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- Category: Leadership
Yet of all the elves created on that day one stood out beyond all others, she was Lolthiriel. Dragon born to clan Cancarneyar she was the shining light of the elves, a being wise, kind and so beautiful all who knew her loved her. It is perhaps unsurprising that she was made queen of the Illythiiri and upon her marriage to Larethian Thuleandor, king of the Lythari she was proclaimed Qua Val'sharess or queen of queens by the Elven people as a whole. - The Story of Lolthiriel
The title Val'sharess once meant 'undisputed queen of the Elves', a name now almost exclusively used by the Drow and by the Tarantulas Nation as the title of the Il'haress chosen by Lolth to lead her children. Now taken as the title for 'She who is most blessed by Lolth'; it now elevates the religious leader of the Faction to the most powerful queen amongst all.
Since the fall of the last great drow empire infighting between the noble houses had meant that no Val'sharess had been named in many ages. It wasn't until the stability of the new Tarantula Faction left by the first Karrash-Morr era that allowed Araushnee Naxos D'Fey to become the first true Val'sharess since the drow empire reformed, and she passed this title to Ginifae Karras-Morr when called back by Lolth.
The Val'Sharess's word is law in all things, and is the single law of the Tarantulas Nation.
Val'sharess Runa
1126 - Present
Bonded with Lolth to serve the Empire in 1126
Val'sharess Triel Al'tath
1115 - 1121AF
(Ascended to Lolth's side 1121 at the end of the Great Erdrejan Faire)
Chosen by Lolth and delivered to the Tarantula Nation whilst on campaign
Val'sharess Ginafae Karrash-Morr
1109 - 1114AF
Chosen by Lolth and named as such by Aurashnee Naxos D'Fey.
Currently missing, believed to have been reclaimed by Lolth herself.
Val'sharess Araushnee Naxos D'Fey
1106 - 1109AF
The first faction leader to abandon the 'Grand Matron' title, and use the name Val'Sharess.
Il'haress Momsan Kage
1104 - 1105AF
Il'haress Al'De-ath Karrash-Morr
1101 - 1104AF
Disbanded the council of matrons upon taken control
Il'haress Inzil Talos
1099 - 1101AF
Il'haress Saravey Gereshin
1096 - 1099AF
Il'haress Vindryss Naxos D'Fey
1093 - 1096AF
Il'haress Shenain of House Moor'den'Aar
1093AF
More information about our past leadership is also available
Read More: The Val'sharess of the Underdark
![Throne Room of Do'bluthe[br]Sketch by [url=http://thesketchbookofanders.blogspot.co.uk/]Anders Willhelm[/url]](/images/gallery/sketches/sc00003529.jpg)
The Tarantulas are by tradition a Matriarchal society. This is largely from it rising from the remains of the last Drow empire, and with the Drow being Matriarchal the nation followed suit.
In the early years of the Tarantula Faction the many noble houses fought to have their Matron (also known as Il'haress) lead the faction. A peculiar peace lasted for a time when the noble houses decided that the Matrons of each house should sit council, and together they would rule. This inevitably lead to more infighting as houses vied for dominance of the council.
One matron however stood above the rest. When Araushnee Naxos D'Fey rose to lead she claimed the title of Val'sharess (Queen of Queens). In history this was the most respected position within the drow nations. When such an old tradition was revived the noble houses all rallied behind it, and this tradition has since maintained. The word of the Val'sharess is beyond question or doubt, and loyalty to her and her cause unwavering. This position is not hereditary; instead it falls to the most respected and trusted of all the drow.
The following list dictates, as the Val’Sharess commands, those who are permitted to speak with her authority whilst the faction is on deployment and on which issues. These positions are granted, and taken, by her will alone and the chosen understand that failure in their duty will result in death.
Matters of governance and local law are determined by the ruling household of the region. Barring direct intervention of the Val'sharess, each household has complete autonomy.
Val'Sharess Runa
Following a direct intervention from Lolth, Runa has elevated as a servant of Lolth to Val'Sharess for the Empire.
Regent - Zansas V'Rinn
The regent is responsible for much the mundane day to day running of the nation, allowing the Val'sahress to focus on important matters to the Empire.