Rock Weaver

In the modern era some have questioned why the mountains remain so underdeveloped. For all their mineral wealth, why not expand? Such questions are answered by a collaborative reason but in no small part due to the subject of this entry. The Rockweavers have plagued the efforts of the layman since the dawn of the Pyrosi empire. Their terrific power and hideous complexion have manifested themselves in stories of woe and lore across Amnisica, reminding those privy to the danger of going into the cold darkness. Their purpose is somewhat misunderstood by the mountainous folk, with some believing them to have been intentionally placed here to foil their efforts to grow.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Rockweavers are enormous arachnids who are only distant cousins to fellow spiders. They lack ears but a series of follicles allow them to detect vibration through surfaces.  Their senses are heightened over other spiders, allowing them to pinpoint vibration through almost any surface at a distance of a mile. Ideal for their largely subterranean home as their eyes have become reduced. Though large, a Rockweavers’ eyes lack the ability to discern color and can only distinguish between light and dark. Their eyes lack a protective covering as diurnal insects do, giving them an intense aversion to the pain of light.

While Rockweavers are carnivorous, it’s not uncommon to see them feeding on minerals and metallic substances. These materials do not sustain them but are instead used by the Rockweaver in predation. Crystalized forms rise from their abdomen as excess waste, charged with a mixture of vitor to emit a subtle glow. These crystals can be used as a catalyst in potions. The collection of minerals and metals the Rockweaver processes forms the main part of its silk. Rockweaver silk is as strong as chainmail but through the spinnerets of the arachnid it can be threaded as if it were fabric. These threads are covered in an adhesive to snag prey the size of deer but will rapidly lose its stick if not maintained by a living specimen.

Rockweavers are a dimorphic species as the females are significantly larger than the males. Males have reduced fangs and a more spindly form whereas the females have enlarged fangs and a broad form. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, each the size of a golf ball. Juvenile Rockweavers are characterized by a white soft outer shell and a lack of crystals. The mother must expel a small dosage of liquid minerals for them to get their first armor and armament components. Being largely defenseless, Juvenile Rockweavers take refuge on their mothers backs until they’re about a year old.

#### Psychology

Rockweavers are mostly solitary animals with a distinct territorial demeanor. Females in particular will clash over ideal hunting grounds and mineral deposits. A single female may have a number of male pairings over her lifetime as she will often eat her mate after a single season. Males are too small and timid to claim territory but reside within a female’s domain for access to the scraps she leaves behind. Males are at least somewhat social amongst each other as they fashion auxiliary hideouts within a female’s territory together. These hideouts have no real structure to them and disputes are often settled with outright violence.

Rockweavers show an innate hatred of light and anything that carries it. They’re known to destroy light sources whenever possible and prevent attempts to repair them. Rockweavers despise being robbed of their mineral and ore too, leading them to attack miners and other craftsmen below the depths.