(Character) was traveling down a shadowy ravine, when he came about a sharp bend and stopped. An involuntary gasp escaped as he took in the horrifying scene before him. Stretched across the ravine, no more than a few strides from where he stood, was a large web. The ground beneath the web was littered with the bones of Men, Elves, Orcs and creatures he did not wish to guess at. No sooner had he decided to leave (and quickly) than he felt a terrible presence approaching. Just as he turned to look, around the bend came a great Spider, as large as a horse and clearly intent on having him for dinner.
Type
Character Encounter
Modules
Location
Anywhere, but most often in Mirkwood and Mordor
Encounter Table
| Options | Free People | Neutral | Dark Servants |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMMAND the Spider to stop | Combat | Combat | Combat |
| ATTACK the Spider | Combat | Combat | Combat |
| Offer the Spider FOOD | Combat | Combat | Combat |
| FLEE | Combat/Escape | Combat/Escape | Combat/Escape |
| Say (only one word) | ? | ? | ? |
Notes
Giant spiders generally have a challenge rank ranging from 50-60. Even should combat ensue, most characters will escape with their lives if they lose the battle.
Defeating a giant spider often results in the character finding a stash of gold, a lost list, or both.
Spider encounter at 3108. Spider was named 'Enna San Sarab' - note: it's outside Mirkwood. DS character fled, and was forced to combat the thing. Won the battle (character had 53 challenge rank). Note also, that Enna San Sarab is a Major Spider in ICE. The mother to all the 'smaller' spiders roaming Mirkwood, and herself daughter of Shelob. She sits in Dol Guldur, breading little-ones! She is also frequently seen in Pop centers influencing loyalty in a Balrog-like manner (if you've ever wondered who Enna San Sarab was, it's not a persistent Emissary from your opponents 
).
Encounter for Riana at 2914 (DS challenge 82): Riana attempted to flee but it was too late. The Spider bore down on her with amazing speed, its mandibles opening wide. Riana bravely bore the attack as the Spider charged, but it was a ghastly assault. Streamers of sticky web flew out at Riana and struggled to hold her immobile while the Spider's cruel mandibles made repeated razor-sharp attacks. It was by sheer luck that Riana was able to escape with his life and wounds.
Giant Spider: COMMAND the spider = combat for all. This result may work under peculiar circumstances (character has a particular artifact). I'd suggest trying it with someone who has Ungolrist, or the other artifact (which I can't remember) that's good against spiders.