Homebrew Ettercap Species Details

"Ettercaps, children of mutation and darkness, you walk a path unique in its challenges. In your altered forms, you discover strength and mystery. Embrace your new identity, for it holds secrets the world has yet to fathom."

—Wintersinger, the Wise Firbolg Druid

Ettercaps are a mysterious race marked by a harrowing transformation, dwelling in the depths of the Underdark. Once members of other races, they now embody the darkness that envelops them, seeking answers to the enigma of their existence while navigating the treacherous realms below. In their ashen forms, Ettercaps grapple with shattered identities, harboring complex perspectives tainted by memory loss and an enduring connection to the shadows.

A Chilling Transformation

Ettercaps are a chilling testament to the transformative power of the Underdark. Once belonging to another race, their mutation has twisted them into nightmarish beings. Ettercaps vary in size, typically standing between 5 and 7 feet tall. Their bodies are emaciated and elongated, with ashen skin stretched tight over spindly limbs. Their eyes, dull and lifeless, betray the loss of their former selves. Ettercaps often have arachnid features, with multiple limbs and spinnerets, and their appearance instills unease in those who meet their gaze.

Lost Memories, Shattered Identities

The transformation into an Ettercap often comes at a severe cost—the loss of one's memory and identity. This traumatic experience leaves them with fragmented recollections of their past lives. Ettercaps often grapple with a sense of loss, seeking to understand their new existence while piecing together the remnants of who they once were. This inner turmoil can manifest in a variety of ways, shaping their personalities into a complex tapestry of emotions.

Born in Darkness, Embracing Shadows

Ettercaps originate from various races and places, but their transformation binds them to the depths of the Underdark. Once changed, they find solace in the dark caverns, hidden corners, and shadowy recesses of this subterranean realm. Some Ettercaps form loose communities, while others wander as solitary outcasts, struggling to find their place in a world that often fears or reviles them.

Elves encountered outside their own lands are commonly traveling minstrels, artists, or sages. Human nobles compete for the services of elf instructors to teach swordplay or magic to their children.

Exploration and Adventure

Ettercaps are driven by a desire to uncover the mysteries of their transformation. Many embark on perilous journeys, seeking ancient knowledge or arcane rituals that might restore their lost memories and identities. Others are motivated by a thirst for vengeance against the creatures or forces responsible for their metamorphosis. Ettercaps often find kinship with fellow adventurers who share their longing for answers and their dark, enigmatic destinies.

PERSPECTIVE OF AN ETTERCAP

Ettercaps, marked by their dark transformation, harbor complex perspectives on the world around them, tainted by their loss of identity and newfound existence in the shadows.

Drow. “Our former kin, the Drow, are both tormentors and enigmas. Some Ettercaps despise them for their cruel experiments that led to our transformation, while others cling to a twisted sense of loyalty, remembering the kinship we once shared. Suspicion and mistrust run deep in our dealings with the Drow, for we know the depths of their ambition and cruelty all too well.”

High Elves. “The High Elves, with their grace and beauty, are a reminder of what we've lost. We envy their elegance, their pristine heritage untouched by the darkness. Yet, our resentment can give way to a longing for their acceptance, as we yearn to recapture a sliver of the lives we once had.”

Humans. “Humans are a varied lot, and their unpredictability both fascinates and frightens us. Some among us are wary of their adaptability, suspecting they may exploit us. Yet, we can't deny the potential for allies among humans, those who might offer aid in our quest for answers or seek to understand the enigma of our existence.”

Ettercap Names

Ettercaps often have their names assigned to them by their Drow masters, emphasizing their servitude and loss of identity. These names are typically harsh and unmelodic, lacking the grace and beauty of their former names.

Names: Adrak, Belthor, Drizik, Elraen, Felroth, Glaizir, Haelin, Ilvyr, Jyxar, Krelthor, Maelrith, Nalith, Olvyr, Phaelar, Qylin, Rylzan, Shalara, Thirvyn, Uthoril, Vylzar.

 

Ettercap Traits

Your Ettercap character has a variety of natural abilities, the result of thousands of years of Drow experiments.

Subrace

Ettercaps are a race born of transformation, each shaped by their unique adaptation to the unforgiving depths of the Underdark. Two distinct subraces of Ettercaps, the Shadowcrawler and the Webweaver, emerge from this metamorphic journey, reflecting the diverse ways in which they navigate and survive in their subterranean homeland.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Age

Ettercaps vary in age at the time of their transformation, which can occur at any point during their original race's lifespan. Once transformed, they age at a rate similar to humans, reaching adulthood in their late teens and living up to a century.

Size

Ettercaps vary widely in height and build due to their unique origins, standing between 2 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium or Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet with an additional 30 feet climb speed.

Darkvision

Accustomed to the dimly lit Underdark, 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.

Web Walker

You have advantage on saving throws against being restrained, grappled, or incapacitated by web-based effects. Additionally, you can walk or climb on webbed surfaces at twice your base speed.

Lost Memories

Your past life before the transformation remains fragmented and elusive. You have disadvantage on Intelligence (History) checks related to your pre-Ettercap memories.

Webcraft

You can cast the Web spell a number of times per day equal to your proficiency bonus without expending a spell slot. You regain all expended uses after a long rest.

Survivor of Shadows

You have proficiency in the Survival skill, reflecting your adaptability and resourcefulness in the dark and perilous Underdark.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Undercommon and one other language of your choice, typically reflecting your pre-transformation background.