Aranea: 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--Add-Skirmisher-Power--Concentration" to " <!-- Values: Sp, Su, Ex; can also include things like "disease", "poison" or...)
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   <!-- Value: integer between 1 and 40. -->
   <!-- Value: integer between 1 and 40. -->
   }}</onlyinclude>
   }}</onlyinclude>
| Min-CR = 9
| Max-CR = 17


| 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 | Ages ago, Araneas were a species of intelligent shape-shifting spiders, raised up by a group of deities as worshipers.  Over aeons of time, many such races came to be, until the Gods decreed a Great Contest, to see which races would be Civilized, and which would not.
| Description | Ages ago, Araneas were a species of intelligent shape-shifting spiders, raised up by a group of deities as worshipers.  Over aeons of time, many such races came to be, until the Gods decreed a Great Contest, to see which races would be Civilized, and which would not.


:The Aranea were one of the many, many losers of that contest.
The Aranea were one of the many, many losers of that contest.


:Bereft of their Gods, the Aranea have slowly degenerated over the passing millennia, until they are little more than beasts in the wilderness, with an uncanny intelligence and supernatural ability to take the shape of a humanoid.  Every Aranea has a humanoid form, each one as unique as a human's face.  
Bereft of their Gods, the Aranea have slowly degenerated over the passing millennia, until they are little more than beasts in the wilderness, with an uncanny intelligence and supernatural ability to take the shape of a humanoid.  Every Aranea has a humanoid form, each one as unique as a human's face.  


:Araneas have lost much of their limpid, soulful selves in the process of devolution, and Araneas today are merely monsters, practicing robbery, mayhem, slavery, extortion, and even casual murder.  Araneas can be a plague to a small settlement, and once a nest of Araneas have begun their depredations upon a settlement, the only way to solve it is to burn them out, root and branch, before they can kill or enslave every member of a local community.
Araneas have lost much of their limpid, soulful selves in the process of devolution, and Araneas today are merely monsters, practicing robbery, mayhem, slavery, extortion, and even casual murder.  Araneas can be a plague to a small settlement, and once a nest of Araneas have begun their depredations upon a settlement, the only way to solve it is to burn them out, root and branch, before they can kill or enslave every member of a local community.
   }}</onlyinclude>
   }}</onlyinclude>


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| Type=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Type}}}
| Type=<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{transcludesection|Type}}}
| Type | Magical Beast
| Type | Magical Beast
   <!-- Values: Aberration, Animal, Construct, Dragon, Fey, Humanoid, Incorporeal, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Outsider, Plant, Protean, Swarm, Troop, Undead, Vermin -->
   <!-- Values: Aberration, Animal, Construct, Dragon, Fey, Humanoid, Incorporeal, 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, Incorporeal, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Outsider, Plant, Protean, Swarm, Troop, Undead, Vermin -->
   <!-- If second monster type: Aberration, Animal, Construct, Dragon, Fey, Humanoid, Incorporeal, 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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   <!-- Put any 'immunity' or 'hardened' values here;
   <!-- Put any 'immunity' or 'hardened' values here;
         immunities based on type (e.g. Vermin) or role (e.g. Threat) are automatically added
         immunities based on type (e.g. Vermin) or role (e.g. Threat) are automatically added
           '''''Hardened (damage):'''''
           '''''Hardened (1/2 damage):'''''
           '''''Immune (no effect):'''''                                                                  -->
           '''''Immune (no effect):'''''                                                                  -->


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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 = Standard Action 1/Enc
   <!-- 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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<!--  SPECIAL ABILITY 2  -->
<!--  SPECIAL ABILITY 2  -->


| Ability-2-Name = Poison
| Ability-2-Name = Aranea Poison


| Ability-2-Type = Ex
| Ability-2-Type = Ex
   <!--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 = Automatic after successful 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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   <!--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 = Standard Action 3/day
   <!-- 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-4-Action-Required =  
| Ability-4-Action-Required = Standard Action
   <!-- 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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| Role-Only--Replace-Sneak-Power--Type =  
| Role-Only--Replace-Sneak-Power--Type =  
     <!-- 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"    -->
| Role-Only--Replace-Sneak-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-Sneak-Power--Concentration =  
| Role-Only--Replace-Sneak-Power--Concentration =  
Line 1,362: Line 1,356:


| 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  
Line 1,393: Line 1,441:
<!--  COMBAT TACTICS  -->
<!--  COMBAT TACTICS  -->


| CombatTactics = Araneas do not wish to fight, ever.  They are ambush predators, pure and simple, whose only aim is to capture valuable slaves using their poison and webs, and perhaps carry out the occasional incidental robbery.  Whenever possible, Araneas will use their high Climb speed to attack from trees or the upper stories of buildings, and will retreat using those same avenues if they encounter stout resistance.
| CombatTactics = Araneas do not wish to fight, ever.  They are ambush predators, pure and simple, whose only aim is to capture valuable slaves using their poison and webs, and perhaps carry out the occasional incidental robbery or murder.  Whenever possible, Araneas will use their high Climb speed to attack from trees or the upper stories of buildings, and will retreat using those same avenues if they encounter stout resistance.


