The wisest and most devout members of the World Mother’s cult are known as the holy matrons, an elite society of women who have all borne and raised children before giving their lives to the goddess. With their familial obligations at an end, they work on behalf of the World Mother, traveling the lands to ease suffering and nurture the families they encounter, reinforcing the bonds of kinship with the goddess’s blessing.
Holy matrons work to settle disputes, help people put aside their grudges, and foster peace wherever they go.
Most, though not all, holy matrons are women past their childbearing years. They carry the idol of their goddess with them and whisper prayers over it whenever they invoke her power. Although this is a strictly female society, the World Mother sometimes imparts the gifts she reserves for these devotees to men. Such individuals might be widowers who reared their children or who have a special connection to the goddess. Males who serve in this role are called esteemed husbands.
Level 3 Holy Matron
Attributes. Increase two by 1
Characteristics. Health +4, Power +1
Languages and Profession. You either speak another language or add one of the following professions to your list of professions: farmer, gatherer, healer, nomad, or pioneer.
Magic Choose one of the following options:
- Discover the Earth, Life, or Nature tradition
- Learn one Earth, Life, or Nature spell
Hand of the Daughter You can use an action to expend the casting of a spell you have learned from the Earth, Life, or Nature traditions. Touch one target creature you can reach. The target heals 1d6 damage per rank of the spell whose casting you expended (minimum 1d6 damage).
Level 6 Holy Matron
Characteristics. Health +4
Magic You learn one spell.
Hand of the Mother You can use an action to expend the casting of a rank 1 or higher spell you have learned from the Earth, Life, or Nature traditions. Touch one target creature you can reach and remove one of the following afflictions from that target: deafened, diseased, fatigued, frightened, impaired, or poisoned. Alternatively, you can attempt to remove a curse from the target. Make a Will challenge roll with 1 bane per point of Corruption the target possesses. You remove the curse on a success, or gain 1d6 Insanity on a failure.
Level 9 Master Holy Matron
Characteristics. Health +4, Power +1
Magic You learn one spell.
Crown of the Crone You can use an action to expend the casting of a rank 2 or higher spell you have learned from the Earth, Life, or Nature traditions. A soft green light shines from your body into a 3-yard radius for as long as you concentrate, up to 1 minute. Creatures in the area of light take half damage from all sources and make challenge rolls to resist gaining Insanity with 1 boon.