Homebrew Creatus Aranea Species Details
The origin of Aranea are not always easy to trace, especially in this modern era. Originally, they were created by Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders, meant to deceive other living beings, devouring flesh to live.
They are large spiders that can shift into a humanoid form to lure creatures into their hide out, where they would be eaten. They were nicknamed Werespiders.
As time went on, different races of Aranea began to appear. New communities started to grow, which was a new concept all together for the Aranea. Normally, they travel alone, trying to avoid each other. But in this new Aranea, clusters could form in the hundreds, if not thousands.
Instead of being created by Lolth or mating, these new types were created by other means.
Some Originis Aranea were granted the ability to turn a creature into an Aranea. These were the first new type to arise, and tended to be most common. They were deemed as the Vertere Aranea. They would typically stay with the one that turned them, often living an emotionally dull life. If they were left for dead after turning, ran off from their turning parent, or were shooed away, many would form clusters with each other. This was a major turning point for the Aranea, for clusters were thought to be unnecessary, and quite frankly, a pain for Originis Aranea.
Next to form were the Aranea created synthetically via arcana curses, earning the name Maledic Aranea. These beings were cursed to become spiders, and their humanoid form was more of a jagged outline, normally with all 8 eyes and limbs still visible. They were seen as abominations, even to other Aranea. They were outcasts within outcasts, and even disliked other Maledic Aranea. Their life is lived in solitude and complete loneliness.
Another breed of Aranea was made artificially by a mixture of arcana and science, and given the name Scientia Aranea. These were spiders turned humanoid. Scientists became obsessed trying to study the Aranea, but due to their taste of blood and flesh, that task quickly became difficult. So instead, they attempted to create their own versions of the creature. Many spiders were captured and experimented on. Thousands upon thousands died in the process. Few were able to actually be made into Aranea. Those who did, lived all their life being tested and experimented, and would eventually die as their fellow spiders had.
There was one more type that was created, however, it is the most uncommon method. Other gods and demons saw what Lolth was doing and wanted to create their own werespiders. Due to Lolth being to only one actually capable of doing such a feat, the other gods and demons created copy cats that were unstable. They were unable to shift between spider and humanoid, and could only live a quarter life of what other Aranea could. They would often be an odd mix of the two. Some were only large spiders able to have a mind of a human, while others looked plainly humanoid but acted and spoke the ways of a spider. These were the Imitus Aranea. Unlike the Maledic Aranea, Imitus Aranea could live among nature or in villages freely, depending on their state of mind and stature. Some were able to live a standard life and only needing a small amount of blood throughout the weeks to sustain their hunger.
Creating your Character
When creating a character, use a d4 to choose a Creatus Aranea.
1 - Vertere Aranea
2 - Maledic Aranea
3 - Scientia Aranea
4 - Imitus Aranea
Ability Score Increase
Increase Dexterity by +2 and Charisma by +1.
Skill Proficiencies
Choose 2 of the following: arcana, athletics, animal handling, insight, nature, perception, stealth.
Age
Aranea mature around age 10 and can live up to around 200 years old. Imitus Aranea, however, can only live up to about 50 years of age.
Size
You are medium size in both forms. While in humanoid form, Aranea can range between 5-6 feet, while their spider form ranges between 7-8 feet tall.
Speed
Walking and climbing speed are always the same. When in spider form, you can add +10 ft to your speed if your DM allows it, but only when your character is consumed by rage.
Languages
You are able to read, write, and speak common and sylvan. You are also able to speak Aranean, which is a spoken only language that consists of humming, buzzing, ticks, and clicks.
Darkvision
You are able to see 60 ft in dim light as bright light, and 60 ft in darkness as dim light.
Ultravision
You can see in the ultraviolet end of the spectrum. Blood, feces, and urine glows. You gain advantage on Wisdom (survival) checks while tracking a creature.
Arachnoid Immunity
You have immunity to poisons.
Spider Climb
You are able to climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without making an ability check. If the surface has fire, water, or obstacles of that nature, you will not be able to climb that surface, or you’ll have to roll for success, determined by your DM.
Web Sense
While in contact with a web, you know the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.
Arachnoid Kin
You know the Poison Spray Cantrip. You can use the Speak with Animals spell at will, but only with spiders. At level 3, you can cast animal friendship spell for spiders only. At level 5, you can cast web. Talk with your DM to determine if these spells can be used at will or for a limited amount.
Venomous Bite
Your fangs are a natural weapon you can use to make unarmed strikes, dealing 1d6 + your strength as piercing damage. In addition, you can attempt to poison a creature you hit. The target must make a constitution saving throw made with a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your constitution modifier, or be poisoned for 1 minute. The creature can repeat this saving throw at the end of each turn, ending the effects on a success. You can repeat this attack equal to you proficiency bonus, regaining expended uses after a long rest.
For all Aranea except Imitus Aranea
You are able to shift between humanoid, hybrid, and spider form willingly. However, if you are in humanoid or hybrid form and get excessively angry or rageful, you automatically shift into your spider form. Talk with your DM to determine how you measure your anger.
Creatus Aranea Traits
Light to dark grey skin. Hair a shade darker than your spider body. Eight eyes that can be hidden in humanoid form, their color ranging for red to black to orange. When in spider form, you have 8-10 limbs, an abdomen, spinnerets, fangs, and other spider-like features. When in humanoid form, you can range on your looks depending on your background and previous race(you only have one unchanging humanoid form). Your hybrid form is a mix between your humanoid and spider forms, often having darker skin and eyes with fangs, and some times extra limbs.
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