THE FOUR BRANCHES OF THE SISTERHOOD
The faith's trained Sister's are split into four branches, each has their own unique role and duties, additionally they have different uniforms. The Sister's within each branch have the same basic theological, mental and physical training but each area specialises, for example the Missionara Protectiva are the intellectual elite, while the Mother's are theological experts. Hierachy wise there is not formal structure, however the Mother's are clearly the leaders of the Sisterhood. Each Lifeboat school has a "Head Teacher" who is infact a Mother of high esteem.
THE MOTHERS The Priesthood is referred to as Mothers. They usually enter Chapterhouse before the age of six and spend their lives until the age of 18 studying and in prayer. They are taught linguistics, History, Theology, Literature, Maths, Biology and focus on learning the teachings of previous Reverend Mothers
At the age of 18 each Mother drinks the "Water of Life" a mix of plant extracts that send the drinker into a hallucinogenic trance. They are observed during this trance and those deemed to be in the favor of the Gods are passed onto further study under the tutorship of a fully fledged Mother. Anyone deemed truly exceptional is tutored by the Reverend Mother and known as a Reverend Sister. Those failing the right of passage are either offered a position in the Missionaria Protectiva or Honored Matres, any unwilling to enter those trades leave the Sisterhood but may still be considered a graduate of Chapterhouse, something highly respected amongst the Bene Gesserit.
Most Mothers once qualified shave their head and dependent on their place of worship and own culture they wear an ornate head-dress. They often wear black and gold dresses, however the Reverend Mother is the exception, she wears green and grows her hair long.
MISSIONARA PROTECTIVA These ladies enter Chapterhouse between the ages of 4-8, they act as a combination of a civil service and research arm of the Sisterhood. They are considered highly intelligent and have studied a wide range of subjects but a focus on Theology, History, Biology and Literature are key. They research the major houses, all noble's prior to marriage as well as carrying out archealogical and preservation works on artefacts.
At the age of 18 all potential Missionra Protectiva sit an extensive exam which they must pass, those failing are often offered positions within the Honored Matres or leave the order. Occasionally they are permitted to resit at the will of the Reverend Mother. The group also provide the majority of the teaching staff at Chapterhouse.
They wear a dark blue military style uniform while inside Chapterhouse or travelling on official business, often it is enough to get them access to the most sensitive of materials.
THE TRUTHSAYERS The Paramilitary Wing of the Order they are highly trained soldiers, many would consider them commando's. Most enter Chapterhouse aged between 4-10. While at Chapterhouse they learn Theology, Maths, Geography, History, Science and Physical Education. From the age of eight they begin learning military subjects such as first aid, unarmed combat and map reading this progresses until by the age of 16 they would be considered competent soldiers. Like the military they wear uniform and have a rank structure. Anyone not deemed to have reached a sufficient standard of fitness or competency is offered a position in the Honored Matres or leaves the Sisterhood.
They serve as guards for Chapterhouse and other religious sites as well as provide security for the Reverend Mother.
There is a Top Secret element of the Truthsayers called the Swordmasters who receive extra training and serve as spies and assassins for the Sisterhood. They number less than 50 and not even they know who is a member.
THE HONORED MATRES The Honored Matres are usually admitted to Chapterhouse at later ages than the other branches, the oldest usually being around 10 years of age. Often they are "gifted" to the Sisterhood by poorer families who know this presents an opportunity to exit poverty.
These girls are educated in Maths, Biology, Theology, Physical Education, Music and Art. They also receive training in child care and "domestic sciences". They are essentially conditioned to accept their roles as concubines to noble men. At the age of 18 they are often "gifted" to a noble whom the Reverned Mother believes is a good genetic match for them. Those being unpaired may be matched later or serve as pastoral carers for younger girls at Chapterhouse. They also receive advice on keeping their assigned nobleman happy both physically and mentally and are said to be exceptional lovers.
They wear a red trousered uniform with long shirt however upon being gifted they tend to only wear uniform on official occasions.
Their children take the surname Matres and are considered to be worthy of honour. Male children often are brought up within the noble family and join the military, female children are sent to Chapterhouse at the age of four.