Homebrew Arachne (spiderfolk) Species Details

In the oldest tales, before dungeons were named and gods still walked openly among mortals, there lived artisans whose skill rivaled legend itself. Among them was Arachne, a mortal weaver whose tapestries surpassed even those blessed by the gods. Her pride drew the gaze of Athena, and in the clash between divine authority and mortal brilliance, punishment was delivered not in death, but in transformation.

From this myth arose the arachne.

Arachne are descendants—by blood, curse, or divine echo—of mortals who defied the heavens. Their bodies reflect this origin: the upper form of a humanoid fused seamlessly with the lower body of a great spider, capable of spinning silk of breathtaking beauty or lethal precision. To the arachne, weaving is more than craft—it is memory, rebellion, and prayer all at once.

Though often feared or reviled, arachne are not inherently monstrous. They are patient, contemplative beings, shaped by the knowledge that excellence may invite envy, and that the gods are not always just. Many arachne cultures prize humility in word but perfection in action, believing that true mastery needs no proclamation. Others embrace their origin with quiet defiance, creating works of silk and story meant to outlast the names of the gods who cursed them.

In the world at large, arachne walk a narrow thread between reverence and resentment—respected for their skill, hunted for their form, and forever watching the heavens with eyes that remember what it means to be punished for greatness.

Arachne (spiderfolk) Traits

Your arachne character possesses a collection of innate abilities born of their hybrid nature, blending humanoid intellect with the predatory gifts of the spider.

Ability Score Increase.

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

Darkvision.

Accustomed to shadowed caverns and moonless forests, you have darkvision out to 60 feet.

Spider Climb

You can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Natural Armor

Your chitinous lower body provides protection.

When not wearing armor, your AC equals 11 + your Dexterity modifier

You may still use a shield

Web Sense.

While you are in contact with webs you created or natural spider webs, you gain:

Advantage on Perception checks

You cannot be surprised

Webspinner

You can produce natural spider silk.

As an action, you can create a 10-foot cube of webbing in an unoccupied space you can see within 30 feet.

The area is difficult terrain.

Creatures entering or starting their turn in the webs must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution or Dexterity modifier) or be restrained until the end of their next turn.

The webs last until destroyed (AC 10, 10 HP, vulnerable to fire).

You can use this trait a number of times equal your proficiency bonus per long rest.

Venomous Bite

Your fangs deliver a paralytic toxin.

When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you may deal 1d4 piercing damage + your Strength or Dexterity modifier, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier).

On a failure, the creature takes 1d6 poison damage.

Poison damage increases to 2d6 at 5th level, 3d6 at 11th, and 4d6 at 17th.

You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon