Homebrew Araneya Species Details

Located deep in the crooks and caves of Labyrinthia's underground levels, the Araneyas are a mysterious and sheltered people who defend the Lifestring Library from their Silken Citadel.

These spider-hybrids are content in their form, having evolved slowly from elves and arachnids. Perhaps due to the subterranean crystals which undulate with magic and make up the foundations of the Citadel. 

Crawling with Culture

The Araneya society has a deep love for art and beauty, with many taking an interest in textiles or the unique flora that thrives in the dark. They serve the Matron of Weavers as Queen of the Silken Citadel, who encourages them to continue their purpose as gatherers of secret history and archivists of the arcane. However, many Araneya have been known to venture out into the world with the Matron's blessing in order to find their own identity. 

Hanging from a Lifeline

Araneya have short and sweet lifespans of 40 years, placing an increased importance on the ancestral lessons they pass down to their children. An Araneya reaches intellectual maturity at age 16. 

A Web of Appearances

The appearance of an Araneya exists across a wide spectrum, with some taking on humanoid traits from the waist-up, and others possessing more spider-like features. 

Your creature size is Medium. Araneya height can go as low as 5ft tall, and as high as 7ft tall. All Araneya have between four and six legs out of their abdomen, with at least two arms on their humanoid form. Their abdomens often feature unique and colourful patterning which break up black or brown fur. 

Araneya Names

Names hold little importance to the Araneya, as their bodily markings and unique appearances are enough to demonstrate any notable heritage. As such, names are often selected out of personal preference and a desire to better understand oneself. These names have been observed to come from a wide range of sources, be it: minerals, plants, creatures etc. 

Popular Names: Amber, Agatia, Barrelstalk, Beryllium, Chanterelle, Chrysanthe, Eltik, Taran, Tulula, Whipweed, Wisteria, Willow etc. 

 

 

Araneya Traits

Being an underground arachnid has left you uniquely adapted to certain scenarios.

Ability Score Increase

A versatile species. Add +2 to an Ability Score of your choice and +1 to another Ability Score of your choice. Ability Scores can not be increased over 20. 

Darkvision

Accustomed to life underground, you have superior 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 colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Arachnid Armour

You have advantage on saving throws against poison damage. You ignore movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Spider Climb

The Araneya can climb difficult surfaces without needing to make an Ability Check. However, due to your increased weight, hanging upside-down or remaining stationary on a wall may require an Ability Check. In combat, you have a climb speed equal to your base walking speed of 35 feet.

The Many-Limbed Librarian

When making an Investigation check on: books, tomes, scrolls, ledges, bookshelves etc. you are considered Proficient. Please select one proficiency out of this selection: Arcana, History, Religion, Nature. 

Araneya Agility

Your basic training at the Silken Citadel has made you proficient with weapons that require speed, agility and precision: Rapiers, Shortswords and Shortbows.

Natural Weavers

Your arachnid heritage has granted you an insight for weavework. Take proficiency in Weaver's Tools and one other tool of choice. 

Chittering Charge

If you move at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hit it with a melee weapon attack on the same turn, you can immediately follow that attack with a bonus action, making one attack against the target with your legs for 1d6 damage + your Dexterity or Strength modifier.