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Man-Apes for Conan The
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the talons of eagles. Although they
It was covered with black hair, from which small pig-like eyes
make no weapons of steel, these large
glared redly; its nose was flat, with great flaring nostrils; its
claws can be utilised as such with
equally devastating results.
loose lips writhed back, disclosing huge yellow fangs, like the
teeth of a dog.
Black Man-Apes of Zamora:
- Rogues In the House, Robert E. Howard
Although reported to exist throughout
the southern lands, these beasts
are considered to be of Zamora as
muscle structure of their massive
I
I: Overview
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that is where they seem to be most
chest is so pronounced that they are
eep in the steamy jungles
common. Although called black
said to look almost as if they have
Dof the south live beasts that
man-apes because their hair and skin
been chiselled from stone. In all
are spoken of only in whispers by
is generally dark charcoal or black
man-ape species, a distinct layer of
civilised people. Among the jagged
in colour, there are reports of dark
hair covers the body in thick coarse
mountains of eastern Zamora and
brown and rust-coloured individuals
mats, which are especially dense
Hyrkania lurk the hunched forms of
in the lands of Kush and the Black
along the back, arms and legs. The
creatures so terrible that travellers
Kingdoms. They are found most
colour of this hair depends on the
do not dare traverse the crags
commonly in mountainous regions,
type of man-ape being discussed; but
alone. They are the man-apes: the
where they are reported to live in
is generally brownish, black or grey.
degenerate reminders to present-day
Hyborians of their primitive relatives.
Like true apes,
Modern observers would call them
man-apes have flat
the  missing link , the stepping-
noses, pronounced
stone between true apes and humans.
brow ridges and
The truth about their past, however,
sloping foreheads.
is far more disturbing. Whatever
Generally speaking,
their origins, they are fearless and
their eyes are small,
ferocious, possessing Herculean
often described as
strength and posing a constant threat
 pig-like. Their
to any adventurer travelling in their
jaws are prominent,
shadow.
with large, thick
lips used primarily
General Physical Appearance:
to manipulate food
From a distance, or from behind,
while eating. They
man-apes might be mistaken for
are described as
muscular, squat humans. The stance
having yellow
of all man-apes is somewhat hunched,
teeth, with enlarged
but, unlike true apes, only rarely
canines that can rip
do they walk upon their knuckles.
flesh from bone.
Instead, with their strong and nearly
Finally, the physical
straight legs, they are able to walk
characteristic that
mostly upright, as well as leap and
most distinguishes
even run with ease (albeit using a
man-apes from true
somewhat awkward gait). Generally,
apes or humans are
man-apes have broad shoulders, long,
their thick, sharp
brawny arms and proportionally
claws that resemble
shorter legs than humans. The
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great pains to eradicate sub-species. Grey man-apes have a
black man-apes from much more hunched posture than do
their lands, and will kill black man-apes, with shorter, more
them on sight. This fact, crooked legs, which forces them to
coupled with the man- walk on their knuckles occasionally.
apes predilection for They also have broader shoulders
wandering near human and are considered more powerful
civilisation, has taken than their cousins to the west. Their
a toll on their number. features, which include large tusk-like
Consequently, the beasts teeth protruding from their mouths,
are much less common are less like humans and more like
than their grey cousins. true apes, making them appear bestial
It has been reported that and savage to some. It is unlikely that
efforts have been made a grey man-ape could be mistaken for
by the foolhardy to train a human, even from behind. These
these creatures as one beasts reach an average height of six
would a dog. It is beyond and a half feet and weigh over 550
doubt that black man- pounds.
apes are smart enough to
be trained; yet their base Although they are much more similar
animal instincts, coupled to animals in their appearance and
with the simple human habits, grey man-apes are much more
emotions that they retain common than their black-haired
from their ancestors, relatives. Their territory is distributed
make them unpredictable. over a much wider area and they
groups. Yet, it is not known if the
Therefore, it is not unexpected that all seem to exist in greater numbers. The
beasts prefer these habitats, or if
attempts to habituate these creatures mechanisms behind their relative
they are merely forced to live there
to domestication have ended badly. commonness are not fully understood.
due to persecution by humans. This
Some scholars believe that, because
notion stems from the fact that the
Grey Man-apes of the East and they are more bestial and do their best
few individuals encountered in the far
Yahtis: Grey man-apes are often to shun human civilisation, they do
south all inhabit dense jungles.
regarded as true apes, similar to not receive the level of persecution
Black man-apes are the most hairless
gorillas. Their evolutionary record that black man-apes do.
species existing in Hyboria, not
shows that this is untrue, and their
surprising based on their preference
physiognomy is much
for warm climes. They are also the
closer to black man-
most upright in their stance among
apes than gorillas (the
man-apes, and have longer legs
explanation for which
than their grey relatives (although
will be given shortly).
not quite proportionally as long
Most grey man-apes
as humans). Because of this, it is
seem concentrated to the
somewhat understandable that black
dense forests or jungles
man-apes are mistaken for humans
east and south of the
at first glance. Furthermore, it is
Vilayet Sea, although
believed that they are slightly less
there are reports of
powerful than the species that exist in
them inhabiting nearby
the east. They are reported to reach
mountain ranges as well.
average heights of over seven foot six
inches and weigh over 400 pounds.
