Aranea

Aranea (or as they are often incorrectly called, "were-spiders") are a race of magical, shape-shifting giant spiders capable of taking humanoid form.

Basic Information

Anatomy

In their natural form, they look much like giant wolf spiders, but in place of their pedipalps, they have two small arms, almost like those of humanoids. They also have a pronounced hump behind their eyes, which houses their brains.

Growth Rate & Stages

Aranea age at different rates in their humanoid and spider forms. If they stay in their natural spider forms, they reach physical maturity in about 10 years and live for a total of about 200 years. Aranea that spend most of their time in their humanoid forms during their childhood will reach adulthood at the normal rate for that race. Those aranea who have humanoid forms that are particularly long-lived can extend their lifespan if they spend most of their time in their humanoid form, but this not predictable.

Dietary Needs and Habits

While aranea are carnivorous in their spider forms, it is considered incredibly taboo to eat intelligent creatures. In their humanoid forms, and to a lesser extent in their hybrid forms, they are omnivorous. Many aranea actively prefer a varied diet and will almost eat exclusively while in their humanoid forms.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Female: Zaki; Kheka; Szazhu; Siekku; Haiche; Savhish
Male: Lazrod; Khizsaq; Yirova; Irnar; Xevos; Arnaq
Neutral: Qalra; Rekal; Azah; Khazived; Zhakul; Nizarad

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Aranea are curious and social and occasionally assume their humanoid forms and seek out peaceful interactions with other humanoids. Some may even decide to live among people of other races, typically hiding their true nature as many may find their true forms monstrous.

Genetic Descendants

• Half-Aranea

Lifespan

200 Years

Geographic Distribution

• Aeduin
• Killing-Bone Isle
• Northern Lamera
• Southern Lamera