Kingdom of Hanu: Bandar-Log [Gorillas]

The Hidden Kingdom of Hanu:
Bandar-Log

“What the Bandar-log think now the jungle will think later.”
-Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book

Playtest Version

This material is still in the process of being playtested. It is fully usable as written, but may be refined or changed in later versions. As always, this content should only be used with GM permission.

Deep in the cloud forest stand huge temples, castles, and city complexes carved from the living rock of the mountainsides and overgrown with vines. Living in these structures, amid the mists and moss and trees, is a secret and thriving civilization, the Hidden Kingdom of Hanu. Many strange folk dwell within this kingdom, but the most common are the vanara, bandar-log, and markatas, who joined their peoples together in ancient times to create a society. The kingdom actively trades with those folk who live near their jungles, but they are cautious to ensure no outsiders learn the ways to or from their mysterious cities, for fear that enemies, old or new, might discover them and threaten their prosperity. On occasion, bands of adventurers go forth from their jungle homes to learn news of the outside world, and especially to collect rumors of their ancient foes, the rakshasas and serpent men.

The Bandar-Log

The Bandar-Log appear to be mountain gorillas with a more upright posture and human-like hands. As they are the bulk of the ambassadors, traders, and soldiers of the Kingdom of Hanu, they are both the most familiar with the outside world and the most known by outsiders. However, they are generally also traditionalists and usually avoid giving out much information about their homeland to strangers. For most outsiders, all that is known of the Kingdom of Hanu is these huge, sagacious, and opulently dressed primates.

Warriors and Priests

Unlike the other two major races of the Kingdom of Hanu, the bandar-log have a caste system. Caste is not hereditary, however, but a field of vocation chosen by an individual when they come of age, based on their talents and passions. Each caste is considered vital to the success of any settlement or tribe, and they may seek out and offer a great deal to tempt members of an under-represented caste to join a community. Particularly important to the rest of the kingdom’s society are the warrior and religious castes, which are entrusted with the greatest portion of control of the kingdom’s armies and temples.

Well-Fed Epicureans

It is possible that the bandar-log are more fond of a good meal than even halflings, and they certainly consume a great deal more of it due to their size. Also much like halflings, they take great pleasure in celebrations, and their religious caste organizes several dozen festivals and holidays over the course of the year. The bandar-log are also fond of possessing and displaying signs of abundance, however their tastes more often favor exceptional workmanship or rare materials over hoarding of quantities of resources. Even the lowliest bandar wears at least a few ornamental pieces of fine jewelry, even if they wear simple clothing.

Master Diplomats

The natural temperament of the bandar-log makes them exceptional at convincing others. They are equally skilled at flattering compliments, plying deals by explaining the benefits all parties gain, and with intimidation, both overt and subtle. Convincing others to cooperate simply comes naturally to them, and because of this they make up the backbone that holds the Kingdom of Hanu together. Their administrative caste, while not rulers in a traditional sense, serve not only as coordinators for the laborer caste (which includes skilled tradesmen as well as common workers), but as diplomats and agents of trade with the outside world as well.

Bandar-Log Names

Bandar typically have only a single name, and if they have to distinguish between two individuals with the same name, they will specify the individual’s caste and occupation.

Masculine Names: Anh, Bình, Chanda, Dương, Dhaval, Hào, Lan, Minh, Nade, Rajnish, Tamboli, Vipin, Wei, Wu, Xuân, Zahid

Feminine Names: An, Bình, Châu, Diệu , Gauri, Gurmeet, Hoa, Liên, Mai, Quý, Swarna, Vijaya, Trinh, Vinh

New Species: Bandar-Log

Common Personality Traits: Epicurean, orderly, urbane, passionate
Common Physical Traits: Sturdy build, big hands, august bearing, fine jewelry
Type: Medium biped folk with a Reach of 1. Your maximum wounds equal your Constitution score.

Attributes: +1 Strength, +1 Wisdom, -1 Dexterity
Base Speed: 30 ft.
Enlightened Impress: Your maximum Impress rank increases to your Career Level + 5. Only the highest bonus from any single enlightened ability may apply to each skill.
Huge Appetite: You benefit from the first 2 food and 2 drink you consume in each day. However, you require 5 common meals each day (instead of the normal 3).
Improved Stability: You’re considered 1 Size category larger for carrying capacity, Trample attacks, and resisting Bull Rush and Trip attempts so long as you are standing firmly on the ground and not climbing, flying, or riding.
Natural Attack: You gain the Slam I natural attack (see FC, page 235). If you gain a natural attack from multiple sources, the attack’s grade becomes equal to the highest single grade + 1 per additional benefit granting the same attack, to a maximum of V (e.g. Bite IV, Bite III, and Bite I become Bite V).
Natural Elegance: Your Appearance bonus increases by +1.
Tenacious Spirit: You gain 1 additional vitality per level.

Legal Appendix

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The Hidden Kingdom of Hanu: Bandar-Log