Homebrew Demihuman (Arachnae) Species Details
Demihumans come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, numerous subraces each with their own abilities. Their main characteristic, (or at least the one that’s noticed first) is the animal ears, and tail, and sometimes horns or claws they have; despite looking mostly human. They are considered an infernal race, and rightly so. They do have fiendish blood in them. So while they may look like a cross between humans and animals, they are in reality more related to tieflings.
They come in varieties such as Nekos (Cat/Feline Demihumans), Canivex (Dog/Wolf demihumans), Boviline (Cow/Bull demihumans), Lamias (Snake Demihumans), Arachnae (Spider Demihumans), Croxivars (Crocodile/Aligator Demihuman), Leporidas (Rabbit/Bunny Demihumans), Ursinids (Bear Demihumans), Kitsune (Fox Demihumans) and plenty more.
Demihumans tend to get along well with other uncommon and monsterous races fairly well. Easily seen traveling with Goblins, Tieflings, Half orcs, Gnolls, Dragonborn, and the like. They tend to live in small clans, but when multiple clans come together they can form a kingdom. Likely ruled by the clan that united the others.
Demihumans can live in most regions, and can survive well in the wilderness. The most notable Demihuman Kingdoms are Valkenheim, a raider/trading kingdom in the north. Fervellen a kingdom with a decent climate and standing based on farming and craftsmanship. And Revenalia, a kingdom to the south with a more hot climate, and known for artwork, trading, and Sailing.
A peculiar type of Demihuman, native to the underdark, caves, and mountain societies. They seem to be very similar to driders, but distinctly lacking of drow heritage, or sign of transformation. From all details they’re born like this rather than transformed to be that way by lolth. They have been influenced by the areas they inhabit and tend to prey on races who wander into their domain. They tend to be anywhere from 5’5” to 8’6” in height, with powerful venom, and web spinnning skills to boot. They are fearsome, and should not be toyed with lightly. They usually claim an area as their nest, and seek out mates. These mates (usually the males) are used, and disposed of before the children are sent away to build their own nests. Though from competition and their neighbors of their habitats, they have relatively low populations.
Demihuman (Arachnae) Traits
Depending on the Subrace, your Demihuman May have many interesting features.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Darkvision
Treat Dim light as bright light for 60 feet. Treat darkness as Dim light for 120 feet.
Spider Climb
Can climb just about any surface except magically slick surfaces at normal speed. Including ceilings.
Web Spinning
You can create web traps that can catch, and snare up to size medium creatures and shoot a web that binds and knocks medium and smaller creatures prone in combat. It has a range of 80 feet. You can also shoot a rope of web to act as a tripwire or grapple line. It has the same range as the combat web.
Neuro-Vascular Venom
If an Arachnae bites an opponent or npc, they may inject their venom as a bonus action. This venom does 2d6 poison damage, and paralyzes the target for 6 hours.