The Spider

The Spider
Biographical information
Other name(s):	The Shore's Only Law Don (The Drifter) Baron (Crow) Spiderkell Eliksni Entrepreneur Rakis
Species:	Fallen
Gender:	Male
Eye color:	Cyan
Political and military information
Affiliation:	House of Devils (formerly) House of Wolves (formerly) House of Spider House of Light (According to Eido)
Rank:	Mob Boss Baron
Notable info:	Leader of his own crime syndicate

"I cannot wait to see how this ends."

— The Spider

The Spider, formerly known as Rakis, is the leader of a Fallen crime syndicate stretching from the Tangled Shore to the Last City. He was previously the planetary vendor for the Tangled Shore, and a powerful but ruthless ally of the Awoken of the Reef and the Guardians of the Last City.

He aided the Guardians in tracking down the Scorned Barons and putting an end to his brother's rival syndicate, known as the Kell's Scourge.

After running afoul of Mara Sov, he went into hiding within the Eliksni Quarter. He now assists his adoptive brother Mithrax, Kell of Light in combating Eramis, Kell of Darkness.

Biography

The Long Drift

After the Whirlwind, When many Eliksni were derelict in the void of space, Rakis and his brother Siviks were given to Misraaks's Mother, Inaaks, as hatchlings by Eramis, despite being able to take care of their own. The two would become reluctant friends of Misraaks and, because they were older than him, would protect him from other Eliksni adolescents looking to steal Misraaks's Ether when Inaaks wasn't looking.

Many years later, Rakis and Siviks would both join Misraaks's crew of pirates. The abundance of Ether that came with their lifestyle turned Rakis into a particularly ruthless and bloodthirsty warrior. His brutality extended to all who crossed the House of Wolves, and led to his fellow Eliksni offering a small fortune for his death. The bounty proved to be little deterrent to Rakis. Sometime after the Collapse, Misraaks and his crew discovered a Colony ship filled with human survivors behind one of Mars' moons. The raiding party, led by Misraaks, Rakis, and Siviks, would slaughter many of the weak and malnourished humans, until they threw down their arms, begging to spare the lives of those who did not fight. When Misraaks then locked the remaining survivors in an airlock and attempted to jettison them into space, Rakis suggested that they be made to serve their House instead, with Siviks amusingly agreeing. Rakis attempted to release the survivors but was stopped by Misraaks. Attempting again, Rakis reached for the airlock controls. Misraaks, taking this gesture as disrespect toward his leadership, immediately evacuated the airlock into space, killing all the surviving humans. Rakis and Siviks, angered, fought back against this decision. Misraaks responded by killing half the Dregs loyal to Rakis and Siviks, before clashing with the brothers themselves. The battle ended in Misraaks' victory, and the brothers, along with their remaining crew, were marooned on an asteroid and left to fend for themselves.

Although Rakis eventually escaped the asteroid, the experience had left him unrecognizable. Seizing upon the opportunity, he declared himself "The Spider" and claimed his own generous bounty.

The Shore's Only Law

The Spider, Leader of the Spider's Syndicate

The Spider and his fortune eventually arrived on the lawless Tangled Shore, where he established himself as the head of a major syndicate. He amassed a sizeable and loyal following of Eliksni bodyguards, enforcers, associates, and freelance operatives thanks to his generous Ether payment, including continued payments if one of his employees was injured while on the job. The Spider's rule was aided by procuring a Transmat system that covered his entire territory from the Hunter Olu Alderdice. During the exchange, the sly Guardian offered the Spider arsenic lipstick as well, but he noted that it looked far better on her. When she offered her hand to shake on their deal, the Spider began reaching out but quickly stopped himself and scrutinized her before withdrawing his hand, a decision which she applauded as wise.

The Spider's reign was not without difficulties, however, as his brother and associate Siviks became outraged at how the Spider conducted himself and his fascination with human artifacts. When Siviks moved against him, the Spider had his brother captured and brought before him, offended that his hospitality and brotherly ties had been betrayed. He offered a chance to his brother to apologize, but Siviks merely spit in his face and laughed. The Spider ordered him to be handed over to the Awoken and sentenced to the Prison of Elders. As his brother was dragged away he accused the Spider of being worse than the rest of the Fallen due to his ties to humanity, but the Spider merely taunted him. However, once his associates had left, the Spider stared regretfully at where his brother had once stood before sighing and returning to business.

Prior to the outbreak of the Taken War, Queen Mara Sov evacuated the Dreaming City and made a deal with the Spider to protect the Watchtower and in return, she would turn a blind eye to his businesses. The Spider accepted this deal and continued to honor it even after Mara's disappearance and presumed demise at the Battle of Saturn.

At some point, Cayde grew bored of the Tower and ventured out to hunt enemies of the Vanguard. This campaign developed into a hunt against the Scorn, a powerful faction of Fallen outlaws who terrorised the Shore. Cayde with his team entered the Spider's Palace in search for Araskes, the Trickster, however, blew his cover after starting a fight with the Trickster over gambling. Cayde later meets with the Spider to explain himself since fighting in the Palace is strictly forbidden. The Spider, not happy, enlists Cayde and his team to capture the Scorned Barons and put them into the Prison of Elders.

