Mortar Spider

Layer 1 · Habitat: Dim Galleries

A pale spider the size of a pony, with a swollen, chalky abdomen

Description

A pale spider the size of a pony, with a swollen, chalky abdomen. Instead of silk, it spits a grey paste that sets like mortar within moments, gluing its prey to the gallery walls to be eaten later. Old victims stay where they were cemented, crusted over with layers of grey, and from a distance they look like carvings. Delvers who know better check every carving in the galleries twice.

Mortar Spider

Large Monstrosity, Unaligned

AC 14 Initiative +3 (13)

HP 60 (8d10 + 16)

Speed 30 ft., Climb 30 ft.

Ability scores
STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)	2 (−4)	11 (+0)	4 (−3)

Skills Stealth +7

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10

Languages None

CR 3 (XP 700; PB +2)

Traits

Spider Climb. The spider can climb difficult surfaces, including along ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Actions

Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) Piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) Poison damage.

Mortar Spit (Recharge 5–6). Ranged Attack Roll: +5, range 30/60 ft. Hit: The target has the Restrained condition, glued to the nearest surface. A creature can free it with a successful DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check or by dealing 10 Bludgeoning or Slashing damage to the mortar (AC 10). If the target is still restrained at the end of its next turn, the mortar hardens: the escape DC becomes 16, the mortar needs 20 damage to break, and the target can't speak until freed.