Spiderfolk (5e Race)
Spiderfolk
Built for Hunting
Spiderfolk have a strikingly similar build to that of the underdark creature, the drider. Areas in where the spiderfolk and drider differ in appearance is most notably in their size, spiderfolk are considerably smaller than driders in height and size, being of a similar height to humans. Another notable area in where spiderfolk and driders differ in appearance is the “humanoid” portion of their body. Where a drider’s humanoid segment resembles that of the dark-elves they once were, a spiderfolk’s humanoid segment is somewhat reminiscent of the arachnids from where their name has come. Spiderfolk have eight spider-like legs that extend from their thorax, a large bulbous abdomen, which houses many of their organs and a humanoid torso, arms and head atop of the thorax. Like the spiders most have come to either fear or hate, spiderfolk have eight insectoid eyes arranged upon their head positioned in a way that allow them to see all around them. The most noticeable feature of the spiderfolk face, aside from the eyes, is their strikingly human looking mouth. Lines that look like cuts in their faces extend from the corners of their mouths, as well as vertically down from the center of the bottom lip and vertically up from the upper lip. These slits only continue for a few inches before stopping. When a spiderfolk engages in feeding, the mouth opens further than when normally communicating, revealing two large fangs and two small insect-like arms usually hidden behind the cheeks and lips. Unlike other humanoids, spiderfolk do not have full heads of luscious locks, but instead are covered from head to abdomen in thin, spiky, little hairs. These hairs are primarily used as a defense mechanism against creatures that try to eat them. Irritating the mouths of the would-be predator. Spiderfolk do not have skin in the traditional sense, instead their bodies are covered in a thin exoskeleton. This exoskeleton offers no additional protection than regular mammalian skin but comes in a variety of different colors. Spiderfolk exoskeleton is usually a grey or black with a bluish, greenish or brownish hue. Typically, the hue is similar to the environment the spiderfolk inhabit, but, they can not change the color of their exoskeleton. Spiderfolk females are always larger than spiderfolk males, the females are often a foot or two taller than the males.
Terrifying Predators
Since there has been a fear of spiders, spiderfolk have been terrorizing the other races. Unlike other creatures that worship Lolth, the spiderfolk do not live primarily underground. Though there are those who choose to live that way, spiderfolk also live in forests, in mountainous areas and even in swamps. Spiderfolk stories and songs are not sung among the great epics of humans, elves and dwarves. This is because many, if not all the other races, despise spiderfolk. They see them as abhorrent creatures looking to prey on the weak and defenseless. Countless crusades and raids have been made against the spiderfolk in an attempt to wipe them out. The spiderfolk remember this and will never forget, the long history of violence and senseless attacks have caused the spiderfolk to have a hatred of all other creatures. In todays world, spiderfolk only see two races: Spiderfolk and food. They have developed a taste for the humanoids of the world and prefer the meat of dwarves, halflings and humans to that of elves and half-orcs. Exotic meats like that of tabaxi and lizardfolk are seen as a delicacy. Many spiderfolk shaman, druids and prophets say that the days are coming where spiderfolk will shape the fate of the material realm.
The Matriarchal Nest
Spiderfolk live in tribes and colonies, hidden away from any other civilisation. They are hunters by nature, venturing beyond the outskirts of their homes to find the biggest and tastiest prey. Spiderfolk live in a matriarchal society, each tribe and colony is lead by a “Spider Queen”. This Spider Queen is often a religious leader as well as a political leader, leading her people in the ways of Lolth, the only true goddess. The spiderfolk worship Lolth as they believe they were created by her and made in her image. The primary reason the females are the dominant sex in the spiderfolk world is due to the fact that after sexual intercourse, the male is eaten by the female. In spiderfolk society, men are seen as the inferior sex, they are the carers of young, the servants. Females are extremely sexist towards all males of all races and species, they know that the only purpose of men is entertainment, pleasure and to provide women with the seed to carry their strong genes. In spiderfolk society, men are not allowed to live with women, they are given their own section of the tribe. Men are not allowed to talk unless asked directly to speak, they are not allowed to venture outside of the tribe unless accompanied by a woman and it is forbidden for males to engage in homosexual activity, as they are the property of women and it is a sin to waste their seed. Men are primarily only seen around women when intercourse is to take place, any other time men are out of sight and out of mind. When spiderfolk are not hunting or attacking and eating invaders they are expert craftsmen, using their own silk and natural dyes, they create beautiful pieces of clothing, tapestries, curtains and fabrics. They also use their own silk to create whips and nets, as well as strings for bows. Spiderfolk do not enjoy music like other races, they have no natural ability to sing and they see music as needless noise that harasses their delicate senses. The only way spiderfolk express themselves artistically is by visual art in the form of their silk-weaving and through storytelling. Because of this, spiderfolk bards are unheard of, unless a spiderfolk is raised outside of a spiderfolk tribe. Most commonly, spiderfolk are barbarians or fighters. Rangers and rogues are used as scouts in hunting parties. Spellcasting is not taught in spiderfolk society, if you are born with the ability, like a sorcerer or gifted the ability like a cleric or warlock, then your magical prowess is used for the betterment of the tribe. Wizards and Druids are very uncommon as spiderfolk see both dedicating yourself to arcane matters and protecting nature as a waste of time. In fact, the only way a male spiderfolk can rise beyond his caste is if he is blessed by magical powers. Spiderfolk believe all magical gifts are from Lolth, so all that possess them are seen as prophets, heralds and guardians appointed by the goddess. Spiderfolk society is quite xenophobic. No foreign races are allowed to enter the tribe and if they do it is because they are food. Relations between spiderfolk and other races are hateful at best, in the eyes of the spiderfolk they are at war with the other races and will not hesitate to destroy if provoked.
