Nezznar Drider

Nezznar the blacker spider sworn his life to Lolth becoming a drider in the process

Nezznar, Ascendant Drider

Large Monstrosity (Shapechanger), Chaotic Evil

Lore & Background

Once known as Nezznar the Black Spider, a cunning drow mastermind obsessed with the Forge of Spells, Nezznar’s ambition outstripped his devotion to Lolth. When his schemes faltered, the Spider Queen punished him with the ultimate curse: transformation into a drider. Rather than despair, Nezznar embraced his new form, seeing it as a path to dominion over the Underdark.

Now, Nezznar rules from a web-choked cavern deep beneath the earth, commanding both drow loyalists and monstrous arachnids. His body is a grotesque fusion of drow elegance and spider ferocity—eight barbed legs support a chitin-armored torso, while his crimson cloak billows like torn webs. His staff, crowned with jagged spines and a blood-red gem, channels forbidden magic and Lolth’s venomous blessing.

Nezznar seeks vengeance against those who thwarted his plans and dreams of weaving a vast empire of silk and shadow. His lair is a labyrinth of webs, traps, and faerzress-infused darkness, where whispers of Lolth echo like venom dripping from fangs.

Nezznar, Ascendant Drider – Stat Block

Armor Class: 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 210 (28d10 + 56)
Speed: 30 ft., climb 30 ft.

Saving Throws: Dex +8, Wis +8, Cha +9
Skills: Arcana +9, Stealth +8, Perception +8
Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 18
Languages: Elvish, Undercommon, Abyssal
Challenge: 12 (8,400 XP)
Proficiency Bonus: +4

Traits

• Spider Climb: Nezznar can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

• Web Walker: Nezznar ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

• Innate Spellcasting: Nezznar’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit). He can innately cast the following spells:

  • At will: Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Darkness

  • 3/day each: Mirror Image, Misty Step, Web

  • 1/day each: Greater Invisibility, Cloudkill

Actions

• Multiattack: Nezznar makes two melee attacks and one spell attack.

• Staff of Lolth (Melee Weapon Attack): +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage.

• Bite (Melee Weapon Attack): +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.

• Web (Recharge 5–6): Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 30 ft., one creature. Hit: Target is restrained by webbing (escape DC 15).

Legendary Actions

Nezznar can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below:

• Cantrip: Cast a cantrip.

• Move: Move up to half his speed.

• Venomous Glare (Costs 2 Actions): Target within 30 ft. makes a DC 17 Con save or takes 18 (4d8) poison damage and is poisoned until the end of its next turn.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing ties), Nezznar can take a lair action:

• Summon swarms of spiders.

• Cause webs to animate and restrain creatures.

• Emit faerzress surge, disrupting spellcasting (Con save DC 15 or lose concentration).

Description

A towering drider with obsidian chitin, crimson cloak flowing like torn silk, and a jagged staff crowned with a blood-red gem. Eight barbed legs anchor him to the ground, ready to strike or climb into the shadows.