Appearance

These massive arachnids stand at three feet tall. Resembling tarantulas, which are their smaller cousins, bark spiders are covered in a soft downy fur. Their colors range in earthen tones, muddy browns and the likes, with various markings to help them in their environment. Some even have sock-like markings. Their eight eyes are jewel toned and bright, holding a spark of intelligence.

The namesake of bark spiders comes from the armor these arachnids craft. Using tree bark and vines they craft rudimentary armor to protect their carapace and abdomen, using their sticky webs to help adhere armor pieces together. These pieces of armor can be fairly elaborate, and must be remade after each moult. Older spiders will have more impressive armor than younger ones, simply because they’ve had more time to practice.

Females are larger than males, though their colors are much more muted.

Abilities

Bark spiders can climb up just about any surface, and their strong legs enable them to jump great heights and distances. They’re also quick and agile, and they use their speed to chase down prey. They also boast incredible strength, easily able to lift several times their own body weight.

They have keen senses, and are capable of tracking prey over long distances. However, red light has been shown to mess with their depth perception.

They secrete a sticky sap from their spinnerets, which they use to weave into nest-like webs.

Their fangs produce a venom that, while not deadly, causes limbs to go numb. Their venom is milked and frequently used in pain relieving potions.

Culture

Bark spiders are almost extinct in the wild, and survive solely through breeding programs and farms to be used as mounts. Those that do survive in the wild live secretive lives, so the exact number is unknown.

They’re intelligent and easy to train, being highly food motivated and eager to please.

While they live solitary lives in the wild, they get along well in small groups. They form strong bonds with their rider, being raised by them since hatching.

Their mating ritual involves dancing. Males perform elaborate dances for females, which involves raising their pedipalps, front two sets of legs, and jumping in circular patterns while they display their colorful markings. If a female shows interest the males will change dances, this time showing off their bark armor. Females prefer well crafted armor, with ornate pieces being especially preferred.

For as elaborate as their mating ritual is, mating itself is risky for males. If not careful the larger female will kill and eat the male after mating is complete.

The webs they weave are not sticky, and are instead woven to create a safety net should they fall, and nests to protect their eggs. The sticky sap they secrete to help weave their silk can be collected and used to create glue and resins, and spun silk can be woven into durable silk cloth.