Ape Warrior (3.5e Prestige Class)

Summary::Those that attune themselves with the revered power of great apes gain the power to transform themselves into apes and retain some of their abilities. Minimum Level::7

Ape Warrior
Many tribal societies native to tropical forests and jungles revere apes for their strength and vigor. Some individuals are even gifted with the supernatural ability to transform into the powerful primates and gain (and retain) some of their abilities. Some use these powers to bring themselves closer to the natural world, while others use the powers to crush those that oppose them with primal ferocity.

Becoming an Ape Warrior
Purists of battle use the ferocity of great apes to strike down their foes and return to a simple way of battle. Although barbarians and fighters occasionally flock toward this way of life, druids and clan shamans are very common, as they can assume the form of an ape to better commune with the natural world. Although they cannot throw themselves into a rage like that of a barbarian, they do possess tribal medicines that produce similar effects.

Class Features
Animal feat: Once having become an ape warrior, an ape warrior is not restricted from choosing feats specific to animals, if he so desires to take them.

Ape form: An ape warrior must throw themselves into a rage or frenzy before taking a standard round action to transform into an ape. At 1st level the ape warrior can assume the form of a gorilla and with it, the ape warrior gains a +8 bonus to Strength, a +2 bonus to Dexterity, and +4 bonus to Constitution. At 6th level the ape warrior can assume the form of a dire gorilla and with it, the ape warrior gains a +16 bonus to Strength, +2 bonus to Dexterity, and +6 bonus to Constitution. At 10th level the ape warrior assumes the form of a girallon and with it, the ape warrior gains a +20 bonus to Strength, +2 bonus to Dexterity, and +8 bonus to Constitution. As with polymorph, the ape warrior takes on the physical aspects of the respective ape while in Ape form (including size, movement, natural weapons, space, and reach).

An Ape warrior that assumes Ape form is unable to attempt any skill check that is Intelligence- or Charisma-based (except Intimidate) or complete any objective that requires patience or concentrated thought. In addition, an ape warrior cannot lingually communicate with others but may still attempt to communicate simple messages through actions, such as pointing, waving, running about, et cetera. A Sense Motive or Intelligence check (DC 15) determines what the Ape warrior is trying to convey.

An Ape Warrior can only assume Ape form once an encounter and assumes the form for as long as their rage or frenzy lasts and as many times as they can rage or frenzy. The mental fatigue placed upon the ape warrior restricts them from using any Intelligence- or Wisdom-based checks for three rounds, nor can they cast spells or activate magic items for that time. A Concentration check (DC 20) can be attempted to lower the restriction to only one round.

Ape instinct: As an ape warrior progresses through levels, he will gain inherit skill bonus that he retains regardless of whether he is an ape or not.
 * At the 1st rank, the ape warrior gains a +2 bonus to Climb and a +2 bonus to Survival.
 * At the 2nd rank, the ape warrior gains another +2 bonus to Climb and a +2 bonus to Jump.
 * At the 3rd rank, the ape warrior gains another +2 bonus to Climb and a +2 bonus to Listen.
 * At the 4th rank, the ape warrior gains another +2 bonus to Climb and a +2 bonus to Spot.
 * At the 5th rank, the ape warrior gains another +2 bonus to Climb, a +2 bonus to Hide and a +2 bonus to Move Silently.

Rend: At 5th level, an ape warrior is capable of using a rend attack once a round if the ape warrior makes two successful hits in a row with natural weapons. The rend does 1d6 extra damage.

Ape grip: At 7th level, an ape warrior gains a +4 bonus to his Grapple check regardless of whether if he is in ape form or not.

Ape toughness: At 9th level, an ape warrior gains an automatic +4 natural armor bonus to his Armor Class while assuming Ape form.

Ex-Ape Warrior
An ape warrior that become lawful relinquishes the power to take Ape form as well as their bonuses from their ape instincts, but does not lose their ape-like grip. They can no longer take animal feats or use their rend attack (unless obtained through other means). They may return to the ape warrior life style if they choose to take a pilgrimage into the heart of a tropical forest or jungle with a substantial population of primates and meditates in the canopy for three hours a day for two weeks. After the two weeks, the character may continue taking levels of Ape Warrior. However, should the potential Ape warrior become lawful again, they cannot meditate again in order to revisit the Ape warrior life style.