Aracae (5e Race)
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Aracae[edit]
Fall From Pride[edit]
The Aracae were once humans. Long ago, an individual named Arachne saw herself as equal, or perhaps even greater, than the gods themselves. She gathered magic, power, and above all, influence to the point that she was worshiped by a substantial following. With her power, she would weave objects of great power, spin the coil of magic into new, terrifying spells, and take on the traits of her teacher, the spider. She loved spiders, and would encourage her followers to worship them as extensions of herself. Eventually, she proclaimed to all the world that she was the penultimate of the gods. Unfortunately for her, she was far from correct. By spitting in the faces of the gods, she called down their wrath and was cursed. Because she and her followers admired spiders so much, they would become like them. They took on traits of the many species of spiders, becoming monstrous and nightmarish. As such, they were outcast from society, forced underground where they could spin their webs and grow their nests.
Arachnid Evolution[edit]
Given how there are many different types of spiders, dozens of Aracae were born from the curse. But, despite their differences, there are some commonalities that they all share. For one, their bone and muscular structure is far more angular and rigid, as compared to the average human. Additionally, there tends to be an excess growth of hair on the forearms, sideburns, and nape of the neck. This grants them increased sensitivity to vibrations.
When they venture out of the nest, Aracae usually wear a covering for their forehead to hide the second set of eyes that reside above the primary. Then there is the mandible. When closed, modern Aracae look indistinguishable from normal humans, but when opened and ready to kill, there are few things more terrifying. The chin splits in two and long, needle-like teeth extend from the front of the jaw. The mouth opens up to the ears and a roar-like hiss is let out in battle.
Unlike some depictions, Aracae do not spray webs from their wrists. Rather, there is a special canal located under the tongue. It is impossible for them to spray webs while their mandibles are closed, so they must reveal their true look to use their silky spray.
Living In The Nest[edit]
Aracae are a matriarchal society, though nowhere near as brutal as actual spiders. Female Aracae hold all of the primary positions of power in the Nest. Though Males are allowed to hold power of some kind, the Female are always seen as superior.
Each nest has a queen, not in the sense that they give birth to all the members of the nest, in the literal, monarchal sense. As per their traditions, every queen takes on the name Arachne, typically with a defining title and their last name to distinguish themselves from other queens.
The hunt is something valued incredibly high by the Aracae. Rights of passage, ceremonies for the transferring of power, or simple celebrations, are all cemented by a great hunt. Trials to bring the largest or most impressive kill are the highlight of Aracae culture.
The Aracae are practically worshiped by the Drow. To them, the Aracae are seen as the perfect beings, embodiments of beauty and power. But, despite this view, the Aracae do not treat their Drow residents as "slaves", per say. While they are definitely much lower on the totem pole, there is a symbiotic relationship between the two races. Sprawling cities have been built in the Underdark through their co-operation. Also, each member of an Aracae royal family is assigned of group of 4-5 Drow to serve as their elite team. Called the "Brood Watch", they will often be sent out on assignments for their leader, or accompany them on personal missions.
Aracae Names[edit]
The Aracae base most of their names off whatever species of spider they are related to. However, this is not always the case. When they do not use this naming scheme, some have noted that they have an Elvish sound to them.
Male: Daz, Jae'Fryx, Lin'Jak, Terrent, Volfe
Female: Clusa, Cellara, Fibria, Kefka, Thina
Aracae Traits[edit]
A race of humans, cursed to become part arachnid.
Ability Score Increase. When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. You can't raise any of your scores above 20.
Age. Aracae are still technically humans. As such, they age at the same rate and have a similar lifespan.
Alignment. Being a feared race for so many generations, Aracae are typically pushed towards a chaotic alignment. However, that does not mean they are evil. In fact, some Aracae nests are a majority good, and have tried to re-enter society.
Size. Aracae tend to be of average height, usually around 5-6ft tall. Your size is medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30ft.
Darkvision. You 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.
Spider Climb. You can walk on difficult surfaces such as walls, or upside down on ceilings without needing to make an ability check.
Arachnid Mutation. Starting at 1st level, you can cast Speak with Animals at will. When you use this version of Speak with Animals, you can communicate only with arachnid creatures. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the Web spell, using Constitution as your spellcasting ability for it. Once you cast the spell, you can't cast it again with this trait until you finish a short or long rest.
Spider Bite. Your teeth are natural weapons, which count as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. You can add your Strength or Dexterity modifier to the attack and damage rolls when you attack with this bite. It deals 1d4 piercing damage on a hit.
Silk Strider. You can move across webs without any penalty to movement. Additionally, you have Tremorsense out to 60ft, so long as you are on webs.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.
Subrace. Aracae have had their DNA spliced with different breeds of spiders. Choose which one your family is descended from.
Black Widow[edit]
Sleek and deadly, the Black Widow Aracae are known for their distinct markings and deadly venom.
Venomous Bite. When using your Spider Bite feature, you can add an extra 1d6 poison damage. This damage increases by 1d6 when you reach 5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6). You can choose to add this damage after you hit. You can add this poison damage a number of times a day equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses after a long rest. Additionally, you can expend one use of this feature to create one vial of Assassin's Blood poison.
Tarantula[edit]
The Tarantula Aracae are strong, mighty, proud, and intimidating.
Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Jumping Spider[edit]
Despite their smaller build, this breed of Aracae is often the most unsettling given how they can go from completely motionless to leaping through the air at shocking speed.
Predator Jump. As a bonus action, you can jump a number of feet equal to five times your proficiency bonus, without provoking opportunity attacks. You can use this trait only if your speed is greater than 0. You can use it a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Raft Spider[edit]
The most unique of the Aracae, this breed can regulate the pressure of their steps and walk on water.
Water Walk. By treating it as difficult terrain, you can walk on water. If you attack or cast a spell, you must succeed a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or fall into the water. If you are hit by an attack or spell while standing on water, you instantly fall in.
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