Phase Spider

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Phase Spider Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the cavern, where shadows dance and the air is thick with the scent of damp earth, a creature of both wonder and terror lurks just beyond the veil of reality. The Phase Spider, a being that straddles the line between the material world and the ethereal plane, is a sight both mesmerizing and fearsome. Its body, a grotesque yet strangely beautiful amalgamation of arachnid and spectral essence, shimmers with an otherworldly glow. The creature's eight legs, long and spindly, move with an unsettling grace, each step silent as a whisper in the dark.

Its eyes, a cluster of multifaceted orbs, reflect the dim light like a constellation of malevolent stars, watching, waiting. The Phase Spider's mandibles, sharp and glistening with venom, twitch in anticipation of its next meal. This creature is not bound by the physical constraints of the world; it phases in and out of existence, slipping effortlessly between dimensions, a ghostly predator in search of prey.

Phase Spiders are most commonly found in the shadowy recesses of the Underdark, where the boundaries between planes are thin and fragile. They weave their webs in the forgotten corners of ancient ruins, deep within the heart of the forest where sunlight dares not tread, or in the labyrinthine tunnels of subterranean realms. These webs, glistening with a spectral sheen, are as much a trap for the unwary as they are a gateway to the unknown.

Legends speak of the Phase Spider as a guardian of hidden paths, a creature that knows the secret ways between worlds. Some say that those who can capture the creature's attention and survive its deadly embrace may be granted passage to realms unseen by mortal eyes. Others tell tales of entire adventuring parties vanishing without a trace, ensnared by the spider's ethereal web, their fates sealed in the silence of the void.

As you venture deeper into the darkness, the air grows colder, and the shadows seem to stretch and twist with a life of their own. Beware, for the Phase Spider is ever watchful, and in the blink of an eye, it may emerge from the ether, a phantom menace poised to strike.

Phase Spider Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +7

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 11

Languages

• Understands Common but can't speak

Abilities

• Spider Climb: The phase spider can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
• Web Walker: The phase spider ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Phase Step: The phase spider shifts from the Material Plane to the Ethereal Plane, or vice versa. This ability is used as a bonus action.

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Battle Tips for Phase Spider

The Phase Spider is a unique and challenging creature to incorporate into your campaign. With its ability to shift between the Material Plane and the Ethereal Plane, it offers a dynamic and unpredictable element to any encounter. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Phase Spiders in battle:

Utilizing the Phase Spider's Abilities

• Surprise Attacks: Use the Phase Spider's ethereal jaunt ability to surprise players. Have the spider phase into the Material Plane behind the party, creating a sense of tension and urgency.
• Hit and Run Tactics: The Phase Spider can attack and then retreat to the Ethereal Plane, making it difficult for players to retaliate. Use this to wear down the party over time.
• Ambush Scenarios: Set up scenarios where the Phase Spider can ambush the party, such as narrow corridors or dense forests where visibility is limited.

Coordinating Multiple Phase Spiders

• Flanking Maneuvers: Use multiple Phase Spiders to flank the party. One spider can distract the players while others phase in from different directions.
• Divide and Conquer: Have the spiders target different members of the party, forcing them to split their focus and resources.
• Coordinated Retreats: If the battle turns against them, Phase Spiders can phase out and regroup, potentially setting up another ambush later.

Creating a Memorable Encounter

• Environmental Hazards: Combine the Phase Spider encounter with environmental challenges, such as webs, darkness, or difficult terrain, to increase the difficulty.
• Story Integration: Tie the Phase Spiders into the story, perhaps as guardians of a hidden treasure or as minions of a more powerful ethereal creature.
• Player Tactics: Encourage players to think creatively about how to deal with the Phase Spiders, such as using spells or abilities that can affect the Ethereal Plane.

By leveraging the Phase Spider's unique abilities and coordinating their actions, you can create a thrilling and memorable encounter that challenges your players and enhances your campaign's narrative.