Homebrew Arachne Species Details

History

Arachne are a race that was formed originally from a curse, to two siblings; A male named Waregin, and a female named Tufaya, both humans. The two of them believed that they were the best weavers in the world, and crafted tapestries that would sell for thousands of gold pieces per craft. People could swear that the two had the blood of Lolth herself inside of them, for their skill was unmatched. The two siblings believed that they were greater than Lolth herself, and eventually weaved a tapestry showcasing them destroying the goddess, and put it on display. Lolth was infuriated, and cursed the two siblings: Waregin was transformed into the first of a curse the Drow continues to face today, a Drider, except for he was not a Drow, but a human. Meanwhile, Tufaya was turned into a 6-armed 5-eyed humanoid, and the two of them fled, terrified at their new appearances. It is unknown how they were able to populate their race, as many races found them terrifying, but now the Arachne serve as a reminder to all that the gods are truly a terrifying force that should never be challenged.

 

Society

Arachne are typically hermits, for very little people accept them, aside from other Arachne.

 

Relationships

Arachne are typically seen as bad omens from the gods, and thus people discriminate against them, believing they bring disaster in their wake. Only the Drow accept them, and even then, they don't fully like them.

 

Arachne Personality

You can use the Arachne Quirks table to determine a personality quirk for an arachne character or to inspire how your character might act.

 

Arachne Quirks

d8 Quirks

1. I cringe when I see someone else step on a spider.
2. I have a tendency to enjoy wrapping people up in bindings too much.
3. I sometimes make random webs that I may not always use.
4. I enjoy sleeping on the ceiling.
5. I am disgusted by the idea of eating food, instead of drinking the blood of my prey.
6. I sometimes stalk potential mates.
7. I have a dream to gain a mate, and then eat their head off after reproducing.
8. I have a single web I'm constantly improving, I want it to be my ultimate dream home one day.

Arachne Names

Half-spider half-humanoid Arachnes typically take their names from either Undercommon, or Elvish, the latter being if they live with Drow.

 

Arachne Traits

Half-arachnid half-humanoids, Arachne can make very interesting adventurers for a party to have.

Arachne Traits

The Arachne are a mysterious and formidable species, resembling a hybrid of humanoid and arachnid. Their upper bodies are human-like, while their lower halves are that of a large spider, complete with eight legs. They are known for their agility, strength, and the ability to weave strong, enchanted webs that can serve as traps, shelters, or weapons. Their eyes, typically numbering between four and eight, grant them keen vision in the dark, making them adept hunters at night or in deep caverns.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength and Dexterity scores both increase 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

Arachne don't take well to laws, believing it changes people for the worse. They are typically Chaotic.

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: 20 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.

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).

Languages

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