Dire ape

Dire apes, a type of dire animal, were a breed of unusually large and aggressive ape.

Description
It was a huge feral-looking ape with a barrel-shaped chest, thick black fur, long arms ending in clawed hands, and a wide muzzle with big teeth. It was some in height when standing upright and  in  weight; it was roughly the size of an ogre but much more muscular.

Behavior
They were encountered as solitary specimens or in companies of five to eight members. Highly territorial, a dire ape would attack anyone or anything that trespassed in its territory, including fellow dire apes.

Combat
A dire ape attacked first with its claws and teeth. If this failed, such as if the opponent was armored, it then tried to grab and hold them down. Either way, its claws dug in and tore through flesh, inflicting terrific injuries.

Abilities
There were talented climbers and had a keen sense of scent.

Sub-Species

 * Tundra yeti: dire apes adapted to cold climates.

Appearances

 * Adventures:
 * Pool of Radiance: Attack on Myth Drannor