Colossal Spider: Difference between revisions

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m (Text replacement - " <!-- Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance" --> | Role-Only--Replace-Sneak-Power--Concentration" to " <!-- Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or...)
m (Text replacement - "| Min-CR = 15" to "| Min-CR = 14")
 
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   <!-- Value: integer between 1 and 35. -->
   <!-- Value: integer between 1 and 35. -->
   }}</onlyinclude>
   }}</onlyinclude>
| Min-CR = 14
| Max-CR = 22


| MonsterName=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|MonsterName}}}
| MonsterName=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|MonsterName}}}
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| Role=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Role}}}
| Role=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Role}}}
| Role |  
| Role |  
   <!-- Values: Heavy, Killer, Leader, Legend, Minion, Shooter, Skirmisher, Sneak, Tank, Threat, Villain, or leave blank -->
   <!-- Values: Heavy, Killer, Leader, Legend, Minion, Shooter, Skirmisher, Sneak, Swarm, Tank, Threat, Villain, or leave blank -->


   }}</onlyinclude>
   }}</onlyinclude>
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| Restrict-Role-Skirmisher =  
| Restrict-Role-Skirmisher =  
| Restrict-Role-Sneak =  
| Restrict-Role-Sneak =  
| Restrict-Role-Swarm =
| Restrict-Role-Tank =  
| Restrict-Role-Tank =  
| Restrict-Role-Threat =  
| Restrict-Role-Threat =  
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| Description | Colossal spiders are, as their name suggests, really big spiders. They are somewhat rare, since they require quite a bit of food, and are most frequently seen immediately after they have hatched, typically in a group with their kin.  These outbreaks of colossal spiders tend to terrorize the region for a few days to a week, until the spiders turn on each other for food.  In the meantime, local wildlife, villages, and any communities not able to establish a vigorous defense are at high risk of being annihilated.
| Description | Colossal spiders are, as their name suggests, really big spiders. They are somewhat rare, since they require quite a bit of food, and are most frequently seen immediately after they have hatched, typically in a group with their kin.  These outbreaks of colossal spiders tend to terrorize the region for a few days to a week, until the spiders turn on each other for food.  In the meantime, local wildlife, villages, and any communities not able to establish a vigorous defense are at high risk of being annihilated.


:Colossal spiders stand 20 to 25 feet tall, and their legs can span as wide as 50 feet, though when walking, they are usually around 25 feet apart. Colossal spiders, despite their prodigious size, tend to prey on size medium creatures almost exclusively, only tackling larger prey when smaller prey is unavailable.  A typical colossal spider will eat 5 to 10 medium-sized creatures per day, given the opportunity, though they can subsist on only 3-4 per week, if necessary.
Colossal spiders stand 20 to 25 feet tall, and their legs can span as wide as 50 feet, though when walking, they are usually around 25 feet apart. Colossal spiders, despite their prodigious size, tend to prey on size medium creatures almost exclusively, only tackling larger prey when smaller prey is unavailable.  A typical colossal spider will eat 5 to 10 medium-sized creatures per day, given the opportunity, though they can subsist on only 3-4 per week, if necessary.


:One peculiarity of colossal spiders is that they are intelligent, and some are even capable of speech.  It is unclear if this is a form of mimicry, meant to attract prey, or actual communication. It is thought that colossal spiders actually originate from the fey courts of the First World, and that this origin is the reason for their unusual ability to speak.
One peculiarity of colossal spiders is that they are intelligent, and some are even capable of speech.  It is unclear if this is a form of mimicry, meant to attract prey, or actual communication. It is thought that colossal spiders actually originate from the fey courts of the First World, and that this origin is the reason for their unusual ability to speak.
   }}</onlyinclude>
   }}</onlyinclude>


