This horrifying critter from Earth's past would make a fantastic creature to encounter.
Brought to light back in 2018 and reported by the New York Times, two different teams discovered four different specimens of this new species in the amber markets of Myanmar.
Related to a spider of Earths past, this critter also has some features similar to a whip scorpion or vinegarroon.
That being said, lets talk about how cool this thing, or a group of them for that matter, would be to throw against your unsuspecting party members. They think they’re going to get a good nights rest in the dark and misty forest.
Large or small, this critter has to potential to cause some serious mayhem. Web spinners have been identified, and perhaps it has the capability to “throw” it’s webs at it’s intended victims.
Needless to say, this is a gold mine of inspiration.
Some other bonuses to consider:
- Is it intelligent?
- Are they communal?
- Are they someones pet or under the command of someone or something evil?
Story Hooks around this thing:
- A sickness has fallen over a village and a local wizard knows that the venom of this creature holds unique healing properties that will cure the sickness.
- Children of a town have been disappearing and strange tracks are leading to the forest along with a unique web-like substance. Who is brave enough to follow these tracks?
- Key political officials have made some unique decisions lately and their behavior is curiously out of character. When confronted, they attempt to get you alone and put one of these parasites in your head! These creatures take over the minds of a host to further their own agenda.
