Homebrew Arachnids of Ehlonna Species Details

Arachne are chosen humans blessed by Ehlonna, the goddess of nature and the woodlands. Through a mystical transformation, they are granted the ability to shift between their human, spider, and hybrid forms, merging them with the essence of spiders. This transformation, while physically demanding, is a gift bestowed on those who vow to protect nature and maintain the balance of life. Most Arachne embrace this duty, though some struggle with the responsibilities and choices their transformation brings.

The Arachne’s form-shifting ability is a reflection of their connection to both humanity and the natural world. They can seamlessly shift between three forms—appearing fully human, fully spider, or maintaining their hybrid form—depending on their needs or environment. This ability allows them to blend into human society when necessary, hide their true nature, or fully embrace their spider form when acting as guardians of the wild. However, this shift is purely cosmetic and does not alter their physical abilities, serving as a manifestation of their versatility and adaptability.

Arachne possess the ability to spin webs, which they use to defend the natural world and entrap those who would harm it. Their spider-like nature allows them to move effortlessly through webbed or difficult terrain, making them ideal guardians of sacred groves and forests. However, even in their human form, their true nature may be suspected, and many Arachne face mistrust or fear from humans who see them as unnatural. This misunderstanding drives some to live in seclusion, while others take advantage of their shifting forms to move unnoticed among society.

While some Arachne choose a life of isolation, dedicated to protecting sacred groves or natural sanctuaries, others travel the world, using their shifting forms to guide and protect travelers and adventurers. In their human form, they may act as scouts or guides, while their hybrid and spider forms allow them to reveal their true nature when defending the wilds. Arachne who serve Ehlonna are steadfast in their role as nature’s guardians, working to preserve balance and harmony in the wilds.

Though their transformation and shifting abilities can be a burden, most Arachne find purpose in their gift. They embody the resilience and beauty of nature, standing as both protectors and symbols of its intricate, delicate balance. Those who encounter an Arachne may find a powerful ally or face a formidable foe if they threaten the land. Whether in human, spider, or half-spider form, the Arachne remain deeply connected to their calling as guardians of the natural world.

Arachnids of Ehlonna Traits

Half-spider, half-Human. These creatures are a testament to the will of the goddess of nature and the woodlands Ehlonna.

Hybrid Form

This is the natural form of your species as you have the lower body of a spider and the upper body of a human. You are a Monstrosity.

Size

The size of their true forms range from 8 to 10 feet tall and are 10 feet wide due to their large spider like lower body. Your size is Large.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Web Walker

In your hybrid form you ignore movement restrictions caused by webs, and you knows the location of any other creature in contact with the same web. In addition you have a climbing speed equal to your walking speed, and you can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Alignment

Arachne tend to lean toward good or neutrality. Their good nature stems from the teachings of Ehlonna. While their transformation may isolate them, it often grants them a sense of purpose and humility

Age

Arachne are often created as adults, but if born, they mature at the same rate as humans and can live up to 750 years.

Darkvision

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 cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Form Shift

As a bonus action, you can assume the appearance of either a fully human or fully spider form. You always take one of those forms when you use this ability. This lasts until you use your bonus action to revert back to your hybrid form. A creature that inspects you may make an investigation (Investigation) check with (DC 8 + Proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) to realize your true nature. In addition you retain some spider like features in your human form not fully able to hide your origin and are considered a medium sized creature.

Arachnid Resilience

Poison Resistance: You have resistance to poison damage and advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.

Reel

While inside of your own webbing and in hybrid form you may try to pull another creature closer to you as an action. They must succeed against strength saving throw (8 + Proficiency bonus + Constitution modifier) or your spell save DC whichever is higher, or be pulled up to 30 feet closer to you by your webs.

Create Webs

You can create webs that fill an area with a radius of 10 feet times your Proficiency bonus, and persist for a number of minutes equal to your Proficiency bonus (or until burned away, or you choose to dismiss them). The webs function as the Web spell, except the saving throw DC to avoid them is either your Spell Save DC or (8 + Proficiency bonus + Constitution modifier), whichever is higher and is not concentration. You may use this feature a number of times equal to your Proficiency bonus, with all uses refreshing at the end of a Long Rest.