Aranea

The shape-changer spiders

The araneas, sometimes called werespiders, are monstrous magical giant spiders, usually of neutral alignment, which may present themselves as humanoids.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Although often called werespiders, the araneas are not true lycanthropes. However, they share the ability to change between their humanoid appearance and that of a monstrous giant spider, or even a hybrid form between them.
In their natural form, these creatures appear as giant spiders, but with subtle differences. Beneath their arachnid jaws, they feature a pair of human-sized arms ending in long fingers with many joints and shorter double-jointed thumbs. On its back are two segments: the first keeps its vital organs and presents a disposition similar to the common arachnids, whereas in the second, the larger, is located the brain of the aranea.
As their second, humanoid form, they appear indistinguishable from that of a calishite human, a calishite half-elf, or, in rare cases, a drow. The humanoid form is genetically defined, and each aranea has only one, fixed from its birth.
Araneas can still take a third, hybrid form. They appear as in their humanoid forms, but with sharp fangs and spinnerets in their hands, plus an extra pair of eyes. The creature can still choose to present additional arms, up to a total of eight.

Biological Traits

The araneas are inherently magical beings and can cast some spells, resembling as a sorcerer or dragon can. They often prefer feats of illusion, enchantment, or charm, and avoid all sorts of fire spells.
Moreover, with their prey, present in their natural and hybrid forms, the araneas can poison their victims with their bites, and also produce silk and webs with their spinnerets.

Genetics and Reproduction

The araneas perform their reproduction within their nests, between a female aranea and a male aranea, human or elf. About a month after the sexual act, the aranea enters the laying stage, which lasts about seven to nine days.
One female puts about ten eggs per gestation, usually in one big silk egg sac, which keeps humidity constant. Araneas weave these sacs themselves, generally in sheltered places near their nests.
After laying, the araneas pass through the larval stage inside the egg. This stage lasts about four months until the baby araneas hatch from their eggs as young, small and immature, but with a form similar to that of an adult.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The araneas live in a matriarchal society, usually ruled by the queen, the elder aranea who gave birth to that community. They set these groups apart but around other civilizations, where the araneas go disguised as healers and barbarians or even as spinners araneas to exchange their products and services, or also, when necessary, to look for a new partner.
Disguised in their human forms, some araneas exchange silk, herbs and potions with settlements near their nests, such as Almraiven and Volothamp. During the Era of Upheaval, a group of them even worked secretly for Silverstars Trading Coster of Saradush.

Civilization and Culture

History

According to the legend, the araneas were created by calishite wizards during the Night Wars to infiltrate the ranks of the drow armies. By that time, originally, they were only able to take the humanoid form of drows, but then some succeeded in the ability to transform into calishite human or half-elves, being able to return to human cities disguised, and spreading from there all over the world. When the war ended, the "werespiders" were hunted and killed, or taken to the Spider Swamp. There the araneas became a neutral and pacifist people, even going to the coastal town of Volothamp to offer silk, herbs and potions in exchange for other products.
More than 800 years after its banishment, during the Age of Humanity, the Qysara Shoon V blamed the araneas for a plague that was ravaging Almraiven. As a result, they were almost completely exterminated by the Volothamp 's military. At that time, some araneas adhered to the worship and worship of Zanassu, a demon lord of spiders, seeking protection and went to inhabit a city called Ajhuutal, founded somewhere in the swamp. Two years later, the Qysara banished the god back to Abyss. The society of the banished demon began its gradual degradation, as the priests of Zanassu desperately waited for the return of the god for the next thousand years.
When Selvetarm, a mighty tanar'ri who claimed to be Zanassu back from his banishment appeared, he implemented a tyranny reign that lasted sixty-six years. At that time, his agents took full control over the government of Volothamp and the araneas secretly became their rulers. However, when the Time of Troubles arrived, the demon disappeared in the Forest of Mir. The disappearance of the god, combined with the advent of Darkstalker Wars, culminated in the end of the reign of the araneas, as if it had never occurred. The priests of Zanassu again awaited their return, yet unaware that they were indeed worshiping Selvetarm. The rest of the araneas became relatively peaceful, though they had violently expanded their territory through the southern of the Forest of Mir.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Despite the monstrous appearance, the araneas are a race of peaceful beings. They feed only on animals and do not kill sapient creatures to live. They are usually found far from civilized societies because they are often hunted by those who do not understand them or are afraid.
Araneas always try to avoid fighting each other and against other races, but when they are pressured into it, they like to take the battle into their nests and always take advantage of their webs and spells, immobilizing or distracting the most powerful opponents first. They prefer to take prisoners and exchange them for some ransom than to kill them.

Lifespan

120 years

Average Weight

150 lb / 75 kg (natural form)