Homebrew Arachne Species Details

Arachne are Elven servants of Hel who undergo a painful process after failing one Hel's test. Failure in the procedure usually results in death. Most are Evil, but rarely, a Arachne may break this role. A Arachne appears much like a centaur, except exclusively for Elves and with a spider's body rather than a horse's. Because of this, Arachne can shoot webbing at their foes, as well as ignoring any movement restrictions caused by webs.

While one might think this form might elevate a Elfs status, this is actually a great shame, because the Elves see Arachne as beings so absolutely weak and pathetic that Hel herself had to step down to make them better, and are usually shamed and exiled from Elven society, if not killed. Arachne can be found scattered across the hostile wilderness of the Grove, surviving off what meager prey that can manage to kill. Arachne can grow to despise their Elven brethren for making them outcasts and try forgetting their pasts, although trusting them is still unwise since they are as likely to help you as they are to turn you in to the Elves in hopes of redeeming themselves, though usually, this hope will only lead them to disappoint. Arachne are rarely found outside of the Grove, but desperation can lead to some Arachne leaving the grove, though usually as hermits, pirates, or other nefarious professions. Like the Followers of Hel most Arachne have evil and hatred pounded into their being, although their transformation can bestow them with humility, and in some cases, even a different perspective. Arachne are a complicated and dangerous lot to be sure, but no matter what happened to them and what they've experienced, they are still Elves, and one who would mess with the Elves surely has a death wish.

Arachne Traits

Dex + 2, Con + 1, 7-9 feet tall, speed not effected by webs, one size larger when pushing and dragging, superior darkvision, adv. on saving throws against charms, and cant be put to sleep with magic, climb is same as walk, including upside-down, without checks, can cast web once per long rest.

Spider Climb

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.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

While a Arachne is often created while an adult, if not they mature at the same rate as humans and can live to be 750 years old.

Alignment

Tend to be as evil or neutral, the teachings of Hel made them wicked but often their transformations give them some form of humility.

Size

Arachne can be 7 to almost 9 feet tall and half as wide. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Superior Darkvision

Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you 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.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish. Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Elvish ballads to their repertoires.

Webber

You can cast the spell Web once per long rest, requiring no materials, and using Constitution to cast.