Editing MedHammer 40,000 Sisters (section)

==Ranks of Ancillae==
===Noviate===
When a woman shows exceptional virtue, prowess, and adaptability, the order will announce to the person their interest in their career and offer them the status of Noviate. When a woman becomes a noviate they are met by the order's recruiters, and are informed of their status. Should they accept the status they agree to be tattooed on their right cheek with the outline of the double aquilla and u. This is not filled in unless they reach initiate status. The noviate has a few rules involved, but is less of an order, and more of a very demanding waitlist. There are many women who are a part of this status of Noviate, and for the large majority this is as far as they go. In the Order, Noviates represent little more than the bare minimum for what it takes to become an ancillae, and for most noviates they can live full lives complete with husbands, children, grandchildren and a deluge of commendations before ever being accepted into the order. So for the common of ultramar, the mark of the noviate becomes a more than a stamp of verification: a certification that they are allied with that they are individuals of strong personal character and martial prowess. For those who are passionate about their call to the order, however, the mark is not a sign of complacency but a call. For these they try to excell at whatever institution they are a part of. Some go even farther, abandoning their organization to complete some daring and fantastic deed in the hopes that their bravery and skill is recognized to move farther in the organizaton. 

There is, depending on the holy seat, also a way for interested women to apply for noviate status. This only applies to very particular Holy Seats, as most prefer the recruitment method. These seats include Saranoth, Terra, SUEU, and Laphis. What the trials and verification process entails is ultimately up to to the seat itself. Most time the trials to become a voluntary noviate is more strict and selective than the recruitment process.

Ultimately whether or not these noviates move forward is up to the sisters themselves. There is no formal process for admittance for initiate, as it is up to individual sisters to decide to elect a few to the chosen status of Initiate. What makes for a qualified noviate to become an acolyte is up to the sisters themselves: whether or not they need or want apprentices, whether they see some particular trait that is encouraging to them, as well as whether or not they see a woman who could eventually continue their own personal legacy.

===Initiate===
To become an intitiate is to enter a unique status among women in the galaxy. It means thhat your skills, devotion, and sacrifice was so impressive, an Ancillae saw fit to take you under their wing. By becoming an initiate the selected woman is now a full member of the ancillae, even if they are of the lowest rank. As an ancillae they are entitled to all of the privileges that are granted to ancillae, including a rhapsode. 

When someone becomes an ancillae they are granted the same rejuvenation and genetic treatments offered to most sisters. Which means an initiate has a century or two to prove themselves for the opportunity to advance.

===Ancillae===
To become a full ancillae is to become a peer of the most influential order in the galaxy. Those who become a full ancillae are no longer mere disciples of a master, but are full authorities in their own right. While they answer to a particular holy seat the amount of autonomy they enjoy is unparalleled.
When an individual becomes an initiate they are tapped by the particular sister or Spiritual Liege who wishes to recruit them. There is no choice as to what the preference is. you go where you are selected to go.