Shapechanger. The aranea can use its action to polymorph into a spider-humanoid hybrid, or a Medium or Small humanoid, or back into its true form, which is a monstrous spider. Its statistics, other than its speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Spellcasting (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). The aranea is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The aranea has the following sorcerer spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): dancing lights, friends, mage hand, minor illusion
1st level (4 slots): mage armor, silent image, sleep
2nd level (2 slots): crown of madness, hold person
Spider Climb. The spider can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the spider knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.
Web Walker. The spider ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Multiattack (Hybrid Form Only). The aranea makes two attacks with its shortsword and one attack with its bite.
Multiattack (Humanoid Form Only). The aranea makes two attacks with its shortsword.
Bite (Spider or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 3) and the target must make a successful DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes an additional 14 (4d6) poison damage and is poisoned for 1 minute. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage and is not poisoned.
Shortsword (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Web (Recharge 5-6, Hybrid or Spider Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one Large or smaller creature. Hit: The creature is restrained by the webbing. As an action, the restrained creature make a DC 12 Strength check, escaping from the webbing on a success. The effect also ends if the webbing is destroyed. The webbing has AC 10, 5 hit points, vulnerability to fire damage, and immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage
Description
The creature appears to be a monstrous spider, but it has two small humanlike arms below its mandibles.
An aranea is an intelligent, shapechanging spider with sorcerous powers. In its natural form, an aranea resembles a big spider, with a humpbacked body a little bigger than a human torso. It has fanged mandibles like a normal spider. Two small arms, each about 2 feet long, lie below the mandibles. Each arm has a hand with four many-jointed fingers and a double-jointed thumb.
An aranea weighs about 150 pounds. The hump on its back houses its brain.
An aranea avoids physical combat and uses its webs and spells when it can. In a battle, it tries to immobilize or distract the most aggressive opponents first. Araneas often subdue opponents for ransom.
A creature found in the book Monster Manual for D&D 3.5, adapted to 5th Edition.
Comments