Driderii

Spirits of the Desert Sands

Driderii, also called 'driders', are a rare centauroid beings on Elohey. They are a species that has an elven upper body and the lower body of a trapdoor sand-spider. They are typically found across the A'qadia continent, but are occasionally seen along the coasts of Edoya and Bei'Tian.

Their origins are a mystery to scholars, at best it's believed they share a similar origin to that of piskies, but there is no record of the Magi War extending to A'qadia. It is possible they were affected during the Magi War then later settled in A'qadia, however histories preserved in Binaket don't support this. Instead, they mention the driderii as having emerged from the deepest part of Nasrin desert and the Sauyat Mountains.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Driderii are a centaur species with a humanoid, elven-like, upper body while their lower body is that of a trapdoor sand-spider. They do have hair and internally have two spines and an internal skeleton, despite their lower half being an arachnid form.

They have two arms and eight legs. This arrangement grants them amazing speed and dexterity, far beyond most other mortal sapients of the Civilized Folk. This distribution of weight combined with a natural agility allows them to navigate shifting sands and similar loose or unstable terrain with ease.

However, this isn't a benefit with regard to water. Driderii can swim, but their anatomy only allows them to swim slowly.

Driderii skin tone ranges from dusky-brown to yellow-orange with a sand-brown lower body. All driderii have stripes that run lengthwise along their lower half in patterns that follow the bloodlines. Skin tone tends toward lighter shades as a driderii spends an extended period of time indoors.

Eye color for Driderii range between yellow, black, and on rare occasions, red. They have hair, which tends to grow rather thick with a natural glossy look. Hair color ranges from copper-brown to black.

Long in the Tooth

Driderii are also one of the few fanged species. They have slightly elongated canines that under casual inspection can barely be noticed. However, when threatened, a driderii is capable of extending those fangs to deliver a powerful bite which will also inject a powerful sleeping toxin.

Sexual dimorphism

The species doesn’t display as much sexual dimorphism as other sapient beings. Females tend to be slightly taller and broader than males. The upper, humanoid, part of their body tends to toward a leaner shape with long muscle structure. Males can, at best, grow thin facial hair, yet are unable to grow body hair.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Driderii are omnivorous able to eat a variety of grains, vegetables, and animal protein. However, they are better able to digest lean proteins such as fish or chicken, rather than beef or pork.

Lifespan

an average of 450 years

Average Height

7 to 7 1/2 feet due to their arachnid lower half.

Average Weight

230–270 lbs

Average Length

Their lower half extends back 3 1/2 to 4 feet

Note

Driderii can produce offspring with only a small number of other species. Those would be: humans, elves, and cecaelia. Any others would require magical intervention.

Driderii Ancestral Traits

A character that is descended from a driderii or has driderii in their bloodline has the following available, regardless of ethnicity.

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Age Driderii biologically mature at the same age that humans do, however mentally they are more what some would call adult at the age of 70.

Ability Score Increase Dexterity +2

Size While their torso is closer to medium, they are a centauroid species which means their overall size is Large.

Speed Their extra legs mean they have a base walking speed is 40 feet.

Sure Footed Driderii have a +12 to their CMD against trip attempts on them and have a +1 to their Climb skill.

Venomous Bite Their upper fangs can extend a half-inch, allowing them to inject venom when you bite a foe, which can be used for unarmed strikes. On a successful hit, they deal piercing damage of 1d4 + Strength modifier. The victim must make a Save Vs Fortitude or fall into a deep sleep in 1 round. A sleeping victim will stay asleep for one hour.

Centaurid Form Moving through a world build for bipedal creatures can be a challenge. Climbing ladders and ropes are more of a challenge for driderii. When climbing something build for a humanoid character, a driderii can only move at half the speed a humanoid would.