Spiderfolk Names
Spiderfolk names differ between the genders. The names are derived from their language, females are given names that mean "strength", "hunter", "warrior". Whereas the men are also given names derived from their language with words meaning "weak", "small", "slave"
Female: Proch (strength), Nost (strong), Voin (warrior), Voina (war), Pobeda (victory), Kop'ye (spear), Bulx (club), Istre (fight), Bitel (fighter)
Male: Yblas (weak), Elam (small), Kiy (low), Rabyn (slave), Nya (helpless), Neznac (puny), Chitel (useless), Ihcan (worthless), Bespol (dismal)
Spiderfolk Traits
Drider-like insectoids with a hatred for all other races.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age. Spiderfolk reach adulthood at around 8 years old and live for as long as 50 years. However, male life expectancy is below the age of 10.
Alignment. Most spiderfolk are evil in nature, given their reputation. Those who are raised outside of spiderfolk tribes are not always evil, but are self-centered and chaotic in alignment.
Size. Even with your bulbous abdomen and eight spider legs you are still no taller than the average human. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
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 climb difficult surfaces, including walls, and ceilings, you do not need to use your hands for this. Your climbing speed equal to your walking speed
Cunning Artisan. As part of a short rest, you can harvest bone and hide from a slain beast, construct, dragon, monstrosity, or plant creature of size Small or larger to create one of the following items: a shield, a club, a javelin, a spear, or 1d4 darts or blowgun needles. To use this trait, you need a blade, such as a dagger, or appropriate artisan's tools, such as leatherworker's tools. Alternatively, you can use your short rest to create a whip or net using your own webbing or a short bow from the bone of a slain creature and your own webbing. Using this webbing does not use your action to create a spiders web.
Spider Web. As an action, you conjure a mass of thick, sticky webbing at a point of your choice within 60 feet. The webs fill a 20-foot cube from that point for the duration. The webs are difficult terrain and lightly obscure their area. If the webs aren't anchored between two solid masses (such as walls or trees) or layered across a floor, wall, or ceiling, the conjured web collapses on itself at the start of your next turn. Webs layered over a flat surface have a depth of 5 feet. Each creature that starts its turn in the webs or that enters them during its turn must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is restrained as long as it remains in the webs or until it breaks free. A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to make a Strength check against your spell save DC. If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained. The webs are flammable. Any 5-foot cube of webs exposed to fire burns away in 1 round, dealing 2d4 fire damage to any creature that starts its turn in the fire. After you use your spider web, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common, and Undercommon.
Subrace. The two subraces of spiderfolk are divided up into female and male.
Female Spiderfolk
Female Spiderfolk are the dominant sex, they are stronger, faster and bigger than the males
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength and Constitution scores increases by 1
Natural Hunter. You are proficient in spears, glaives, nets and whips.
Male Spiderfolk
Male Spiderfolk are the slave caste, they're small, submissive and downtrodden.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom and Intelligence scores increases by 1
Survival Instinct. You are proficient in the Survival Skill.
Random Height and Weight
| Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0 | +2d4 inches | 100 lb. | × (2d4) lb. |
| Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6 | +2d6 inches | 115 lb. | × (2d6) lb. |
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races