Lore:Night Mother

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The Night Mother met Sotha Sil in her salon, lit only by the moon. She was cruelly beautiful dressed in a simple silk black robe, lounging across her divan. With a gesture, she dismissed her red-cloaked guards and offered the sorcerer some wine. “You've only just missed your friend, the Duke,” she whispered. “He was very unhappy, but I think we will solve his problem for him.” “Did he hire the Morag Tong to assassinate the Emperor?” asked Sotha Sil. “You are straight-forward, aren't you? That's good. I love plain-speaking men: it saves so much time. Of course, I cannot discuss with you what the Duke and I talked about,” she smiled. “It would be bad for business.” — Lore:2920, Sun's Height (v7) A description of the Night Mother, leader of the Morag Tong

At the head of the Dark Brotherhood hierarchy is the Night Mother, an immortal spirit who is revered and worshiped by the Brotherhood. She is only ever met face-to-face in very exceptional circumstances and is seen as a phantom-like form. When a person prays for the death of another, the Night Mother hears and passes on the details of the prayer to her Listener. At this point, the Listener informs a Speaker, who then goes to meet the hiring party in order to draw up a contract. It is said that the Night Mother and her children were the first sacrifices to Sithis many years ago.

It is unclear who the Night Mother is exactly. In the book Fire and Darkness: The Brotherhoods of Death, the Night Mother is identified as the Daedra Lord Mephala. In another book entitled Sacred Witness, the Night Mother is identified as a former Thieves Guild member. And in the well known 2920 series of books she is seen as head of the Morag Tong, because the Dark Brotherhood only split well into the second era.

[edit] Morrowind

The NPC Severa Magia is identified as "Night Mother" and becomes a target of the Morag Tong.

[edit] Oblivion

The Night Mother is a spirit who guides her Listener through the Statue of the Lucky Old Lady in Bravil.