Nettlecloud Spider (Template)

This template is based on the goliath birdeater tarantula (Theraphosa blondi), an actual variety of tarantula that can grow to have a legspan of twelve inches. The nettlecloud spider is a type of hunting spider with an unusual form of defense. Thick-limbed and veryheavy, they are stronger than other sorts of spiders but somewhat clumsier. Their bodies are covered with a fine layer of very small barbed hairs.   Creating a Nettlecloud Spider "Nettlecloud spider" is a template that can be added to any spider-like vermin (such as monstrous spiders). Theoretically other spider-like creatures (such as driders, choldriths,and ettercaps) could gain this template as well. The creature uses all of the base creatureÌs statistics and special abilities except as noted here.

Special Attacks: A nettlecloud spider retains all of the special attacks of the base creature and also gains the following attacks:
    Nettlecloud (Ex): When threatened (confronted by creatures larger than itself or reduced to half its normal hit points or below), a nettlecloud spider rubs its legs against its body, pulling its barbed hairs loose and forming a poisonous cloud of stinging hairs. It may do this up to three times per day. This cloud is centered on a point along the edge of the creatureÌs square and spreads a distance equal to the smallest dimension of the creatureÌs facing (creatures with a facing less than 5 ft. by 5 ft. create a cloud that fills only its own square).
    The creature is unharmed by its own cloud or by the clouds of other nettlecloud spiders. The cloud persists for 1 round and then disperses. Creatures within the nettlecloud or that enter it must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 the creatureÌs HD + the base creature's Con modifier) or be blinded and shaken for 1d4+1 rounds (a successful save reduces this duration by half).
    After using its nettlecloud, the creature normally performs a normal move to escape its attackers (even if this would draw an attack of opportunity).
    Abilities: Increase from the base creature as follows: Str +2, Dex -2.
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Climate/Terrain: Temperate and tropical land and underground

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Sample Nettlecloud Spider
This example uses a Large monstrous (hunting) spider as the base creature.

Large Nettlecloud Monstrous (Hunting) Spider
Large Vermin
Hit Dice: 4d8+4 (22 hp)
Initiative: +3 (Dex)
Speed: 40 ft., climb 20 ft.
AC: 14 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +2 natural)
Attacks: Bite +4 melee
Damage: 1d8+3 and poison
Face/Reach: 10 ft. by 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Poison, web, nettlecloud (10 ft. spread)
Special Qualities: Vermin
Saves: Fort +5, Reflex +4, Will +1.
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 17, Con 12, Int Û, Wis 10, Cha 2.
Skills: Climb +14, Hide +6, Jump +2*, Spot +7*
Feats: Û

Combat
    Poison (Ex): Fortitude save DC 16, initial damage 1d6 temporary Strength, secondary damage 1d6 temporary Strength.
    Web (Ex): Escape DC 26, Break DC 32, hit points 12.
    Nettlecloud (Ex): 10 ft. spread, Fortitude save DC 13.