War for the Shore

The Spider in his lair

"I would never ask you to do something that wasn't in your own interest, too. Remember that. So. To Business. I will supply you with the Barons' location - with which I am quite familiar, as it was, until recently… MINE."

— The Spider

The emergence of the Scorn saw the Spider's Syndicate become embroiled in conflict with them and driven away from their original territory. The Spider went into hiding within his safehouse and cloaked the entrance behind a holographic rockface. He was contacted by Petra, who wanted to join forces with him and the Young Wolf to hunt down and kill Uldren Sov after the Awoken Prince had gone rogue and became the leader of the Scorn. Spider was unwilling to open his safehouse until the local Scorn outside were dealt with. He dispatched Avrok and Arrha to help the Young Wolf deal with the Scorn, and upon their defeat opened his throne room to Petra and the Guardian. As they entered he mocked Petra's failure to hold the Scorned Barons and accused her of causing him to lose his grip on the Tangled Shore. He then inquired about the whereabouts of the Young Wolf's Ghost, but Petra kept the conversation focused on the Scorn and proposed an alliance. Spider was reluctant to help, noting that he was sure to wind up short on such a deal, and demanded that the Young Wolf would owe him for the help he provided. The Guardian agreed to the deal, much to the Spider's delight.

With the Spiders intel, the Guardian accepts bounties from him and begin to dismantle the Scorn's operations. The Guardians succeed in killing Araskes, the Trickster, Yaviks, the Rider and Kaniks, the Mad Bomber.

With the Scorn nobility crumbling, the Spider provides intel on the whereabouts of Pirrha, the Rifleman, allowing the Guardian to fight past his forces and decoys and eventually kill Pirrha; avenging Cayde's Ghost. Later, the Guardian discover remains of Servitors belonging to the Spider completely drained of their ether. The Spider takes this as evidence that Reksis Vahn, the Hangman, who has a hatred for Servitors, is nearby. Despite his great strength and Flame Cauldron weapon, the Guardian slay the sadistic Baron. The Spider gives another tip to the Guardian for Hiraks, the Mindbender who is residing near a downed Hive Warship, and the whereabouts of their second-in-command, Elykris, the Machinist near Salvage Zone QX.

The Spider's forces battling the Scorn

The Guardians dispose of Hiraks and Elykris reducing the Scorn's leadership to Fikrul, the Fanatic, the Scorn's Archon, and Uldren himself. The Spider shares new intel which confirms that Uldren and Fikrul have been sighted at the Awoken Watchtower, a place which is said to house the Awoken's deepest secrets. Within the structure, Uldren orders Fikrul to hold off the enemy while he finishes his work. The Spider's aids the Guardians with his main forces and engage with the Scorn's defenses as the Guardian breach past them and enters the Watchtower. At the entrance, they face off with Fikrul who desires revenge for his fellow Barons. Despite his Dark Ether powers, the Guardian manages to kill Fikrul and later dispose Uldren.

At a later date, the Guardians maintained vigilance over the Tangled Shore to hunt down any Prison of Elders escapees and provide favors for the Spider to pay off their "debt" to the Fallen Mob. This includes hunting down the Silent Fang, those affiliated with Irxis, Wolf Baroness and Beltrik, the Veiled, Fortifier Yann and Calzar, Scarred Captain, the latter of three the Spider had personal beef with.

The Spider also has the Guardians deal with remnants of Hiraks' Hive brood after agreeing to take it as a favour. They discover Hive Knights, Hiraks's Familiar is poisoned with Ether as a result of Hiraks' experiments and later encounter the progenitor of the Hive within the Tangled Shore was Hiraks' former consort, In Anânh, Brood Queen. They manage to corner and kill the Brood Queen, bringing further stability to the Tangled Shore, only for Spider to complain about the ease of their favor.

At the request of the Spider, The Drifter, a close associate of his, assembles a team to reclaim the Prison of Elders from the Barons. A fireteam infiltrates the Prison and clear out waves of rogue inmates. Pushing forward they hear the voice of Variks which the Drifter notes to be Varik's malfunctioning Servitor. The finale culminates in the biggest gunfight ever in Prison history with the Guardians battling against the Warden and his reinforcements. They defeat the Mad Warden and the Drifter later notes that he will clean up the Prison to let the Spider sell it back to the Awoken.

The Starry Night

"Beautiful. Truly beautiful. And achieved without a Traveler or any of its nonsense."

— The Spider, admiring The Starry Night

Following Uldren's death and the defeat of most of the Scorn's leadership, the Spider returned to expanding his criminal operations and running the Tangled Shore. Arrha reported to him that he had learned from Mithrax about shipments of supplies and human artifacts from Titan were being shipped back to The Last City by Deputy-Commander Sloane in unarmed craft hidden with cloaking technology that they could catch with webs. Intrigued, the Spider ordered Arrha to go fishing for these craft, but quickly became exasperated when his subordinate was confused by the human terminology. Sighing, he told him to go catch a boat, and after Arrha left he growled about having to explain himself to his underlings. When Arrha brought him the first of the captured shipments, the Spider was disappointed by the contents, which although priceless, was mostly technology and data that he had little personal interest in. After expressing his displeasure to Arrha he requested the ship's log, in which he discovered something of interest: that Sloane believed an unknown party was stealing items from the Green Dove Arcology. Interested in who else was stealing from the Titan shipments, he ordered Brivi to take over the capture web while Arrha hunted for the identity of the thief.

