Sisterhood of the Moon
The Sisterhood of the Moon is a religion centred around the worship of Nightmare Moon. They can be found throughout pony civilization, but they are headquartered at the Cathedral of Night in Equinopolis. Although they are distrusted by outsiders who see Nightmare Moon as a villain from ancient history, the Sisterhood insist she is a misunderstood creature who still watches over the downtrodden, the outcasts and the disenfranchised of the world. They maintain a well-organized charity network throughout the world in poor neighbourhoods, focusing most of their attentions on those who are otherwise shunned, and provide legal assistance to accused criminals. This has earned them a loyal following from among the ponies they helped, who frequently contribute to their cause as repayment. Their houses of worship are built in a gothic style, with dark brick walls and blue stained glass windows. Other than holding services, these buildings house the active members in service of the Sisterhood and act as training ground in matters both physical and spiritual. They are divided between the priestly caste and militant caste.
Priesthood
The priestesses of the Sisterhood of the Moon lead the religious services at worship houses, conduct charitable efforts in their communities, teach new initiates of their faith, provide free healing to those in need and study their holy texts for a greater understanding of Nightmare Moon. They are largely unicorns, who learned at least some combat magic to defend themselves, their temples and fellow believers. They mainly focus on healing in battle, but posses some dark magic to curse and harm their enemies. Training for the priesthood begins at an early age, around ten, when foals are indoctrinated into the faith and under the tutelage of an older priestess. Their responsibilities are mostly in support of their teacher during services or charity after they are confirmed as acolytes. On completion of their studies they become priestesses and are considered to have dedicated their life to the Sisterhood.
Faith Militant
Militants are charged with the protection of the Sisterhood's institutions, priestesses of rank or in dangerous places, policing neighbourhoods where it has influence and fighting its enemies wherever they may be. The Sisterhood strictly denies rumours of militants being used as spies and agents for their cause, but the fact remains that the Sisterhood of the Moon is very well informed of what is happening around the lands and have knowledge of things they should not. The militants' use of light armour and easily concealed weapons would make perfect sense in light of allegations they are thugs, killers and burglars. Their enemies tend to die under suspicious circumstances both on or off a battlefield. Like their priests, the Sisterhood trains promising foals from their early teens. Starting with the tenets of their faith and moving on to gruelling physical training and the use of a variety of deadly weapon and martial skills. A disciple who completes his training will be raised to the status of zealot, the most visible representation of their religion's power. The more capable and rarely seen adepts are said to be responsible for the theft, sabotage, infiltration, assassination and subversion of their enemies. Whether their elusiveness is because of the small number of their kind, or perhaps their success at keeping themselves secret is cause for debate on just how large the Sisterhood's ranks of adepts really is.
Wellspring Shrine of the Moon
This shrine is located in Oasis and was founded to help local residents escape a life of crime through joining the Sisterhood. It is a relatively small chapter, in a neighbourhood were crime in rampant and most residents are unfamiliar with pony religions. The current Priestess is Twilight Skies.