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Spider Lair is an Atlanteans Classical Age god power in Age of Mythology that is available to worshipers of Leto. When invoked, three spider eggs are placed in a line. The eggs quickly hatch and burrow into the ground.
Spider Egg
"These eggs will hatch and the spiders will burrow and wait for unsuspecting victims."
In-game description
Immobile egg hatches in 5 seconds, detectable and destructible before it hatches.
Spider eggs are spawned by the Spider Lair god power. Once invoked, the eggs are visible and vulnerable to enemies until they hatch. Once an egg hatches, the Spider hides underground hidden from enemies, and if any enemy human unit (other than Villager-type units, Ox Carts, and Caravans) or Animal of Set approaches, the Spider emerges from the ground, dragging and killing the screaming unit, and vanishes.
Gameplay
The spider eggs cannot be seen by enemies unless activated. When an enemy soldier gets too close to the burrow, a cloud of dust shoots in the air, giving the unit 1 second to react (0.5 seconds in the Extended Edition), then the spider comes out and drags the unfortunate soldier under, killing it instantly. After making a kill, the spider disappears. Cavalry units are less vulnerable as their speed may enable to get out of range before the spider can emerge (War Elephants are not as lucky). Spider Lair is just as deadly against Set players who try to raid with Animals of Set as the latter are also vulnerable to the spiders.
Spider Lair is useful in thinning out enemy forces. However, it must be timed right because the eggs are vulnerable to attack and require 10 seconds before they hatch (5 seconds in the Extended Edition). The spiders will not attack Heroes, myth units, or villagers. Spider Lair should be invoked in an area where an enemy army is likely to pass through. Potential locations include a narrow pass, around an important building, or near a Gold Mine where raiders may come to attack the player's Citizens. Players must also remember where they placed their spiders as constructing buildings on top of them will cause them to disappear automatically.
Mythology
"Scientific name -- Gravex latibulis
Size -- 4-5' in diameter
Diet -- Vertebrates
This lurking spider hides in its burrow until an unsuspecting passerby walks near. The waiting spider leaps, lightning quick, upon its prey, dragging the victim back into its burrow to devour. After feeding these spiders are much less aggressive, though, 'much less aggressive' is only relative and these spiders remain very dangerous to approach."
In-game compendium
Trivia
- Although the icon shows a Black Widow Spider, the Spider Lair spiders are likely inspired on the Ctenizidae (a family of trapdoor spiders).
- In build 2.6.1155148 of the Extended Edition, when the Spider Lair is triggered on the Sudden Death map, a bug causes the player to inexplicably lose as if they had no Town Center.
- If a Guardian or Living Poseidon Statue walks over a Spider Lair, they will trigger the trap and become unable to move or attack.
List of God Power
