Ettercap

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Ettercap Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the ancient forest, where the light of the sun barely pierces the dense canopy, lurks a creature of sinister intent and cunning malice—the Ettercap. This arachnid-like humanoid is a master of webs and traps, a silent predator that stalks the unwary with a patience born of ages. Its skin is a mottled blend of purples and grays, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the shadows of its woodland home. Long, spindly limbs end in sharp, claw-like appendages, perfect for climbing and ensnaring prey.

The Ettercap's bulbous eyes glisten with a malevolent intelligence, reflecting the dim light with an eerie glow. Its mouth, a grotesque maw filled with needle-like teeth, drips with venom, ready to paralyze and subdue any creature that dares to wander into its domain. The air around it is thick with the scent of decay and the faint rustle of webs shifting in the breeze, a testament to the many victims that have fallen to its traps.

Ettercaps are solitary creatures, preferring the solitude of their tangled lairs deep within the forest. Here, they weave intricate webs between the trees, creating a labyrinthine network of silken threads that serve both as a home and a hunting ground. These webs are nearly invisible to the untrained eye, and many a traveler has found themselves ensnared, struggling helplessly as the Ettercap descends from above.

Legends speak of the Ettercap as the cursed offspring of a long-forgotten deity of spiders, banished to the mortal realm for its insatiable cruelty. It is said that those who venture too close to its lair can hear the whispers of its victims, trapped forever in the silken embrace of its webs. Some tales even claim that the Ettercap can command lesser arachnids, calling forth swarms of spiders to do its bidding and overwhelm its foes.

As you stand at the edge of this foreboding forest, the shadows seem to stretch and twist, as if alive with a will of their own. The air is thick with tension, and the silence is broken only by the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig. Beware, for the Ettercap is ever watchful, and those who enter its domain may find themselves ensnared in a web of nightmares from which there is no escape.

Ettercap Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +5

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 11

Languages

• Understands Common and Elvish but can't speak

Abilities

• Spider Climb: The ettercap can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
• Web Sense: While in contact with a web, the ettercap knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.
• Web Walker: The ettercap ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

• Multiattack: The ettercap makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 4 (1d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
• Web (Recharge 5-6): Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one creature. Hit: The target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 11 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).

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Battle Tips for Ettercap

The Ettercap is a cunning and stealthy creature, often found lurking in dark forests or abandoned ruins. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing the Ettercap's unique abilities can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use Ettercaps in battle:

Utilizing Stealth and Ambush

• Ambush Tactics: Use the Ettercap's natural stealth abilities to set up ambushes. Have them hide in the shadows or among the trees, waiting for the perfect moment to strike unsuspecting adventurers.
• Web Traps: Leverage their ability to create webs to set traps for the party. Place webs in strategic locations to hinder movement and create difficult terrain, making it easier for the Ettercap to isolate and attack individual characters.

Coordinated Attacks with Other Creatures

• Allies with Spiders: Ettercaps often work alongside giant spiders. Use this to your advantage by coordinating attacks. The Ettercap can use its web abilities to restrain targets, while the spiders move in for the kill.
• Divide and Conquer: If multiple Ettercaps are present, have them work together to divide the party. Use their webs to separate characters, making it easier to overwhelm them with numbers.

Strategic Retreats

• Hit and Run: Ettercaps are not the strongest in direct combat. If the battle turns against them, have them retreat into the shadows, using their knowledge of the terrain to escape and regroup.
• Use of Terrain: Encourage Ettercaps to use the environment to their advantage. They can lead adventurers into more dangerous areas, where the terrain or other creatures can aid in their escape or provide additional challenges for the party.

By using these tactics, you can create a dynamic and engaging encounter with Ettercaps that will test the strategic thinking and adaptability of your players.