Lore:Rites Matron

Rites Matron
Rites Matron
Race	Reachman	Gender	Female
Previous Ruler		Aydolan
Resided in		Vateshran Hollows, The Reach
Appears in		ESO

Vateshran Hollows

"The Rites Matron oversees every entrant into the Vateshran's Rites, providing them instruction and ensuring we follow our clan's oldest traditions. She held this honor long before I was born, and I suspect she will continue long after I fall." —Caddgarn of the Spiritblood Clan

The Rites Matron of the Spiritblood Clan was a Reachfolk witch and overseer of the Vateshran's Rites performed in the ancient caves of the Vateshran Hollows, which served as the clan's coming of age trials, as well as the trials for the chieftains. Together with her Hag sisters Binder in the Dark and Lamenter of the Slain they played an essential role in preserving and upholding traditions of the clan.

History

Lamenter of the Slain, as of 2E 582

Binder in the Dark, as of 2E 582

Little is known about the precise background of the Rites Matron, including her original name. She played a vital role as the overseer of the tradition of the Vateshran Rites. While the precise moment she ascended to this esteemed position is unknown, she had occupied this role for a considerable amount of time. The trials, created by Vateshran Aydolan had been active since at least 1E 2502 or even earlier, according to some, preceding the recollections of anyone's memory. However, the earliest known instance of her and her sisters, Binder in the Dark and Lamenter of the Slain, functioning as an inseparable unit, actively participating in the management of the trials dates back to approximately 2E 82, when an outsider managed to complete the three wings of the trial. It was thought that upsetting the delicate balance would cause the Hollows to descend into chaos. It was impossible to remove a sister without seriously disrupting the internal balance. Such a scenario was compared to a river deprived of rain or sun. Lamenter of the Slain was tasked with preserving the memorial of the champions who had successfully finished the trials, while her sister Binder in the Dark was in charge of calling the spirits and maintaining the stability of the realms.

The combined efforts of all three sisters were indispensable for upholding the stability of the trials. As the Rites Matron, she diligently supervised every participant in the Vateshran's Rites, imparting guidance and ensuring adherence to the Spiritblood clan's ancient customs. Their profound familiarity with the rhythms and moods of the Vateshran Hollows, acquired through long-standing observation, granted them insight into the thin yet resilient veil that separated their realm from the realm of Oblivion.

Despite the region's lengthy and tumultuous history, the custom persisted until 2E 582, when a stranger of unknown origin decided to take part in the trials. At that point, clan representatives were visible outside of Markarth, challenging and enticing non-clan members to participate in the trials. Shortly before their arrival an aberrant magic activity was occurring within the Hollows. The trials had been behaving strangely for a few days. Despite this, the outsider managed to conquer all three wings. However, as they progressed through the Hollows, voidstuff began to leak into the Choosing, polluting the Hollows and causing void spots to appear. The sacred Hollows were contaminated with voidstuff, spreading faster than it could be healed. Although the sisters attempted to control it, a presence interfered. This incursion of the Void into the Hollows concerned the sisters greatly. The Rites Matron requested the challenger to go to the Champions Circle as soon as possible so that they could focus on the threat at hand. Upon the outsider's arrival at the Champion's Circle, they witnessed the Void Lich Maebroogha consuming Aydolan's spirit, enabling her entry into the realm. With potent void magic and the ability to command shade minions, Maebroogha engaged in combat with the outsider, but was ultimately defeated and banished. Aydolan's spirit was destroyed permanently, putting an end to his role as the spiritual guide in the Vateshran Hollows. Ultimately, the sisters were able to keep the void infection at bay after the defeat of the Void Lich, and the outsider completed their trial.

The outsider earned the respect of the Spiritblood clan by passing the trials and eliminating the void lich. Soon afterward the Rites Matron pledged to keep the custom even in the absence of Aydolan and to always honor his memory.

See Also

For game-specific information, see the Elder Scrolls Online article.