The Apefolk / Simians are based on the apes in the movie "Planet of the Apes" (2001).
There are two separate ape cultures Apefolk and Simians.
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Ape-folk are a stone age culture unknown to most and only heard of by the most adventurous explorers. These apes live in patriarchial tribal jungle villages. They fear nothing and will defend their territory with great ferocity despite how large or many the trespasser (s) may be. Since most Ape-folk never see humanoids they have no fear of them, mostly they are just curious. Ape-folk are all humanoid in form and able to walk bipedal with a slight slouch but may travel on all fours if desired. All Apefolk have arms which are longer than their legs (like common apes) which go down to their knees. Aside from standing upright and having excellent manual dexterity and some clothes they otherwise look exactly like apes. Ape-folk split off into three sub species which are Gorilla, Orangutan or Chimpanzee. How Ape-folk exactly came to be is something of a mystery...
In Gorilla folk tribes the dominant male silver back leads as chieftain of the tribe and has say on all matters except those spiritual or magical; where the tribes' shaman has say in this case. Ancient ones (elders) meet with the chieftain sometimes to advise him. Gorilla folk tribes hold strength and battle prowess above all else. Challenges involving feats of strength and combat mark the path to leadership roles and eventually chieftain; to be strong is to be respected in Gorilla folk society.
Orangutan folk are geared more towards trade and craft making. Their peaceful non aggressiveness nature has allowed them to trade with other cultures. Orangutan folk society is very social and non combatant. They are lead by a large group of elders who decide through discussion what is best. Orangutan folk keep to themselves and rarely interact with other Apefolk.
Chimpanzee folk are a sort of blend between the brawny Gorilla folk and social Orangutan folk. Their society is still barbaric but they utilize a wide variety of tools and items in everyday life. Their inventive nature makes them more technologically advanced than other Apefolk. Leading them is a dominant male whose family must be of the old blood. The dominant male of this family leads the entire village and is supported by them in all decisions. Chimpanzee folk feel far that they are far more superior to the others and that they are the closest link back to the common Apefolk ancestor.
Simians are physically the same as Ape-folk but "civilized"; they refer to themselves as Simians. These advanced Apes live together in great cities; deep in jungles or in very high tropical elevations. All species have come to live in these cities for mutual benefit. Overall the society is very militarily geared and all inhabitants share a common dislike for humans. Humans are a menace and destructive, most often they'll just kill them off but sometimes they enslave the more obedient ones. Chimpanzee folk are always found leading a city. They claim this right due to the old blood that they have and trace it back to the beginnings. Chimpanzee folk can also be found as politicians and in armies as light infantry and specialists. Orangutan folk are seen primarily as merchants and aristocrats in Simian society and practically nowhere else. They sometimes take up leadership positions by always under a Chimp. Gorilla folk are very common in many places by mostly as city guards and heavy infantry in armies. Their display of ferocity along with deep battle roars usually break the morale of most other beings. A single Simian is a formidable foe, in their cities they are well aware of their might.
Sometimes Ape-folk and Simians will domesticate Apes (carnivorous gorillas, see MM) as guards or used them as "hunting dogs". Also, it is important to note that Simians widely use horses in combat or for common travel.
Gorilla Folk
Physical:
Height: 5'10" - 6'8" (males), 5'0" - 6'0" (females) Arm Span: avg. 8'0" (males), avg. 6'5" (females)
Weight: 350 lbs - 500 lbs (males), 150 lbs - 300 lbs (females)
Fur: black (old males get silver hair on lower back) Eyes: blue - brown - red (rare)
Life span: unknown
Face and Reach: 5' x 5' / 5' or 5' x 5' / 10'
Medium / Large Humanoid (Ape)
Dungeons and Dragons 3rd Edition
Ability Stat Modifiers:
+8 Strength Bonus
+2 Dexterity Bonus
+4 Constitution Bonus
-2 Intelligence Penalty
-2 Charisma Penalty
Racial Features:
Speed: 30', Climb 30'
Natural AC: 13 / 12 (+3 natural if large -1 size)
Spell Resistance: nil
Save Bonuses: Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +1
Hit Dice: 4d8 + Con modifier x 4 , then by class.
Starting Level: Begin at character level 6 then add class.
Advancement: By character class.
- Base Attack +4.
- Bite 1d6 + half Str bonus.
- Scent [ex] locate creatures within 30' by concentrating for 1 round. Treat as Track (with Wisdom checks).
- +6 Climb, +4 Intimidate, +2 Listen and +2 Spot.
- Climb is always a class skill.
Initial Languages: Common.
Alignment: Usually Neutral. Simian: Usually Lawful Neutral.
Favored Class: Barbarian. Simian: Fighter.
Orangutan Folk
Physical:
Height: 5'5" - 6'2" (males), 4'8" - 5'10" (females)
Weight: 170 lbs - 320 lbs (males), 120 lbs - 200 lbs (females)
Fur: orange - red - brownish red Eyes: blue - brown
Life span: unknown
Face and Reach: 5' x 5' / 5'
Medium Humanoid (Ape)
Dungeons and Dragons 3rd Edition
Ability Stat Modifiers:
+2 Strength Bonus
+2 Dexterity Bonus
+2 Wisdom Bonus
-2 Charisma Penalty
Racial Features:
Speed: 30', Climb 30'
Natural AC: 12 (+2 natural)
Spell Resistance: nil
Save Bonuses: Fort +2 Ref +2 Will +1
Hit Dice: 3d8 + Con modifier x 3, then by class.
Starting Level: Begin at character level 3 then add class.
Advancement: By character class.
- Base Attack +1.
- Scent [ex] locate creatures within 30' by concentrating for 1 round. Treat as Track (with Wisdom checks).
- +8 to Climb, +4 Listen and +4 Spot.
- Climb is always a class skill.
Initial Languages: Common.
Alignment: Usually Neutral. Simian: Usually Lawful Neutral.
Favored Class: Rogue.
Chimpanzee Folk
Physical:
Height: 5'0" - 6'0" (males), 4'5" - 5'5" (females)
Weight: 90 lbs - 210 lbs (males), 70 lbs - 170 lbs (females)
Fur: black - gray Eyes: blue - brown - green
Life span: unknown
Face and Reach: 5' x 5' / 5'
Medium Humanoid (Ape)
Dungeons and Dragons 3rd Edition
Ability Stat Modifiers:
+2 Strength Bonus
+4 Dexterity Bonus
+2 Constitution Bonus
-2 Charisma Penalty
Racial Features:
Speed: 30'
Natural AC: 12 (+2 natural)
Spell Resistance: nil
Save Bonuses: Fort +2 Ref +3 Will +0
Hit Dice: 2d8 + Con modifier x 2, then by class.
Starting Level: Begin at character level 3 then add class.
Advancement: By character class.
- Base Attack +2.
- Scent [ex] locate creatures within 30' by concentrating for 1 round. Treat as Track (with Wisdom checks).
- +8 Climb, +4 Listen and +4 Spot.
- Climb is always a class skill.
Initial Languages: Common.
Alignment: Usually Neutral. Simian: Usually Lawful Neutral.
Favored Class: Barbarian. Simian: Any.
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