Homebrew Araneae Species Details

“Beware the caves, child. Do not get close otherwise the Araneae may come snatch you up to eat!” The mother teased her young child as she tucked him into bed.

“Have you ever seen one before, Mama?” he asked.

“No, not many have. They say it's bad luck to meet one.”

She kissed him on the forehead and blew out the candle. The door creaked as she eased it shut on her way out and locked it. She blew out the remaining candles throughout their small shack near the edge of the mountain range and deadbolted all three locks on the front and back door. The night air chilled her skin as she went to close the kitchen window. She paused as she saw three sets of eight red eyes staring at her in the distance and then slammed the window shut.

— Jonah C. Rainer, Campfire Stories

 Existing in story tales and legends is the way of the Araneae who rarely leave their cave dwellings. The Araneae are a mystery to surface dwellers who treat them as monsterous beasts because of their frightful appearance of four arms and eight eyes. A few brief recorded encounters from far travelers reveal the Araneae to be divided into two groups, scholars and hunters, though their knowledge and practices remain a secret to the rest of the world.

Cave Dwellers

The Araneae live in colonies in cave systems dug out over generations. Colonies exist separately from one another but will typically have a large population from centuries of growth with a strong communal society. The Araneae have extended live spans with the average Araneae living to around a millennia. Araneae have four arms and have dark blue and grey skintones. They also sport eight eyes, typically red, white, black, or blue, in varying sizes and placements on their heads. Araneae also have a pair of fangs, though only one subrace has venom.

Scholars

Araneae scholars live for the expansion of knowledge. Their extended lifespans allow for scholars to amass large amounts of knowledge and watch history unfold before their eyes. Every colony will have an extensive collective library full of books, artifacts, fossils, and more that is open for colony members to view and study. Many Araneae scholars have dabbled in magic, and some have gone on to specializing or creating new forms and methods.

Hunters

Araneae hunts live for the thrill of the hunt. Most Araneae are stealth killers and will wait days for their prey to set off a trap. Some Araneae are aggressive hunters and will actively chase out their prey, using their spider climb abilities and tremorsense to their advantage. Regardless of the hunting style, Araneae hunters will bring back their hunt for the colony to share collectively.

Araneae Names

Araneae typically have short names and no last names. Male names have a guttural and harsh sound while female names are more melodic and seductive.

Male Araneae Names: Chauk, Kokras, Barakas, Ekras, Ekemon, Retlik, Sodrath, Igleh, Fradkth, Mordik, Thalik, Nithak, Raegg, Evir

Female Araneae Names: Rola, Litha, Ea, Criella, Damaia, Arae, Zella, Vera, Orla, Raenym, Orianna, Phelaia, Rieta

FEARED

Most common people view the Araneae as mythical monsters and legends, not a real people. Those who encounter Araneae will often react fearfully with screaming and hostility.

Araneae Traits

Araneae share certain racial traits as a result of their spider-like forms.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 1, and your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Size

Araneae are about the same size and build as humans though average about 7 to 8 feet tall. Regardless, your size is Medium.

Age

Araneae mature over the course of a century and can live up to a millennia.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Extra Arms

You have two slightly smaller secondary arms below your primary pair of arms. The secondary arms can manipulate an object, open or close a door or container, pick up or set down a Tiny object, or wield a weapon that has the light property.

Spider Climb

You have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed. In addition, at 3rd level, you can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving your hands free.

Sunlight Sensitivity

You have disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of the attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.

Darkvision

Thanks to your spider-like heritage, you have vision in dark and dim conditions. You 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.

Tremorsense

Araneae are sensitive to vibrations in the ground and can automatically pinpoint the location of anything that is in contact with the ground up to 30 feet away.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.