Spider Yeti

At first sight, the spider yeti resembles its cousin: a large aggressive white-furred beast that thrives in cold climates. Upon closer inspection though (if you survive that long), there are differences. In place of hungry eyes and a mouthful of teeth, the spider yeti's head features a set of eight eyes and a set of venomous mandibles. Its fur is tangled and matted with webbing that glistens like ice crystals.

Ruthless Aggression. Spider yetis are extremely territorial beings. Whoever (or whatever) intrudes upon a spider yeti's domain is in danger of being attacked with no warning. The yeti will only hesitate against physically strong foes, resorting to a more cautious approach, or fleeing the area entirely. Even if its territory is not challenged, a spider yeti moves its home periodically, always on the look for better game.

Given time, a spider yeti can be convinced to tolerate a creature if the creature proves to be unkillable. This applies as much to tiny creatures living nearby (such as other spiders), as to other yeti, or the abnormally lucky hunter. Even in these cases, a hungry spider yeti may attack its "companions" if it is spurred by hunger, anger, or other urges.

Cunning Hunters. Unlike regular yetis, the spider yetis relies on traps in addition to raw strength to catch prey. These traps almost always involve a web coupled with poor visibility. Whether its target is blinded by a blizzard or lost in a dark cave matters not. The spider yeti tries to trap the creature in hidden webbing, then attacks it with all its might.

Origins. Apparently a cross between a yeti and an ettercap, the spider yeti has attracted similar theories to those of the owlbear. Were spider yetis created by a mad wizard? By strange happenstance of nature? By divine interference (Lolth, perhaps)? Or have they always existed, prowling the cold places of the world? Their reclusiveness and ferocity has made answering these questions difficult, to say the least.