Homebrew Apefolk Species Details
The Grand Journey
Apefolk are an inherently active and adventurous people. They are always searching for the next challenge to overcome, the next record to break, the next battle to win. Though they form communities high in the treetops of distant jungles and mountains, Apefolks hold the belief that the greatest form of wisdom one can achieve is that of worldliness. The way this is earned is a grand journey. When they come of age, it is customary for an Apefolk to go out on their own. Leaving behind their treetop village or mountain settlement to explore the unknown, and return having conquered the challenges their journey would bare. Whether an Apefolk gains this wisdom, or simply claims to have earned it is down to the individual. But the experience an Apefolk can gain from this trip is considered invaluable, often times finding things like their passion, life-long connections, and the experience one needs to overcome any challenge needing to be faced.
Apefolk are a people who believe anything in life, no matter how trying, can be overcome with enough grit and will to do so. To challenge an Apefolk is to invite not only fierce competition, but a competitor that will not go down without a fight. After all, it's just another challenge begging to be overcame on the Journey of an Apefolk.
Natural Competitors
Always being out to improve oneself and overcome the next challenge can lead to some Apefolk being incredibly fierce competitors. This can lead to some Apefolk being both incredibly blunt, and braggadocios about their achievements, especially with other Apefolk. They sometimes will go out of their way to face challenges or enemies way out of their league, and lead to grave injury or worse. While considered shameful, it is not uncommon for fights to break out between Apefolk about who has done what and whether or not it was more impressive, completely forgetting the fact that the act of overcoming challenges is not for the betterment of status, but of oneself. These are traits that are often hoped to be unlearned when going on a journey, as the worldly wisdom one can gain will rectify such ego.
On the other side of the coin however, this bluntness can make an Apefolk a very honest individual. Always stating what is on their mind and what they think may need to be done for the best. And any braggart like tendencies of can also be honed to fit the craft of intimidation or entertainment. This does not mean that an Apefolk is unwelcoming to new ideas, far from it. If one is to overcome what the world has to offer, one must first learn of the world from all angles. This mentality stands true, especially if brought to an Apefolk at face value. One way or another, when challenged, an Apefolk will nearly always have conviction behind their words.
Trophies of Triumph
What is a journey without a souvenir? Whether it be on their journey or mounted on their walls after it, it is an Apefolk custom to collect trophies from their challenges they have overcome. Some wear these trophies on their bodies, such as necklaces made of the teeth of a beast they have sleighed, or earrings made of the stones of a mighty mountain they climbed. Some Apefolk even adorn themselves with tattoos or face paints depicting their feats or imagery associated with it. The same can be said for their clothing. Many apefolk will wear the cloak, scarf, or sash they traveled in even years after they have returned home, or cycle through various tunics and garbs they found to be enticing when they visited distant villages. Some even take apart and stitch these new pieces of cloth into their own clothing, almost like a wearable quilt. Scars are treated in a similar manner, being considered some of the most honored and powerful trophy of all. To earn a scar in a challenge one has overcome is to have that lesson etched into you forever, having it be apart of the journey that is mapped across an Apefolk's body.
However, when returning from their journey or finding a place to settle down, an Apefolk will always keep their abode as decorated as they are. Be it mounting larger trophies like beast skulls, large fish, and maps of their travels on their walls or above their fireplaces. Shelves will be lined with all manner of trinkets, from priceless gems to simple spools of thread. Any item that may have had a hand in an Apefolk's perseverance has a high sentimental value, and is displayed as such.
The Need for Play
From a young age, a strong sense of adventure and curiosity is instilled in an Apefolk. Young Apelings are encouraged to have an open mind and peeled eyes for life. This results in the natural need for one to be able to play. It is not uncommon to be walking through an Apefolk settlement and seeing both young Apelings and full grown adults participating in things like make-believe, play wrestling, and telling grand tales of adventure (be-it made up or not). Young Apefolk are schooled and trained, but in a way that encourages these tendencies. Apefolk teachers or gurus will often times be those who had taken their journey already, and had achieved fantastic feats of conquest or exploration in them. These teachers will have a small gathering of students, and rather than having them memorize facts or equations, they will train them in survival and exploration. Rather than tests and quizzes, the guru will play out make believe scenarios with their pupils, such as playing out mighty battles with dragons or fording dangerous rivers. After all, everything is a learning experience.
As previously stated though, the need for play is not unique to children. Adult Apefolk can still carry that sense of wonder and play with them to the ends of their lives. While this still results in things like playful wrestling and make believe, it also can manifest the realm of entertainment. Apefolk settlements can be host to several wrestling tournaments and theatrical tales. From all out boxing-esque brawls of up to 6 apefolk, to large multi-act plays, the act of playing is something that any Apefolk can put to use for both themselves and others.
Apefolk Traits
Apefolk are swift and courageous, able to overcome challenge with nimble yet focused strength and a grin on their face.Ability Score Increases
Your nimbleness and grace grants you a +2 to your Dexterity Ability Score and a +1 to your Strength Ability Score.
Age
Apefolk have a lifespan slightly shorter than that of a human, reaching roughly 70 years.
Size
Apefolk are slightly smaller on average than humans. You are size Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Climbing Speed
You have a base climbing speed of 30 feet. You can also climb across ceilings if there is something to hold onto. You can hang by your tail from any suitable anchor point, such as a tree branch, balcony, or rocky outcropping (subject to the DM's discretion), typically while climbing, allowing you to use your other limbs to perform simple actions such as swinging a sword or firing a crossbow.
Primate Physiology
You are naturally nimble and strong, able to achieve great feats of athleticism since you were young. This grants you Proficiency in the Acrobatics and Athletics skills. You can use your feet and tail as if they were hands. If you use both of your feet simultaneously to interact with an object, your speed becomes 0.
Tumble Through
You are able to nimbly tumble through challenging or dangerous obstacles. You ignore Difficult Terrain if you take the Dash Action through it.
Primate's Endurance
You can push your body to persist through a particularly difficult physical challenge. Be it with incredibly strong grip, nimble footwork, or steely toughness. Once per Long Rest, if you fail a Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution saving throw, you can choose to reroll and take the better outcome.