Arachne
Arachne
The arachne are a carnivorous demi-human liminal race that have a human torso, but whose
lower body is that of a giant spider. The subraces of the arachne fall into any number of
categories and professions. They range from powerful warriors and agile hunters to thrifty
merchants and skilled artisans. They are perceived with fear and disgust by many of the other
races. They are accustomed to hostility they may receive from strangers and travelers, and
have developed a cynical view of the world. Their overbearing presence on the battlefield is
enough to intimidate the hardiest of warriors, making them an ally's greatest asset and an
enemy's worst nightmare.
Web Weavers
The arachne are a carnivorous demi-human liminal race that have a human torso, but whose
lower body is that of a giant spider. The humanoid body upper bodies display all human
varieties when it comes to skin tone and features, but certain features stand out in the subraces.
They typically have six spider-like eyes on their face, but the number can vary with different
individuals. Their forearms are covered in an exoskeleton, much like their spider body, and end
with sharp, claw-like hands. While the spider body contains a primary opisthosoma, their wrists
contain a secondary opisthosoma which also produces silk to assist in their web crafting. The
arachne padipalps, which are normally used by spiders for eating, no longer function as such
and act more like humanoid thighs. In holding true with spider sexual dimorphism, most females
are larger than their male counterparts.
Matriarch Leadership
With the recent advancement of the arachne races, communities have been built and founded
under the leadership of matriarch councils. These arachne communities have sprung up in
many different environments with most of them being subrace specific. A central leadership
exists with a representative from each subrace that partake in the major decision making for the
arachne race as a whole. Being a young species with an unsavory impression, the arachne
have made a commitment to attempt to prove that they are not the monsters of everyone's
misconceptions. Some arachne have moved into other race settlements when they have been
met with warm hospitality.
Arachne Names
Arachne names are described as resembling hissing, screeching and clacking sounds. Most
arachne have a given name and family name, but some choose to use nicknames. Human,
elven and gnomish names are sometimes found among them, albeit rarely.
Male Names: Nasruq, Onrix, Ovix, Zhirrud, Yokrad, Keezix, Zezrad, Sarkid, Ovad, Kaazsir,
Laqzid, Kissid, Achad, Zrel'zeekat, Aazis, Nesex, Rhokko, Isrix, Ok'zuq, Kiseb, Irzat, Qakkir,
Xesur, Arralrab
Female Names: Rhokku, Zexhil, Raiza, Qhali, Zhirieqi, Rhallakki, Seeli, Qaxhale, Zossu,
Ravucer, Iella, Szik'sah, Shaq'shi, Ainchu, Ixhil, Zhaza, Neevil, Qico, Noshiq'she, Isul, Rizu,
Sin'qira, Yoxhih, Olshi, Nolnih, Zechi
Arachne Traits
With a mix of human and spider traits, rachne have these traits.
Ability Score Increase
All arachne subraces racial trait of dexterity is increased by 1.
Age
Arachne reach adulthood around 15 years old and live to be an average of a century.
Alignment
Arachne tend to be neutrally aligned, but can be found in the extremes at times. Those that
have fallen into the evil alignment are most often consumed by their cynical outlook on life, while
some populations are merely feral and are controlled more by their animal instinct than their
humanoid consciousness.
Darkvision
Accustomed to nocturnal activity, caves and dark dwellings, arachne have superior vision in
dark and dim conditions. Arachne 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 can't discern color in darkness, only shades of
gray.
Claws
Arachne have natural claws that are used in for their web weaving from their spinnerets in their
wrists. Lycachne, Solifachne, and Therachne usually use their claws for burrowing. Araneichne,
Latrodachne, Saltichne, and Sicarachne have sharp, dexterous claws used for their web
weaving.
Spider build
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity.
In addition, due to your lower body, you cannot make use of mounts.
Finally, a Medium or smaller creature can ride on your spider back if you allow it. Saltichne can
only allow a Small creature ride on their back. In such a situation, you continue to act
independently, not as a controlled mount.
Hybrid Nature
You have two creature types: humanoid and monstrosity. You can be affected by a game effect if
it works on either of your creature types.
Web Sense
While in contact with a web, the arachne knows the exact location of any other creature in
contact with the same web.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.
Subrace
Arachne are divided into seven vastly different subraces: Araneichne, Latrodachne, Lycachne,
Saltichne, Sicarachne, Solifachne, and Therachne. Choose one of these subraces.
Araneichne (Weavers)
The araneichne are a medium sized arachne sub race. Their humanoid body display all the
human varieties of skin tones and features. Their spider body has the widest variety of features
among the sub races with appearances that range anywhere from the likes of crab orb weaver
spiders to the enormous golden orb spiders. They have a presumptuous personality that
sometimes comes as an annoyance among the sister races. Araneichne are proud of their
proficiency at spinning web and often create some remarkable commodities. They value
knowledge and education, and can be found enjoying various forms of artistic craftsmanship.
Size
They range from just over 5 ft to just under 7 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 120 to
200 lbs. Their size is Medium.
Speed
Base walking speed is 25 feet.
