Protected Circle

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Protector headmates often have certain people (both insiders and outsiders) that they specifically protect. Harm or danger to these people will trigger the protector into action. These people form the protector's protected circle, with the protector being this group's patron.

A protector's protected circle often includes large parts of their own system, but it may include outsiders like close friends, family, etc. Different protectors in a system may have the same, overlapping, or distinct protected circles.

Alternately, a personal or inner ring may simply describe those a headmate regards as important or more valued than other relationships, which they protect heavily, and are often front triggered by.

Protected circles may be called inner or outer circles if they consist solely of insiders or outsiders.

Related Terms
A member of a protected circle is their patron's ward and may also be a charge or visamor.