Snow Ape
by Jamie BatyCO, RC 157
Large Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8+9 (22 hp)
Initiative: +1 (+1 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), climb 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armour Class: 13 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+12
Attack: Bone club +7 melee (1d4 +6)
Full Attack: Bone club +7 melee (1d4 +6) and Hug (See Below)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Constrict, Hug
Special Qualities: Arctic dweller, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +3
Abilities: Str 23, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 8
Skills: Climb +15, Hide +5*, Listen +7, Spot +6
Feats: Alertness, Toughness
Environment: Cold forests, hills, mountains
Organisation: Solitary, Pair, or Gang (2-10)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 4-6 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: -
Snow apes are squat, baboon-like creatures with shaggy white fur. They are somewhat intelligent for an animal and often make very simple tools like clubs or sharpened bones. They cannot, however, grasp more complicated concepts, such as the use of a bow and arrow.
Because of their coloration, they are extremely difficult to see in snowy conditions. Snow apes are omnivores; they like giant insects and red meat (such as humans), but will not attack large parties or monsters. They live in snowy forests and mountains and do not need to take shelter except in the most violent of snowstorms.
Although they cannot make intelligible sounds, snow apes communicate with each other using a complex sign language. In addition, snow apes often leave simple messages for each other using a system of stacked rocks and snowballs.
Combat
Although reclusive, the snow ape is clever and cruel, preferring to ambush its victims when possible. If trapped or cornered, the snow ape will fight viciously.
Snow apes use one arm to attack with a club-like weapon while trying to hug its victim with the other. Because the snow ape is so strong, it can literally crush a foe caught in its hug. The ape will maintain the hug until it is killed or flees.
Constrict (Ex): A snow ape may constrict grappled foes, dealing 2d6+6 bludgeoning damage each round the foe is held.
Hug (Ex): As part of a Full Attack action, a snow ape may attempt to grapple a foe with its free arm (provoking an attack of opportunity). If the grapple succeeds, the snow ape may constrict the foe.
Arctic Dweller (Ex): Snow apes are well adapted to an artic environment. They do not suffer from any movement penalties associated with snowy or icy environments. They never suffer cold damage due to environmental conditions (although they can be harmed by magical cold).
Scent (Ex): This special quality allows a snow ape to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.
Skills: Snow apes have a +8 racial bonus to all Hide checks made in their native environment. They also have a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks and can always choose to take 10 on Climb checks, even if rushed or threatened. *In a snowstorm, a snow ape's racial Hide bonus improves to +12.
White Ape
RC 158
White apes are similar to normal apes, but have lost their coloration due to the length of time they have spent in caves. They are herbivores and less aggressive than other apes, generally only attacking when creatures ignore their warnings to leave. They are sometimes kept as pets among Neanderthals.
Use statistics for the Normal Ape in the 3.5 Monster Manual, but it may also throw rocks (+5 range (1d4+5, 20/x2), 10ft range increment) and change its environment to Any Mountain or Underground.