As their name suggests,
these creatures have hair
Black man-apes are territorial and
and skin that is grey in
violent by nature. They are also
colour and much lighter
regarded as the man-ape species
than that of the black
with the most advanced intellect. In
man-apes. Furthermore,
addition, it seems they have little fear
their fur appears to be
of humans, and occasionally venture
much thicker than that
too close to civilisation. These traits
of their western cousins,
make them incredibly dangerous to
especially in the Yahti
mankind. The Zamorians have taken
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placed within the taxonomic Class
Among the forest-covered hills of the northwest exist
Mammalia, being warm-blooded
wandering bands of ape-men, without human speech, or the
animals with female individuals
possessing mammary glands. Much
knowledge of fire or the use of implements. They are the
like others of their kind, they are in
descendants of the Alanteans, sunk back into the squalling
the taxonomic Order Primates, which
chaos of the jungle-bestiality from which ages ago their
also includes prosimians (such as
ancestors so laboriously crawled.
lemurs and tarsiers), monkeys (such
as mandrills and baboons), apes (such
as chimpanzees and gorillas) and
Far to the east, the Lemurians, leveled almost to a bestial
humans. It is their placement within
plane themselves by the brutishness of their slavery, have risen
this Order that leads to the greatest
and destroyed their masters. They are savages stalking among
disagreement among those that study
the ruins of a strange civilisation.
Taxonomy. While a small group
-The Hyborian Age, Robert E. Howard
of individuals consider man-apes
to be a type of primate completely
separate from humans, most believe
Interestingly, there is at least one primordial state, degenerating into
that they should actually be placed,
sub-species of grey man-ape in  lesser-humans . The resulting
taxonomically, within the same
existence during the Hyborian Age. degenerates, it appears, eventually
group, as it appears they evolved
These are the shaggy ape-men, also evolved into, what are today known
from primitive humans. Although it
called Yahtis by local inhabitants, as the black man-apes of Zamora.
may never be proved which is true,
found in the snow-covered Himelian
much evidence has been accumulated
Mountains. Although as bestial and As the downfall of Atlantis was
in favour of the latter hypothesis,
grey as their contemporaries, Yahtis occurring, the cataclysm was also
including profound skeletal and
have hair that is significantly longer forever altering the Atlanteans
anatomical similarities between the
and thicker. They also tend to walk contemporaries to the east: The
man-apes and humans. Furthermore,
slightly more upright than other grey Lemurians. The changing of the
while monkeys and apes are reported
ape-men, an adaptation that some world forced the Lemurians to travel
to be gentle unless provoked or
believe makes them better suited for even further east, until reaching
threatened, man-apes are always
travelling through deep snow. the very coast of their ancient
ferocious. Most scholars agree that
Thurian continent. Yet, instead of
this disposition was acquired from
History and Position in the Animal finding peace here, the Lemurians
human ancestors, from whom they
Kingdom: Recently, archaeological were enslaved by a race of ancient
retain shadows of emotions, such
documents have been discovered humanoids whose history was lost in
as hate and resentment. Finally,
that help scholars place these ages past. All that is known of these
the historic records that have
beasts, taxonomically, in the Animal humanoids is that, although they
been summarised in the previous
Kingdom. While these documents are had enslaved the Lemurians, their
paragraph, give evidence that man-
only summarised here, the importance slaves eventually overthrew them and
apes are more closely related to, and
of their findings to current beliefs seized their freedom. Unfortunately,
in fact evolved from, men (rather than
regarding archaeology, anthropology the many years of brutish slavery
true monkeys or apes).
and evolution will be evident. had degenerated the Lemurians into
Ancient races of humans, such as a semi-human, bestial state. While
the Atlanteans, dominated the Pre- some of these primordial humans
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II. Anatomy and
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Cataclysmic Age. Although slightly traveled west, evolved and eventually
different in appearance from current established the present-day land of
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Physiognomy
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humans of the Hyborian Age, the Stygia, the rest remained in the east,
Man-apes have been a source of
Atlanteans were fundamentally very continuing their boorish existence.
