Weaver Arachne (5e Race)

Weaver Arachne

This special type of Arachne is mostly found in areas where the larger builds of Arachne would not be able to pass, like in caves and in jungles, being half the typical size of an Arachne.

The upper half of a Weaver tends to look like a paler, slightly smaller upper half of a humanoid. They have slightly larger eyes from generations of living within cave systems. Their lower half looks like the smaller build of a spider--about 3 to 4 feet wide, with an oversized abdomen. Because of their reclusive nature, Weaver societies used to not encounter many humanoids. When they did, they mainly encountered druids, which initially avoided the fear and disgust commonly faced by other Arachne. This initial encounter with druids instilled a sense of sweetness among Weaver societies towards outsiders.

Weavers are extremely famous for their weaving abilities, with the clothing they make being worldly renowned. Their silk is extremely strong and their crafts contain some retention of magic, perfect for enchanters, wizards.

This breed of Arachne tends to be nocturnal in the wild. If you fall into one of their traps, try to use violence as a last resort. Generally, they will not attack you immediately--their childish fascination with whatever they find interesting will prevent them from killing you, but be ready for a mountain of questions about what they call the Sun world. If possible, try bonding with them.

Because they are such good weavers, even in enslavement they will generally be treated extremely well with good food, plenty of sleep, and great care. Weavers living in humanoid settlements are mostly found working under high nobles or with the Weavers & Dyers’ guilds.

History

Not much is known about their history since they tend to not record it, but we know they’re from the Underdark. They are mostly hunter-gatherers, setting traps with their forests and in the caves they inhabit, both in the material planes and in the Shadowfell. They however don't originate from those planes of existence. It is said that they were created in a plane full of spider-like beings by the Mother Spider, not Lolth. Weaver arachne consider Loloth a usurper, who tries to take credit for the race's creation from the Mother Spider. Another figure who is said to have a hand in the race's creation is the Shadow One, who the Weaver Arachne look up to like a father.

Society

Weavers tend to be more social than any other Arachne, so Weaver communities do exist (when their lair can allow it), or they just live with other races--possible only through their natural charisma and their mature but childlike attitude. They do sometimes trade with other races, but they will ask allies from another race to come and pick up the goods. The only big Weaver's city is Darkfall, a commercial city suspended over crevasses and mountains. Weavers tend to be way more peaceful than any other race and prefer to trade, hunt, and create art. However, if provoked, they will not hesitate to take arms and fight.

Weaver Arachne Traits

Smaller arachnid based.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Charisma score increase by 1.
Age. Weavers, much like spiders, mature quickly, becoming adults at the age of 5 or 6. Contrary to typical Arachne, they are assumed to live around 200 years.
Alignment. Weavers tend to be neutral good, but it is possible to find a Weaver that will lean towards other alignments.
Size. Weavers are smaller than normal Arachne, around 4-6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Tauroid Build. Due to your lower body, you cannot make use of large mounts.
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.
Weaver's Lore. You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice, from: Acrobatics, Persuasion, Perception, Stealth, or Survival.
Webbing. You can cast the spell web once without expending a spell slot. Charisma 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.
Chitin body. When unarmored, your Armor Class is equal to 12 + your Dexterity modifier.
Weaver's Claws. Additionally, you are proficient in weaver's tools and are considered to have a set on you at all times without the weight. 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.
Monstrous Nature. Your creature type is considered to be both humanoid and a monstrosity.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Undercommon.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
4′ 5''	+2d12	50 lb.	× (1d4) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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