The church of Lolth was the primary religious organization dedicated to the drow goddess Lolth, the Spider Queen.[3] The church and its following first rose to prominence in -11500 DR.[4]
Dogma[]
The main principle of the church and its priestesses was to punish all who would disobey the word of Lolth and her faith.[5]
Activities[]
Priestesses would honor the Spider Queen by conducting rituals, leading sacrifices and spreading the faith.[7] Sacrifices of surface elves would occur monthly, usually during a full moon as a direct insult to the elven deity Sehanine Moonbow.[8]
Other rituals included summoning yochlol to gather information or aid.[8]
Organization[]
A priestess of Lolth wearing ceremonial garb of the church.
The church was heavily dominated by female drows, as only females could become priestesses in their society.[9][10] They were also seen as social leaders, rulers, and highly ranked members of drow society[10] and due to their authority, could punish those whom they wished in her name. Drow matriarchs would often work alongside the church to gain power and influence.[7]
Titles[]
While ranks and titles differed in each community, the Church Of Lolth lacked official ranks and hierarchy. The most common titles, however, included the highly experienced Reverend Mothers and moderately experienced Reverend Daughter, with the rest referred to as Revered or Priestess.[11]
Shrines and Temples[]
The Fane of Lolth; the largest temple that was dedicated to the worship of Lolth. Its walls were covered in webs, and sacrifices took place within while priestesses would communicate with the Spider Queen.[10]
Appendix[]
References[]
- ↑ Brian R. James, Eric Menge (August 2012). Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 70. ISBN 978-0786960361.
- ↑ Brian R. James, Eric Menge (August 2012). Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 68. ISBN 978-0786960361.
- ↑ Brian R. James, Eric Menge (August 2012). Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 4. ISBN 978-0786960361.
- ↑ Richard Baker, Ed Bonny, Travis Stout (February 2005). Lost Empires of Faerûn. Edited by Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 52. ISBN 0-7869-3654-1.
- ↑ Ari Marmell, Anthony Pryor, Robert J. Schwalb, Greg A. Vaughan (May 2007). Drow of the Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 10. ISBN 978-0-7869-4151-3.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 1991). The Drow of the Underdark. (TSR, Inc), p. 37. ISBN 1-56076-132-6.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ari Marmell, Anthony Pryor, Robert J. Schwalb, Greg A. Vaughan (May 2007). Drow of the Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7869-4151-3.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
- ↑ Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 107. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins (January 2010). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 59. ISBN 978-0786953875.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 1991). The Drow of the Underdark. (TSR, Inc), p. 19. ISBN 1-56076-132-6.