Arrha, the Spider's close associate

The Spider was soon informed that the thief was Ghislaine, a Dead Orbit operative who was taking technology from Titan for the organization's own benefit. He ordered Arrha to intercept the thief and his ship and have him brought before him. In the logs of the Dead Orbit vessel, the Spider discovered an ancient painting, The Starry Night, was among the items Dead Orbit had stolen from the Green Dove Arcology. As Ghislaine protested her capture, the Spider attempted to strike a jovial tone and offered his friendship to the human, offering to not only speed him on the way to Titan but also offered the previously captured shipment as recompense. Feigning disinterest, all the Spider requested in return was a symbolic gift in return and pretended to randomly pick the item number which corresponded to the painting. However, Ghislaine revealed that the item was not amongst her shipment and that the Spider's men must have hacked another Dead Orbit manifest off their network. Hiding his disappointment, the Spider inquired if the painting was already on Earth and upon learning that it was, he ordered his men to let Ghislaine go free unharmed.

Still hoping to acquire The Starry Night for his collection, the Spider contacted his spy within Dead Orbit, Howe, and sent him a long list of weapons, ammo, and a few other items for acquisition including the painting in order to try and hide his desire for it. When Howe contacted him, the Spider noticed his nervousness and was annoyed that the operative had picked up on the painting's inclusion. Howe questioned why the Spider would want a pre-Golden Age painting, the Spider decided to have him killed for his inquisitiveness and informed him that all he needed to know was that he was being paid to bring it and gave him forty hours to supply the shipment. Howe brought the shipment and was promptly murdered by the Spider, who admired the painting in front of his subordinates and opined that it had been achieved without the Traveler's "nonsense". He ordered Arrha to clear the body out and leave, and once alone he hummed Mo Li Hua to open his secret treasure room below his throne. Descending into the room, the Spider placed his newest acquisition onto his wall of pre-Golden Age paintings.

The Black Armory

Siviks, the Spider's brother

"Siviks – 'lost to none.' My… impudent brother. And the Black Armory's assailant. It seems even a stint in the Prison of Elders did little to help my brother understand the concept of consequences. A harsher lesson might be in order."

— The Spider

With the Guardian now owing favors to him, the Spider enlists them in aiding one of his valued business associates: Ada-1 and the secret Black Armory; to which he gifts them a badge to permit entry into the Armory's private store at the Tower. The Guardian would provide Ada-1 the assistance she needed by reclaiming the lost Volundr Forge from the Red Legion and forging their first weapon frame. However, their endeavors with the Black Armory would only get more complicated from there on out.

After the Scorn's rampage, Siviks who previously fell out with his brother over his relationship with humanity, was able to escape the Prison of Elders and gather enough followers to form his own rival syndicate, the Kell's Scourge. Seeking vengeance, he started attacking The Spider's territory and distributing weapons belonging to the Black Armory to Fallen across the Solar System.

When Fallen manufactured Black Armory gear made its way to the Guardians, Ada-1 immediately enlists the Guardians to recover gear as evidence to present in front of the Spider. Taking notice of his growing competition and the contraband near his Shore, the Spider enlists the Guardians to scavenge the local Fallen for information regarding Siviks' newly-uncovered syndicate and tasks them to put his brother down.

In a final bid to gain an edge over the Guardians and his competition, Siviks sought the secrets of Project Niobe, an initiative to develop and produce enhanced Black Armory prototypes for the Fallen. Following up on clues to its whereabouts in the stolen pages of Meyrin's journal, Siviks lead his Syndicate to take over the restricted Niobe Labs, attaining control over its security protocols and the Bergusia Forge hidden within. Despite Siviks using the lab's defense protocols to his advantage, the Guardians were able to best his tactics and Fallen reinforcements. This forces Siviks to retreat and leaves the Guardians to claim their prize. Siviks then releases The Black Recluse to protect the final forge, named precisely to mock the Spider, but is thwarted by the Guardians.

In a final standoff Siviks, the Spider's mad brother, is put to an end against the Guardian who reclaim the Black Armory's last remaining secrets and technology whilst leaving the Kell's Scourge leaderless and utterly crippled.

Joker's Wild

Around the same time that the Drifter introduced Gambit Prime, the Guardian visited the Spider on matters related to the Drifter after finishing a run of the Reckoning.

Siding with the Drifter

The Spider's "Gjallarhorn"

If the player chose to side with the Drifter, the Guardian visits the Spider to purchase an item known as "The Jerky" for the Drifter. Among the "Jerky" is a caged Ghost and a replica Gjallarhorn, though only "The Jerky" can be purchased. This exchange leads the Guardian to go to Titan to acquire supplies for the Drifter.

