Pithicus
Basic Information
Anatomy
These creatures look like large apes, with elongated limbs and sharp fangs. Yet despite their adaptions, they remain remarkably ape like. This, among other factors, has led to the prevailing theory that Pithicus were once ape ancestors of humans that found a portal to the Otherworld, went through and evolved there.
Ecology and Habitats
Pithicus are most often found on floating islands, using their enhanced power to leap and swing among the treacherous rocks with ease. The live in tribes like normal apes, with the most magical ape leading the troop. This usually means the biggest, strongest pithicus is in charge, but occasionally a pithicus gets more brains than brawn and they take charge.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They eat the fruits grown on the trees and vines holding the islands together. But they are certainly not opposed to meat, and occasionally stage raids to the surface to hunt. They generally go for lone, weak creatures and will only attack strong monsters out of desperation. They will also defend their floating grottoes with savage ferocity if needed. They refuse to fight giant, strong monsters like Dragons. If they know they're out of their league, Pithicus scramble and hide, making sure to keep their tribe safe above themselves.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Like all creatures in The Otherworld, Pithicus have magical abilities. The most dominant is heightened physical prowess, allowing them to leap great distances and exert great strength.
On rare occasion though, a Pithicus is granted enhanced mental prowess, giving it a small flicker of sentience. They are not as intelligent as humans, naithar or muntjac, but they are far above their bestial bretheren. These greater pithicus gather their tribe, and often others, and lead them to great heights. Guilds getting raided by these ape hordes is fairly common, but others have reported being able to parlay with the leaders. They usually demand some form of tribute to stop them from attacking, mostly in the form of food. Several sages have also spoken in person, and gleamed fascinating insights into these heightened minds.
Origin/Ancestry
Humanoid?
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