fascination for scholars over the
similar, and even as technologically Those who remained behind became
ages. Thus, it should come as
advanced. Yet this was before the the grey man-apes of the Hyborian
no surprise that certain scholars
great cataclysm rocked the face of Age that exist to the east and south of
have gone to great lengths to be
the earth, changing it forever. The the Vilayet Sea, including the shaggy
able to dissect these animals and
races of men, as they had evolved to sub-species that roam the Himelian
thoroughly catalogue their internal
be during the Pre-Cataclysmic times, Mountains.
anatomy. From these diagrams and
were likewise altered by the upheaval,
notes, inferences regarding their
forever changing their evolutionary Although the subject is hotly
physiognomy have also been made
path. The turmoil caused most debated in academic circles, most
over the years. The findings reported
human races of the time, in particular scholars consider man-apes a
here represent a summary of the most
the Atlanteans, to regress back into a close relative of humans. Among
up-to-date and commonly accepted
vertebrate animals, they have been
views regarding the subject.
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misshapen hands ripped and tore at him.
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-Rogues in the House, Robert E. Howard
The Fur: As mentioned earlier, man-
apes are mostly covered in coarse
hair or fur. This hair, a structure
appendages lies in the feet. Grey protection. Although a formidable
comprised mostly of protein, is
man-apes, being more prone to dense hunting adaptation, there is little
slightly different from that found
forests and jungles, where they climb doubt that man-apes employ these
in other types of mammals. Most
frequently, also have a large inner-toe claws as offensive weapons as
mammals have two coats of hair,
that is opposable. Thus, the feet can well, should the need suit them.
or fur: an outer thick coat for
be used to grasp items as efficiently In nearly all reports of attacks on
protection, called the guard hair, and
as the hands, making these beasts humans, the man-apes in question
an under coat that is soft and dense
superior climbers to their western used their claws frequently: both to
for insulation, called the under hair.
relatives. help secure their grip on the victim,
Surprisingly, man-apes, much like
while inflicting significant amounts
true apes and humans, have very
The Claws: The presence of of damage through lacerations or
little along the lines of under hair.
enlarged nails, or claws, is a feature disembowelment.
Compared to other mammals, their
ubiquitous among man-apes (be they
hair is actually somewhat sparse,
black or grey). In fact, their claws are
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especially in the face, chest and
reported to be so long and sharp that
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belly regions. The exception to this
they are often referred to as appearing
The Skeleton: Because they are
rule is found in the shaggy variety
 talon-like . Despite this, however, it
related to modern humans, there
of man-ape inhabiting the Himelian
is likely that a variation exists in the
should be little surprise that man-
Mountains south of the Vilayet Sea.
length and sharpness of these claws
ape skeletons are very similar
These creatures do possess long, thick
among individuals, and they range
in appearance to those of most
hair (including both guard hair and
in length from 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to
Hyborians (this is especially true
under hair), which is not surprising
10 cm). Like most fingernails and
in the case of the black man-apes
considering the frigid regions in
claws found in vertebrate animals,
of Zamora). However, unlike the
which they exist.
they are made primarily from keratin
relatively delicate skeletons of
(a protein-based substance similar
humans, those of man-apes are
The Feet and Hands: The feet
to that used found in the horns of
remarkably dense. There are several
and hands are incredibly important
bull cattle). However, what is most
advantages to this enhancement:
features in the every day lives of
interesting about these claws is that
firstly, it makes the beasts more
man-apes. As in true monkeys,
their upper surface (for example,
robust to damage from falling or
apes and humans, these appendages
the surface on the same side as
being attacked by prey. The skull,
are designed, specifically, to allow
the knuckle) has an extra layer of
for example, is so thick that it is very
manipulation of objects and superior
protective enamel compared to the
resilient to attacks from bludgeoning-
locomotion. Their uses are incredibly
bottom surface. This added enamel
type weapons. The downside to this
diverse, allowing the hands, for
better protects the nail from breaking
quality is that such thickness in the
example, to be wielded in combat to
off at the base during daily use,
brain case leaves less room for the
batter objects, or for tasks requiring
limiting breakage to the most distal
brain itself. Many scholars believe
the fine motor skill necessary to peel
points of the nail. This effectively
that the evolution of thick skulls in
fruit and crack nutshells (if necessity
keeps the nails long and sharp, which
these creatures is inversely related
deems it). The hands of both black
is important for man-ape survival.
to the size of the brain, and probably
and grey man-apes have opposable
After all, a man-ape with many
the size of their intellectual capacity.
thumbs, which can be used to
broken claws cannot as adequately
Secondly, having dense bones is an
securely grasp and hold most objects,
defend or feed itself.