Siding with the Vanguard
If the player chose to side with the Vanguard, the Guardian confronts the Spider about his dealings with the Drifter. The Spider responds by saying that he is a "simple businessman" and would be willing to sever relations with the Drifter "for the right price." After paying a bribe of 50,000 Glimmer, the Spider informs the Guardian that the Drifter was planning something on Titan, which prompts them to go there to investigate further. The Spider later informed the Drifter of this investigation, prompting the Drifter to contact the Guardian directly while they were on Titan.

Season of Dawn

After the Guardian found the core for the Bastion in the Corridors of Time, they collected data from Fallen targets and brought them to the Spider. He deciphered the name "Lightkiller" from the intel, telling the Guardian about his legacy. He decides to help the Guardian by first tipping them on one of his old acquaintances hiding away in the Empty Tank, betting on fights with Azilis. After killing the Captain, they bring a note to the Spider left behind by the original owner, Reysk, who was killed by a Guardian Fireteam and buried somewhere in the Tangled Shore.

The Spider then orders the Guardian to patrol the Tangled Shore to force answers on the location of the grave from its inhabitants. Eventually, one of Spider's Associates would catch word of the location of the grave in the Trappers Cave. However, the Guardian would discover Reysk was warped into a Scorn Chieftain. Following the revelation, the Spider gave the Guardian the location of Reysk, the one place where Scorn influence was the strongest, the Hollowed Lair.

Season of Arrivals

During the Festival of the Lost, The Spider hired the aid of the Guardian to investigate the operations of the House of Kings who ventured into the ruins of the Dreadnaught to learn Hive magic. He notes that the Vex had taken an interest in the Kings' activities and stole their salvage and simulated it within the Haunted Forest.

Wrathborn Hunt

Following the Darkness's return to the Sol System, the Tangled Shore comes under assault from the forces of Xivu Arath, the Hive God of War, forcing the Spider and his syndicate to be on the defensive once more. Worse, Xivu Arath's forces make use of artifacts called Cryptoliths that drive Hive into a berserk state and corrupt other species to her service, called the Wrathborn, some of which include members of the Spider's organization. The Spider soon meets with the Guardian once more after their mission on Luna ended bittersweetly; they managed to save the Warlock Osiris but his Ghost Sagira sacrificed herself to save her Guardian. To avenge Sagira and combat Xivu Arath, the Spider proposes a partnership with the Guardian to restore his territory and reopen the flow of Glimmer; they would hunt the Wrathborn and their leader, the High Celebrant of Xivu Arath, and the Spider would provide the resources needed for such a hunt.

During their exchange, the Guardian learned, to their shock, that Uldren Sov was revived as a Guardian and was in service to the Spider, known under the name of Crow. The Spider clarifies that he found Uldren wandering aimlessly in the Reef and while he could've captured him and sent him to the Tower, he knew full well what awaited them there. Instead, the Spider brought the Crow into his services as his personal agent and hunter. Despite how well Crow works for him, however, Spider planted a failsafe within the chassis of Crow's Ghost, Glint; if Crow "strays from his nest", then his Ghost will explode, killing them both. Regardless of the Guardian's personal ill-feelings towards the Crow, the Spider has them work with him to combat the Wrathborn and Xivu Arath, but makes them never mention the name Uldren Sov.

After a long period and working together with Crow, the Guardians were able to stem the tide of the Wrathborn Corruption, culminating with the hunt and execution of the High Celebrant of Xivu Arath, avenging Sagira and fulfilling their end of the Spider's bargain. However, during that time, the Guardian had grown increasingly dissatisfied with Crow being in the Spider's services. Returning to the Spider's hideout, the Spider congratulated the Guardian's efforts and as per their bargain, allowed the Guardian to claim anything in his collection. The Guardian chose Crow's freedom, a choice that angered the Spider but having used his own words against him, the Spider agreed but warned the Guardian to leave before he takes offense.

Escaping the Reef

Following the Wrathborn Hunt and the Endless Night, Mara Sov resurfaced in the Dreaming City, looking to free her people's homeland from the Taken corruption, allying with the Last City to achieve this. Mara Sov expected the Spider to lend a form of aid to their efforts but to her disappointment, the crime boss did not offer anything. Fearing for his operations since he knows the Awoken Queen wouldn't approve of his past usage of Crow and knowing he can't rely on Mithrax and the House of Light, the Spider turned to his associate The Drifter for aid. The Drifter at first thought he wanted his "seal of approval" to move his operations but instead, the Spider wants him to smuggle him out of the Reef.

Safe Harbor in The Last City

The Spider's plan to be smuggled to safety by The Drifter went awry, however, as the pod he used as a disguise fell into the possession of the House of Salvation. The Salvation Fallen, despite being in the doldrums after their leadership was crushed, have been hijacking shipments here and there along trade routes. To rescue the on-the-run crime boss, Drifter contacts the Guardian, explaining that he needs their help with reclaiming some stolen cargo. Once the Guardian located the containment pod on Europa, with Spider inside, he was incensed for the Guardian to see him in such a position of helplessness, telling Drifter they would have words about this upon completion of his journey. Drifter turned the conversation towards extra recompense, "hazard pay", sensing an opportunity for profit in the compromised position of the Spider. Knowing all too well what was occurring, Spider was indignant, believing Drifter to be an amateur extortionist. When threatened with her return to the Tangled Shore, knowing full well that Mara Sov has a big bounty on his head, Spider relents and engages in the haggle for his safety, offering up his Ketch as payment for the extra trouble. The only problem with obtaining the Ketch is that House Salvation currently controlled it.

