Ancient and Revered Order of the Thorn (CPaH)

__TOC__
Second in prestige only to the Order of the Radiant Heart, the Order of the Thorn recognizes service to a church. Membership is extended to those demonstrating exemplary courage in defense of religious principles or church property. Largely an honorary organization, members have no responsibilities other than counseling their congregations and helping church leaders interpret religious doctrine.
Requirements: A candidate must have two sponsors: an official of his church (a priest of 8th level or higher), and an active member of the order. Once accepted into the order, a member must tithe an extra 10% of his income to the church that sponsored him. This in addition to his normal tithe.
Organization: Each chapter has 12 members, and will consider new candidates only when an active member dies or steps down. A chapter has a single High Officer, called a Rector, nominated by a committee of church leaders, then approved by a vote of the membership. To acknowledge his position, the Rector wears a velvet sash around his neck bearing the order's symbol.
Emblem: A long-stemmed rose.
Motto: "Faith is the mother of duty and the father of truth."
Benefits: A Thorn member receives a +2 bonus to his reaction rolls from all lawful and neutral NPCs instead of the normal +1 bonus. Each member has a private prayer cell in his church, used for reflection and meditation. When he dies, his helmet, sword, and coat of arms are placed in the cell as a memorial.
Dismissal: Standard.