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| Type=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Type}}}
| Type=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Type}}}
| Type | Vermin
| Type | Vermin
   <!-- Values: Aberration, Animal, Construct, Dragon, Fey, Humanoid, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Outsider, Plant, Protean, Swarm, Troop, Undead, Vermin -->
   <!-- Values: Aberration, Animal, Construct, Dragon, Fey, Humanoid, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Outsider, Plant, Protean, Undead, Vermin -->
   }}</onlyinclude>
   }}</onlyinclude>


| Subtype=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Subtype}}}
| Subtype=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Subtype}}}
| Subtype |  
| Subtype |  
   <!-- If second monster type (e.g. a swarm of vermin): Aberration, Animal, Construct, Dragon, Fey, Humanoid, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Outsider, Plant, Protean, Swarm, Troop, Undead, Vermin -->
   <!-- If second monster type: Aberration, Animal, Construct, Dragon, Fey, Humanoid, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Outsider, Plant, Protean, Undead, Vermin -->
   <!-- If Humanoid: Duergar, Giant, Gloom, Gnoll, Human, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Maenad, Norker, Orc, Somber Crool, Troglodyte, Vampire Thrall -->
   <!-- If Humanoid: Duergar, Giant, Gloom, Gnoll, Human, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Maenad, Norker, Orc, Somber Crool, Troglodyte, Vampire Thrall -->
   <!-- If Outsider: Air, Chaotic, Demon, Devil, Earth, Elemental, Evil, Fire, Good, Lawful, Native, Water -->
   <!-- If Outsider: Air, Chaotic, Demon, Devil, Earth, Elemental, Evil, Fire, Good, Lawful, Native, Water -->
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| NudgeSpace =  
| NudgeSpace =  
   <!-- Values: any positive or negative number, or leave blank. Max recommended is +/-2. This is number of SQUARES; will be converted to feet.               -->
   <!-- Values: any positive or negative number, or leave blank. Max recommended is +/-2. This is number of SQUARES; will be converted to feet.
  <!-- NOTE: If type or subtype is "Swarm", the space will default to 10 ft.                                                                                 -->
        NOTE: If role is "Swarm", only put the space occupied by the COMPONENT CREATURE, NOT the space of the swarm, troop, or horde.
  <!-- NOTE: If type or subtype is "Troop", the space will default to 15 ft. + the normal space for the component creature size (e.g. 20 ft. for size medium) -->
        NOTE: Swarms default to 10 feet. Troops default to 15 ft. + the normal space for the component creature size (e.g. 20 ft. for size medium) -->


| NudgeReach =  
| NudgeReach =  
   <!-- Values: any positive or negative number, or leave blank. Max recommended is +/-2. This is number of SQUARES; will be converted to feet.     -->
   <!-- Values: any positive or negative number, or leave blank. Max recommended is +/-2. This is number of SQUARES; will be converted to feet.
  <!-- NOTE: If type or subtype is "Swarm", the reach will default to 0 ft.                                                                         -->
        NOTE: If role is "Swarm", only put the reach of the COMPONENT CREATURE, NOT the reach of the swarm, troop, or horde.
  <!-- NOTE: If type or subtype is "Troop", the reach will default to the normal reach for the component creature size (e.g. 5 ft. for size medium) -->
        NOTE: Swarms default to 0 ft. Troops default to the normal reach for the component creature size (e.g. 5 ft. for size medium) -->




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| PriAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
| PriAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone" or "swarm") -->
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone") -->


| NudgePriToHit =  
| NudgePriToHit =  
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| SecAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
| SecAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone" or "swarm") -->
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone") -->


| NudgeSecToHit =  
| NudgeSecToHit =  
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| TerAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
| TerAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone" or "swarm") -->
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone") -->


| NudgeTerToHit =  
| NudgeTerToHit =  
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| QuaAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
| QuaAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone" or "swarm") -->
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone") -->


| NudgeQuaToHit =  
| NudgeQuaToHit =  
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| RangedAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
| RangedAtkIsAuto-Hit =  
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone" or "swarm") -->
   <!-- If attack has no to-hit roll; leave blank (for normal to-hits), or describe (e.g. "30-foot cone") -->


| NudgeRangedToHit =  
| NudgeRangedToHit =  
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<!--  SPECIAL ABILITIES  -->
<!--  SPECIAL ABILITIES  -->


