After Animal Herd, the next two "normal animals" listed in the Rules Cyclopedia Monsters chapter are "Ape, Snow" and "Ape, White." Neither of them is a real world animal, but some of the game information listed for them can nonetheless be translated into stats for bonobos, chimps, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons.
Of course, each of the ape species are very different from one another. Gorillas have a fierce reputation, but are usually quite peaceful and docile. Chimpanzees, on the other hand, are almost the reverse; non-apes generally view chimps as playful and cute, but of all the apes, they are the most violent and warlike, especially in large groups. Orangutans are loners except during mating periods, and nearly always prefer flight over fight. Gibbons are often mistaken for large monkeys, and most non-apes don't even call them to mind when the word "ape" is mentioned. Finally, bonobos are a source of great confusion to non-apes; they are almost identical to chimpanzees in every physical respect, but their society is vastly different (and, it should be noted, much randier).
To reflect these differences, the Featured Creature entry for apes begins with a stat block of traits common to all apes. From there, it delineates how each individual species differs from that norm.
Ape characters are likely to be the closest that players in a Great & Small campaign get to playing true longpaws. They have so much in common with humans (and, in some settings, dwarfs, elves, and halflings) that other animals often view them as "junior members" of the human species. Indeed, many apes themselves aspire to this status, and more than one ape adventurer has been motivated by the desire to crack the secrets to humankind's success.
Ape
Apes are, to a fault, inquisitive and probingly curious, keen to investigate any new creature or object in their environment. Their great manual dexterity makes them the best tool-users of any animal type save the longpaws themselves, and in some settings, they are the smartest of the non-human animals, as well. Of course, they are often keen to remind others of this fact, which does not endear them to other species. In many worlds, there is a fierce rivalry between apes and dogs, each seeing themselves as closest to man in their legacies and abilities.
The following game rules reflect the traits common to all types of ape. Variations on these themes can be found under individual species headings.
AC: 6
AT (Dam): 2 fists (1d3 [1d4]), 1 bite (1d2)[1d3]
Beginning HP: 5 [6]
Habitat: Any, typically tropical or sub-tropical
MV: 6
SZ: Small
Species Traits:
Species Traits:
- Brachiation
- Hands: Unlike most other species, apes have true hands, very similar to those of longpaws. They a get +2 bonus on all Scout and Trickster lore checks to manipulate fine tools, spring traps, perform "sleight of paw" tricks, and other activities that mimic the use of human hands.
- Growth Spurt: Most apes increase to Medium size at 3rd Total Levels.
- Low-Light Vision
- Poor Swimmers: Apes automatically fail all lore checks that involve swimming, unless they have been specifically trained in the skill by a member of another species. Even then, they suffer a -4 on all lore checks involving swimming.
- Scent
- +2 bonus on all lore checks that involve feats of strength such as breaking, bending, lifting, or otherwise manipulating heavy objects with their hands.
- +4 bonus on all lore checks that involve climbing; this bonus is +6 in their native habitat.
- Suitable Niches: Guardian, Healer, Herbalist, Runner, Scout, Seer, Trickster, Warrior
This randy species of matriarchal apes is physically nearly identical to chimpanzees, but socially, they couldn't be any different. Status among bonobos is measured by association with the eldest females in the group, and it is young females, rather than young males, who normally leave a bonobo troop in search of adventure or opportunity among other troops.
Species Traits:
Bonobos have all the standard ape traits, except as noted below.
- Mimic Chimp: With sufficient study (and a successful Trickster lore check), bonobos can successfully pass themselves off as chimpanzees. They get a +2 bonus on all Trickster lore checks to pull off this ruse, but true chimps can see through it more easily than other characters (gaining a +2 bonus on all Seer lore checks to penetrate the disguise).
- Seduction: Bonobos of both sexes are masters of obtaining affection from others, and thus making them easier to manipulate. They get a +2 bonus on all Storyteller checks to influence the Attitude of others in a positive direction.
- +6 bonus on all lore checks involving climbing; this bonus is +8 in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee
Chimps are among the most beloved of ape species by longpaws, which is all the more ironic because of their violent nature. While often playful, chimps are also known as savage killers and raiders of surrounding troops, sometimes even hunting and eating other fellow apes. But, they are also among the smartest species in the world, and thus capable of great guile. This is not to say that individual chimps are bestial -- they have various dispositions and personalities -- just that it is wise to avoid angering them.
Species Traits:
Chimpanzees have all the standard ape traits, except as noted below.
- +6 bonus on all lore checks involving climbing; this bonus is +8 in their natural habitat.
Gibbon
Sometimes called the "lesser apes," gibbons are smaller and more monkey-like than their cousins, but like all true apes are tailless. They are unrivaled masters of the branches, being the fastest and most agile of all tree-dwelling, non-flying mammals. Unlike the "great apes," gibbons mate for life, and display far less sexual dimorphism, leading to greater social equality between the sexes in their society. Gibbons get along well with bonobos for this reason, but remain wary of other apes.Species Traits:
Gibbons possess all the standard ape traits, except as noted below.
- Master Brachiator: While swinging from branches, gibbons can add their Total Level to lore checks when attempting to push their movement limits, even if they have not taken Runner as their niche. Note that this bonus applies only to swinging from branches, and not to other uses of brachiation.
- SZ: Small. Gibbons do not gain a Growth Spurt at 3rd Total Levels.
- Swinging Leap: With a successful Runner lore check, gibbons can leap distances of up to 34 feet while swinging from branches.
The most feared of the great apes by other animals, gorillas are ironically among their gentlest of their kind. Normally, it is only when defending their territory or their kin that gorillas truly need to be feared, for while they rarely intend to kill, their great strength often leads them to inflict greater damage than they wanted. Gorillas are nonetheless respected for their wisdom, and many non-apes will seek the counsel of an aged gorilla over the leaders of their own kind.Species Traits:
Gorillas possess all the standard ape traits, except as noted below.
- +4 bonus on all lore checks that involve feats of strength such as breaking, bending, lifting, or otherwise manipulating heavy objects with their hands.
- +2 bonus on Warrior lore checks to intimidate opponents.
Of all the apes, orangutans are the least social, normally leading lives of solo exploration and wandering until mating season. They are adept climbers, and even gentler than gorillas, usually preferring to avoid conflict altogether rather than get into a fight. This has given them an unfair reputation as a race of cowards, but as the orangutans see it, they just have better things to do than fight over food or territory. Their jungle homes are so bountiful, they rarely see the point in such disputes.Species Traits:
Orangutans possess all the standard ape traits, except as noted below.
- +6 bonus on all lore checks involving climbing; this bonus is +8 in their natural habitat.
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