Order of the She-Wolves
The Order of the She-Wolves, also known as the Ordo Luparum, is the oldest known civic organization in the history of the Lemurian Republic, existing since the arrival of Novius Quintus on the Isle of Lemuria in 230 AL (95 BC.) It has, at various points in its history, been honored, damned, above-ground, underground, defended the government at the time, and risen against it at other time.
The Order of the She-Wolves is a cross between a guild, union, lobbying group, religious organization, and secret society for Lemurian sex workers. The Order gained its name due to 'She-Wolf' or 'Lupa' being Roman slang for sex worker. It is officially and ceremonial headed by the Doge of Lemuria, and he is responsible for initiating new members. However, this is only done after consultation with the existing order, and the Doge has no say in the in the internal politics of the Order itself. It is rumored that the Order has some cultic aspects, and that it is one of the many mystery religions headed by Doge, in his capacity of High Priest of the Church of Mu. If this is the case, it is one of the few mystery religions that predates the creation of the office of Doge.
The Order of the She-Wolves functions as the Parliament of the Lemurian Republic. Its members vote on matters of state, the Prime Mistress is a member, as is her cabinet. While theoretically having the entire membership of the Order actively participate in parliamentary matters might make things unruly, that almost never happens, and parliamentary participation is traditionally regarded as a part-time civic duty.
While the Prime Mistress of Parliament is a member of the Order, it does not necessarily follow that the Prime Mistress is the functional head of the Order of the She-Wolves. The internal politics of the Order is rather opaque, and not usually discussed with non-members.