Webmother
The Webmother is the hereditary and spiritual leader of the Vethrani people, presiding over the realm of Nathirith, one of the 75 Realms in the Sapphire Empire. More than a political figure, the Webmother embodies the guiding fate of her people, serving as a matriarch, prophet, and living symbol of Vethrani cultural identity. Elevated by ancestral rite and transformed by the Web Crown, the Webmother holds absolute authority within her realm, tempered by ancient tradition and the counsel of the Weavers of Fate.
Qualifications
Born of Vethrani lineage with demonstrated attunement to the Weave
Selected and prepared by the Weavers of Fate
Undergoes the Threading Rite and survives the transformation via the Web Crown
Requirements
Must be female, Thread-marked, and at least 80 years of age
Must not have entered the Feral Stage
Must pass the Silken Test administered by the Weavers of Fate
Appointment
Chosen through a mixture of prophecy, communal signs, and direct selection by the previous Webmother or the Council of Weavers. The coronation occurs during a Lunar Threading, a sacred biannual event, and concludes with the donning of the Web Crown in the Spire of Silk.
Duties
Preside over all major religious and cultural rites
Guide societal fate by interpreting Weave-patterns
Sanction and resolve internal disputes among broods
Represent Nathirith in the Sapphire Assembly by assigned representative
Select and authorize the Weavers of Fate and leaders of the Fangguard
Responsibilities
Maintain the stability of Vethrani cultural and magical traditions
Oversee silk production, brood education, and Feral transitions
Benefits
Complete sovereignty within Nathirith
Access to ancient artifacts, lore-silk, and ceremonial powers
Reverence from all Vethrani castes
Immunity from standard imperial jurisdiction
Accoutrements & Equipment
Web Crown: Transforms the wearer and solidifies authority
Fangguard armor and ceremonial silks woven from sacred web-vines
Spindle-Sash: Silk-threaded regalia worn during rites
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
A Webmother can only be removed through the Unraveling Rite, initiated by unanimous decree of the Weavers of Fate, followed by the silken vote of the major broods
Causes may include: madness, betrayal of the Thread, or entering the Feral stage
History
The title of Webmother dates back to the First Threading, when the Vethrani claim their progenitor wove the first city of silk with threads spun from the Weave itself. Passed through generations by rite and not simple bloodline, the Webmother has always embodied a sacred balance of maternal authority and spiritual clarity. Wars between rival broods, known as the Shattering of Threads, led to the consolidation of power under a single recognized Webmother. The rise of the Web Crown, a transformative arcane artifact, marked the final codification of the title’s power.
Cultural Significance
To the Vethrani, the Webmother is not only a ruler but also a living conduit of fate. Her decisions are viewed as echoes of destiny, and her presence carries ceremonial gravity. Outsiders often perceive her as a high queen, but within Nathirith she is closer to a divine matriarch. The Weaving of the Brood, the Knot Ceremony, and Feral Farewells are all rituals either led or sanctioned by the Webmother.
In the broader Empire, she is both respected and feared—a sovereign ruler under the Sapphire Empress, but one who answers to no other power within her realm.
Creation
Unknown
Equates to
There is no direct imperial equivalent, but foreign realms might compare her to a High Priestess, Matriarchal Sovereign, or Prophet-Queen. Her closest analogue within the Empire is a realm monarch who is also a spiritual leader.
Source of Authority
The Webcrown
Length of Term
Until Feral
Current Holders
Reports directly to
Related Locations