As the Guardian proceeded to liberate Spider's Ketch from the hands of House Salvation, Spider elaborated on a conversation he heard between two Dregs outside his pod. Spider relayed that someone had rallied House Salvation, and they were currently on the search for a specific artifact of the Dark Ages. Drifter assumed that such artifact recovery was beneath House Salvation and that someone "higher up" had to be giving them orders. After the Guardian defeated the leader of the Fallen pack, it becomes clear that the being rallying House Salvation is its original leader, Eramis, who is now missing from her Stasis prison. Upon learning this, Drifter declares its time to chase after whatever artifacts and treasures Eramis may be after, as she is too dangerous to leave to her own devices. Spider then spits that the Guardian must prevent Drifter from piloting the Ketch, as he knows he'll treat it like "one of his own", which is bad.

Finally, the Spider reached the safety of the Last City, setting up a new hideout within the Eliksni Quarter, taking residence within a make-shift bar that would be named The Ether Tank. As he organized, the Drifter spoke with the Guardian, Mithrax and his daughter Eido about the return of the Shipstealer, who was not only looking for relics of the Dark Ages but was rallying the Old Crews of Fallen pirates under her banner. Though Mithrax wished to rally the Vanguard to deal with Eramis, Drifter clarified that Zavala was busy preparing for the next move of Calus, and Ikora already had her Hidden searching for Eramis from the shadows. Drifter then states that leaves "us", opening up the question of going after the pirates as their own crew, which Mithrax was reluctant to do but relented when all were in agreement on charting that course.

The Spider agreed to the plan to deal with Eramis, lending the Guardian both a Captain's Atlas and a Star Chart from his personal collection to help the Guardians in hunting down the Pirate Lords and claiming their plunder. Before that, Spider was approached by Mithrax's daughter, much to his annoyance but was nonetheless polite, who welcomed him to the Eliksni Quarter. After Eido takes her leave, Spider scoffs at Eido's idealism for the Eliksni before finally speaking with the Guardian, revealing that it was Mithrax who allowed him safety along with his House of Light, despite the distrusting history between them.

Using the Star Chart, the Guardian tracked their first target to an asteroid in the Themis Cluster, which Spider states is a place of many "un-savories" but where the Cabal defector Val'aug, the Brute has set up her hold. As the Guardian fought through the pirates and slew Val'uag herself, they claimed her treasure, discovering a unique relic. Though wishing to have the relic become part of his collection, Spider was aware that the Guardian wants to hand the relic over to Mithrax and his daughter for study, to which he reluctantly allows.

In the meantime, Spider helps oversee the Guardian's operations in their Ketchcrash battles with Eramis's pirates, often getting into tense conversations with Mithrax, and getting annoyed with both Drifter and Eido. Further, provided with Glimmer from the Vanguard to help supply and arm the Guardians for their missions, the Spider attempted to profit from the arrangement buy conducting an "Engram Roulette", gifting them a valuable weapon on their first try but the next two rounds left them with useless armor, much his amusement. However, his con wouldn't last as Eido caught wind of his little scheme, as she discovered him using a static jamming device that shifted the odds to his favor. Using her technical knowledge and unknown to Spider, Eido brought a sense of fairness to the Spider's game by blocking his device's signal, allowing the Guardian to gain more useful and valuable weaponry, must to the Spider's growing frustration. In time, Spider realized that the Guardian likely realized his scheme or concluded that it's better to not bet against a Guardian, he allowed them the weapons they needed in the final game.

Later on, after the Guardian acquired a second relic from Eramis's pirates, the Spider asked Mithrax and the Guardians to speak with him at The Ether Tank. Agreeing to the meeting, Spider informs Mithrax that he and his crew have been collecting priceless things from Eramis and her pirates, leading an annoyed Mithrax to believe he is looking for a share but Spider clarifies he is thinking that they should take everything Eramis originally wanted. Become what Eramis originally wanted as a form of payback. This idea, however, angers Mithrax, demanding that he not speak of such things beneath the Great Machine, much less in his presence, or he will end him personally, even addressing him by his actual name of Rakis. Sufficiently threatened, Spider backs down and agrees to drop the matter. When the Light Kell takes his leave, he demands the Guardian to do the same.

Spider would later be contacted again by Eido, first asking him about his interest in human culture and art before asking about his history with Mithrax in the House of Wolves. Spider, however, informs the Scribe that her father wouldn't approve even though Eido believes her father would understand as it is a part of their history as the House of Light but Spider remains unconvinced stating that she doesn't know what her father is capable of. When Eido asks what he means, Spider refuses to elaborate and states that their conversation never happened.

