Neogi (Spelljammer Supplement)

Given the beholders' race war and the illithids' obsession with trade, the role of "Great Threat to the Universe" currently goes to the neogi.  They are almost universally hated, and are one of the few exceptions to any hospitality traditions.  If there ships are encountered in space, it is best to either attack immediately, or flee immediately, depending on whether or not you think you can take them.  It is a brazen neogi that moves openly through a town, and shops might have a tendency to close as it approaches.  However, they are usually quite safe from physical harm in such situations, thanks to their bodyguards. The neogis are a surprisingly small race to inspire such hate and fear.  Only about 3' high, they have the body of a giant spider with the neck and head of a moray eel.  The body is furry, with eight chitinous legs, and the evil, vicious face is filled with needle sharp teeth.  Their bite is poisonous, and their personality more so.  They are all, to the last member of their race, killers, plunderers, slavers and sadists.  To a neogi, everything in the universe is either owned or owner, slave or master, and only neogi can be the masters.  Even neogis are slaves to other neogis, forming a hierarchy within their society, but even the slave-neogis may have their own slaves and may eventually become the master themselves. For all their viciousness, the neogis would not be such a threat except for their relationship with umber hulks.  The neogis raise umber hulks from birth, training the monsters to follow their "small lords" and care for their every need.  They provide the strength and combat ability that the neogis themselves lack.  Every neogi has at least one primary umber hulk, called a "lordservant", and usually many other lesser servants.  To the neogis, all other species are desirable as slaves, but none of them will never be valued as highly as the least umber hulk.  Neogis gather slaves for many purposes, including expendable troops in battle, laborers, playthings to be tortured, and eventually, food.