Black Widow

Widow arachnes are reclusive, venomous, and ruthless. These eight-limbed matriarchal hunters stalk the Deep with patient malice. Their venom paralyzes. Their silk binds. Sometimes they hunt for hunger. Sometimes for sport.

Silkenshroud is a cluster of widow arachnes that dwells in Emberfall Hollows, a cavern system of the Deep beneath the Central Fire’s Southern Highlands. Mist and heat rise from geothermal springs, staining the tunnels in ochre, rust, and gold. But beauty offers no safety. Webs stretch across the stone like snares. The Matron Widow Azhreth rules. Her court obeys without question. Disputes end wrapped in silk and blood. Outsiders are rare. Survivors rarer.

Male widow arachnes fight to the death for a chance to mate. Even if the female accepts the victor, she may still devour him—during the act or after. Others she keeps until they fail. Or until she grows bored. In Silkenshroud, desire usually ends in blood, and survival is never guaranteed.