Waskaru: The Spider-Kin

   

Physiology & Appearance

The Waskaru are an eerie blend of humanoid and arachnid, their physical forms betraying a legacy steeped in the darkness of the Underdark. They have smooth human-like skin with chitinous plating along certain areas of their body, offering natural protection. Black and dark hues dominate patches of their skin tones, with the rest being an etheral white, giving them an uncanny connection to the shadows they thrive in.
  What makes them most distinct are the spider-like limbs sprouting from their backs. Some Waskaru possess six additional spindly limbs, acting as both extra arms and legs that can move with remarkable dexterity. In contrast, others have only four extra limbs but feature bulkier primary legs that allow them to support heavy loads. Both types share a commonality: sharp fingers and spider-like mouths filled with fangs, though their faces retain a humanoid appearance with just two eyes, unlike their arachnid ancestors.
  Waskaru males are often larger and more muscular, averaging around 6’6" in height and weighing up to 290 pounds, whereas the females are smaller and more agile, typically standing around 5’5" and weighing about 130 pounds. Their long, sharp fingers and additional appendages allow them to scale walls and cling to surfaces with minimal effort. Despite their imposing forms, they are quick and agile, moving effortlessly across difficult terrain and utilizing their arachnid limbs for support and offense.
 

Religion, Spirituality & Beliefs

The Waskaru's origins are steeped in dark traditions, once worshippers of a sinister god of torture and bloodshed. In their temples deep within the earth, blood sacrifices and rituals of pain were common, binding them to their brutal past. These rituals were believed to bring strength and favor, with priests and priestesses delivering offerings to maintain the power of their spider-like god.
  However, over the centuries, many Waskaru societies have sought to abandon these violent practices. While some clans still cling to these ancient beliefs, practicing their rites in secret, many others have moved away from their dark traditions. These modern Waskaru often follow more neutral or benevolent deities, reflecting a desire to integrate with the above-ground races and leave behind their bloody past.
  The struggle between their violent heritage and their desire for peace is a core tension in Waskaru culture. For those still clinging to their old ways, bloodletting and torture remain integral parts of life, while others strive for redemption and a peaceful existence.
 

Culture & Way of Life

The Waskaru lead lives torn between their dark past and modern integration. They reside in underground caverns, which serve as the heart of their communities, but often venture to the surface to hunt or pillage. These excursions into the world above are driven by a need for resources and, in some cases, a lingering taste for violence and chaos. When they return to their homes, however, they live in structured societies not unlike other races.
  Marriages among the Waskaru occur early, with many bonding for life. However, their cultural acceptance of remarrying after the death of a spouse has led to a darker tradition of spousal murder. Though divorces are uncommon, it is not unheard of for a Waskaru to eliminate their partner in order to start anew with someone else, particularly in the more primitive clans that cling to their old ways.
  In peaceful Waskaru societies, the focus is on trade, crafting, and maintaining strong community ties. They are skilled weavers and artisans, often weaving silk and fibers from subterranean spiders into their clothing, armor, and tools. These items are not only durable but ornate, reflecting the Waskaru’s penchant for blending beauty with practicality. Social hierarchies exist, with clan leaders ruling over smaller factions, though their methods of governance vary widely between those who value strength and those who value diplomacy.
 

Social Structure & Values

Traditionally, Waskaru society was built around strength, cunning, and the willingness to dominate through force. Leaders in the ancient days were typically the strongest or the most ruthless, often elevated through acts of violence or sacrifice. However, with the shift away from such brutal practices, modern Waskaru societies tend to value cunning, intelligence, and the ability to navigate the complex political structures that have evolved in place of outright dominance.
  Family units are still highly respected in Waskaru culture. The spider-like bonds they form in their society are mirrored in their relationships. Loyalty to kin is paramount, and betraying one’s family is seen as the ultimate dishonor. While bloodshed might no longer be the answer to disputes in many clans, retribution for family betrayal is swift and unforgiving.
  Waskaru are pragmatic. They value survival above all else, seeing little point in displays of honor or mercy if they do not serve the greater good of the individual or the clan. Even the Waskaru who have turned away from violence remain calculating and cold in their dealings, measuring every interaction through a lens of practicality.
 

Relations with Other Races

The Waskaru’s sinister history has left a mark on their relationships with other races. Many still view them with suspicion, fearing their spider-like appearance and dark past. While Waskaru have made efforts to integrate with surface societies, they are often met with mistrust. Their connection to shadowy environments and their unsettling appearance doesn’t help their case, but their willingness to trade and forge alliances speaks to their desire to be seen as more than monsters.
  Despite the efforts of many Waskaru to reform their reputation, some clans still uphold the old ways, attacking surface dwellers and raiding villages for supplies. This only deepens the fear and mistrust others have toward their kind, creating a divide between peaceful Waskaru and those who refuse to give up the ways of blood.
  On the other hand, Waskaru find common ground with races that respect strength, cunning, and pragmatism. They are often drawn to mercenary work or join factions that value their unique talents. In the right company, they can be loyal and valuable allies, though trust is something that must be earned slowly and carefully with them.
 

Myth & Legend

The Waskaru speak of an ancient spider god who, in ages past, lifted their people from mere mortals to creatures of shadow and strength. This deity was said to have spun the very threads of fate itself, entrapping both enemies and allies alike in an eternal web. Legends tell of a time when the Waskaru ruled entire subterranean empires, their armies feared for their merciless tactics and unyielding might.
  According to Waskaru myth, this spider god still watches over them, judging them based on their strength and cunning. Some believe that one day, the old god will return and lead the Waskaru in a final war to reclaim their former glory, while others see this as a relic of a violent past that they must move beyond.
  These myths serve as both cautionary tales and sources of pride, reminding the Waskaru of where they came from while also pushing them to forge a new path. Some clans still pray to the old god, believing that their strength in battle is a testament to their divine favor, while others reject these stories, viewing them as a hindrance to their growth as a people.