Lurking in jungles and thick caves, many eyes watch your movement – not an unusual feeling for adventurers. What is unusual is that the locals fear this creature not just because it’s deadly, but because if you survive an attack, life will never be the same again.
The Amazon Spider is an oddity among beasts. At first it seems to be like any other giant spider, but those who fall victim to its poison learn that it possesses abilities like nothing else of this world. There are those who claim that it was once an aberration that spent so much time in the wilds of the material world that it grew to be like the native inhabitants, losing most if it’s odd abilities over time. Others claim that only Lloth would usher such a fiend into this world, known for her dismissal of men. Then still some claim that a mad wizard is to blame.
None deny it is a beast to be wary of. Once it has its sights on you, your toughest challenge may be to escape with all your pieces still in the correct places.
Knowledge Nature 18: The Amazon Spider, known for many comic stories of brave knights turned damsels, will actually confront a female warrior just a quick as a male. Its poison is slow to act, but its attacks are fierce and deadly.
Nature 23: It is said that the heart of an Amazon Spider can be used by potion makers to make one single vile, which can reverse the gender back. The Amazon Spider is sometimes hunted by those wishing to remove such a curse, acquired from other sources.
In combat: The Amazon Spider likes to work on a single target at a time, using its Loose Webbing to keep enemies in direct combat with it. When multiple enemies begin focusing on it, it will use Web Swing to slide between one or two surfaces, repositioning itself to overtake a new foe.
Encounters: The Amazon Spider is sometimes found in the wild, joining up with other spiders or stealthy hunters. More often, though, they are caught and trained by savage, gender-focused tribes. It is a favored pet of drow and barbarians.
Image by Jonathan Baldwin
Brian Liberge
Brian Liberge is a father of one, living in Boston, MA. Introduced to AD&D at an early age, he’s continued to update with the editions, and new games. He loves home-brewed ideas, is honest to a fault, and thinks that ideas and mechanics should absolutely be shared between systems. With a B.S. Degree in Theatre Arts, a job in Information Technology, and a love of strategy gaming, he tries to bring the best of each into his new creations for StufferShack.
Check out his latest book the Midgard Bestiary for 4e, available now. Profile Page / Article Portfolio
That’s…fantastic. Great example of a flavorful monster that won’t be easily forgotten.
Also: a wizard did it. 😉
This is just remarkably awesome 😀
I have GOT to throw this at a group sometime … but it has to be the right group. Ideally one who won’t lose track of the plot while they’re laughing about who got gender-bent. ^^
Thanks for the positive feedback.
@Jonathan The right attitude would certainly be a good thing. Of course if people aren’t thrilled with the results the spider comes equipped with a built in cure. . . for one person. The Amazon Spider hunt to help the 2nd person might certainly derail the current plot a bit.