Arachnathid

Arachnathid

An arachnathid in Warcraft III.

Arachnathids are creatures inhabiting Northrend, resembling scorpions and scorpids. They present one of the greatest unexpected dangers for unwary travelers in Northrend, particularly in the Icecrown area. These crawling insectoid horrors possess a pair of powerful claws that rend and tear as well as a poisonous sting that can prove fatal to much larger creatures. Though they do not possess intelligence, they have a cunning that enables it to anticipate its enemy's moves and alerts it to their weaknesses. Arachnathid are often found in groups, though they tend toward solitary attacks, except when in the presence of one of their mysterious "overlords". They make their lairs underneath rocks, inside caves, or within shallow burrows.

Arachnathid are territorial in nature and generally don't pursue opponents beyond the area they consider to be theirs. Smart travelers and native creatures generally give them a wide berth. They have no language, though they do seem to communicate with a series of chitters and clacks intelligible only to other arachnathid. Some scholars theorize they are related to the scorpids, a species found in warm climates.

Subspecies

• Crystal arachnathid
• Barbed arachnathid
• Warrior arachnathid
• Arachnathid earth-borer
• Overlord arachnathid

Speculation

They may be related to nerubians. Arachnathids seem to have a complex social structure, similar to that of nerubians, with "kings" and "lords" as well as lesser minions (although those may be just names given by travelers to especially big examples of the species).

Notes

• They were encountered by Arthas on his journey to the Frozen Throne. The nerubians used them as guardians of Azjol-Nerub in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.
• These creatures have been seen outside of Northrend as Dalaran experiments. Garithos released a wave of them on the blood elves as they attempted to flee through the Outland Portal.
• Some Nerubian train them as pets or companions.
• They are friendly with the Nerubians.

Gallery

The Arachnathid King and his minions.