adaptation that helps support the great
and improve climbing ability. The
weight that these animals posses.
largest difference among black and
The claws evolved their shape
The orientation of these bones is
grey man-apes in regards to these
primarily for hunting prey, rather than
also believed to be for supporting the
added stress and weight associated
with a bipedal (in other words,
 Its feet and hands were more manlike than those of a
walking upright) stance.
gorilla, the great toes and thumbs being more like those of a
man than a anthropoid. The Teeth: Most vertebrate animals
have teeth that are unique from the
-The Flame Knife, R. E. Howard and L. S. de Camp
rest of the Animal Kingdom. This
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other words, reflects that. In fact, the shape of
the mouth is their teeth more closely resembles
filled with teeth that found in other strict carnivores
of different that are of no relation to primates
shapes and sizes (for example, dogs, wolves, lions and
that represent tigers). Man-apes have sharp, pointed
their specific incisors and very large, yellowish
functions. For canines designed for tearing large
example, canines chunks of flesh from their prey. They
and incisors are have uniquely shaped premolars and
sharp and used molars in both the upper and lower
to tear of bits of jaw that, when brought together while
food, while pre- chewing, creates a shearing action
molars are multi- (like that of a meat scissors). This
cusped and used helps these beasts chew their usually
to shear bits of tough food to the point that it can be
food into more easily swallowed. Only the last set of
manageable molars in each jaw vaguely resemble
sizes, and so those found in omnivorous primates.
on. Man-apes, Although it is believed that they are
and primates residual (their shape coming from
in general, are human ancestors) the function of
no exception these teeth is no longer for grinding
in this regard. vegetation, as is the case in humans.
However, the Instead, in man-apes these molars are
teeth of man- shaped as such to crack open bones
apes are unique for acquiring the nutrient-rich marrow
enough that they within.
are probably
the skeletal
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Anatomical Elements
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most separates
In many ways, the organ systems
them from other
of man-apes are similar to other
primates. The
mammals, especially humans. For
majority of
example, the respiratory system,
primates are
while very complex and efficient, is
omnivorous (in
very similar to that found in many
other words,
mammals, especially primates.
consuming both
The glands, including sweat, scent
plant and animal
and sebaceous glands, in their
material), which
morphology are also not largely
is reflected in the
unique among mammals. Thus, these
shape of their
organs will receive little attention in
teeth: relatively
the following paragraphs.
large canines and
sharp incisors
The Digestive System: The digestive
for tearing off
system of man-apes is somewhat
bits of flesh, yet
unique compared to that of other
relatively flat
large primates, such as gorillas. This
and broad molars
is because gorillas eat large amounts
for grinding
of vegetation, which requires a unique
vegetation.
digestive system. For example,
Man-apes, in
properly digesting vegetation usually
contrast, are
requires a large or even multi-
strict carnivores.
chambered stomach that is specialised
They eat no
for breaking down the tough cellulose
vegetation and
found in plant material. Creatures
their dentition
with diets consisting mostly of
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are two types of photoreceptors: rods
 At any rate, he struck when I least expected it. Last night
(which function better at low light)
and cones (which function better
he appeared to go suddenly mad. His actions had all the
under intense light). Man-apes, being
appearance of bestial insanity, yet I know that they must have
fonder of incredibly dark habitats,
been the result of long and careful planning.
have a much higher number of rods
than cones. Furthermore, man-apes
 Apparently, his semi-brain retained impressions of hate,
have very acute colour vision. All
of these adaptations are thought to
resentment, and some sort of bestial ambition of its own.
have evolved as a means of aiding
-Rogues in the House, Robert E. Howard
these beasts in climbing and hunting.
There is, however, an aspect of these
animal material, such as man-apes, cunning, it also makes complex
beast s eyes that is perplexing to
have digestive systems that are coordination, behavior and even
many scholars: they are very light
comparatively simple, as animal- rudimentary language possible. The
sensitive (possibly due to the low
based foods are mostly soft and easier specific portions of the brain that are
number of cone photoreceptors in
to break down. Thus, carnivorous of greatest interest in man-apes are
their eyes). In general, this means
digestive systems usually have a the cerebrum and cerebellum. Both
that man-apes shun the bright sun
single-chambered, bag-like stomach, are large and convoluted, similar to
and moon, preferring very shrouded
with intestines that have many twists humans. This results in man-apes:
and dark habitats. What advantage
and bends.
man-apes gain from being physically
# Having the ability to learn by
uncomfortable in bright light is not
The Brain: This is believed to be remembering
wholly understood. It should be
the man-ape s most extraordinary
noted that Yahtis are occasionally
organ. Compared to their simian # Being able to possess simple
seen out in the open during the day,
cousins, such as gorillas, these beasts emotions
and it is believed that these creatures
have exceptional intelligence, which
feel no negative effects from light.
