Homebrew Arachne Race Details

The arachne are a carnivorous demi-human liminal race that have a human torso, but whose lower body is that of a giant spider. The subraces of the arachne fall into any number of categories and professions. They range from powerful warriors and agile hunters to thrifty merchants and skilled artisans. They are perceived with fear and disgust by many of the other races. They are accustomed to hostility they may receive from strangers and travelers, and have developed a cynical view of the world. Their overbearing presence on the battlefield is enough to intimidate the hardiest of warriors, making them an ally's greatest asset and an enemy's worst nightmare.

Web Weavers

The arachne are a carnivorous demi-human liminal race that have a human torso, but whose lower body is that of a giant spider.  The humanoid body upper bodies display all human varieties when it comes to skin tone and features, but certain features stand out in the subraces. They typically have six spider-like eyes on their face, but the number can vary with different individuals. Their forearms are covered in an exoskeleton, much like their spider body, and end with sharp, claw-like hands. While the spider body contains a primary opisthosoma, their wrists contain a secondary opisthosoma which also produces silk to assist in their web crafting. The arachne padipalps, which are normally used by spiders for eating, no longer function as such and act more like humanoid thighs. In holding true with spider sexual dimorphism, most females are larger than their male counterparts.

Matriarch Leadership

With the recent advancement of the arachne races, communities have been built and founded under the leadership of matriarch councils. These arachne communities have sprung up in many different environments with most of them being subrace specific. A central leadership exists with a representative from each subrace that partake in the major decision making for the arachne race as a whole. Being a young species with an unsavory impression, the arachne have made a commitment to attempt to prove that they are not the monsters of everyone's misconceptions. Some arachne have moved into other race settlements when they have been met with warm hospitality.

Arachne Names

Arachne names are described as resembling hissing, screeching and clacking sounds. Most arachne have a given name and family name, but some choose to use nicknames. Human, elven and gnomish names are sometimes found among them, albeit rarely.

Male Names:  Nasruq, Onrix, Ovix, Zhirrud, Yokrad, Keezix, Zezrad, Sarkid, Ovad, Kaazsir, Laqzid, Kissid, Achad, Zrel'zeekat, Aazis, Nesex, Rhokko, Isrix, Ok'zuq, Kiseb, Irzat, Qakkir, Xesur, Arralrab

Female Names:  Rhokku, Zexhil, Raiza, Qhali, Zhirieqi, Rhallakki, Seeli, Qaxhale, Zossu, Ravucer, Iella, Szik'sah, Shaq'shi, Ainchu, Ixhil, Zhaza, Neevil, Qico, Noshiq'she, Isul, Rizu, Sin'qira, Yoxhih, Olshi, Nolnih, Zechi

Arachne Traits

With a mix of human and spider traits, arachne have these traits.

Ability Score Increase

All arachne subraces racial trait of dexterity is increased by 1.

Age

Arachne reach adulthood around 15 years old and live to be an average of a century.

Alignment

Arachne tend to be neutrally aligned, but can be found in the extremes at times. Those that have fallen into the evil alignment are most often consumed by their cynical outlook on life, while some populations are merely feral and are controlled more by their animal instinct than their humanoid consciousness. 

Darkvision

Accustomed to nocturnal activity, caves and dark dwellings, arachne have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. Arachne can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Claws

Arachne have natural claws that are used in for their web weaving from their spinnerets in their wrists. Lycachne, Solifachne, and Therachne usually use their claws for burrowing. Araneichne, Latrodachne, Saltichne, and Sicarachne have sharp, dexterous claws used for their web weaving.

Spider build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity.

In addition, due to your lower body, you cannot make use of mounts.

Finally, a Medium or smaller creature can ride on your spider back if you allow it. Saltichne can only allow a Small creature ride on their back. In such a situation, you continue to act independently, not as a controlled mount.

Hybrid Nature

You have two creature types: humanoid and monstrosity. You can be affected by a game effect if it works on either of your creature types.

Web Sense

While in contact with a web, the arachne knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.

Subrace

Arachne are divided into seven vastly different subraces:  Araneichne, Latrodachne, Lycachne, Saltichne, Sicarachne, Solifachne, and Therachne. Choose one of these subraces.

