Empress

The mantid empress (also the Grand Empress, the Divine) is the sole ruler of the mantid empire. She is carefully picked by the Klaxxi council to succeed the previous empress. That happens either peacefully after the previous one dies of old age or through a violent duel.

The Grand Empress is the single most powerful mantid in the Empire. She has the unquestioned loyalty of the imperial troops and the royal court. From her come the mantid swarms that hatch in hundred year cycles to assault the Serpent Spine.

The Klaxxi council serves to keep each empress in check. They are sworn to unseat her if she falls to corruption.

The High Amberial serves as the crowning jewel of the empresses and their badge of office. It is used in the crowning ceremony and only once the empress bears it upon her head can she demand to be officially recognized.

In the AU
It is exceedingly rare for the empress to have a daughter, but if she does, she automatically becomes the first heir to the throne.