<!--  ROLE-BASED SPECIAL ABILITIES -->
| HideRoleReminder1 =
  <!-- Roles only; Values: Y (for yes) or leave blank (to leave reminder (if any) displayed) -->
| HideRoleReminder2 =
  <!-- Roles only; Values: Y (for yes) or leave blank (to leave reminder (if any) displayed) -->
| HideRoleReminder3 =
  <!-- Roles only; Values: Y (for yes) or leave blank (to leave reminder (if any) displayed) -->
| HideRoleReminder4 =
  <!-- Roles only; Values: Y (for yes) or leave blank (to leave reminder (if any) displayed) -->




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   <!-- Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance" -->
   <!-- Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance" -->


| Ability-1-Action-Required =  
| Ability-1-Action-Required = Automatic after successful bite
   <!-- Values: Full Round Action, Full Attack Action, Standard Action, Move Action, Swift Action, Free Action, Immediate Action
   <!-- Values: Full Round Action, Full Attack Action, Standard Action, Move Action, Swift Action, Free Action, Immediate Action
                 Free Action 1/Rnd, Free Action 1/Enc, Always On, Auto At Start of Encounter, Auto Upon Death, etc.        -->
                 Free Action 1/Rnd, Free Action 1/Enc, Always On, Auto At Start of Encounter, Auto Upon Death, etc.        -->
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   <!--Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance"-->
   <!--Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance"-->


| Ability-2-Action-Required =  
| Ability-2-Action-Required = Standard Attack
   <!-- Values: Full Round Action, Full Attack Action, Standard Action, Move Action, Swift Action, Free Action, Immediate Action
   <!-- Values: Full Round Action, Full Attack Action, Standard Action, Move Action, Swift Action, Free Action, Immediate Action
                 Free Action 1/Rnd, Free Action 1/Enc, Always On, Auto At Start of Encounter, Auto Upon Death, etc.        -->
                 Free Action 1/Rnd, Free Action 1/Enc, Always On, Auto At Start of Encounter, Auto Upon Death, etc.        -->
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| Ability-2-Description = As a standard action, the colossal spider may spray a 25-foot diameter mist of poison.  The 5 x 5 square area of this spray must begin in a square adjacent to the spider (cone area of effect).  Creatures in the area take {{Special-Standard-Dmg}} points of {{dmg|Acid}} damage, but may make a Reflex save, DC {{Save-DC|n=+2}}, for half damage, and to try to avoid being poisoned as well.   
| Ability-2-Description = As a standard action, the colossal spider may spray a 25-foot diameter mist of poison.  The 5 x 5 square area of this spray must begin in a square adjacent to the spider (cone area of effect).  Creatures in the area take {{Special-Standard-Dmg}} points of {{dmg|Acid}} damage, but may make a Reflex save, DC {{Save-DC|n=+2}}, for half damage, and to try to avoid being poisoned as well.   


:Those who fail the saving throw suffer the effects of Greater Poison (see above), in addition taking the full acid damage of this attack.   
Those who fail the saving throw suffer the effects of Greater Poison (see above), in addition taking the full acid damage of this attack.   


:Colossal spiders are immune to acid damage and all poisons, so there is no danger from 'friendly fire'.
Colossal spiders are immune to acid damage and all poisons, so there is no danger from 'friendly fire'.
   <!-- Insert colons ":" before each paragraph after first; replace any to-hit, damage or save DC numbers with variables:
   <!-- Insert colons ":" before each paragraph after first; replace any to-hit, damage or save DC numbers with variables:


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   <!--Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance"-->
   <!--Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance"-->