:Also, if they can, Araneas will use Illusory Image to set up a tableau for the players to witness, and when the images are 'discovered,', they will flee to where the real Araneas are hidden.  They will always use Throw Web as their initial attack, looking to Pin or Hinder as many high-damage foes as possible, and then will charge to the attack, using bites as much as possible to poison and subdue their victims.  Note that with their Climb speed, Araneas can use a charge maneuver to run down walls and trees to the attack.
Also, if they can, Araneas will use Illusory Image to set up a tableau for the players to witness, and when the images are 'discovered,', they will flee to where the real Araneas are hidden.  They will always use Throw Web as their initial attack, looking to Pin or Hinder as many high-damage foes as possible, and then will charge to the attack, using bites as much as possible to poison and subdue their victims.  Note that with their Climb speed, Araneas can use a charge maneuver to run down walls and trees to the attack.


:If a combat goes poorly, they will use a five foot step to make space and cast illusory image in their own space.  At the next opportunity, they will flee in one direction using a move action, and will downgrade their standard action to a move action to make the image flee in a different direction, or attack, or otherwise serve as a distraction.
If a combat goes poorly, they will use a five foot step to make space and cast illusory image in their own space.  At the next opportunity, they will flee in one direction using a move action, and will downgrade their standard action to a move action to make the image flee in a different direction, or attack, or otherwise serve as a distraction.


:Araneas are not skilled melee combatants, and will only rarely work to set up flanks for themselves or provide cover fire for each other.  Any injured Aranea will seek to flee, without a thought to the welfare of its allies.
Araneas are not skilled melee combatants, and will only rarely work to set up flanks for themselves or provide cover fire for each other.  Any injured Aranea will seek to flee, without a thought to the welfare of its allies.






<!--  OUT OF COMBAT   -->
<!--  OUT OF COMBAT   -->


| OutOfCombat = Araneas are slavers.  They capture and sell slaves to other monstrous creatures, such as gnolls and hobgoblins, and to more legitimate slave dealers if such things exist in their world.  Using their Bluff, Sense Motive, and Diplomacy skills, combined with their Second Self power, Araneas can be found anywhere: in the wilderness, in a city or anywhere in-between. Oddly enough, Araneas are not troubled by Doppelgangers, even though Doppelgangers will hunt Vampires with implacable fury.
| OutOfCombat = Araneas are slavers.  They capture and sell slaves to other monstrous creatures, such as gnolls and hobgoblins, and to more legitimate slave dealers if such things exist in their world.  Using their Bluff, Sense Motive, and Diplomacy skills, combined with their Second Self power, Araneas can be found anywhere: in the wilderness, in a city or anywhere in-between. Oddly enough, Araneas are not troubled by Doppelgangers, even though Doppelgangers will hunt Vampires with implacable fury.

Latest revision as of 21:45, 4 February 2023

Aranea (CR 12)

Pure Evil or Neutral - Medium - Magical Beast
Lore: Know (Arcana)
24 40
Basic DC Full DC
Initiative
Initiative Icon 2.png
22
Perception:
33 +23
Passive Active
Ambush:
10+
on a d20

Movement Types:

Defense

AC
Shield Icon 3.png
31
Man Def
Shield Icon 3.png
30
Monster Health
289 144 22
Hit Points Bloodied Hit Dice
Saving Throws
Fort: +9
Refl: +14
Will: +9

Strong Against:

  • see Second Self
  • Immune (no effect): Aranea Poison
Weak Against:

Offense

Size: Medium
5 ft. 5 ft.
Space Reach
To-Hit
+19
Sword Icon 3.png
Man Off
+18
Sword Icon 3.png
Action
0
Points

Standard Attack (Melee):

  • 1x Spidery Bite +19 (3d10+14/x2)
    as piercing (physical, common)
    plus: Aranea Poison

Full Attack (Melee):

  • 1x Spidery Bite +19 (3d10+14/x2)
    as piercing (physical, common)
    plus: Aranea Poison
  • 2x Spidery Claws +19 (3d6+5/x2)
    as piercing (physical, common)
  • 1x Aranea Stinger +19 (3d6+5/x2)
    as piercing (physical, common)
    plus: Aranea Poison

Standard Attack (Ranged):

Full Attack (Ranged):

Siege Damage: Not siege capable

Statistics

12
STR
17
DEX
14
CON
15
INT
14
WIS
16
CHA

Skills:

Languages: Common

Feats:

Special Abilities

Throw Web (Ex) Standard Action 1/Enc

Once per encounter as a standard action, Araneas may throw a specially prepared web. This is resolved as a ranged touch attack at 1d20 + 23 vs. AC (always hits on a 17+ on the die), with a range increment of 20 feet, and a max range of 60 feet. Creatures struck by the web take 3d8+9 points of poison (physical, uncommon) from the uncommon soporific venom soaking it. (This is a poison effect and is negated by immunity to poisons.) In addition, affected targets must make a reflex saving throw against a DC of 22. Those who fail the saving throw gain the Pinned condition. Those who make the saving throw gain the Hindered condition. Either condition may be removed by expending a standard action to carefully unwrap the narcotic webbing. Note that adjacent allies may spend a move action to free a pinned or hindered victim.

Aranea Poison (Ex) Automatic after successful attack

When stung or bitten, victims are affected by Aranea Poison, which is a dreadful mind-affecting narcotic that eventually reduces victims to a state of passive obedience. Needless to say, the aranea find this exceedingly useful.

Aranea Poison    (Injury vector; Poisoned intensity)
Save: Fort DC 22;     Frequency: 1/round for 3 rounds
Effect: 1d4 WIS damage and 3d8+9 points of poison (physical, uncommon) per interval
Fruition: Victim becomes Secured, remaining conscious, but losing the ability to express their own will and can instead take only actions as requested by an Aranea or a creature designated by an Aranea.
Fruition Duration: 1 week unless re-poisoned
The fruition of an aranea's poison can be ended early with a Greater Restoration, Wish, Miracle, or any ability that behaves like one of these spells.
Illusory Image (Sp) Standard Action 3/day
  • Concentration: 1d20 + 14 vs. a DC of 27 (13 needed on the die)

Up to three times per day as a standard action, an Aranea may cast Illusory Image. This acts in all ways as Project Image. Illusory Image lasts until the end of the encounter, or the end of the next encounter, or until the aranea's next full night's rest, or 24 hours, whichever is sooner. The image can be projected anywhere within 200 feet of the aranea. Araneas will typically begin combats (when they are not surprised) by using illusory image to draw in foes while they hide close by. Out of combat, an Aranea will use Illusory Image to initiate tense negotiations or trigger suspected ambushes. The Will save to penetrate the Illusory Image is DC 22.

Second Self (Sp) Standard Action
  • Concentration: 1d20 + 14 vs. a DC of 27 (13 needed on the die)

As a standard action, an Aranea may use Second Self to assume their humanoid shape. This works as Least Polymorph, except that an Aranea never changes its stats. In general, most Araneas have Second Self forms as one of the core races (i.e. Human, Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Gnome, or Fey-Kin). Some Araneas may have Second Self forms as one of the more exotic races, but this is rare. An Aranea's Second Self is fixed: they always change into the same recognizable humanoid. In their Second Self form, an Aranea can still use all of its abilities, such as bite attacks, Aranea poison, and even Throw Web.

Aranea

Aranea

Ages ago, Araneas were a species of intelligent shape-shifting spiders, raised up by a group of deities as worshipers. Over aeons of time, many such races came to be, until the Gods decreed a Great Contest, to see which races would be Civilized, and which would not.

The Aranea were one of the many, many losers of that contest.

Bereft of their Gods, the Aranea have slowly degenerated over the passing millennia, until they are little more than beasts in the wilderness, with an uncanny intelligence and supernatural ability to take the shape of a humanoid. Every Aranea has a humanoid form, each one as unique as a human's face.

Araneas have lost much of their limpid, soulful selves in the process of devolution, and Araneas today are merely monsters, practicing robbery, mayhem, slavery, extortion, and even casual murder. Araneas can be a plague to a small settlement, and once a nest of Araneas have begun their depredations upon a settlement, the only way to solve it is to burn them out, root and branch, before they can kill or enslave every member of a local community.

Combat Tactics

Araneas do not wish to fight, ever. They are ambush predators, pure and simple, whose only aim is to capture valuable slaves using their poison and webs, and perhaps carry out the occasional incidental robbery or murder. Whenever possible, Araneas will use their high Climb speed to attack from trees or the upper stories of buildings, and will retreat using those same avenues if they encounter stout resistance.

Also, if they can, Araneas will use Illusory Image to set up a tableau for the players to witness, and when the images are 'discovered,', they will flee to where the real Araneas are hidden. They will always use Throw Web as their initial attack, looking to Pin or Hinder as many high-damage foes as possible, and then will charge to the attack, using bites as much as possible to poison and subdue their victims. Note that with their Climb speed, Araneas can use a charge maneuver to run down walls and trees to the attack.

If a combat goes poorly, they will use a five foot step to make space and cast illusory image in their own space. At the next opportunity, they will flee in one direction using a move action, and will downgrade their standard action to a move action to make the image flee in a different direction, or attack, or otherwise serve as a distraction.

Araneas are not skilled melee combatants, and will only rarely work to set up flanks for themselves or provide cover fire for each other. Any injured Aranea will seek to flee, without a thought to the welfare of its allies.

Out of Combat

Araneas are slavers. They capture and sell slaves to other monstrous creatures, such as gnolls and hobgoblins, and to more legitimate slave dealers if such things exist in their world. Using their Bluff, Sense Motive, and Diplomacy skills, combined with their Second Self power, Araneas can be found anywhere: in the wilderness, in a city or anywhere in-between. Oddly enough, Araneas are not troubled by Doppelgangers, even though Doppelgangers will hunt Vampires with implacable fury.

Rewards

XP: 19,200

Treasure: Sellable Goods worth 12,875 gp.

Weight: 120 lbs.     Volume: 4.8 cu. ft.

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)