Godparent (rank)

Godfather or Godmother was the highest rank in Faction Paradox's hierarchy.

The original Godfathers were Grandfather Paradox's four lieutenants. They were thought to have discovered the "abomination's graveyard" that would provide the material used in Faction Paradox armour; their own elaborate suits each displayed the features of different species. According to Faction legend, their shadows bore not just weapons but also full Faction Paradox armour; when one Godfather-lieutenant negotiated the Gregorian Compact with the court of King George II, he displayed a shadow with multiple arms, each carrying another weapon. The Book of the War suggested that these lieutenants provided the Celestis with the tools to erase themselves from time.

The title was reserved for the heads of the Faction's several departments, including the Military and Bioresearch Wings. In the Eleven-Day Empire, one would always perform the duty of Acting Speaker in the Parliament, since the Speaker's Chair was always left vacant for the Grandfather.

During the War in Heaven, Godparents rarely left the Empire. In 1930, the North Los Angeles Cabal notably summoned one Godfather in full battle armour to California. John Selzner recorded the summoning on film. (PROSE: The Book of the War)

Godfather Morlock, head of the Bioresearch Wing, was Acting Speaker when the Sontarans invaded the Eleven-Day Empire; at the same time, Sabbath was head of the Military Wing, and Quelch was in charge of initiations of new members. (AUDIO: The Eleven Day Empire)

Godmother Antigone led the Ministry of Insinuation, and Godfather Christèmas led the Bankside division. (PROSE: Weapons Grade Snake Oil)

After Godfather Avatar died in the Civil War, Godparent Pinocchio became head of the Rump Parliament. (PROSE: A Hundred Words from a Civil War)