is especially true of the black man- # Being capable of fine motor
apes of Zamora, with an amazing function
The senses of hearing and smell in
memory and the ability to learn from
man-apes are acute, but no more
past occurrences. Yet, in relation This combination of abilities is
so than in true apes or humans.
to humans, most scholars consider surpassed only by humans. The
Although these senses are used
their intelligence to be as humans are downside to having a brain that
compared to Gods. These scholars supposedly evolved from those of
cite the fact that man-apes create humans is that man-apes
neither tools nor weapons, and have are believed to retain
no knowledge of fire. They also shadows of certain human
do not build shelter, aside from emotions (such as anger
the most rudimentary types made and hate). It is believed
from gathered leaves and grasses. that these  pseudo-
Despite this, there is little denying emotions , coupled with
that these creatures possess cunning raw animal instinct, are
beyond mere animal instinct. Those what make man-apes
who have run afoul of them know incredibly dangerous and
that their ability to stalk their prey unpredictable.
through observation and learning of
the prey s habits is uncanny. The The Sensory Organs:
man-ape s aptitude to perform in such The eyes of man-apes are
a fashion, most scholars believe, is particularly interesting in
the result of a brain that has evolved many regards. Although
from those of humans (albeit in a they have little ability
degenerating fashion). Thus, the to see great distances,
capacity of their brain is far superior their eyes are on the
to any other animals , and may even front of their skulls
rival the brain of humans who have (rather than the sides),
been stricken dumb through illness creating superior depth
or misfortune. Not only does this perception. Within the
large brain offer man-apes incredible eyes of most vertebrates
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incidentally while hunting, they do
 His people dwell far to the east, in the mountains that
not seem to be of great importance. It
is believed that the advanced nature
fringe the eastern frontiers of Zamora.
of their brains compensates for these
-Rogues in the House, Robert E. Howard
relatively deficient senses. Thus,
they receive no penalty for not being
is that any animal possessing them mountainous regions along the
able to smell as acutely as wolves,
must fuel that constantly working eastern border of Zamora (not far
another carnivorous hunter, because
metabolism with a steady supply from Shadizar) and into Turan. They
their intellect makes up for this
of food. Thus, endotherms must are also reported sporadically in
shortcoming.
eat constantly, and man-apes are the Pyrrhenian Mountains east of
no exception. Therefore, food is a Khoraja and the Taiain Mountains
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characteristics
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and often leads to territorial bouts Reports are plentiful of isolated black
The Metabolism: As has been
among man-ape tribes living in close man-ape populations in the lands of
stated previously, man-apes are
quarters. Kush, Darfar and Keshan, as well
mammals and, thus, endothermic (in
as the Black Kingdoms. However,
other words, warm-blooded). This
because a qualified individual has
means that their body produces its III. The
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never witnessed one in this region,
own heat internally, through the use
most scholars refuse to acknowledge
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Ecology of
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of physiological processes. This
that black man-apes are common in
is in contrast to ectothermic (cold-
the south. Nevertheless, any traveler
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Man-Apes
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blooded) animals, such as reptiles,
who has visited these lands frequently
Geographical Distribution- As was
which must rely on an outside
reports witnessing them as commonly
mentioned previously, man-apes, as a
heat source to warm their body
as birds in some regions and will,
group, have a much wider distribution
temperatures to an acceptable level.
without hesitation, call such scholars
than they are given credit. Although
Often, this outside heat source is the
fools.
rarely common in the lands where
sun, or a warm substrate of some
they exist, man-apes can be found
form. There are many advantages
Grey Man-Apes and Yahtis: The
throughout most of the regions south
to endothermy. Endothermic
idea is generally supported that
of Stygia, from Zamora east to the
animals are not restricted in their
grey man-apes exist in much greater
coast, and are even reported in the far
geographic distribution by the annual
abundance than their relatives to
north and northwest. The only areas
air temperature of the region. They
the west. They also have a larger
where they have not been reported to
also generally have higher levels of
geographic distribution, being found
exist during the Hyborian Age are the
activity, resulting in more complex
throughout Hyrkania, Iranistan,
mid-latitudes from the Western Sea to
behaviors and extended periods
Vendhya, Khitai and eastern
Brythunia, Corinthia, Koth, and only
of sustained action. For example,
Hyperborea. Though rumors
rarely in Shem. As was also hinted
man-apes can run for much longer
exist of them being found as far
at earlier, there are some interspecific
amounts of time than a crocodile.
