Frostweaver Spider

Typical Specimens:

  Most Frostweavers are roughly the size of a large dog, with spindle-like legs and bulbous abdomens adorned with intricate, almost rune-like patterns. These ancient predators are solitary hunters, known for their nearly invisible webs that can span entire forests, laced with a paralytic and anesthetic venom that allows them to subdue prey with ease. Their webs glow with a faint blue-white light, capable of conducting mental energies, which they use to lure their victims with whispers that mimic familiar voices, often those of loved ones.  

The Whispering Widow:

Elder Frostweaver spiders, also known as "Whispering Widows," are a rare, ancient and formidable spider-like Aberration that haunts the frigid forests and snowy highlands of northern Alterran. Known for her immense size—her body comparable to that of a small horse—the Matron is a solitary predator who weaves nearly invisible webs that ensnare prey both animal and human. Her spindle-like legs, bulbous abdomen, and intricate, rune-like patterns on her exoskeleton add to her eerie presence. The Matron's webs are not just physical traps; they pulse with a cold, blue-white light and conduct mental energies, allowing her to sense and lure victims with a voice that mimics that of a familiar, often an old woman’s soothing tone.   The Frostweaver Matron’s venom is both paralytic and anesthetic, often leaving her prey in a state of euphoric paralysis as she wraps them in her web. This venom, along with other extracts from her body, has been highly sought after by alchemists and hunters alike, as it can be used to create potent cold resistance potions, anesthetics, and even telepathic-enhancing fluids. These abilities have made encounters with her extremely dangerous, as she possesses not only brute strength but also a cunning intelligence that allows her to set traps and ambushes with deadly precision.   In Oblidan folklore, the Whispering Widow is more than just a monster; she is a guardian of ancient secrets, possibly tied to the Feyn, with whom she is believed to have a pact. Tales speak of travelers who were either guided to safety or doom by her whispers, depending on her whim. The Frostweaver Matron's lair, often found in ruins or deep forest recesses, is littered with the remains of those who fell victim to her traps. Despite her fearsome reputation, she is also a creature of mystery, embodying the dark, cold, and unfathomable aspects of the northern wilderness.