Ardata

Queen Ardata (or Ardatha) of Jacuruku, also named the Queen of Spiders, was an Elder God. She was the ancient goddess of a kingdom on Jacuruku, conquered by the Crimson Guard, who later ruled there in her name.

In Memories of Ice

Kallor mentioned in passing that she had been one of the rulers during his conquest of Jacuruku.

"Fifty years, dear rivals, to conquer an entire continent. Oh, perhaps Ardatha still held out - always late in sending me my rightful tribute - but I ignored such petty gestures. She has fled, did you know? The bitch."

―Kallor on Ardata

In The Bonehunters

Cotillion made a reference to Ardata when he was in conversation with Mogora after the latter had invoked a healing ritual, involving hundreds of thousands of spiders wrapping Mappo Runt in strands of spider web: "Cotillion was gazing steadily at her, then he said, 'You're one of Ardata's, aren't you?'"

In Dust of Dreams

Two other Elder Gods discussed the queen.

Sechul Lath: "We have discussed K'rul, but there is one other, Errastas. An entity most skilled at remaining a mystery to us all-"

Errastas: "Ardata. But she is not the only one. I always sensed, Setch, that there were more of us than any of us imagined. Even with my power, my command of the Tiles, I was convinced there were ghosts, hovering at the edge of my vision, my awareness. Ghosts, as ancient and as formidable as any of us."

―Sechul Lath and Errastas discussing Ardata

In Return of the Crimson Guard

Ardata became the new patron of Skinner, enhancing his power. She gave him armour covered with a dark patina.

In Orb Sceptre Throne

Tayschrenn mentioned that Ardata held the title of Enchantress before the current Queen of Dreams showed up and they were now bitter rivals.  She was the greatest power of her age, eclipsed now in this time of Warrens and their mastery.

In Forge of Darkness

Ardata was revealed to be an Azathanai. Old Man told Draconus that his usage of Night was without precedent and had infuriated the "believers", like Ardata and the Sister of Dreams, who sought redress and healing in the Vitr.

Notes and references

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