to the northeast as Nordheim and
differences in where types of man-
Although the crocodile is capable of
even Cimmeria, these reports are
apes will be found, however.
quick, explosive movements, it cannot
unsubstantiated. It should here be
sustain them. The downside to
noted once more that grey man-
Black Man-Apes: Black man-
endothermic metabolisms, however,
apes come in two varieties: the
apes are reported to prefer the
shorthaired and the longhaired (also
called Yahtis). While the shorthaired
 A gray man-ape, he grunted.  Dumb, and man-eating. They
variety is found both in the plains
dwell in the hills that border the eastern shore of this (the and forest of Hyrkania and Khitai
and Vehdhya, the Yahti is found
Vilayet) sea.
strictly in mountains (preferably in
-Iron Shadows in the Moon, Robert E. Howard
colder climes or snow-capped peaks).
Thus, the Yahti is often encountered
 Conan knew it for what it was: the monster named in myth
among the Ilbar and Himelian
and legend of the north - the snow ape, the desert man of mountains south of the Vilayet Sea,
and in the Mountains of the Grey
forbidden Panthenia. He had heard rumours of its existence
Apes north of the Vilayet sea. They
in wild tales drifting down from the lost, bleak plateau
are also reported in the mountains
country of Loulan.
surrounding Panthenia.
-The Flame Knife, R. E. Howard and L. S. de Camp
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mountain foothills and some sparsely
It was no tree dweller but a beast bred on great plains and
vegetated grassland.
gaunt mountains.
Furthermore, several areas used as
-The Flame Knife, R. E. Howard and L. S. de Camp
refuges by the beasts will also be
placed sporadically throughout the
 These creatures always lurk in the deepest woods they can
territory. These refuges usually
find, and seldom emerge& I d have had no chance with him
consist of a cave that is either hidden
or difficult to access that offers the
among the trees.
beasts protection. A water source
-Iron Shadows in the Moon, Robert E. Howard
is always nearby, and may even run
out from the mouth of the cave itself.
Habitat Preferences: Man-apes are these slopes receive more direct
Furthermore, these caves are almost
highly variable in their preferred sunlight and are usually warmer,
always strategically placed in hidden
habitats, ranging from semi-open which is particularly important
areas near game trails. Thus, both
plains to dense forest to snow-capped during colder months. Most black
food and water are readily available.
mountains. It is believed that the man-ape family groups have a large
adaptability of man-apes as a whole home range that they continuously
Although not substantiated by
stems from their large brains and fine patrol. Within these home ranges,
qualified scholars, there are reports
motor skills. several different habitat types may
of southern black man-apes from
be found. Although variation exists
extremely dense jungles along rivers
Black Man-Apes: The traditional among family groups, the majority of
and tributaries in Kush and the Black
description of black man-ape habitat the territory in question will almost
Kingdoms. These habitats are said
includes open steppe, grassland and always consist of protected craggy
to contain mostly large, old growth
mountainous crags. While there is slopes among high mountain passes.
trees with massive trunks. The
little doubt that this species does These areas are nearly impossible
canopies of such regions are usually
indeed exist in these habitats, they to traverse for other vertebrates,
choked with branches and thick vines,
are also reported in dense southern including humans, making them
all of which can be used to aid in
jungles as well. In mountainous very secluded spots. Such slopes
climbing. Surprisingly, a fair number
regions, they are more are usually moderately to heavily
of reported attacks from these beasts
common on westward- and vegetated with mostly evergreen
occur on the ground, and not from
southward-facing slopes. trees and scrubby shrubs (such
treetops.
This is probably because as mountain heath) that prefer
higher elevations and rocky soil.
Because a fairly substantial difference
Although not known to be as
exists between the habitats where
adept at climbing as their eastern
black man-apes are seen in the south
relatives, the man-apes of
and where they are encountered in
the region are known to
the north, there is some speculation if
use evergreen trees
the individuals existing in each region
to ambush prey and
are not separate species in their own
those who would
right. This notion is further supported
do them harm. A
by individuals who claim to have
much smaller
witnessed man-apes in these southern
portion of the
regions whose hair is more reddish,
territory
or rust-colored, than black.
usually
consists of
Grey Man-Apes and Yahtis: Grey
rolling
man apes are almost always classified
as a forest species. However, along
the eastern shores of the Vilayet Sea,
and some distance inland, they are
almost exclusively found on semi-
open plains and at the craggy bases
of mountains and their associated
foothills. Yet, in most of Turan,
Hyrkania, and the like, grey man-apes
seem to prefer
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4
dense forest with large old-growth are almost always a cave consisting man-apes, thus needing less food
trees. Although spending much time of a single chamber large enough to to sustain them as a unit. Although
on the ground, this type of man-ape house the entire family group. The this might lead one to believe that a
is probably more at ease in trees than entrance to the chamber is almost smaller home range is required, this
their western and longhaired cousins. always somewhat concealed by is not the case. Yahtis, in fact, have
The home ranges of these beasts in vegetation, or is at such a height as to no defined home ranges, but instead
the far east contain almost exclusively make it difficult to reach by creatures live nomadic-type lifestyles (with no
dense forest or jungle, with thick that are not man-apes. Furthermore, refuges) in which they follow herds
canopies and ample branches for the chamber may be lined with of game animals for great distances.