| Ability-3-Action-Required =  
| Ability-3-Action-Required = Swift Action 1/Rnd
   <!-- Values: Full Round Action, Full Attack Action, Standard Action, Move Action, Swift Action, Free Action, Immediate Action
   <!-- Values: Full Round Action, Full Attack Action, Standard Action, Move Action, Swift Action, Free Action, Immediate Action
                 Free Action 1/Rnd, Free Action 1/Enc, Always On, Auto At Start of Encounter, Auto Upon Death, etc.        -->
                 Free Action 1/Rnd, Free Action 1/Enc, Always On, Auto At Start of Encounter, Auto Upon Death, etc.        -->
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| Ability-3-Description = Once per round as a swift action, the colossal spider may select a 3x3 square (15-foot diameter) within 100 feet of its space to fill with a sticky web.  Any creature in the radius must make a Reflex save, DC {{Save-DC}}, or become [[Immobilized]] and [[Entangled]].  Those who succeed on the save are only [[Entangled]].  The [[Immobilized]] condition can be broken by using a move action to make an [[Escape Artist]] check, DC {{Skill-DC|Challenging}}.  The [[Entangled]] condition lasts until the end of any turn in which the creature is not in a space filled with webbing.   
| Ability-3-Description = Once per round as a swift action, the colossal spider may select a 3x3 square (15-foot diameter) within 100 feet of its space to fill with a sticky web.  Any creature in the radius must make a Reflex save, DC {{Save-DC}}, or become [[Immobilized]] and [[Entangled]].  Those who succeed on the save are only [[Entangled]].  The [[Immobilized]] condition can be broken by using a move action to make an [[Escape Artist]] check, DC {{Skill-DC|Challenging}}.  The [[Entangled]] condition lasts until the end of any turn in which the creature is not in a space filled with webbing.   


:The colossal spiders are immune to the effects of the web, even if it is produced by a different colossal spider.
The colossal spiders are immune to the effects of the web, even if it is produced by a different colossal spider.
   <!-- Insert colons ":" before each paragraph after first; replace any to-hit, damage or save DC numbers with variables:
   <!-- Insert colons ":" before each paragraph after first; replace any to-hit, damage or save DC numbers with variables:


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| Role-Only--Replace-Sneak-Power--Description =  
| Role-Only--Replace-Sneak-Power--Description =  
    <!-- Insert colons ":" before each paragraph after first; replace any to-hit, damage
        or save DC numbers with variables:
  {{To-Hit}}                {{Skill-DC|Easy}}          {{Special-Standard-Dmg}}
  {{Touch-Attack}}          {{Skill-DC|Average}}        {{Special-Swift-Dmg}}
  {{Save-DC}}              {{Skill-DC|Challenging}}    {{Special-Alpha-Dmg}}
  {{Hit-Points}}            {{Skill-DC|Hard}}          {{Ability-Dmg}}
  {{Bloodied-Hit-Points}}  {{Skill-DC|Impossible}}    {{Siege-Dmg}}
  {{Hit-Dice}}                                          {{Primary-Dmg}}
  {{Maneuver-Offense}}                                  {{Secondary-Dmg}}
  {{Maneuver-Defense}}                                  {{Tertiary-Dmg}}
  {{CR}}                                                {{Quaternary-Dmg}}
                                                        {{Ranged-Dmg}}
  POISON / DISEASE FORMAT
{{Malady
| Name =
| Intensity =
| Save-Type =
| Save-Mod =
| Frequency =
| Effect =
| Fruition =
| F-Duration =
}}
-->
<!--  REPLACE "PERSONAL SPACE ISSUES" OR "DARKEN THE SKY" POWER
      SWARM ROLE ONLY
        This section lets you write a custom power that will only display if this monster
        is given the "Swarm" role. It replaces the default "Personal Space Issues" power
        (or the "Darken The Sky" power, if it is a Troop), which allows swarms to inflict
        the Distracted condition when they damage a foe (or it grants an area of affect
        ranged attack if it is a troop). Leave this blank if you want the "Personal Space
        Issues" or "Darken the Sky" power to appear when this monster is designated as a
        "Swarm" role.                                                                      -->
| Role-Only--Replace-Swarm-Power--Name =
| Role-Only--Replace-Swarm-Power--Type =
    <!-- Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or "stance"    -->
| Role-Only--Replace-Swarm-Power--Action-Required =
  <!-- Values: Full Round Action, Full Attack Action, Standard Action, Move Action, Swift Action,
        Free Action, Immediate Action, Free Action 1/Rnd, Free Action 1/Enc, Always On, Auto At
        Start of Encounter, Auto Upon Death, etc.                                          -->
| Role-Only--Replace-Swarm-Power--Concentration =
    <!-- Values: "S" for strong caster, "W" for weak caster, leave blank if unneeded; will
        auto-detect Combat Casting and include it                                          -->
| Role-Only--Replace-Swarm-Power--Description =