The Spider would later provide support over the comms as the Guardian traveled to the Themis Cluster to claim another relic from the Cabal brothers, Tagh'al and Thagh'urn. The comms were placed on a secure channel as per Mithrax's request as he didn't want his daughter to be part of the more unsavory aspects of their piracy. The Guardian would be successful in claiming another relic Eramis was aiming to acquire but the Spider would taunt the Guardian, claiming that Mithrax is aware of what the relics really are but would be interrupted by Eido, demanding to know why he and the Guardian are operating on secure channels. The Spider commends Eido's cleverness but remains vague when she asks if her father wanted to keep her at "arm's length" from their operations. Frustrated, Eido claims she will seek the answers herself.

Back at The Ether Tank, Spider would be approached once more by Eido, asking questions regarding her father's past, questions Mithrax himself refuses to answer. Spider states that despite the both of them once being a part of the House of Wolves, they were not friends and thus he cannot speak for his behavior. Eido calls him out on being evasive but this only amuses the Baron. Before Spider could speak anymore, Mithrax enters, furious over her daughter sneaking behind his back seeking answers he does not want her to know. Eido remains defiant, claiming she is serving her capacity as House Light's scribe. Mithrax would turn his anger on the Spider, threatening to dock his tongue which shocks Eido, forcing her to apologize for her Kell. Spider graciously accepts the apology before Eido takes her leave. Alone, Spider couldn't help but taunt Mithrax on his daughter's ignorance about his past and of her "rose-tinted" view of the world. Enraged, Mithrax orders Spider to never speak to his daughter again.

Ultimately, as the Guardian took out more of the Pirate Lords and gathered the relics, becoming well known in the process, the Spider greets the Guardian and shows disapproval in the Guardian working out in the open, stating he prefers "working in the shadows", revealing that before he became the baron he is today, he "claimed" the bounty on Rakis, allowing him to go underground and build up his empire from behind the scenes. A piece of advice he gives to the Guardians.

Regardless, the Guardian succeeded in gathering the Relics of Nezarec before Eramis could, besting the Old Crews, but in the process the Shipstealer revealed the extent of Mithrax's violent past and of his connection to the relics towards Eido. Though this drove a wedge between them for a time, it didn't impede the mission. With the Old Crews dealt with and Eramis going into hiding, Mithrax asked the Guardian to donate their acquired riches from the pirates to the Eliksni Quarter, so they can improve conditions and truly make it a home. The Guardian agreed but to aid in allocating these funds, Mithrax reluctantly asked Spider to lend his business expertise. Spider couldn't help but gloat but nonetheless agreed to do his part in making things better in the Eliksni Quarter, even begrudgingly finishing with "The Light Provides" greeting. Spider would actually come through in helping, from adding updated décor at The Ether Tank, having the first Eliskni trained for security to even adding a community garden, something Spider knew Mithrax would approve of.

Personality and traits

The Shore's Only Law

"Remember, my friend, even when you are doing your 'duty,' there are always opportunities to do what is profitable."

— The Spider

The Spider is much like a stereotypical criminal kingpin, he will go to great lengths to maintain his influence and has no qualms about battling his own kind to do it. He is even willing to ally with Petra Venj, an old "acquaintance" of his, and the Guardian, to restore his territory and deal with the Scorn and Uldren. This is further supported by the description of one of his daily bounties where he states that he would have even considered working out an agreement with the Red Legion had they not disrespected him. However, while he maintains that their alliance is merely for business, the Spider shows a level of honor and respect towards the Guardian, keeping his word in their deals and continuing their "friendship".

Despite this, the Spider is willing to alter a deal to make sure that those who owe him a debt don't pay it back too quickly and too easily, as he does not want to get the short end of the stick. This was apparent when the Guardians cleared out the Hive infestation within the Tangled Shore. After slaying the Brood Queen, The Spider found that the threat was too "easy" for it to satisfy their debt to him. Despite Ghost's objections, the Spider points out that the mission wasn't a deal, only "considerations". Likely he finds the Guardians too useful and skilled to simply say that all debts are paid. Spider is not without hubris, however, as the Guardian would get the better of Spider following the agreement in handling the Wrathborn infesting the Tangled Shore. When offered anything from his personal collection, the Guardian chose Crow's freedom, which left Spider surprised and angered but when the Guardian used his own word against him, Spider grudgingly relented. This showed that the Spider enjoyed having the advantage in his dealings with the Guardians but is pragmatic enough to accept that there are some battles he can't win and its better for him to not make an enemy of the Guardians.

Though the Spider can be very ruthless in how he runs his criminal enterprise, the mob boss has shown a capacity for generosity and reasonable nature. Instead of just hoarding all the profits and leaving next to nothing for his employees, he ensures his workforce is paid what they earn, far more generous than a contemporary Fallen Kell, Archon or Baron. Despite his more "generous" nature, the Spider is still ruthless, as he had a supplier killed for asking too many questions and was reputed to be rather cruel to Crow when the Lightbearer was under his employment, even having his Ghost rigged to exploded should he "stray from the nest".

