Combat Arachnid

Spiders the size of a man, Combat arachnids are of stocky build, with heads almost as large as their bodies. Standing three feet off the ground, these creatures attack with claws much like a scorpion, except that theirs are sickle shaped and have shield-like plates of bone attached to them.

Combat: Combat arachnids will attack twice per round with their claws for 1d6 damage each. If both hit the spider automatically bites for 1d8 damage.
Once every three rounds the combat arachnid can use special special spinneretts near its mandibles to shoot webbing as the spell "web" cast at 5th level.
It can also use the bony structures of its "arms" to protect it and add 4 to its armor class if it negates all attacks for that round.

Habitat/Society: Combat arachnids are fearsome gladiators. But while they have awe inspiring fighting skills, theyare treated little better than slaves. When not fighting they are kept in cells, and are made to wear magical collars that will deliver an electroshock if the arachnid oversteps its boundries.

Ecology: Bred by some forgotten wizard, combat arachnids are spreading as demand for their gladitorial skill increases. Oddly though, these creatures that have been bred for battle resent their station in life. They uderstandthat at this time they can do nothing to rectify thei situation, and have decided to stick with it until a chance for freedom presents itself. Since they communicate with ESP, it makes it easy to keep their plans secret.