climbing. In the regions closer to vegetation of some sort, and a refuse It is also believed that the need to
the Vilayet Sea, the home ranges pile will always be present, either in constantly roam has made Yahtis
of grey man-apes include a nearly or near the chamber. Refuse piles grow accustomed to being active in
50:50 ratio of plains and mountain will contain both excrement and daylight, thus they are not negatively
foothill or hills, with less than 10% remains of food. No attempt is made affected by light sources as other
of the habitat consisting of forest. to hide these and the scent from man-apes are. There has been little
As in black man-apes, they have them can often be overpowering. evidence to support the occurrence of
multiple refuges located sporadically Territorial boundaries are marked territorial disputes among Yahtis.
throughout their home ranges for by the pheromones present in urine.
shelter. Many man-apes are also known to Communication and Social
smear excrement on the trunks of Interactions: Most communication
Yahtis are found almost exclusively trees along the edge of their territories among man-apes is expressed
in the high snowy crags of mountains. to warn potential intruders. vocally in the form of grunts, deep
They never venture into grassland or scream-like calls, and clicks. Along
dense lowland forest. Their home Although no rigorous data has been with the use of urine and feces to
ranges include almost homogenous collected on the subject, black man- mark territory, dominant male man-
habitat, consisting of very sparse apes of the south would appear to apes will frequently release a long,
vegetation, open plateaus, and cold have significantly smaller home resonant bawl while patrolling their
mountain streams. In very rare ranges than those of their northern territories as a warning to rivals to
occasions, they are found among counterparts. The sporadic and stay clear. This call is said to be
stands of evergreen trees found along isolated existences of these southern incredibly unnerving and many
mountainsides. Yet, it is obvious man-apes may be a possible reason a traveler has had his blood run
that they prefer open habitats. Their for the comparatively low number cold at its sound. Man-apes also
refuges are always along high cliff of encounters that humans have with communicate vocally among each
faces that are very difficult to reach them. Small home ranges may also other using clicks and soft grunting.
by conventional means. be a result of the incredibly dense Although it is likely that these types
vegetation in the habitats where of communications are common,
Territories: Home range sizes are they reportedly make their homes. man-apes are very secretive when
large due to the fact that acquiring Such density of plant material could interacting within their groups and
sufficient food for family groups can inhibit quick and broad dispersal humans have seen these behaviors
be difficult. These territories can be, of this creature. From what reports only sparingly.
on average, anywhere from one to that have been made, it would seem
11 square miles (2.6 to 28.5 square that this southern cousin spends Aside from vocal cues, man-apes
km). As one would imagine, defense most of its time on the forest floor, use a significant amount of facial
of this territory (and its limiting or in the lower limbs of trees. It is expressions and gestures to express
resource: food) from conspecifics and believed that they have none of the their mood to one another as well
other large carnivorous predators is sporadically placed refuges in their as potential threats. To assert
aggressive. Gray and black man-ape home ranges that their counterparts dominance or in response to a threat,
groups will travel throughout their do, but supposedly traverse the man-apes will bear their teeth and
home ranges during the evening, borders of their territory at night, then beat their chests. If this does not
watching for intruders and feeding sleep off of the ground, in whichever work, they will raise their arms above
until reaching one of the many secure tree bough is closest during the day. their heads and scream. Finally, as
refuges positioned sporadically a last resort, man-apes will fly into a
within. Here they will rest during Yahtis, it is believed, also violent fit. This fit usually includes
the daylight hours, returning to their differ slightly in their territorial screaming, leaping up and down
nomadic habits once evening comes requirements from other man-apes. while tearing up vegetation and
once more. Despite the type of man- They are reported to live in smaller flinging it at the threat, and also mock
ape being discussed, man-ape refugia social groups than do other types of charges towards the threat. Generally
2
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5
such displays are only for show and
Then the rocky walls of the ravine echoed to the ape s high,
rarely end in violence (especially
when among conspecifics), because
penetrating scream as it charged, low-hanging arms swinging
the result of injuries acquired during
wide, yellow fangs bared and dripping.
