Planar Bestiary
A pauvak is a monstrous, semi-intelligent arachnid native to Gehenna. Their flattened abdomen resembles a giant tarnished metal mask depicting some horrid beast, with a long neck and an irregular number of angular limbs.
Like a hunting spider, a pauvak doesn't use webs to build a nest, but roams in search of prey or waits patiently until something suitable wanders by. They often cling to a wall or cliff face, tucking their legs underneath and with only their eyes peering from under their body, as if they were a statue or other vile decoration.
Motive: Hungers for flesh
Environment: Anywhere in the Lower Planes, alone or with another fiend (possibly serving as the fiend's mount)
Health: 15
Damage Inflicted: Moderate wound (5 points)
Armor: 3 (6 against damage from falling, which they share with their rider)
Movement: Short; short when climbing
Modifications: Speed defense as level 4 due to large size
Combat: A pauvak attacks twice each round with their claws.
Alternatively, a pauvak can target a creature in short range with strands of razor webbing. On a failed Speed defense task, the victim is caught in the webs. All the bewebbed victim's physical tasks are hindered and they take 3 points of damage each round from the mass of razor-like strands holding them. Breaking loose requires a successful Might task as an action; however, each attempt inflicts an additional minor wound (3 points). The webs burn readily, so much so that the target takes 5 points of damage from fire as the strands are completely consumed.
Interaction: Pauvaks are fiercely independent. They have been known to tear their own legs off to escape captivity or an owner's leash. However, if approached with respect, using a language they can understand (the language of demons, Abyssal) by a creature that treats them well, they can form a strong emotional bond, and are willing to follow that creature into battle or even be ridden as a mount. In these partnerships, the pauvak is usually allowed to roam in the creature's territory to hunt as they please, returning only when their ally needs them. If the allied creature dies, the pauvak mourns, then feeds on their ally's corpse (which they see as a sign of respect).
Use: A clutch of weirdly large spider eggs was discovered in the belfry of the abandoned chapel by kids playing where they shouldn't. If not dealt with, the eggs hatch into tiny pauvaks that turn on each other for food until only the strongest are left, which separate to hunt alone.
GM Intrusion: The pauvak teleports up to a short distance, along with their rider (if any) and a character held by their razor webbing.