Homebrew Anadi Species Details

Anadi in their true form resemble human-sized spiders with a variety of colorations. Some tones look simple or muted while other remain striking and vibrant, with most patterns inherited from an anadi's parentage. A typical anadi measures five feet in length from their front legs to their rear legs when standing comfortably.

All anadi possesses the ability to transform into a human guise. This form can resemble any human ethnicity, but it's usually one that blends in with the region of an anadi's hatching. Anadi reach physical maturity after 13 years, going through multiple phases of molting along the way. A typical anadi lives to be about 80 years old.

As a communal and peaceful people, anadi ancestors endeavored to establish trade with the neighbors of their homeland. However, these anadi soon learned that most others found their appearance to be extremely objectionable. Wishing to avoid conflict, ancient anadi retreated into isolation until they could find a solution. The answer came when their greatest scholars innovated a fusion of transmutation and illusion magic that allowed them to assume a humanoid form. The technique was developed, perfected, and eventually taught to the overwhelming majority of anadi.

Early efforts with their new approach to diplomacy have yielded much better results, though sporadic contact means that some outsiders whisper false legends about anadi, such as claims that they are humans who transform into monstrous spiders at moonrise. Even contemporary explorers have reported anadi as human-spider hybrids. The anadi people of the current day strive to slowly but surely create a world where they no longer need to hide their true nature.

Anadi Traits

Anadi Mechanics

Ability Score Increase

Increase one ability score by 2, and increase a different one by 1.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language. 

Change Shape

You change into your human or spider shape. Each shape has a specific, persistent appearance. In your human shape, you can't use unarmed attacks granted by your ancestry. You have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed while in your spider shape. However, in your spider shape you can't use weapons, shields, or other held items of any sort, and you are limited in what actions you can take. While in spider shape you can cast spells without material components, weave silk or webbing, or simple Interact actions such as opening an unlocked door. Your spider legs can't perform actions that require fingers or significant manual dexterity, including any action that would require a check to accomplish. The GM might determine other manipulate actions are appropriate for your spider legs. While in spider shape you also ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing, and while in contact with a web, the spider knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web

Fangs

You were born with a natural means for hunting and self-defense. You gain a fangs unarmed attack that deals 1d6 piercing damage.

Anadi Lore

You've learned how to provide for your community, be it through hard-earned sustenance or useful crafts. You gain proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Survival.

Skittertalk

You can ask questions of and receive limited answers from spiders and other arachnids. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.