Spider
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These giant arachnids have always been a threat to both the living and the dead forces of the lands. Like most monsters the origins of the spider are not well known, although there are rumours of spider nests in Anthos that may be a source of origin. They were frequently used by the Undead during their attacks in Aegis. The Mori'Quessir held spiders in high sacred regard.
Although dangerous to take on in combat, dead spiders may be found to have items of value on their corpses. Spider silk, cobwebs and spider eyes are common. Many spiders will have minas stuck in their fur collected as they scuttle through caves and grass, or from eating underground Dwarves.
Varieties
They come in two forms. The Common Spider is large, approximately two meters long, two meters deep and one meter high. They are large and deal heavy damage with their fangs, but are slow and cannot enter tight spaces. The Cave Spider is smaller, able to enter small spaces and agile. They are originally from deep underground, where they have their nests, but some find their way to the surface of the world. The Cave Spider has poison sacs within their large fangs that will cause one to die a slow and horrible death.
Appearance and Behavior
Spiders are cunning, strong, and their beastly appearance belies their sharp intellect. Often, they can be spotted ambushing a unwary traveler, bearing into them with razor-sharp mandibles and slicing leg-limbs. However, unlike their close cousins, Cave Spiders, they do not have a draining, fatigue inducing toxin secreted in their jaws. On the other hand, they are bigger in stature, and have more force behind their bite as a result.
Common injuries caused by spiders are; puncture wounds to the limbs and abdomen, particularly the sword-hand of combatants. Another common wound caused by Spiders are tear wounds caused by their long, sharp legs. Ironically, a downed Spider provides the means to heal such wounds, since spider webbing is a fantastic material for staunching blood flow and binding gashes.
Spiders are not a popular hunting target. They are agile, dangerous, and good at outmaneuvering targets. They enjoy ambushes and surprise attacks., helped by their ability to climb up walls. Also, they carry little of value, apart from the string that they create, which has several useful properties. One of these is tailoring - string is strong, waterproof, and makes beautiful cloth.
Habitat
Spiders are commonly found in rural, forested areas, as well as the dense forests of Malinor. They are often found in trees, where they make their nests from webbing. Some spiders continue to live underground, where they snack on bats and Dwarves.