     <!-- Insert colons ":" before each paragraph after first; replace any to-hit, damage  
     <!-- Insert colons ":" before each paragraph after first; replace any to-hit, damage  
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| CombatTactics = Despite being quite bright for vermin, colossal spiders are only successful predators because of how powerful they are.  Colossal Spiders are relentless hunters, and are very rarely found in a lair.  Instead, they are always out and moving, prowling restlessly after prey.  They will use their very long-range low-light vision to hunt at night and their webs mean they are very hard to run away from once they have engaged.  They rarely attempt to ambush (given their size, this is not surprising), and mostly just charge their prey, slowing them with webs, and attempting to bite and poison them to death.  Colossal Spiders are insanely fast and agile for their size, and their physical prowess combined with an abundance of limbs makes them astonishingly capable in melee combat.   
| CombatTactics = Despite being quite bright for vermin, colossal spiders are only successful predators because of how powerful they are.  Colossal Spiders are relentless hunters, and are very rarely found in a lair.  Instead, they are always out and moving, prowling restlessly after prey.  They will use their very long-range low-light vision to hunt at night and their webs mean they are very hard to run away from once they have engaged.  They rarely attempt to ambush (given their size, this is not surprising), and mostly just charge their prey, slowing them with webs, and attempting to bite and poison them to death.  Colossal Spiders are insanely fast and agile for their size, and their physical prowess combined with an abundance of limbs makes them astonishingly capable in melee combat.   


:Due to their size, they will charge in fearlessly and use a [[stepover]] on creatures of size Large or smaller, although they are smart enough not to allow internal flanks if they don't need to.  They will typically seek to flank and surround prey, and as their swift actions any ranged attackers get webs, while tasty melee attackers get feinted and bitten.  Their Mobility feat raises their armor class against attacks of opportunity, and they will use their remarkable [[Acrobatics]] skill to move with fluid ease, especially given their size.  Once in melee, their huge fangs hit extremely hard, bypassing most forms of DR.
Due to their size, they will charge in fearlessly and use a [[stepover]] on creatures of size Large or smaller, although they are smart enough not to allow internal flanks if they don't need to.  They will typically seek to flank and surround prey, and as their swift actions any ranged attackers get webs, while tasty melee attackers get feinted and bitten.  Their Mobility feat raises their armor class against attacks of opportunity, and they will use their remarkable [[Acrobatics]] skill to move with fluid ease, especially given their size.  Once in melee, their huge fangs hit extremely hard, bypassing most forms of DR.
 
Their poison is extremely nasty, and can quickly take down their prey if left untreated. 
 
They will use their poison spray in any round where a full attack is unlikely, they are having trouble hitting an elusive foe, or when they can strike 3 or more creatures with it.  They are all able to resist their own acid, and will use their poison without hesitation in close quarters.


:Their poison is extremely nasty, and can quickly take down their prey if left untreated.
Colossal spiders will run from a fight if it becomes obvious they cannot win.  Their favored retreat tactic is to make a withdraw maneuver and use their high Climb speed to vault up any nearby trees, cliffs, or buildings, and then scurry away.


:They will use their poison spray in any round where a full attack is unlikely, they are having trouble hitting an elusive foe, or when they can strike 3 or more creatures with it.  They are all able to resist their own acid, and will use their poison without hesitation in close quarters.


: Colossal spiders will run from a fight if it becomes obvious they cannot win.  Their favored retreat tactic is to make a withdraw maneuver and use their high Climb speed to vault up any nearby trees, cliffs, or buildings, and then scurry away.


<!--  OUT OF COMBAT    -->


| OutOfCombat = Colossal Spiders are often domesticated, most especially by the spider-crazed Drow. Many Matriarchs have plush mansions built upon Giant Spiders, which they use to move their seat of power as they weave their multitude of plots.


<!--  OUT OF COMBAT  -->
Aside from that, many monsters like to use Giant Spiders as beasts of burden, with clans such as Forest Giants and Xeph raising and domesticating Colossal Spiders.  The Xeph especially, with their love of nomadic lifestyles, find Colossal Spiders nearly ideal, with eerie fey caravans of the mighty Xeph travelling by night and nesting away from prying eyes finding their way into the most surprising places.


| OutOfCombat =
If not domesticated, Colossal Spiders are typical vermin, existing to eat and make more spiders.





