While the chitinous horn-like protrusion makes holler spiders appear comical, they can use it to release a loud sound, calling their masters when they detect trespassers. Unlike most spiders, holler spiders are easy to domesticate, as they have a friendly disposition toward humanoids. They can be trained to act as sentries that recognize certain colors or livery, or they can be trained to respond to a certain person and sound alarms only when instructed. Some holler spiders can also be trained in different pitches or to carry a simple tune. This peculiarity has endeared them to nobles using holler spiders as fanfares at royal functions and to entertainers using the spiders to enhance their performances.
Familiars. Holler Spiders can be called to serve a spellcaster via the find familiar spell.
Holler Spider
Tiny beast, chaotic neutralArmor Class 12
Hit Points 14 (4d4 + 4)
Speed 25 ft., climb 25 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 (-2) | 15 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 5 (-3) | 14 (+2) | 5 (-3) |
Saving Throws Dex +4
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +4
Damage Resistances thunder
Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages understands Common but can’t speak
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Spider Climb. The holler spider can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Vigilant. If the holler spider remains motionless for at least 1 minute, it has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Hoot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) thunder damage. If the holler spider scores a critical hit, it is pushed 5 feet away from the target.
Distressed Discharge (Recharge 5-6). The holler spider releases a short, distressed cacophony in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw, taking 5 (2d4) thunder damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The holler spider is pushed 15 feet in the opposite direction of the cone.
Reactions
Sound Alarm. When the holler spider detects a creature within 60 feet of it, the spider can emit a hoot or trumpet audible within 300 feet of it. The noise continues until the creature moves out of range, the spider’s handler uses an action to soothe it, or the spider ends the alarm (no action required).