Spider, Giant Tarantula 3 (9)

Lost Company Press

Looming shadows within the dense forests often belong to the Giant Tarantula, a colossal arachnid with fangs dripping in venom. The hairs on its legs can detect the slightest vibrations, and its body is covered in barbed bristles, which it can shoot at threats. Its eight eyes give it an almost unparalleled field of vision, seeing movement with chilling precision.

Motive: To feed and to protect its territory

Environment: Dense forests and cave systems (Forest)

Health: 9

Damage: 3 points

Armor: 2

Movement: Short

Modifications: Stealth as level 5; Climbing as level 5

Combat: The Giant Tarantula paralyzes its prey with a venomous bite; the victim must make a Might defense roll or be unable to move for ten minutes. While paralyzed, the target is helpless against the tarantula's deadly embrace. If the creature has a previous round of surprise or from stealth, it may shoot its barbed bristles causing immediate 1 point of damage and hindering any action by one step due to pain and irritation if a Speed defense roll is failed.

• Ensnaring Webs: Once per battle, it can shoot a web to ensnare a victim. If a target fails a Speed defense roll, they are immobilized until they succeed on a Might-based task to break free.
• Frightening Presence: The sheer size and menacing presence of the Giant Tarantula can provoke fear. Once per encounter, as an action, it can attempt to intimidate opponents. Affected characters must succeed on an Intellect defense roll or be unable to approach closer for two rounds.
• Barbed Bristle Burst: Once per encounter, the Giant Tarantula can shoot its barbed bristles in a wide arc, potentially striking all within short range. Each target must make a Speed defense roll or suffer 2 points of damage and a one-step penalty to all actions for one round due to pain and irritation.

Interactions: A Giant Tarantula may sometimes be distracted by setting fires, creating vibrations, or offering it meat, but due to its territorial nature, it will attack if it feels threatened or if its environment is intruded upon.

Uses: An alchemist seeks the venom of the Giant Tarantula, promising rewards for those brave enough to extract it. Meanwhile, an innocent settlement unknowingly encroaching on tarantula territory may soon fall victim to its wrath.

Loot: Giant Tarantula venom can be harvested if the creature is safely subdued or killed, potentially serving as a powerful but risky component in alchemy or for coating weapons.

GM Intrusion: As a character steps too close to the creature's lair, they accidentally disturb its egg sac, releasing dozens of smaller but still dangerous tarantulas.