Araknea

Araknea. It is shortened to Arak by most. “Arak” means “born from”, “youngling” or “weak” if applied alone. “Nea” means “web” or “home”. They called their species as a whole “Born from the Web”. They are native to the Marshes of Drache, but have begun to spread out due to enterprising humans wanting their silk.

### **Physical description**

Arakneas typically look like spiders twisted in the shape of a man, and just as tall as one. They have short hair growing out of most of their body. Their diet dictates how their bodies and mind develop. They are omnivores, but they eat things other than meat when there is none to find as it is extremely less nutritive for them and is unlikely to help their growth during their infancy stage. Those who ate the most during their growth from newborn to adulthood naturally become the strongest of the tribe and are called Araknii (“Nii” means “strong, “superior” or “above”). Their 3 pairs of arms are powerful, the hair on their body is black or brown and their eyes shine like precious gems. Females can be distinguished from the males by red streaks in their hair on the top of the head and their back. They are also taller than most males. When born, all Araknea have grey hair and black eyes. It is when growing up that those who maintain those traits, those who haven’t been eating enough but still managed to survive, are called Arak. Their middle and lower pair of arms become atrophied, almost vestigial, and their mind are just above feral. The life expectancy of an Araknea is hard to judge since so few of them ever reach the end of their natural lifespan, but it is estimated at up to 30-40 years old. Araks barely use any weapon other than their natural claws, but under the supervision of an Araknii, they might learn to use primitive ones. Arakniis are those who have learned to use weapons, and might even trade with outsiders in exchange for goods such as these (or raid settlements and grab what's closest to a weapon).

### **Society**

Arakneas typically live in nests made from their own webs. The strongest reside at the top, while the weakest are at the bottom, where other predators can attack them, if they do not eat among themselves first. There is one female who leads the whole colony. She is also the mother of all the Arakneas in the nest. Other females serve as replacement and figurehead for small raiding units.

### **Religion**

There are many minor deities that vary among multiple colonies, but they all share faith in one, Orok’Nea. “Orok means “ not born” or “beyond”. They give an special importance to the word “Orok”, which is why it must always have a space when you pronounce it, as to not offend their deities. This also means that they venerate an entity that is not born from their home. It has also influenced their first contacts with civilisation, which went smoothly, since the first explorers were from beyond the nest. They believe that the spirit of each Araknea that dies fly into the heaven of Orok’Nea’s web. Those strong enough can break through it and reside among the stars until their goddess reincarnates back to earth. Those who are weak will be stuck into the webs, where they will serve as the next meal for Orok’Nea. They can however prove themselves worthy in life and be released from the web once their life ends.

### **Interspecies relationships**

While they do not have prejudice towards other races, it is also difficult for them they associate with them. From their mindset, once they have learned that the outsiders are not divine, they become either food, or a source of food. From an outsider’s perspective, Arakneas have a monstrous appearance and can prove to be untrusty allies if the prospect of eating you outweighs the gains of an alliance. They do however offer their service as mercenaries, or sell their spider silk in exchange for great quantities of food.

Some humans have offered to give the Araknea enormous quantities of food if they leave their homeland to travel with them. Some have agreed to this, and Araknii populations have started to sprout up in mercantile and sea faring nations all along the southern coasts. Their spider silk is a prized commodity, as it is much stronger than regular rope, and can be used to make the finest silk clothing.

### **Language**

Their dialect is a mix of words unique for them (which varies from colony to colony) and words taken from other languages. Most Arak are also barely able to talk, but they do mimic what they are trying to express... at least those who are smart enough. Some also click the mandibles to communicate simple messages.