Lyba Khalo

The Lyba Khalo, or "Spiritual Leader," is the foremost authority for the Sisterhood of the Rose. Once she has been chosen by her peers, the Lyba Khalo forsakes her given name and answers only to the title of her new station. She serves for life unless she chooses to step down, and once she has retired, the Lyba Khalo is free to fade from public view or remain at the Chateau at her discretion. As of this writing, a Dwarven Lyba Khalo has ruled for around a century, but as evidenced by the busts in the Chateau's main foyer, a woman need not be a Dwarf to rise to the role. Even though the founders were Dwarves, women of any race who adhere to the order's strict guidelines have a chance to ascend to the top leadership position. The choosing of the Lyba Khalo is always done with a great deal of meditation and care.

Ain Ghazal Chateau Busts

• This may be the largest black opal in all the realms, and perhaps the largest gem of any kind. Deep blue-black with tiny gold flecks, the opal has been fashioned into the head of an attractive Olvi woman with short, curly hair. She is smiling at you and winking one eye.

A black opal bust reads:

"Lyba Khalo XII, Cheerful Oenophile"

• Appropriately colored, this jade bust is that of a smooth-headed female Gor'Tog. Despite her heavy brow ridge she appears friendly and good-humored, her lips curled in the barest hint of a smile.

A jade bust reads:

"Lyba Khalo VI, Peaceful Architect"

• Carved from a single sizable piece of ivory, this is the head and stalwart shoulders of a Dwarven woman. Her long, thick hair is braided in back, and her face is deeply lined with the experiences of centuries. Oddly, her cheeks are clean-shaven.

An ivory bust reads:

"Lyba Khalo I, Devoted Mother"

• This lustrous and polished amber bust details a swan-necked Human woman with her head tilted slightly to one side. Her long hair falls about her shoulders, emphasizing the tranquil and composed expression of her features.

A golden amber bust reads:

"Lyba Khalo LXXIV, Harmonious Negotiator"

• The rose marble bust depicts an Elven woman with her brows slightly furrowed, in a look of concentration rather than annoyance or anger. The tips of her pointed ears peek out from beneath her long, wavy hair.

A rose marble bust reads:

"Lyba Khalo LIX, Innovative Lifesculptor"

• The pale pink alabaster bust portrays an Elothean woman peering over the spectacles she is wearing. Her fine, straight hair falls behind her shoulders and her eyes show slit pupils like those of a cat.

An alabaster bust reads:

"Lyba Khalo XLI, Venerable Sage"

• This bust, formed from silvery-black Kertig's Tears, is that of a S'Kra Mur woman with a resolute expression. It must have taken quite a number of meteorites to gather this much of the rare metal. The characteristic webbed neck of the S'Kra Mur is depicted and scales have been meticulously etched into the surface of the bust.

A Kertig's Tear bust reads:

"Lyba Khalo XXIV, Staunch Defender"