Homebrew Drider Species Details

Driders are a haunting blend of dark elf and spider, a result of an ancient curse or twisted transformation imposed by the drow gods upon those who fall out of favor. Towering and fearsome, they combine the upper body of an elf with the lower half of a massive spider. Their elven torso retains the sharp, refined features of their drow ancestors: pale or obsidian skin, angular cheekbones, and long, white or silver hair that cascades down their back. Their eyes, however, have taken on an eerie, multi-faceted appearance, glowing faintly like those of a predatory spider.

From the waist down, their bodies morph into that of a giant arachnid, complete with eight spindly legs covered in bristling hairs. Their abdomen is bloated and shiny, often adorned with faint, web-like markings or mystical runes. The fusion of elf and spider creates a creature that moves with unsettling grace, capable of scaling walls, ceilings, and leaping great distances with precision.

Driders carry with them the stigma of their curse, cast out from their society for failing their people or the gods. Though they possess incredible physical and magical power, they are often outcasts, shunned even by the drow. Many driders live in isolation, dwelling deep in caves or abandoned ruins, while others choose to seek redemption, vengeance, or a new path in the surface world. Their monstrous appearance often provokes fear and hatred, but beneath their frightening exterior lies the mind of a calculating and intelligent being.

For those driders who reject their fate, life is a constant struggle between the spider’s predatory instincts and the elf’s desire for freedom and identity. They are a race caught between two worlds—the drow heritage they once cherished and the wild, untamable nature of the creature they have become. Though few ever trust them, those who do may find a fierce ally, one who has endured unimaginable pain and seeks to prove that they are more than the curse that defines them.

Drider Traits

As a drider, you possess a powerful combination of traits, blending the physical prowess of an arachnid with the keen intellect and magical affinity of a drow. These traits not only make you a formidable opponent in battle but also give you the versatility to traverse and survive the most dangerous environments. Whether crawling across sheer cliffs or weaving intricate webs to trap your foes, your drider abilities reflect your fusion of grace and menace. Though feared for your monstrous appearance, these traits also represent the resilience and resourcefulness of a being who has embraced their complex nature, using the gifts of both elf and spider to thrive.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Driders reach adulthood at about the same rate as drow, typically around 100 years, and can live up to 800 years. Their physical and mental development is influenced by the transformation process.

Alignment

Most driders are chaotic due to their forced transformation by the drow gods or entities, though player driders may strive for good or neutrality if they seek redemption or are outcasts.

Size

Driders are a fusion of a humanoid torso and a large spider's lower half. They are classified as Medium despite their size due to the flexibility and agility of their bodies, but they tend to be larger than most Medium creatures, standing around 7 to 8 feet tall.

Speed

Walking speed: 30 feet
Climbing speed: 30 feet

Darkvision

You can see in dim light 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.

Spider Climb

You can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings while leaving your hands free.

Web Walker

You can move through webbing without being slowed or hindered.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.

Webbing

You can shoot webs from your spinnerets. As an action, you can shoot a sticky web at a point within 30 feet of you. The web creates an area of difficult terrain with a radius of 10 feet for 1 minute. Alternatively, you can attempt to restrain a target with your web. The target must succeed on a DC (8 + your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity modifier) Dexterity saving throw or be restrained. The restrained target can use its action to make a Strength check to break free (DC same as above).

Bite

As a bonus action, you can bite a creature within 5 feet of you. This bite deals 1d6 + your Constitution modifier in piercing damage and an additional 1d4 poison damage. The target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 8 + proficiency + Constitution modifier) or become poisoned for 1 minute. You regain the use of this bite after a short or long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.