Latest revision as of 09:31, 3 May 2022

Colossal Spider (CR 17)

Pure Evil - Colossal - Vermin
Lore: Know (Nature)
34 49
Basic DC Full DC
Initiative
Initiative Icon 2.png
29
Perception:
42 +32
Passive Active
Ambush:
10+
on a d20

Movement Types:

Defense

AC
Shield Icon 3.png
40
Man Def
Shield Icon 3.png
40
Monster Health
611 305 32
Hit Points Bloodied Hit Dice
Saving Throws
Fort: +19
Refl: +14
Will: +14

Strong Against:

Weak Against:

Offense

Size: Colossal
25 ft. 25 ft.
Space Reach
To-Hit
+25
Sword Icon 3.png
Man Off
+30
Sword Icon 3.png
Action
0
Points
  • Maneuver Offense Notes: +3 on Feints

Standard Attack (Melee):

  • 1x Colossal Fangs +25 (4d10+31/x2)
    as spindling (physical, rare)
    plus: Greater Poison

Full Attack (Melee):

  • 2x Colossal Fangs +25 (4d10+24/x2)
    as spindling (physical, rare)
    plus: Greater Poison

Standard Attack (Ranged):

Full Attack (Ranged):

Siege Damage: Not siege capable

Statistics

30
STR
17
DEX
25
CON
8
INT
11
WIS
14
CHA

Skills:

Languages: Umbral, Common

Feats:

  • Penetrating Strike (EFFECT: Your attacks ignore a scaling amount of damage reduction)
  • Mobility (EFFECT: +4 AC against attacks of opportunity from movement)

Special Abilities

Greater Poison (Ex, Poison) Automatic after successful bite

Each time the colossal spider successfully bites a creature, that creature is also subjected to a powerful poison:

Greater Poison    (Injury vector; Poisoned intensity)
Save: Fort DC 27;     Frequency: 1/round for 3 rounds
Effect: 1d4+1 WIS damage and 4d8+17 poison (physical, uncommon) damage per interval
Fruition: Victim becomes Paralyzed
Fruition Duration: 1 full day, or until eaten. Usually eaten.
Poison Spray (Ex) Standard Attack

As a standard action, the colossal spider may spray a 25-foot diameter mist of poison. The 5 x 5 square area of this spray must begin in a square adjacent to the spider (cone area of effect). Creatures in the area take 4d8+17 points of Acid (energy, common) damage, but may make a Reflex save, DC 29, for half damage, and to try to avoid being poisoned as well.

Those who fail the saving throw suffer the effects of Greater Poison (see above), in addition taking the full acid damage of this attack.

Colossal spiders are immune to acid damage and all poisons, so there is no danger from 'friendly fire'.

Web (Ex) Swift Action 1/Rnd

Once per round as a swift action, the colossal spider may select a 3x3 square (15-foot diameter) within 100 feet of its space to fill with a sticky web. Any creature in the radius must make a Reflex save, DC 27, or become Immobilized and Entangled. Those who succeed on the save are only Entangled. The Immobilized condition can be broken by using a move action to make an Escape Artist check, DC 40. The Entangled condition lasts until the end of any turn in which the creature is not in a space filled with webbing.

The colossal spiders are immune to the effects of the web, even if it is produced by a different colossal spider.

Colossal Spider

Colossal Spider

Colossal spiders are, as their name suggests, really big spiders. They are somewhat rare, since they require quite a bit of food, and are most frequently seen immediately after they have hatched, typically in a group with their kin. These outbreaks of colossal spiders tend to terrorize the region for a few days to a week, until the spiders turn on each other for food. In the meantime, local wildlife, villages, and any communities not able to establish a vigorous defense are at high risk of being annihilated.

Colossal spiders stand 20 to 25 feet tall, and their legs can span as wide as 50 feet, though when walking, they are usually around 25 feet apart. Colossal spiders, despite their prodigious size, tend to prey on size medium creatures almost exclusively, only tackling larger prey when smaller prey is unavailable. A typical colossal spider will eat 5 to 10 medium-sized creatures per day, given the opportunity, though they can subsist on only 3-4 per week, if necessary.