Araneichne (Weavers)

The araneichne are a medium sized arachne sub race. Their humanoid body display all the human varieties of skin tones and features. Their spider body has the widest variety of features among the sub races with appearances that range anywhere from the likes of crab orb weaver spiders to the enormous golden orb spiders. They have a presumptuous personality that sometimes comes as an annoyance among the sister races. Araneichne are proud of their proficiency at spinning web and often create some remarkable commodities. They value knowledge and education, and can be found enjoying various forms of artistic craftsmanship.

Ability Score Increase

Either your Intelligence or Wisdom score increases by 2 or 1 each (your choice). This is added with the arachne racial trait of Dexterity score increased by 1.

Size

They range from just over 5 ft to just under 7 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 120 to 200 lbs. Their size is Medium.

Speed

Base walking speed is 25 feet.

Web

Araneichne can cast the spell web twice. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell. Once you do so, you can't cast it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Spider Walk

You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Araneichne Weapon Training

You have a proficiency with the quarterstaff, shortsword, shortbow, and sickle.

Latrodachne (Widows)

The latrodachne are a medium sized arachne subrace. Their humanoid body is described as a slender build often with ears that end in a pointed feature. The spider body is typically dark with different hues of brown or black with a luster to it. The most prominent feature of the latrodachne is a very distinctive reddish marking that is found on their arachnid body. It is usually found as an hourglass on the underside of their abdomen, but can be found in many different variations with some of the markings on the upper side. They have a very graceful personality and can be very persuasive speakers to their audience. They are known among the other arachne subspecies for their crafting of poisons and interest in alchemy. Their alchemy practices rival that of their competitors of the sicarachne subrace.

Ability Score Increase

Either your Charisma or Intelligence score increases by 2 or 1 each (your choice). Added with arachne racial trait of Dexterity increased by 1.

Size

Latrodachne range from 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is 115 to 190 lbs. Their size is Medium.

Speed

Base walking speed is 30 feet.

Poison Resistance

Latrodachne's knowledge of poisons gives them a resistance to Poison.

Web

Latrodachne can cast the spell web twice. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell. Once you do so, you can't cast it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Spider Walk

You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Latrodachne Weapon Training

You have a proficiency with the rapier, whip, hand crossbow, and spear.

Lycachne (Wolf Spider)

The lycachne are a medium sized arachne subrace covered in hair that resembles that of a wolf spider. Their human features resemble elves more than actual humans.  Their faces are typically angular and their ears are often pointed. They are known for their hunting proficiency and their excellent eyesight make them expert marksmen. Nature is held in high regard to them and is often celebrated by communities on a monthly basis. A hunting party is organized for this celebration before hand and are sent forth on a 'great hunt'. What they bring back is then feasted upon by the community as a whole during their celebration. They share a rivalry with the Therachne that can often be compared to that of a sibling rivalry. While they do get into fights between each other, these skirmishes rarely prove fatal.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 1. Additionally, your Dexterity or Wisdom score increases by 1 (your choice). This is added onto arachne racial trait of Dexterity is increased by 1.

Size

Lycachne range from 5 ft to a little over 6.5 ft and almost as wide. Weight is 90 to 200 lbs. Their size is Medium.

Speed

Base walking speed is 30 feet.

Lycachne Weapon Training

You have proficiency with the longsword, longbow, shortbow, handaxe, and javelin.

Keen Senses

You have a proficiency in Perception and Survival Skills.

Web Walker

The lycachne ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Saltichne (Jumpers)

Saltichne are the smallest of the arachne subraces that sport a small hairy spider body with strong legs like that of a jumping spider. Most of their human features resemble that of gnomes and have a personality to match. Their eyesight is amazing compared to that of all the other arachne subraces. Jovial and enthusiastic, they are known to almost hop and skip around when they get excited. They have an affinity for the musical arts and are quite famous for their unique dances around the arachne race. For being a loud race, they can be strangely stealthy when sneaking up to other races to pull one of their pranks, which usually involves hopping onto the backs of others for an uninvited piggy back ride.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 1. Additionally, either your Charisma or Dexterity score increases by 1 (your choice). This is added with the arachne racial trait of Dexterity score increased by 1.

Size

Saltichne range from 3 to 4 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 40 to 80 lbs. Their size is small.

Speed

Base walking speed is 25 feet.

