Undead Old Master [Web-Eel Slaver]

Some crafty slaver wizards, refusing to become great old masters in old age, flee their society and use magic to become undead, self-reliant predators on anything weaker.

They still look like hairy, gaudy spiders with eel heads and necks, but over time the flesh withers, the fur fades, and a carrion stink rises. Ghostly lights burn in their sockets in place of glossy black eyes. Sometimes called night slavers, they move slowly but think, plan, and cast with frightening speed. Those skilled in illusion often disguise themselves as living, and grander than they ever were.

They move in total silence and avoid fights when they can, but unleash spells without hesitation and also use claws and teeth. They no longer make venom; instead their claws and jaws chill like a lich's touch. Each physical hit deals 1-2 extra cold damage, and the victim must save vs. paralysis or stand motionless the next round. Every new hit during that round demands another save to avoid being held the round after.

Hold, fear, death magic, charm, and sleep do not affect them. They keep their spellcasting from life and can still improve it; most cast as 8th-level wizards (roll 1d8+4 for an individual's level). Slaves kept through the change remain theirs, and most have a guard of 3d4+1 tunnel brutes.

They hate every other being, slavers included, trust nothing, and live only to amass slaves and treasure to gain still more, ruling what they can and lusting to wreck what they cannot. They lair in dark, empty caves and ruins, or aboard derelict ships in space.

They can eat but need no food, drink, or air, and they see in darkness. They cull the weak and servile from nearby societies, and sometimes rule from behind the throne through awe, terror, manipulation, and magic.