[3.5] Isle of the Ape

[Thurbane]

Just thought of something hilarious (to me anyway).

In the EttRoG module, they present the "Island Ape": an advanced Dire Ape, which is supposed to be a shout out to the 1E module Isle of the Ape (which in itself is a shout out to King Kong).

https://fireinthejungle.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/gh-wg6.jpg https://fireinthejungle.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/bigmonkey1.jpg
In EttRoG, the ape is a Dire APe advanced further than normally possible (20HD, Huge).

I was thinking, maybe the ape from the original module would be better represented by a Monkey (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/monkey.htm) or Baboon (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/baboon.htm) with the Titanic template? :smalltongue:

It would be Gargantuan and have 25HD.

Cheers - T

[Inevitability]

What was the original ape capable of?

[Thurbane]

What was the original ape capable of?

Oh man, not sure. I ran through the module as a player, but I never owned it. So many years ago. I think there was some kind of area/trample attack?

[thoroughlyS]

I would recommend a Titanic (MM II) Dungeonbred (Dungeonscape) Dire Ape instead. This allows you to keep all of the Ape's signature abilities.

[Thurbane]

I would recommend a Titanic (MM II) Dungeonbred (Dungeonscape) Dire Ape instead. This allows you to keep all of the Ape's signature abilities.

Brilliant!

[lylsyly]

Took me a bit to dig this out of the closet and type up some of the high points, but here ya go ;)

Ape, Gargantuan
Oonga

HIT DICE: 24 + 4
HIT POINTS: 288 hp
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3 + 2
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1d12 + 12
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 100% See below
SIZE: L, 30 ft. tall

When charging, he canleap 60 feet upward (total upward reach) or across.

Attack is by a pair of clubbing fist blows and a bite. Oonga’s great strength gives a bonus of + 12 points of damage to the former sort of attack mode, and if both fists strike the same opponent, then this indicates the mighty simian has grasped the creature and pulled and wrenched it. Such rending inflicts an additional 1-20 points of damage to the victim.

Oonga regenerates 1 hit point per round.

Successful magical attacks such as fireballs, lightning bolts, and cold-based ones are at -1 per die of damage due to Oonga’s bulk and toughness.

His brain and nervous system are such that he can’t be magically charmed, held, or even slowed.

Plus some yada yada about grappling (you can figure that out yourself), throwing boulders, pulling 90ft trees out of the ground, picking people up an slamming them back to the ground (ouch), a Trample attack (they called it stamping) for 5-20 points of damage.

Of course they say Gargantuan then list his size as large, 30 ft tall (size was done waaay different back then). I added the bold because I find that part interesting. I certainly don't remember that part (we won't go into how long it's been ;).

Hope this helps.

[ShurikVch]

I, personally, think those Apes are too big for Large (or even Huge) size
Let's compare Oonga (https://fireinthejungle.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/bigmonkey1.jpg) and Mountain Giant (http://archive.wizards.com/dnd/images/mm2_gallery/88268_620_60a.jpg) from Monster Manual II (Mountain Giant is Colossal)

IMHO, since the Ape is shout-out to King Kong, more correct will be use Kaiju template from Dragon #289
Thus, something like this:

Oonga
Colossal Animal
Hit Dice: 45d8+495 (675 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft.
Armor Class: 38 (–8 size, +1 Dex, +35 natural), touch 3, flat-footed 37
Base Attack/Grapple: +33/+69
Attack: Claw +53 melee (1d8+20)
Full Attack: 2 claws +53 melee (1d8+20) and bite +48 melee (2d6+10)
Space/Reach: 40 ft./20 ft.
Special Attacks: Rend 2d8+30, trample 4d12+10, ranged attack 4d6+20
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent, DR 15/epic, darkvision 120', energy resistance 25, immune to mind-influencing effects, SR 28, fast healing 20
Saves: Fort +34, Ref +25, Will +27
Abilities: Str 50, Dex 13, Con 30, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 27
Skills: Balance +7, Climb +26, Intimidate +19, Jump +26, Listen +7, Move Silently +7, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Area Attack, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Improved Toughness, Improved Trample, Iron Will, Mobility, Penetrate Hardness, Rend, Snatch, Spring Attack, Track
Environment: Warm forests
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 18
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: —
Level Adjustment: —