According to the Shadowdark rules, an ape is an ape. No, really, an ape is described as “hooting, omnivorous apes that live in trees.” They attack close with a fist, while they can throw a rock up to a far distance. The ape is also able to climb.
Between the climbing and the rock-throwing, the ape is great for vertical battlefields. While they are unlikely to attack in the name of chaos, a troop of apes can be highly territorial (and aggressive).
Encounter Seed: A group of territorial apes provides plenty of warning of their presence near the old elven tree village. If the characters refuse to heed that warning, they are attacked from the ground and trees by a troop of seven apes. The battlefield will include rope ladders, precarious rope bridges, and platforms with rocks at the ready.
Encounter Seed: When the characters are in a jungle environment, they hear noise around them. Three large apes approach through the underbrush, appearing aggressive. If the apes attack, or the characters attack the apes, three other apes arrive in the trees in 1d4+1 rounds, throwing rocks from above. Killing any one of the apes will lead the rest to retreat. However, they will stalk the characters for several turns and attack again if an opportunity presents.
Encounter Seed: In a jungle environment, the characters hear loud hoots and hollers up ahead. It sounds like something is in pain. If they investigate, they will find a lone ape caught in a snare desperately trying to escape.
Adventure Seed: The Ghost Ape of Windstorm Jungle is considered sacred by the elves that call the jungle home, but a nuisance by the humans who wish to log the land. The large ape has a white streak on its back. When it perceives intruders in the jungle, the ape attacks with rocks and has even gravely wounded a logger. The loggers want the Ghost Ape and its troop removed. The elves want it protected. [Shadowdark Mechanics: Ghost Ape of Windstorm Jungle: AC 14, HP 20, ATK 1 fist +4 (1d8) or 1 rock (far) +4 (2d4), MV near (climb), S 4, D 2, C 2, I -2, W 1, Ch 1, AL N, LV 4.]
Adventure Seed: The only historical record of the lost goddess of the jungle can be found in the ruins of Hurbdun Rain Forest in the south. While the inhabitants of the ruins themselves are unclear, what is known is that the area around the ruins is the border for territories of two distinct groups of apes. Both are known to be particularly aggressive, with some suggesting that the apes protect the ruins under the blessing of the goddess. [Mechanics: If the apes are protected by the goddess, they might have +2 to their AC, +2 to hit, +2 to hide, or some other bonus as determined by the GM.]
Ridiculous Adventure Seed: An ape has taken over a brewery. It has kidnapped Pauline, the brewery’s owner, and has her up in the rafters of the brewery. Rather than throwing stones, this ape throws full barrels of ale at anyone who comes near.
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