One peculiarity of colossal spiders is that they are intelligent, and some are even capable of speech. It is unclear if this is a form of mimicry, meant to attract prey, or actual communication. It is thought that colossal spiders actually originate from the fey courts of the First World, and that this origin is the reason for their unusual ability to speak.

Combat Tactics

Despite being quite bright for vermin, colossal spiders are only successful predators because of how powerful they are. Colossal Spiders are relentless hunters, and are very rarely found in a lair. Instead, they are always out and moving, prowling restlessly after prey. They will use their very long-range low-light vision to hunt at night and their webs mean they are very hard to run away from once they have engaged. They rarely attempt to ambush (given their size, this is not surprising), and mostly just charge their prey, slowing them with webs, and attempting to bite and poison them to death. Colossal Spiders are insanely fast and agile for their size, and their physical prowess combined with an abundance of limbs makes them astonishingly capable in melee combat.

Due to their size, they will charge in fearlessly and use a stepover on creatures of size Large or smaller, although they are smart enough not to allow internal flanks if they don't need to. They will typically seek to flank and surround prey, and as their swift actions any ranged attackers get webs, while tasty melee attackers get feinted and bitten. Their Mobility feat raises their armor class against attacks of opportunity, and they will use their remarkable Acrobatics skill to move with fluid ease, especially given their size. Once in melee, their huge fangs hit extremely hard, bypassing most forms of DR.

Their poison is extremely nasty, and can quickly take down their prey if left untreated.

They will use their poison spray in any round where a full attack is unlikely, they are having trouble hitting an elusive foe, or when they can strike 3 or more creatures with it. They are all able to resist their own acid, and will use their poison without hesitation in close quarters.

Colossal spiders will run from a fight if it becomes obvious they cannot win. Their favored retreat tactic is to make a withdraw maneuver and use their high Climb speed to vault up any nearby trees, cliffs, or buildings, and then scurry away.

Out of Combat

Colossal Spiders are often domesticated, most especially by the spider-crazed Drow. Many Matriarchs have plush mansions built upon Giant Spiders, which they use to move their seat of power as they weave their multitude of plots.

Aside from that, many monsters like to use Giant Spiders as beasts of burden, with clans such as Forest Giants and Xeph raising and domesticating Colossal Spiders. The Xeph especially, with their love of nomadic lifestyles, find Colossal Spiders nearly ideal, with eerie fey caravans of the mighty Xeph travelling by night and nesting away from prying eyes finding their way into the most surprising places.

If not domesticated, Colossal Spiders are typical vermin, existing to eat and make more spiders.

Rewards

XP: 102,400

Treasure: Sellable Goods worth 51,444 gp.

Weight: 170 lbs.     Volume: 6.8 cu. ft.
  • Colossal Spider treasure is almost always gained from the sale of their harvested venom sacs, which are extremely valuable to collectors of such things.

Optional Treasure Rules: Roll a d20 on Table 1 below once per encounter (NOT per creature). Any items discovered are in addition to the normal treasure for the encounter.

Table 1: Remnant(s) Found
1 - 10 Nothing Found
11 - 14 1 Languid Remnant (tier 1)
15 - 17 1 Pale Remnant (tier 2)
18 - 19 1 Bright Remnant (tier 3)
20 Roll on Table 2
### Nothing to see here!
### Or here. Move along.
Table 2: Remnant(s) Found
1 - 5 3 Languid Remnants (tier 1)
6 - 10 3 Pale Remnants (tier 2)
11 - 14 1 Intense Remnant (tier 4)
15 - 17 1 Blazing Remnant (tier 5)
18 - 19 1 Vital Remnant (tier 6)
20 Roll on Table 3
### Or here. Move along.
Table 3: Remnant(s) Found
1 - 5 3 Bright Remnants (tier 3)
6 - 8 3 Intense Remnants (tier 4)
9 - 11 3 Blazing Remnants (tier 5)
12 - 14 3 Vital Remnants (tier 6)
15 - 17 1 Prime Remnant (tier 7)
18 - 19 1 Mythic Remnant (tier 8)
20 1 Empyrean Remnant (tier 9)