The Spider displays a fascination with various aspects of humanity and its culture. He has no interest in what Fallen would normally consider priceless, and instead avidly collects ancient human artwork, as well as dead Ghosts. In addition to this, the Spider does enjoy collecting trophies, out of interest or monetary purposes, from his dead enemies, so much so that he offers bounties on them.

The Spider is highly fluent in English. His voice lacks much of the growls and clicks associated with Eliksni speech; this may be due to either practice or some form of translation device (although he claims that Variks speaks perfect English as well, deliberately using poor grammar to seem more harmless to the Awoken). Reflecting his fascination with humanity, he frequently uses human figures of speech and body language, even when speaking to other Eliksni (to whom such gestures are meaningless).

In Season of Plunder, Spider remains the opportunistic and entrepreneurial baron he has been but desperation forced him to seek sanctuary within the Last City alongside Mithrax and his House of Light, despite the slight grudge that appears between them. This grudge appears to be a long-held inability to see on the same level as the other, evidenced in Mithrax marooning Spider at one point. Despite allying with Mithrax and the Guardian against Eramis and the Old Crews, Spider often continues to make a profit of the situation or at least makes sure he doesn't come up short, often trying to claim a "share" of the treasure the Guardians acquire from the Old Crews, which angers Mithrax. Further, Spider has shown some skepticism in a permanent alliance with humanity and in having faith in the Traveler, but he nonetheless accepted working with the Vanguard as the better option compared to Eramis's violence and warmongering.

Spider has shown a certain enmity towards the Vex, not for any particular reason other than they do not understand or respect the concept of monetary compensation, claiming he doesn't respect anyone who can't be bought.

Gameplay

The Spider provided bounties targeting Prison of Elders escapees throughout the Solar System. He also sold infusion materials, with four planetary materials and the required currency rotating per daily reset. Purchasing Enhancement Cores from Spider doubled their cost during that day until reset. Wanted enemies in Lost Sectors could also have dropped Spider-specific weapons and armor.

Faction weapons

• Dust Rock Blues - 65 RPM kinetic Shotgun - Pathfinder's Crash (EDZ), Whispered Falls (EDZ), Cavern of Souls (EDZ), Core Terminus (Mars)
• Ether Doctor - 600 RPM kinetic Auto Rifle - The Weep (EDZ), Skydock IV (EDZ)
• Thin Line - 110 RPM energy Hand Cannon - Widow's Walk (EDZ), Grove of Ulan-Tan (Io)
• Wrong Side of Right - 150 RPM kinetic Scout Rifle - The Pit (EDZ), Flooded Chasm (EDZ), Aphix Conduit (Io)
• Trackless Waste - 900 RPM kinetic Submachine Gun - Shaft 13 (EDZ), Pariah's Refuge (Mercury)
• Right Side of Wrong - 450 RPM energy Pulse Rifle - Ancient's Haunt (Nessus), Ma'adim Subterrane (Mars)
• Lord of Wolves - Exotic shotgun - Possible reward from Powerful Spider bounties

Infusion materials

• Enhancement Core
• Legendary Shards
• Glimmer
• Dusklight Shard
• Alkane Dust
• Microphasic Datalattice
• Phaseglass Needle
• Simulation Seeds
• Seraphite

Quotes

Idle quotes

• "That's right, my friend."
• "Very good."
• "Good choice, my friend."
• "What is your Earth phrase... If we meet again?"
• "What do you say "friend"? Quid pro quo before you go?"
• "I... approve."
• "You have good taste!"
• "Bring me Arrha. I have a task for him."
• "Don't be shy... it bores me!"
• "The Drifter? Here? And he didn't stop to say hello? I am... disappointed."
• "So many questions! I'm beginning to become offended. You don't want to see me offended."
• "I think you'll find our friendship... agreeable."
• "No one has called me Wolf in a very long time. I was born into that House, yes. But even then I knew a bad investment when I saw one."

