She has existing Stricken bite them, or simply imprisons them in a cage with the Stricken and lets it catch over time via proximity!

It sort of is - the Empress granted her power, but her own gifts and tendencies shaped that power into this particular ability.

I'm not sure what more in general she might know - if you have any specific questions about the situation, those I can answer, but I'm not sure what sort of impressions or information you're looking for.