Web
Araneichne can cast the spell web twice. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
Once you do so, you can't cast it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Spider Walk
You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore
movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Latrodachne (Widows)
The latrodachne are a medium sized arachne subrace. Their humanoid body is described as a
slender build often with ears that end in a pointed feature. The spider body is typically dark with
different hues of brown or black with a luster to it. The most prominent feature of the latrodachne
is a very distinctive reddish marking that is found on their arachnid body. It is usually found as
an hourglass on the underside of their abdomen, but can be found in many different variations
with some of the markings on the upper side. They have a very graceful personality and can be
very persuasive speakers to their audience. They are known among the other arachne
subspecies for their crafting of poisons and interest in alchemy. Their alchemy practices rival
that of their competitors of the sicarachne subrace.
Size
Latrodachne range from 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is 115 to 190 lbs. Their
size is Medium.
Speed
Base walking speed is 30 feet.
Poison Resistance
Latrodachne's knowledge of poisons gives them a resistance to Poison.
Web
Latrodachne can cast the spell web twice. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
Once you do so, you can't cast it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Spider Walk
You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore
movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Size
Lycachne range from 5 ft to a little over 6.5 ft and almost as wide. Weight is 90 to 200 lbs. Their
size is Medium.
Speed
Base walking speed is 30 feet.
Keen Senses
You have a proficiency in Perception and Survival Skills.
Web Walker
The lycachne ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Saltichne (Jumpers)
Saltichne are the smallest of the arachne subraces that sport a small hairy spider body with
strong legs like that of a jumping spider. Most of their human features resemble that of gnomes
and have a personality to match. Their eyesight is amazing compared to that of all the other
arachne subraces. Jovial and enthusiastic, they are known to almost hop and skip around when
they get excited. They have an affinity for the musical arts and are quite famous for their unique
dances around the arachne race. For being a loud race, they can be strangely stealthy when
sneaking up to other races to pull one of their pranks, which usually involves hopping onto the
backs of others for an uninvited piggy back ride.
Size
Saltichne range from 3 to 4 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 40 to 80 lbs. Their size is
small.
Speed
Base walking speed is 25 feet.
Saltichne Jump
You have the innate ability to perform jump 4 times before needing a rest. Your jump distance is
tripled and jump height is doubled. A short rest only replenishes 2 jump action and a long rest
replenishes 4 jump actions up to 4 total jump actions. Does not require a running start.
Web Anchor
Saltichne web acts as a safety cable or bungie cord. When climbing or jumping, they attach it to
a point to prevent them from falling and taking any damage.
Spider Walk
You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore
movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Keen Senses
Saltichne have a proficiency in Perception Skill.
Sicarachne (Recluses)
The sicarachne are a medium sized arachne subrace. Their humanoid body has the same
characteristics and variations as most humanoid races. Their spider body is fairly smooth with a
brownish hue to it. They have a darker brown distinguishable marking on their spider back that
resembles a violin. They are typically a nomadic race that rove from place to place among the
other arachne territories. The short stops they make between other communities usually last no
longer than week. Because of their wandering nature, they have become adept at trading with
other races and experienced merchants making them vital to the economy of the arachne race
as a whole. Their interest in alchemy sometimes puts them at odds with their rivals, the
latrodachne. They are a very resilient arachne subrace and are great at adapting to different
environments.
Size
Sicarachne range from just under 5 ft to 6 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is 100 to 175 lbs.
Your size is Medium.
Speed
Base walking speed is 30 feet.
Spider Walk
You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces, including
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, you ignore
movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Sicarachne Resistance
Sicarachne are very hardy arachne and are resistant to necrotic and poison effects.
Solifachne (Solifuges)
The solifachne are a medium sized arachne sub race. Their humanoid body has many
variations and characteristics of humans. Their spider body is segmented, with short hairs all
along it, and comes in a variety of brownish color hues. They are known among the other
arachne for their speed that can be equal to that of a horse. They are often endemic to arid
environments, but can be found in most warm environments. They are found to be the more
religious sub race among their arachne peers. They tend to avoid most conflicts and arguments,
but when faced with threat and danger, they can become exceptional combatants. Unlike the
rest of the arachne sub races, solifachne are unable to spin webs.
Size
Solifachne range from 5 1/2 ft to just under 7 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 150 to
250 lbs. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Base walking speed is 35 feet.
Spider Walk
You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces without
needing to make an ability check.
Therachne (Tarantula)
A large bodied hairy arachne species that's spider portion resembles that of tarantulas. Typically
more aggressive than their sister arachne sub-species, they are renowned for their fighting
prowess and strength. With big burly claws, they are known for digging and most homes are
built into sides of hills or some sub-level dwellings. The hair on their bodies are typically stiff with
a wide variety of coloration. When a Therachne sheds it's thick hair as a means of escape, it
creates a bare patch on their body that acts as a mark of shame for turning away from combat.
Size
Therachne range from 7 ft to 9 ft tall and almost as wide. Weight is from 200 to 400 lbs. Their
size is Large.
Speed
Base walking speed is 30 feet. Therachne are not slowed by heavy armor.
Spider Walk
You have a climb speed equal to your walking speed. You can climb difficult surfaces without
needing to make an ability check.
Natural Armor
You have thick, coarse hair that covers your spider body. You have a natural armor bonus of 1.
When unarmored, your AC is equal to 11 + your constitution modifier.
Additionally, a shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.
Finally, in dire situations your hair can be shed that will temporarily blind an enemy to create an
escape opportunity.