The Matron House

The Matron House is a major faction operating within the continent of Ahlus.

## Description

Founded in the region of Estaemarl in the city of Rydoon, the Matron House shone as a beacon of Aita's light in otherwise gloomy and deprived streets. Inspired by the High-Mother's commandments to show warmth to all that cross your path, the Matron House was operated out of an abandoned and decrepit theatre before expanding its interests following sizeable donations by the bugbear barbarian Dovruk to offer care and aid across the continent by means of a series of roaming bands of priests and healers. In the early days of Whittengrove, a soup kitchen was set up by the mousefolk Ignatius Saurwind and the future Stregarch of Rydoon Reginald S. Augustine, and shortly after the Matron House's expansion in scope, this charitable effort joined forces with the Matron House to further their shared goals.

Any and all can seek healing, respite or care from the operatives of the Matron House without fear of prying questions or judgement. Be it gifts of healing potions and herbs, money or simply a genuine and well-meaning prayer of thanks, many lives have been saved by those that make offerings to ensure the continued work of the Matron House.

## Goals

The Matron House, both when it existed as an establishment and now in its disseminated form, is to facilitate the ideals of Aita, the Lady of Radiance. Shelter is offered to those cast out into the dark and cold, food to those hungry and guidance to those who have found themselves wandering astray.

Whenever conflicts brew or inequalities bear their head, the Matron House can be found in some capacity, supplying for those displaced, disturbed or distressed.

## Tenets of the Matron House

* Look to the light of the Dawn Matron in all matters, though remember that all contain within them the capability to show kindness and care for others, whatever their personally held beliefs.
* A life of selfless service is the easiest way to find peace and understanding towards your own sense of self.
* Fear not the recompense of a decision made poorly, instead use it to learn where not to tread once more.

## Relationships

The Matron House maintains excellent standings with much of the population of the continent, being seen as selfless paragons of altruism and thus treated with kindness and warmth in response to their openhandedness with such gifts to those that they seek. Often accompanied by monks associated with the Plum Blossom on their travels, the Matron House works alongside the group in many endeavours, serving similar goals and gaining protection from their martially-trained companions.

While some criminal syndicates are known to exploit the compassion of the Matron House to reduce costs incurred from healing their members after skirmishes against rivals or other violent acts, many have instead become an unlikely stalwart protector of the group, acknowledging and respecting the group's admirable efforts, and their ongoing discretion and confidentiality when dealing with gang members.

## Characters

Any individual wishing to live out the commandments of Aita might find themselves affiliated with the Matron House, though the faithful of many of the Principal Sixteen might also serve amongst the order for a time. Whatever their reasoning, characters associated with the Matron House are characterised with a fearsome belief in the power of good, generosity and philanthropy.

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