Bounty quotes

• "House of Dusk, fah! House of Desperation! House of Erased Differences! Differences define us."
• "The House of Dusk, such as it is, hangs on by a thread. I see no material harm to my people if you go ahead and cut them loose, my friend."
• "Oh, of course the Prison of Elders was a collaboration between the Awoken and the Eliksni. Don't look so surprised."
• "Perhaps if the Red Legion had spoken to me we could have worked out an agreement, but they disrespected me. I want them out."
• "This one's personal."
• "Happy Hunting."
• "Give Yann my regards. This one's a long time coming."
• "Vex salvage is worth good money."
• "Keep an eye on your radar. You won't find this one hiding."
• "You'll have to look sharp for this one. She's on the move."
• "Does it matter where the money comes from, as long as you are paid?"
• "I imagine even the Hive want this one dead."
• "Bring back a souvenir, would you? Perhaps some wretched Awoken man's arm?"
• "Tell them who owns the Shore."
• "Ha! Petra sent this one in. The Awoken have long memories, but not so long as mine..."
• "Ah, Nessus. What a trash fire. Glad you're going, and not I."
• "No one's paying me for this one, friend. This vengeance is mine alone."
• "Scum of Hiraks! Stamp him out, I want no part of that blasphemy!"
• "Sava-who? Mm, yes, that's right. The clever girl. If she's so clever, what's she want with Titan?"
• "What's it say, 'Nariks'? Hmm. You're lucky I'm not sending you after that chatterbox AI."
• "The Hive do have the right idea with their Ogres. Monsters of that size are indispensible when negotiating business."
• "They'll have scattered halfway across the system by now. To Titan and beyond."
• "Here's one for you. Cabal deserter, Mars. Ordinarily, I'd look the other way... but it's the Cabal who are paying me. Ha"
• "Those foul creatures are trying to regroup. Don't let them."
• "Lots of nasty little nooks and crannies on Earth… Happy hunting, friend."
• "This one survived the Reef War. But all luck must run out some time…"
• "Another that the Awoken want dead. Feh. They're paying, so what do I care. One has to cultivate a certain... open-mindedness, don't you think?"
• "What are you standing around for? Nessus is more than just a hop and a skip away from my Shore. Get going!"
• "Another day, another salvage order. I need Vex Mind cores. What's more, I've got a high bidder for another outaw."
• "Titan has oceans within oceans, my friend, and you do not wish to see what swims those depths. Perhaps the Hive are growing gills. Ha!"
• "Ah, this is rich! This is one that the Vanguard wants brought in! What do you think, my friend, shall I charge them triple?"
• "Oh, of course the Prison of Elders was a collaboration between the Awoken and the Eliksni. Don't look so surprised."
• "When you find them… make sure to capture telemetry, my friend. I find the suffering of my enemies tremendously uplifting."
• "Can't say as I care much for the Taken, but I've got a contact who will pay good money for this one's head..."
• "As to where you should look… well. Where would you go if you didn't want to be found?"
• "Did you know there are three ways to kill a Hive god? How many ways do you suppose there are to resurrect one? Get out there!"
• "I imagine some of them will flee toward Sol instead of charting an escape beyond the Reef. If they were clever, do you imagine they'd have been caught?"

Trivia

• The Spider was once a Wolf born, traces of his past can also be seen on his blue helmet.
• Alongside Variks, The Loyal and Mithrax, the Forsaken, The Spider is the third known Fallen to be a Guardian ally.
• He is the second Fallen observed speaking English behind Variks, The Loyal.
  • However, he speaks it far more fluently than Variks.
• The Spider has shown to be rather fidgety with his hands, often moving his hands a great deal.
  • He uses a Ghost Shell to likely deal with this.
• He has a fascination with Earth's culture before the Golden Age, as he collects the most famous pieces of art throughout Human history.
  • Identified in his collection are several examples of ancient Greek pottery, Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night, and two paintings implied to be Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Georgia O'Keeffe's Cow's Skull: Red, White, and Blue.
  • The Spider's obsession with pre-Golden Age human culture is revealed to extend beyond art, as the lore for the Cryptolith Lure reveals he owns "a pre-Collapse datapad, named after a fruit." Similarly, in the lore for the Scatterhorn Armor, the Spider knows the first verse to the Chinese folk song "Mo Li Hua" ("茉莉花", meaning "Jasmine Flower").
• The Spider is performed and voiced by Robin Atkin Downes.
• The Spider may possess his own Ketch, as one can find such a ship by turning around in the safe zone at Thieves' Landing. The ketch is decorated in orange stripes, which reflects the Spider's insignia and bounties.
  • In Season of Plunder, Spider's Ketch ownership is revealed, providing it to the Guardian and Drifter as compensation for their "troubles" in his rescue. It has a lurid orange and black patterned hull. This decorative pattern is a reference to the concept art created for director Alejandro Jodorowsky's failed Dune movie.
• The Spider and the Drifter have a strong business relationship. So much so that Spider would send his failed associates to go survive the Drifter's Gambit and Gambit Prime or die.
• The Spider shows enmity towards multiple escapees from the Prison, such as Calzar, Scarred Captain, Fortifier Yann, and Student of Beltrik, personally issuing bounties on them.
• In the lore tab of the Exotic Sparrow Warden's Wailer, the Spider is erroneously described as having 20 fingers, which is impossible as Fallen have always been portrayed with three fingers on each of their four hands (a total of 12). This is likely a developer oversight.

Gallery

• 

  The Spider conversing with the Guardian in the Tangled Shore.

• 

  The Spider striking a deal.

• 

  The Spider doing business with his associates.

• 

  Rakis fighting alongside Siviks and Mithrax in their early days.

• 

  Rakis and Siviks, alongside many others, are marooned by Mithrax.

List of appearances

• Destiny 2
  • Forsaken (First appearance)
    • Season of the Forge
    • Season of the Drifter
  • Shadowkeep
    • Season of Dawn
    • Season of Arrivals
  • Beyond Light
    • Season of the Hunt
    • Season of the Chosen (Mentioned only)
    • Season of the Splicer (Mentioned only)
    • Season of the Lost (Mentioned only)
  • The Witch Queen (Mentioned only)
    • Season of Plunder
    • Season of the Seraph (Mentioned only)
  • Lightfall (Mentioned only)