Arachnæ
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Size/Type | Medium Aberration |
| Hit Dice | 1d8+2 (6 hp) |
| Initiative | -1 |
| Speed | 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft. |
| Armor Class | 13 (-1 Dex, +4 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 13 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +0/+0 |
| Attack | Claw +0 melee (1d6) |
| Full Attack | 2 claws +0 melee (1d6) and bite -5 melee (1d4); or rifle -1 ranged (2d10) |
| Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | ― |
| Special Qualities | Darkvision 90 ft., low-light vision, partition mind |
| Saves | Fort -1, Ref -1, Will +2 |
| Abilities | Str 10, Dex 8, Con 9, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10 |
| Skills | Climb +11, Craft (any one) +6, Knowledge (any one) +6, Search +5, Spot +3 |
| Feats | Toughness |
| Environment | Cold plains |
| Organization | Solitary, pair, or team (3–6) |
| Challenge Rating | ½ |
| Treasure | Standard |
| Alignment | Usually lawful neutral |
| Advancement | By character class |
| Level Adjustment | ― |
Description
This creature resembles a giant spider, with a dozen eyes and a pair of mandibles about the mouth piece. The outer shell is a sleek black hue.
These beings bear an unusual resemblance to certain species of spiders on earth, which undoubtedly accounts for the strong prejudice they receive from some humans. They have a dark exoskeleton, eight or ten jointed legs, a head dome covered with a dozen black eyes, and a pair of mandibles about their mouth. Their chitinous outer shell is a marvel of evolution, being both tough and light. Despite this, the mass of the exoskeleton slows down the arachnæ and they typically move about at a leisurely walk. The back of the males shell is covered by a growth of black hairs, while the female is hairless.
The arachnæ are intelligent, sentient creatures, with a well-balanced psyche and a calm, rational thought process. In spite of their unnerving appearance, they share many traits in common with humanity, including a protective instinct for their offspring and an enjoyment of socialization. They speak a unique language composed of clicks and mandible gestures.
Combat
The arachnæ can be skilled, dangerous fighters, capable of clever tactics and brilliant strategy. They prefer to fight at a distance, employing weapons and advanced technology to win their battles. While they have a frightening appearance, arachnæ are not particularly capable at unarmed combat.
Partition Mind (Ex): Each round an arachnæ does not concentrate or perform a full-round action, it can choose to partition its mind and gain a bonus standard action. This action can only be applied toward using an Intelligence or Wisdom-based skill. While its mind is thus partitioned, the arachnæ takes a -1 penalty on attack rolls and saving throws.
Skills: Arachnæ have a +2 racial bonus on Spot skill checks, and a +8 bonus on Climb checks. They suffer a -2 penalty to all Listen skill checks.