The Metatrix
The The Metatrix is the mouthpiece of the Crystal Lady, the prophetess of the Daughters of Verity, chosen by Verity to be her conduit of direct communication. The Metatrix is regarded with awe by her fellow Sisters - a strange, distant, otherworldly figure given to strange prophecies, visions and pronouncements. She heeds a call none of her Sisters can hear, spending hours or days in silent contemplation and emerging from her solitude with a message from Verity. The Metatrix may request an audience with the Canoness and the Palatine Council at any time; a request that is never refused. It is understood that when she speaks, she speaks with the voice of Verity that none may refuse to heed.
A new Metatrix is selected at the funeral rites of the previous Metatrix, Verity herself appears in physical form and hands a Sister a blue crystal about the size of a clenched fist. This crystal is taken from the Vault and so is not only connected to Verity, but is actually part of her. The new Metatrix assumes her office immediately, leaving behind any previous responsibility or duties - Verity could (although she has never) select a Palatine or even the Canoness to be the new Metatrix. To symbolize the adoption of her new life and abandonment of her old one, she discards the armor and habit she has worn since she was a novice and is invested in the armor of the Metatrix - a unique suit of power-armor with a distinctive winged jump-pack. She carries the blue crystal with her at all times, wearing it at the front of her gorget when in armor, a symbol of her office but also the lynchpin of her connection with Verity.
The Metatrix has no formal duties in the Order - her entire life is at the service of Verity. She spends the majority of her time in private devotion, only emerging for communal prayers and meals or to bring a message from the Crystal Lady. Her advice is much-sought by the Canoness and Palatines, but unless she has a message from the Six-Winged Seraph, she remains silent.
Her most visible function is to select the Seraphim of the Order; following instructions from Verity, she visits Sisters and gives them a crystal, taken - like hers - from the Vault. There are always 30 Seraphim at any one time - new ones are only chosen on the death of a previous Seraphim - and they are organized into three pairs of "wings", each consisting of five warriors. A wing can fight individually or a pair can combine into a single unit of ten warriors.
The Metatrix holds no official position of rank in the Order - it is forbidden to elect her Palatine or Canoness, and if a Sister holds any rank when she is selected she renounces it as if dead. Although her advice is sought and valued, she may not issue orders in combat or out of it, and takes no part in the day-to-day running of the Order.
Accoutrements & Equipment
A unique suit of Sororitas battleplate and jump pack
Type
Religious, Military
Length of Term
Appointment is for life.
Related Organizations
