Apes

Background lore for Cosmic Apes

Tsuchi, the Earth Elemental began the race of Apes on Ape Island. Because of their connection to the earth, the Apes are extremely strong and confident. They are connected to their environment in a similar manner to Elves, though it is more of an instinctual connection that they don’t fully understand. The thrill of experiencing something new and exciting is what gets most Apes out of bed in the morning. In fact, Apes don’t really need to understand things in order to dive into them regardless of the potential consequences. Quite literally, it is common to see an Ape dive headfirst into a pool beneath a waterfall at the base of the Mystic Alpines without first testing the depth.

The Misty Spires are tall cliffs at the centre of Ape Island. It is a collection of massively tall, narrow peaks that the Apes built their city upon. The city of Moya sits atop the spires which are connected by a series of rope bridges. A mist usually obscures the city from view on the ground. The Apes would climb the rock face and tirelessly brought the resources up to the summit via rope pulleys. Later, the Wizards helped the Apes create magical elevators for those without the same strength or climbing ability.

The Apes are well known for being boisterous and funny and if present are usually the life of a party. They have a good relationship with all races on Crypton and if there is ever a disagreement, they are used as diplomats or mediators. Their honesty and willingness to try everything once builds relationships and inspires the people of Crypton. Even though all Apes share these traits, there are still tribes within the Ape community for those that share common interests. Each of the tribes has their own spire among Moya where they have built their community. Each one is represented by a bonfire of a specific color. The fires are ever-burning and never doused.

Rug Collectors

The Rug Collectors are obsessed with all kinds of knitting and weaving of rugs. Some of them attempt to make their own rugs, while others just keep on the lookout for the one that will make them rich. Their hall is not much more than a large tent and is forever lit up by their purple fire. The members of this tribe often display their rugs as achievements, despite usually having lost money in the process. Brought together by their common loss, the Rug Collectors often throw whatever money they do have at anything that has the slightest chance of making them a profit.

Bananaramas

The members of the Bananaramas love food. All food. However, their favorite food is a banana. However, their love of food is not born of their love for eating it, but for throwing it. Their gatherings are essentially massive food fights. To cross the rope bridge to their spire is to invite an assault from various types of foods. Bananas are their favorite because they have learned the precise grip to use where they can make the banana return to the hand if they miss their target. The Apes will not waste food however, eating whatever is thrown in a food fight party. Their fire burns green and the smell is enticing to the visitors of Moya.

Tobutsuki Apes

These stargazers are simultaneously the calmest and most excitable tribe of Apes. These naturally mellow Apes are frenzied by the moon when it rises at night, and excited by talking of rockets during the day. Many of them aspire to go on rocket ships, though not many have the intellect to build them. Their builders constructed their hall in the shape of a rocket and it is quite common to hear them shouting, “To the moon!” during a party around their blazing red fire. Rocket fuel is one of the specialties that this tribe is known for making.

Ohana Apes

The spire that these Apes live on is usually the first place that visitors to Moya reach. It is where the magical elevators arrive and there is always a welcoming blue fire burning with bright music playing. Every visitor is warmly welcomed by any one of these Apes who see them, a decorative floral necklace is placed around their neck and they are immediately beckoned to the fire to share in food and stories. The Ohana Apes welcome everyone to their fire and encourage individuality. No two Apes in this tribe are the same. They dress, dance, speak and walk differently. They even allow other races to be a part of their tribe, the only Ape tribe to do so.

Bishara Apes

The Apes in this tribe are usually the most intelligent and business-savvy. With the only school in Moya on their spire, Bishara Apes are responsible for teaching every Ape in the Misty Spires. Quite often dressed in suits and with serious demeanors the Bishara Apes are the most responsible as well. They can be seen as the leaders of the community, however most of the other tribes generally ignore them regardless. The bright yellow eternal flame lights their school brightly. Despite their leadership qualities the Bishara Apes still hold the irresponsibility that is natural to all Apes and are largely laughed at by other races for their recklessness.

Ape Companion

After an Ape has proven themselves worthy they are offered the opportunity to undertake the famous cloud ritual. The Ape is taken to the edge of the tallest peak of the Misty Spires where the clouds are thickest. Cheered on by onlookers, the participant performs a unique dance. This dance is only ever performed during this ritual and never seen by a race other than Apes. As the dance progresses the Earth magic from within the Ape begins to manipulate the air and the clouds. The Ape pulls a section of the cloud away and blends Earth and Air together seamlessly, allowing for the cloud to be firm enough to stand on. Enchanting this special cloud is so private and takes such care that a personal connection is made between the Ape and the Enchanted Cloud. Given a sentient mind by the ritual, the Enchanted Cloud is forever the companion of the Ape who created it.