Spider, Giant Tarantula

Huge, hairy spiders about the size of a pony that run down their prey

Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game

Armor Class	15
Hit Dice	4*
Number Appearing	1d3, Wild 1d3, Lair 1d3
Attacks	1 bite (1d8 + poison)
Movement	50'
Save As	Fighter: 4
Morale	8
XP	280
Treasure Type	None

Giant tarantulas are huge, hairy spiders, about the size of a pony. They run down their prey much as wolves do. The bite of the giant tarantula is poisonous; those bitten must save vs. Poison or be forced to dance wildly. The dance lasts 2d10 rounds, during which time the victim has a -4 penalty on attack and saving throw rolls. If the victim is a Thief, he or she cannot use any Thief abilities while dancing. Onlookers must save vs. Spells or begin dancing themselves; such “secondary” victims suffer the same penalties as above, but they will only dance for 2d4 rounds.

Each round the original victim dances, he or she must save vs. Poison again or take 1d4 points of damage. Secondary victims do not suffer this effect.

Neutralize poison will cure the original victim, and dispel magic will stop the dance for all victims in the area of effect, whether they are original or secondary.

Special Abilities

Poison: Those bitten must save vs. Poison or be forced to dance wildly. The dance lasts 2d10 rounds, during which time the victim has a -4 penalty on attack and saving throw rolls. If the victim is a Thief, he or she cannot use any Thief abilities while dancing.

Contagious Dance: Onlookers must save vs. Spells or begin dancing themselves; such “secondary” victims suffer the same penalties as above, but they will only dance for 2d4 rounds.

Ongoing Damage: Each round the original victim dances, he or she must save vs. Poison again or take 1d4 points of damage. Secondary victims do not suffer this effect.

Cures: Neutralize poison will cure the original victim, and dispel magic will stop the dance for all victims in the area of effect, whether they are original or secondary.