Ananasi (Art by Taran Fiddler)
| “ | Ah yes, of course, Spiders. Is it their size? Do you fear the ones you cannot see, dunnot sense until they bite you and you die a horrible, painful death? Or would you prefer a giant, fist-sized one? One that towers above buildings like in an old shit-show production? I quite think you would." | „ |
| ~ The Community by Finn Eccleston |
Ananasi, Arachnanthropes, or Werespiders, are an extremely rare type of werebeast involving a human taking the shape of an anthropomorphic monstrous spider.
Description[]
In a similar fashion to the Aguara, Ananasi are able to assume various anatomical forms that benefits them depending on the circumstances. In all of their forms other than their base humanoid form, Ananasi possess multiple pairs of eyes and limbs; and are also able to consciously exude pheromones, making it easy to attract mates. The Ananasi are also one of the very few Werebeasts that are not bound by a celestial cycle in order for them to transform, instead their transformations are tied to their emotions.
Ananasi are commmonly able to assume a form similar to that of the mythical Arachne where their upper body is human and their torso ends in the abdomen of a spider complete with multiple legs. Another usual "were" transformation of an Ananasi is that of a monstrous human-like spider. This form is much closer to their base humanoid form, though will rerain unmistakable arachnid characteristics such as a rough exoskeleton, spider fangs, and the emergence of multiple arms.
Some among the Ananasi also possess the ability to break down their forms into swarms of spiders similar to how Nosferatu are able to transform their bodies into aIn addition, an Ananasi's form assumes color patterns which analogs to a species of spider that also provides them with the strengths and benefits of said species while having the typical qualities inherent within all Ananasi in addition to several ones exclusive to them. swarm of bats. Like the Nosferatu, Ananasi in this type of transformation are extremely difficult to kill though if significant numbers of the swarm spiders are killed the Ananasi will lose a bulk of its health and the potency in its other abilities. Even though this form is not particularly built for combat as it is more suited for hiding, spying, and escaping it can be advantageous in a sense where it can overwhelm a single opponent or a small number.
Overview[]
Ananasi are an extremely rare type of therianthrope, in fact, they may actually be the rarest among all the werebeasts as there is almost little to no documentation of a therianthrope with the affliction of a spider. According to one Ananasi, the reason why they are a rare breed is because they are highly reclusive and prefer to perform their duties within the shadows outside of the watchful eyes of humans and especially hunters. Like all werebeasts, Ananasi despise vampires as they are an affront to the natural order of all things.
Much like other werebeasts, the Ananasi's origins trace back to that of divine hands. In this case, they are in actuality the avatars or totems of the Primordial spider-goddess Ananke, who weaves the tapestries of destiny and necessities of all living things in creation. The reason behind the Ananasi's creation is for them to maintain the balance and order within creation. In this case, they actively war with entities who seek to tear down the threads of order and fate so as to have it collapse into chaos or in Atlach-Nacha's case just outright devour it. Indeed, the Ananasi are in a constant conflict with the brood of the spider-like Old One whose children and followers continuously attempt to invade the Dreamlands and weave a bridge for Atlach-Nacha to invade and devour the Collective Unconscious.
Most Ananasi lead solitary lives, each doing her part to carry out the will of a Mother Spider, with whom she maintains a personal bond. While they are uncannily aware of the connections between all the disparate parts of reality (which they refer to as the Great Web) they, themselves, most often remain aloofly above what they see as the “lesser” parts of that same interwoven Tapestry. While they may give the appearance of bonding with those around them (as an effective manipulation technique), in truth they categorically avoid becoming too intimately connected with humanity, the Werebeasts, or even others of their own kind. When they do organize in groups, either to accomplish a goal too large for single effort or for mutual protection, these temporary "clusters" quickly disband after the threat is dealt with or the task completed.
Ananasi mainly operate independently but can form temporary clusters for specific tasks or protection. They focus on carrying out Ananke's will which is produced as guidance through their Queen Mother or Mother Spider. A Queen Mother only appears once in a lifetime and the Ananasi are said to be highly dependant on her for without her the Web would be in disarray. In fact, the Queen Mother is both their strength and their weakness which is some the werewolves exploited during the Beast Wars when they captured her. Rank is less important to them than the favor of their Queen Mother, but their ranks are signified by subtle patterns on their skin which becomes more complex as they rise in rank.
Capabilities[]
Ananasi are not only highly powerful werebeasts but quite possibly among the deadliest of the bunch. They are noted to be inhumanly agile and dexterous, with speed and stealth that makes them extremely efficient and capable monsters or hunters. Their attributes makes them deadly and dangerous even to other powerful werebeasts like Werewolves and Werecats while also being apex predators to the likes of Wererats and even vampires.
They wield a variety of abilities that can be found in other species of spiders but significantly enhanced. The possess superhuman strength that allows them to lift up an excess of 50 tons or more, superhuman speed which is so great they can even keep up with werewolves and vampires, superhuman dexterity and agility that allows them to perform feats that surpass the finest Olympic athlete and can contort their bodies in inhuman ways.
Their webs are also extremely durable to where a hunter that was caught in one's web felt as though he struggling against silk made of titanium. They can shoot these webs from spinnerets that are found in the tips of their fingers.
Ananasi, even in human form, also develop fangs that are used to inject venom that can be lethal to even other supernatural beasts or in some cases depending on the species wield retractable, razor-sharp stingers that are located within his arms beneath their wrists. They released a polyamine venom, causing direct trauma and/or flaccid paralysis via interference with nerve impulse transmission. However, the potency of their venom can be affected depending on the form they choose, with one example being is that should they assume their spider swarm form their venom will lose its deadly potency.
Another unique ability the Ananasi wield is that their webs are not only merely physical but can also reach out into the spiritual plane. They can use this silk for a variety of means such as dreamwalking, phasing, spiritual communication, and even combat. In terms of combat, the silk is used to step through the spirit realm in order to fight opponents that do not walk the physical plane like ghosts or the Spiders of Leng. These webs can even be spun within the crevices of space-time, but this is brief and extremely dangerous and only done in severe cases such as when one Ananasi was combating a Hound of Tindalos.