Homebrew Arachne Species Details

Deep in the forests of the Feywild, Arachne make their homes. With a tendency to build not only horizontally, but also vertically, their towns are truly a spectacle to behold. Wooden structures held together by fine silk stretch between the trunks of towering trees dot the ground and occupy countless platforms leading up to the boughs of these colossal titans. Rope bridges held together with the finest of silks connect each of these platforms in complex patterns creating the appearance of a large spiderweb when viewed from below. A spectacle made all the more impressive with the colors of the bio-luminescent plants reflecting off the pure white strands. Inside, the homes are invariably covered in rich tapestries, each showing a masterful touch. Arachne tend to live simple lives, weaving in peace in their dwellings. As such, the species tends to be a bit more reclusive and they rarely deal with outsiders. This seclusion makes them seem more like myth than reality with the nearby Fey cities of the Eladrin or Elves almost entirely unaware of their existence. Chance meetings may occasionally result in trade, fine silks in exchange for Elven luxuries, but few believe the tales of where it came from when an Arachne Tapestry appears.

And that works to the favor of most Arachne. Many are very conscious of their monstrous forms, that of a giant spider with the torso of a humanoid growing from above the mandibles. Most Arachne range from under 5 feet to just over 6 feet in height, with the spider aspects making up about half of that. With such an appearance, while the Arachne may be viewed as Myths, they are keenly aware of other, very real, creatures that share their appearance. Driders. A vicious species that brings conflict and bloodshed wherever it goes. For Arachne, the worst possible outcome is being mistaken for a member of that monstrous race and being hunted as a result. It is this fear that keeps most Arachne, peaceful by nature, secluded in their homes and dedicated to their weaving. Though occasionally, individuals will arise in these communities that long for something more. Often, these brave or foolhardy Arachne will reach out to other races in order to foster trade, though they are met with mixed success.

More rarely, these Arachne will travel further afield in search of real adventure. Most stick to more secluded areas, far from any Underdark entrances, where the fear of Drider attacks are lesser and the populace is slightly less likely to attack on sight. A lucky few will meet friends in these places that can help keep them from harm. Fellow adventurers that can look past appearances, a mage that can gift them with a magic to blend in, or a well off noble that is enraptured by their weaving. Such friends are hard to come by, but when they do they form strong bonds that often last a lifetime.

Although Arachne reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the Arachne understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass general wisdom. An Arachne typically claims adulthood around the age of 100 and can live to be over 900 years old.

Arachne tend to have child names until the time they reach the age of 100, at which time they choose a name that reflects what they consider important. Often, this name is derived from a trait or a goal, but it can occasionally be derived from the name of another individual that has had a profound impact on their life.

Arachne tend towards neutral and good alignments.

Arachne Traits

Your Arachne character has the following racial traits.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice. Due to their home in the Feywild, this language is often, but not always, Elvish.

Ability score increase

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

Fey Ancestry

The Arachne has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put the Arachne to sleep.

Spider Climb

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

Web Walker

The Arachne ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Bite

The Arachne is able to use the mandibles on its spider body to make an unarmed attack on an enemy that inflicts d4 piercing damage plus 2d8 poison damage on a failed save. The Arachne has proficiency in this attack.

Innate Spellcasting

The Arachne's innate spellcasting ability is Wisdom. The Arachne can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: dancing lights
1/day each: web, faerie fire