“Beware the caves, child. Do not get close otherwise the Araneae may come snatch you up to eat!” The mother teased her young child as she tucked him into bed.
“Have you ever seen one before, Mama?” he asked.
“No, not many have. They say it's bad luck to meet one.”
She kissed him on the forehead and blew out the candle. The door creaked as she eased it shut on her way out and locked it. She blew out the remaining candles throughout their small shack near the edge of the mountain range and deadbolted all three locks on the front and back door. The night air chilled her skin as she went to close the kitchen window. She paused as she saw three sets of eight red eyes staring at her in the distance and then slammed the window shut.
*
— Jonah C. Rainer, Campfire Stories
*
### Cave Dwellers
The Araneae live in colonies in cave systems dug out over generations. Colonies exist separately from one another but will typically have a large population from centuries of growth with a strong communal society. The Araneae have extended live spans with the average Araneae living to around a millennia. Araneae have four arms and have dark blue and grey skintones. They also sport eight eyes, typically red, white, black, or blue, in varying sizes and placements on their heads. Araneae also have a pair of fangs, though only one subrace has venom. Male Araneae have pincers that can open and close to guard their face.
### Scholars
Araneae scholars live for the expansion of knowledge. Their extended lifespans allow for scholars to amass large amounts of knowledge and watch history unfold before their eyes. Every colony will have an extensive collective library full of books, artifacts, fossils, and more that is open for colony members to view and study. Many Araneae scholars have dabbled in magic, and some have gone on to specializing or creating new forms and methods.
### Hunters
Araneae hunts live for the thrill of the hunt. Most Araneae are stealth killers and will wait days for their prey to set off a trap. Some Araneae are aggressive hunters and will actively chase out their prey, using their spider climb abilities and tremorsense to their advantage. Regardless of the hunting style, Araneae hunters will bring back their hunt for the colony to share collectively.
### Araneae Names
Araneae typically have short names and no last names. Male names have a guttural and harsh sound while female names are more melodic and seductive.
**Male Araneae Names:** Chauk, Kokras, Barakas, Ekras, Ekemon, Retlik, Igleh, Fradkth, Nithak, Raegg, Evir
**Female Araneae Names:** Rola, Litha, Ea, Criella, Damaia, Arae, Zella, Vera, Orla, Raenym, Orianna, Phelaia, Rieta