Ether Spider

Ether spiders are members of a vague taxonomy called ethereal wildlife and are deadly predators from the Ethereal Plane. They are giant arachnids who can shape the raw essence of the Ethereal Plane as easily as spinning silk, weaving it in complex patterns that drift through the misty void. From these ethereal nests, whole families of ether spiders can scout adjacent locales in the Universe, watching for easy prey in dark or remote corners of the land of mortals. Once an ether spider has spotted a meal, it anchors its nest and waits on the Ethereal Plane for its prey to draw near. As soon as its victim is within reach, the ether spider shifts to the Universe, clamps its fangs onto its prey, then shifts back to the Ethereal Plane to wait as its venom works through the creature's system. Ether spiders move between the planes with ease, making them extremely dangerous to those who can't see or attack ethereal enemies.

Ether spiders are not mindless or cruel—they are simply hungry. If a prospective meal can sate an ether spider's incredible appetite through other means, they might be able to bargain for their life. Ether spiders are especially interested in items, information, or allies who can help them against their enemies.

Ether spiders dwell in vast nests adrift in the Ethereal Plane, where as many as half a dozen ether spiders might cohabitate. Although ether spiders enjoy one another's company, they don't form the same bonds as most humanoids, and they are more likely to feast on the corpse of a fallen sibling than save one from certain doom. When not hunting prey, ether spiders are likely to let down their guard. Travelers who find a floating ether spider commune should have an easier time of making peaceful contact to trade with or even befriend these strange arachnids. The nests drift on metaphysical currents and are rarely seen in the same vicinity twice.

Sometimes a point of interest in the neighboring Universe compels them to tether their nest to an area, creating a semipermanent home.