Homebrew Arachnofolk Species Details
“Be not afraid, I come in peace! Please, merciful human, I require your assistance!”
Her multiple pairs of eyes, with pupils shaking in fear, were on the border of looking pathetic, yet still remained somewhat intimidating.
“Are you mad?!” he asked. “Why did you come to us for help? You know what we do with your race.”
“Please, my eggs are in danger...” she sobbed. “Your people are eradicating my kind!”
"So why did you visit me, specifically?" questioned the man. "How can you trust me?"
"I know you, don't you remember me?" she asked. "I'm the veiled woman that always bought groceries at your store!"
"Surely you must've noticed my racial features along the way, right?"
"I did, yes." he sighed. "I should've by all means reported you to the authorities, but I felt that it wouldn't be right."
"Exactly! You are different! You have a heart of gold!" said the woman, somewhat happily.
"Oh please, cut it with the flattery" he smirked. "I'm just not particularly supportive of genocide, you know?"
"At least not the way this village does it." said the man, switching his tone to a rather somber one.
"W-what?" the spider lady began trembling.
"Personally, I believe burning dens to be a rather fruitless endeavour. As long as their owners are still out there, alive--" he readied his crossbow
"Your kind will bounce back, won't it?"
"But rest assured, I'll be there. Waiting, earning your trust, until--" - he exclaimed, pushing the trigger.
The crossbow bolt pierced the Arachnofolk woman's skull, lodging itself perfectly between her now-blank pairs of eyes.
"I have a sure shot." he finished.
"Good riddance, pest."
The man spat on the ground next to her while slowly walking away, readying his crossbow once more, as if he just spotted another arachnid.
Such is the cruel reality of the Arachnofolk.
Although others might feign acceptance towards your kind, the Arachnidfolk race is generally considered an abberation. A stain on the pages of history. An error in eugenics.
As long as arachnophobia continues to exist as one of the most common fears among all societies, you should absolutely never let your guard down.
Be very careful on who you decide to trust. One small mistake could bring the eradication of your kind one step closer to fruition.
Arachno-Hybrids
Arachnofolk are a mesh between humanoids and arachnids. Appearance-wise, they're vastly different depending on how they were conceived.
Those who hatched from a spider egg resemble humanoid spiders covered in fur, and with additional human limbs (two, three or even four sets of arms).
Those who spawned from mammal birth resemble humans with spider-like features, such as:
- Extra pairs of eyes and/or large pupils.
- Sharp fangs and/or spider mandibles
- Pointy, retractable spider legs, usually springing from their back (think of the Iron Spider suit).
That's not all the possible combinations, obviously. Some Arachnofolk were noted to have distinctively human torsos, and purely spider-like lower bodies, sort of like Satyrs. Regardless, they're still relatively new species that have yet to be carefully studied.
Arachnophobia
Arachnofolk are considered monsters or aberrations in most societies. They're being hunted wherever they go, all in order to exterminate their kind, often deemed as "pests".
Staying in one place for longer periods of time comes with the risk of being found out, and so is making friends or allies.
God help the little Arachnofolk children that accidentally wandered into a Human village, looking for their lost toy, and asking passerbys whether they've seen it.
Because of this, the Arachnofolk have to stay hidden. Disguised. Stealthy.
Arachnofolk Names
Arachnofolk names aren't anything specific, as their arachnid communication links are not a real language.
They don't have an alphabet or any form of writing, generally using the one that is in the closest proximity to their dens.
- Arachnofolk making their dens in dwarvish crystal mines might adapt their system of writing and naming practices.
- Arachnofolk living in dense forests might pick up on elvish phonology, learning to mimic the sounds of their language.
- Etc.
Arachnofolk Traits
Arachnofolk possess abilities related to their arachnid origins.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and a score of your choice increases by 1.
Age
Arachnofolk mature at the same rate as the species they're intertwined with, but typically live much shorter because of genocide that looms over them.
Size
Arachnofolk are about the same size and build as humans, but vary from person to person. Your size is Medium or Small.
Web Weaver
While in contact with a web, you know the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.
Additionally, you ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Spider Sense
The Spider Sense allows you to use your reaction in order to impose disadvantage on an enemy that is about to attack you.
You can only use this feature twice per short rest.
Speed
Your base walking and climbing speeds are 30 feet.
Superior Darkvision
Granted to you by your spider-like eyesight, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can discern all color in darkness, but not without a solid perception check.
Easily Flammable
The web fluid stored in your body, used to produce silk or cobwebs, is extremely flammable.
Given the amount of above-mentioned fluid in your organism, you have a natural vulnerability to fire.
Spider Powers
You know the spider climb spell. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the web spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a short rest. Dexterity is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.
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