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When dark elves disappoint the spider queen Lolth, a cruel fate awaits them: transformation into a Drider. These nightmarish creatures combine the torso of a dark elf with the spider body of an eight-legged predator – a permanent reminder of divine disfavor.

Masters of Underworld Hunting

Driders with a Challenge Rating of 6 are perfect opponents for mid-level adventure parties. Their natural Armor Class of 19 and 123 hit points make them robust enemies, while their Spider Climb ability grants them tactical advantages. They can walk along walls and ceilings without making ability checks – ideal for ambushes in cave systems.

The Drider becomes particularly dangerous through its Multiattack ability. It can make three attacks per round, either with its longsword or longbow. One attack can be replaced by a poisonous bite that causes considerable poison damage in addition to piercing damage.

Spellcasting Hunters

Thanks to their elven heritage, Driders master innate spells. They can cast Dancing Lights at will to confuse their prey or create illusions. Once per day they have Darkness and Faerie Fire available – perfect for controlling fights and marking enemies.

Their Fey Ancestry protects them from charm and magical sleep, while Web Walker makes them immune to movement restrictions from webs. Only weakness: Sunlight Sensitivity gives them disadvantages on the surface.

Use at the Gaming Table

Driders work excellently as single enemies in labyrinthine caves or as leaders of a group of weaker creatures. Use their climbing abilities for dramatic three-level fights on rock walls. The Monster Manual 🛒 offers further details about their backstory and habitat.

As former dark elves, Driders have complex motivations – they hate both Lolth and their former kin. This makes them interesting antagonists with potential for roleplaying elements, especially when the party encounters their tragic transformation.

Tactical Tips for Dungeon Masters

Position Driders on ceilings or high ledges for maximum surprise. Their Stealth of +9 makes them excellent sneakers. Combine Faerie Fire with ranged attacks to pursue fleeing player characters, or use Darkness to control the battlefield and separate the party.

This article was created using AI, based on data from the 5e-database project (D&D 5e System Reference Document, licensed under CC BY 4.0).

The post Drider: The Feared Spider Centaurs of the Underworld was first posted at Dice Scroller.