Matron Mother Ardulace was a powerful drow cleric and the head of the Ust Natha branch of house Despana. She formed an alliance with Jon Irenicus with the intent of attacking the elves of Suldanessellar. Using the eggs of the silver dragon Adalon given to her by Irenicus, she was to buy the services of a powerful demon to lead the attack. However, her own daughter Phaere conspired (unsurprisingly) to murder her and take her place as matron mother.