Lil Malla Ilharess (Lil Mal-la Il-har-ess)
Lil Malla Ilharess, or The Honored Matron in common, is the highest position one can hold in the city-state of Orthae Malla Talthalra. They command power and respect, but also serve as a common enemy the 7 noble houses can plot and scheme to destroy. In either case, they unite the city and lead it with fear and the unholy power of The Queen of Spiders, Lolth. For many 3 generations of Drow, the title has belonged to House Dumitrenteau, one of the 7 original houses that founded the City-State, and one of 3 to remain till the current day. If it remain's that way depends on the webs of fate.
Qualifications
The Lil Malla Iharess must be an influential priestess of Lolth.
Requirements
In order for a person to become Lil Malla Ilharess, they must first be a drow, be biologically female, be the Matron of their noble house, and have the fear, loyalty, or respect of the other 6 other noble houses.
Appointment
Lil Malla Ilharess ascend to their positions by slaying or by some means dethroning the current Malla Ilharess. They then declare to the 6 other Matron Mothers of Orthae Malla Talthalra that they are seizing the position. Typically war will break out in the city, and whether or not they claim the title depends on their victory in the following conflict.
Duties
Keeping the other 6 houses appeased, but also too weak or afraid to rebel is one of the duties of a Malla Ilharess. Keeping wealth and power flowing to the city-state, appeasing Lolth, subjugating the male drow and enslaved people
Responsibilities
Lil Malla Ilharess is responsible for organizing religious sacrifices and rituals, solving the rare disputes that are brought before her, appointing non-Matron positions of the council, creating laws and policies regarding taxes, enslaved people, the rights of citizens, and how often or if other Underdark settlements and the surface should be raided or traded with. Their word is the absolute authority of the city-state, and to defy them openly will merit swift and brutal punishment.
Benefits
With the position, Lil Malla Ilharess often empower their noble house by passing favorable economic legislation as well as appointing "trusted" family members to positions of importance. Lolth is also often pleased by a Drow's ability to take or hold the position, granting religious favor as well.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Using the demonic favor gained by taking the position Lil Malla Ilharess often forge demon staffs, sacrificing their opponents or slaves to fuel its abyssal ritual. And if the bones of the previous Malla Ilharess are available they are used to construct a crown, magic used to turn the bones into a crown of spider eyes and legs, all curling down.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
In the world of Lil Malla Ilharess dismissal or removal only come from a few things, all that leads to death. First is dying or being killed, the second is being overthrown and exiled, to which it is likely you'll be assassinated sooner or later. The third is becoming too weak or sick to rule in which your appointed heir will take over. Considering your illness or weakness is likely due to them, they typically will waste no time making sure you "die in your sleep".
Type
Civic, Political
Form of Address
Ultrin Ilharess
Equates to
Queen, Empress, Soverign
Source of Authority
Wealth, soldiers, alliances, Lolth
Length of Term
Until death
Related Locations
Related Organizations
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