Saltichne Jump

You have the innate ability to perform jump 4 times before needing a rest. Your jump distance is tripled and jump height is doubled. A short rest only replenishes 2 jump action and a long rest replenishes 4 jump actions up to 4 total jump actions.  Does not require a running start.

Web Anchor

Saltichne web acts as a safety cable or bungie cord. When climbing or jumping, they attach it to a point to prevent them from falling and taking any damage.

Spider Walk

You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Keen Senses

Saltichne have a proficiency in Perception Skill.

Saltichne Weapon Training

You have a proficiency with the dagger, blowgun, flail, and shortsword.

Sicarachne (Recluses)

The sicarachne are a medium sized arachne subrace. Their humanoid body has the same characteristics and variations as most humanoid races. Their spider body is fairly smooth with a brownish hue to it. They have a darker brown distinguishable marking on their spider back that resembles a violin. They are typically a nomadic race that rove from place to place among the other arachne territories. The short stops they make between other communities usually last no longer than week. Because of their wandering nature, they have become adept at trading with other races and experienced merchants making them vital to the economy of the arachne race as a whole. Their interest in alchemy sometimes puts them at odds with their rivals, the latrodachne. They are a very resilient arachne subrace and are great at adapting to different environments.

Ability Score Increase

Either your Constitution or Wisdom score increases by 2 or 1 each (your choice). Added with arachne racial trait of Dexterity increased by 1.

Size

Sicarachne range from just under 5 ft to 6 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is 100 to 175 lbs. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Base walking speed is 30 feet.

 

Spider Walk

You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Sicarachne Resistance

Sicarachne are very hardy arachne and are resistant to necrotic and poison effects.

Sicarachne Weapon Training

You have a proficiency with the light crossbow, morningstar, shortsword, and war pick.

Solifachne (Solifuges)

The solifachne are a medium sized arachne sub race. Their humanoid body has many variations and characteristics of humans. Their spider body is segmented, with short hairs all along it, and comes in a variety of brownish color hues. They are known among the other arachne for their speed that can be equal to that of a horse. They are often endemic to arid environments, but can be found in most warm environments. They are found to be the more religious sub race among their arachne peers. They tend to avoid most conflicts and arguments, but when faced with threat and danger, they can become exceptional combatants. Unlike the rest of the arachne sub races, solifachne are unable to spin webs.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score and Charisma score increases by 1. Added onto arachne racial trait of dexterity is increased by 1.

Size

Solifachne range from 5 1/2 ft to just under 7 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 150 to 250 lbs. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Base walking speed is 35 feet.

Spider Walk

You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces without needing to make an ability check.

Solifachne Weapon Training

You have a proficiency with the pike, scimitar, sling, and trident.

Therachne (Tarantula)

A large bodied hairy arachne species that's spider portion resembles that of tarantulas. Typically more aggressive than their sister arachne sub-species, they are renowned for their fighting prowess and strength. With big burly claws, they are known for digging and most homes are built into sides of hills or some sub-level dwellings. The hair on their bodies are typically stiff with a wide variety of coloration. When a Therachne sheds it's thick hair as a means of escape, it creates a bare patch on their body that acts as a mark of shame for turning away from combat.

Ability Score Increase

Either your Strength or Constitution score increases by 2 or 1 each (your choice). Added onto arachne racial trait of dexterity is increased by 1.

Size

Therachne range from 7 ft to 9 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 200 to 400 lbs. Their size is Large.

Speed

Base walking speed is 30 feet. Therachne are not slowed by heavy armor.

Spider Walk

You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces without needing to make an ability check.

Additionally, you ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Natural Armor

You have thick, coarse hair that covers your spider body. You have a natural armor bonus of 1. When unarmored, your AC is equal to 11 + your constitution modifier.

Additionally, a shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Finally, in dire situations your hair can be shed that will temporarily blind an enemy to create an escape opportunity.

Therachne Weapon Training

You have a proficiency with the battleaxe, greatsword, maul, warhammer, and glaive.

Previous Versions

Name Date Modified Views Adds Version Actions
Arachne
12/23/2018 9:04:34 PM
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Arachne
12/23/2018 10:05:45 PM
71
12
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Arachne
1/13/2019 10:14:21 AM
688
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Wolpertinger17

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