Apex

[Personally Approved by the Miniknog]

Originally a much more human-like race, the Apex are an Ape-like humanoid species that is ruled by a governmental body known as the Miniknog. When a mysterious completely natural water-borne pathogen of unknown origin threatened their survival, the Miniknog developed a cure that countered the harmful effects of the pathogen. This had the unexpected side effect of starting the VEP (Vestigi-Evo Process), which "devolved" their bodies to a more ape-like state. On the other hand, it also greatly increased their mental capabilities, leading to even bigger advances in super-science.

Biology

Unlike many species known across the galaxy (except maybe the Ysoki), the Apex have no record of their species pre-evolution, nor their homeworld in public record. All surviving records of what the Apex were before the VEP "devolved" the entire population have since been kindly archived by the Miniknog. This leads us to have no research on just how the VEP actually worked, or any ability to try and reverse the process.
That being said, what can be said about the Apex is that they are now a mammalian species, similar to that of Terran simians. Has binocular sight, binaural hearing, and average olfaction capabilities.

Appearance

Large ape-like humanoids, the Apex are predicted to at one point look rather similar to Humans, before the VEP turned them into what they are today. If you look past the abundance of hair; long arms, prehensile feet, and bulky jaws are all easy features to see on any apex. Fashion in Apex society is dictated by the Miniknog, usually minimalist in nature to keep Apex happy and equal.

History

Just as with their biology before the VEP, the Apex's history is unknown to anyone besides the highest leaders of the Miniknog. This is due to the Apex leadership allowing Apex society to flourish without the need for any reminders of the past. What is known is that in the 10 year period in which the VEP saved the Apex population, the Ministry of Knowledge (aka the Miniknog) was voted into power, allowing the pursuit of scientific discovery to be put to the forefront. The Miniknog is led by Big Ape, an intelligent and handsome Apex man who is the reason we are all here today. Nowadays, Apex leadership dictates jobs, the economy, fashion trends, food rations, and who is randomly selected for information gathering in the advancement of Apex biological science. Big Ape's rule is so all-encompassing that nobody knows exactly how long Apex society has actually been this way.

Gameplay

Ability Modifiers: +4 Intelligence, -2 Strength, -2 Charisma
Hit Points: 4
Size: Medium
Type: Humanoid (Apex)
Speed: 35 ft
Languages: Apex begin play speaking Miniknog Newspeak and Galactic, and those with high Intelligence scores can choose any other language.

Climb

Apex have a climb speed of 20 ft. and gain the +8 racial bonus on Climb that a climb speed normally grants.

Thick Hide

Apex gain a +1 natural armor bonus to their Armor Class.

Stability

Apex gain a +4 racial bonus to their Combat Maneuver Defense when resisting a bull rush or trip attempt while standing on a solid surface.

Jumper

Apex are always considered to have a running start when using Acrobatics checks to jump.

Urbanite

Apex gain a +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy checks to gather information and Sense Motive checks to get a hunch about a social situation.

Secret Keeper

Both rebel apex and those under the Miniknog are accustomed to the basic deception needed to survive a fascist regime. They receive a +2 racial bonus on Bluff and Linguistics checks to omit or cover up facts.

Roleplay

You Likely...

• Trust in the Miniknog, and Big Ape's glorious plans for Apex Society.
• Do not question the world around you, as your leaders know what is good for you.
• Find great pleasures in the simple things in life, such as a good ration.
• Relish the chance to fight to keep your friends at the Miniknog happy.

Other Races Probably...

• See you as worse than you are, for they do not know the world like you do.
• Are objectively less intelligent than you and your brethren in the Miniknog.
• Think your love for your leaders to be stupid, not seeing how great your life truly is.
• Want to invite you into their cruel and unforgiving world.

Scientific Name
Socius Retrorsumus
Origin/Ancestry
Unknown
Lifespan
70 Years
Average Height
6.5 ft (2 m)
Average Weight
175 lbs (80 kg)