The Eight Test(s) of Lolth - Ulath'tallar O'annir Z'ress

There are many in this city who doubt the Spider Queen. They doubt her strength. They seek aid from the hells to enforce her will, or from other powers. The abyss, is limitless. Its power is limitless. And, much like the Demonweb pits, all will be woven into an image which pleases Lolth. It is the fool who believes all is not as she wills. Those who doubt her designs. Our enemies may relish in their victories, seeing their small gain as a boon. But they fail to realize that as they walk upon her webs, they are trapped, and they seal their own fate. Her web is woven for all eventualities, and we strive to be as cunning as she, but none is greater.

Clergy of other faiths do not know their Goddess as we do. They may spend a lifetime in service, and even after death, never see the image they stupidly worship. Not the children of Lolth. Our goddess is present. She is among us. She is the spider in the shadow. The spider which hangs overhead. The Yochlol who comes forth and takes measure of you. She is all around, she is listening...and she is whispering, to those worthy to hear it.

You, are Lolths chosen. The dregs of our people who wander aimlessly and without purpose in our city streets, Houseless, weak.they are not chosen as you are. There is much talk of the tests which her Priestesses must undergo. Even now I stand before you, tested. But it is you, her faithful, who must hear my words. You must earn her favor, and you, yourselves be tested. These tests happen in silence, between you and Queen of the Demonweb pits. But you will know to recognize them when they come. And you will know that you cannot fail.

The first among them, is the test of Darkness. Lolth will measure the heart of her faithful. If you are born weak, like an Elistraeen, you will be culled. If self doubt, or unworthiness is found within you, you will be punished.

The second of these tests, is the test of Ambition. Lolth has blessed us with many gifts, that we may strive to be as she. You will be presented an opportunity to prove your mastery of these gifts. If you do not seize the opportunity, a green spider will emerge from within you, and with it, the favor of Lolth will never again be yours.

The third, is the test of the Drider. We are weak in the shadow of the Spider Queen. Pride, anger, and fear grip us, though we strive to be as cold and emotionless as She. You will be visited by the greatness of spiders. It will consume your thoughts, your visions, the sound of the orchestra will deafen you. If you are unable to control the fear of these spiders, the fear will consume you. The red spider will emerge, as you scream in terror, and will enter your mouth. Truly, your terror has only begun, and you will be grotesquely changed into that which is hated most, and despised by Lolth.

Next is the test of Lies. You will hear of lies laid against yourself. You must weave your response to Lolths satisfaction.

The fifth test is the test of Sacrifice. To suffer loss without gain. No power is granted without her favor, and when something is placed upon your web, it does not belong to you. It belongs to Her. That which you covet, and desire will be visited by a spider. If she desires that which you have, it must be freely given.

The sixth test is the test of Betrayal. We, her children, know that in the end, we can only rely upon ourselves. Be mindful of the black spider with the marking of a dagger. When it appears, you will become a predator, or prey.

The seventh test is the test of Domination. We are Lolths chosen. The apex of the web. It is we who hunts and feeds upon the weak races of the surface. When a spider is seen upon the face of a lesser race, or sitting atop a settlement on a map, it is Lolths will that these enemies be destroyed. Find their settlement, or one like it, and enslave or eliminate every man, woman and child.

The Test of Vengeance. It is inevitable that we will make enemies. When a spider appears on the shoulder of a sworn enemy, it is time to show Lolth your strength and power. The enemy must be destroyed, but, to succeed, the chosen must do this alone.

Finally, the Test of Lolth. You will be tested one last time to prove your worth. You will know it is time to fight for your own existence, or you will perish into oblivion.

If a chosen passes all these tests, then she will never be tested again and may someday act as the hand of Lolth, in the final test of another.

- Written by Ulath'tallar O'annir Z'ress - the tests in which elevated her from Yath'abban to Yathrin.