy is the power behind any network of Assassins, brotherhood of beggars or guild of thieves. The beggars are actually healthy and well-cared-for, though they may look bedraggled and maimed. These disguises permit them to pass unnoticed and collect information for the priestesses.

Public Agenda

The Public agenda of the Sisterhood is that of charity and healing for the sick, the injured and the lame.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion