Arachne - 5E Homebrew Race
by Nines
Weaving Stories
The Arachne race allegedly arose from a weaver capable of weaving a tapestry beyond even the capabilities of the gods, who in anger cursed the woman to weave all the days of her life.
If you ask an Arachne, of course, they'll say that this story is blatantly impossible, because the gods got weaving from the Arachne.
(Note: the plural of Arachne is Arachne. Yes, this can be confusing.)
Arachne Traits
Arachne have the following traits in common:
Ability Score Increases
When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one of those scores by 2 and a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1.
Suggested Ability Score Increase (Optional)
Instead of choosing ability scores to increase, you may use the preset ability score increases here. You gain +2 to your Dexterity score and +1 to your Intelligence score.
Languages
You can read, write, and speak Common and Undercommon.
Size
You are Medium.
Speed
Your walking speed is 30 feet.
Image Credit
"Arachne" by YunaXD
Bonus Proficiencies
Many find the spider-like figure of Arachne unsettling. You gain proficiency in Intimidation.
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.
Silkweaver
You have proficiency in Weaver's Tools, and your proficiency bonus is doubled for checks made using Weaver's Tools. In addition, you have a limited supply of spider silk that your body naturally creates, and can spend the silk as an action to produce one of the following effects.
-
As an action, you create a net, an article of clothing, or 30 feet of silk rope. You may use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. You regain spent uses of this feature after a long rest.
-
As an action, you can cast Web. You may use your choice of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma as the spellcasting modifier for this spell. You may use this feature once. You regain spent uses of this feature after a long rest.
Spider Bite
Your fangs serve as a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal poison damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Spider Walk
You have 30 feet of climbing speed. You can use your speed to move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving your hands free. This costs no extra movement.