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Ether Spider
Ether spiders are members of a vague taxonomy called ethereal wildlife and are deadly predators from the Ethereal Plane. They are giant arachnids who can shape the raw essence of the Ethereal Plane as easily as spinning silk, weaving it in complex patterns that drift through the misty void. From these ethereal nests, whole families of ether spiders can scout adjacent locales in the Universe, watching for easy prey in dark or remote corners of the land of mortals. Once an ether spider has spotted a meal, it anchors its nest and waits on the Ethereal Plane for its prey to draw near. As soon as its victim is within reach, the ether spider shifts to the Universe, clamps its fangs onto its prey, then shifts back to the Ethereal Plane to wait as its venom works through the creature's system. Ether spiders move between the planes with ease, making them extremely dangerous to those who can't see or attack ethereal enemies.Ether spiders are not mindless or cruel—they are simply hungry. If a prospective meal can sate an ether spider's incredible appetite through other means, they might be able to bargain for their life. Ether spiders are especially interested in items, information, or allies who can help them against their enemies.
Ether spiders dwell in vast nests adrift in the Ethereal Plane, where as many as half a dozen ether spiders might cohabitate. Although ether spiders enjoy one another's company, they don't form the same bonds as most humanoids, and they are more likely to feast on the corpse of a fallen sibling than save one from certain doom. When not hunting prey, ether spiders are likely to let down their guard. Travelers who find a floating ether spider commune should have an easier time of making peaceful contact to trade with or even befriend these strange arachnids. The nests drift on metaphysical currents and are rarely seen in the same vicinity twice.
Sometimes a point of interest in the neighboring Universe compels them to tether their nest to an area, creating a semipermanent home.
Recall Knowledge - Beast (Arcana, Nature): DC 20
Recall Knowledge - Ethereal (Occultism): DC 20
Unspecific Lore: DC 18
Specific Lore: DC 15
Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level
Changes from being Weak are marked in red below.NOTE: The -2 damage penalty to non-strike offensive abilities (-4 if the ability is limited, such as spells) is NOT factored in.
Weak Ether SpiderCreature 4
Large Beast Ethereal Source Monster Core 2 pg. 154
Perception +10; darkvision
Languages Aklo
Skills Athletics +10, Stealth +13
Str +5, Dex +4, Con +3, Int -2, Wis +1, Cha +7
AC 19; Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +8
HP 60
Speed 40 feet, climb 20 feet
Melee [one-action] fangs +13 [+8/+3] (magical), Damage 1d10-2+7 piercing plus ether spider venom and GrabRanged [one-action] web +12 [+7/+2] (magical, range increment 30 feet), Effect ethereal web trapEther Spider Venom (poison) Saving Throw DC 20 Fortitude; Maximum Duration 6 rounds; Stage 1 1d6 poison damage and clumsy 1 (1 round); Stage 2 2d6 poison damage, clumsy 2 and slowed 1 (1 round); Stage 3 3d6 poison damage, clumsy 3 and slowed 2 (1 round)Ethereal Step [one-action] The ether spider shifts to either the Ethereal Plane or the Universe. The ether spider can remain on the Ethereal Plane indefinitely without ill effect. While there, it can see clearly into the Universe with a range of 60 feet. On its first round in an encounter, the ether spider can use this ability once as a free action.Ethereal Web Trap A creature hit by the ether spider's web attack is immobilized and stuck to the nearest surface (Escape DC 20).Web Burst [two-actions] Frequency once per day; Effect The ether spider flings a gout of stored webs in a 30-foot cone. These webs can pass between the Universe and the Ethereal Plane. Each creature in the area is immobilized, as ethereal web trap, unless it succeeds at a DC 20 Reflex save.
Ether Spider Foes
The Ethereal Plane is a sparsely populated realm in comparison to most, used more for traveling than dwelling. Yet the deep mists here conceal denizens such as monstrous parasitic beings that use humanoids as incubators for eggs, fiends born from the raw fears of mortal life, and ether spiders that are ever vigilant against those foes' machinations.
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