such bouts would surely end in
-The Flame Knife, R. E. Howard and L. S. de Camp
the eventual death of the creature
harmed. Yet, for reasons unknown by
scholars, man-apes rarely back down The breeding system of these
P
Prey, Hunting,
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from humans and almost always creatures is largely polygynous (one
F
Feeding Habits,
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n
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attack them on sight. This is perhaps male and many females), yet the
a
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because man-apes view their simian alpha female is always first in line and Combat
relatives as either: (1) food, or (2) to breed with the alpha male during Man-apes are strict carnivores. This
a threat so substantial that outright the breeding season. Subsequently, curious fact about their eating habits
attack is always deemed necessary. he will breed with one or two other is what separates them most from
females. The alpha male then other primates. Strict carnivores
There are also physical forms of jealously guards all of the females (excluding piscivorous, or fish-eating,
communication that are used to he has copulated with, not allowing mammals) have evolved in only
reinforce social bonds within family them to re-mate with others. It one other group of mammals: the
groups. This physical communication is during the mating season that taxonomic Order Carnivora, which
usually consists of grooming. Among subordinate males most quickly are includes dogs, cats, weasels and
juveniles,  play fighting occurs. Play taught their place in the pecking so on. The reason for this obvious
fighting not only strengthens social order, as the alpha male tolerates no example of convergent evolution
bonds and establishes a hierarchy contact between them and his harem between two vastly different groups
among juveniles; it also helps them of females. Polygyny is not seen of animals is unknown. However, as
work on their dexterity and strength in Yahtis, who generally live with stated previously, the teeth of man-
from an early age. only one other female, and perhaps a apes clearly reflect their carnivorous
single offspring. diet and more closely resemble the
Reproduction and Development: teeth of tigers and dogs than other
Among groups, reproductive All man-ape offspring grow quickly. primates. In the wild, man-apes will
privileges are available first and Infants are dependant on their consume almost any warm-blooded
foremost to dominant males, who mothers for approximately six months animal that they can capture. While
sire most of the juveniles in a given only. After which, they are able to there is a preference for larger prey,
family group. Subordinate males and feed on their own, as well as keep up they will consume animals as small
females do reproduce and sire some with the group during daily patrolling as rodents, if necessary. Large
of the offspring in family groups, but of home ranges. Male man-apes prey is preferred as it is more likely
these juveniles are not common. reach sexual maturity at four years to offer enough sustenance for an
of age. If strong enough, they will entire family group. Regardless of
Reproductive cycles vary depending be able to contend for the position of the region in which they exist, man-
on the type of man-ape in question. dominant male in a group by age six. apes seem to spend the majority
Black man-apes of the south are Females, on the other hand, do not of their time hunting large grazing
believed to time reproduction so become sexually active until they are herbivores. In mountainous regions,
that the birth of their offspring at least five years of age. these are primarily mountain goats
corresponds with the increased food and sheep, as well as deer. Hares,
available after the rainy season. In Mother man-apes, it should be noted, pikas and similar animals will also
the north, black man-apes generally vehemently defend their infants, be consumed if need be. In open
breed in late winter/early spring and fighting even to the death to save habitats, elk or caribou will be
offspring arrive by late summer. them from a potential threat. A consumed by man-apes in northern
Grey man-apes follow a similar threatened female man-ape with climes, while animals like buffalo and
pattern as northern Black man-apes. infant is one of the most terrible and antelope are taken in southern climes.
This pattern is largely unknown in spectacular sights that the natural In areas of dense vegetation, smaller
Yahtis; however, they have been world has to offer. Usually, a quick deer-like animals, as well as wild
witnessed with juveniles at several and decisive action is taken against peccary and tapirs, are consumed.
different times of the year. Thus, it is any creature (aside from members of
believed that breeding seasons among the female s family group) to enter Male man-apes engage in all hunting
Yahtis follow no specific pattern and her space. The end result usually activity for a family group. Male
reproduction occurs when conditions includes dismemberment of the man-apes rarely hunt alone (the
are favourable. threat. exception being found among Yahtis
whose family groups are too small
2
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6
to permit group hunting). Most
But its manlike features merely increased the dreadfulness of
man-ape hunting parties consist of
two to four large adult males and
its aspect, and the intelligence which gleamed from its small
four to six sub-adults. Generally,
red eyes was wholly malignant.
the younger males flush the selected
-The Flame Knife, R. E. Howard and L. S. de Camp
quarry towards the older individuals
who remain hidden, waiting. When
the prey is close enough, the older the best interest of those confronting he reproduces with. Beneath him
males strike, often leaping down man-apes in combat to keep the live anywhere from three to seven
from tree branches or overhead rock animal at sword s length from himself subordinate males, who are either
ledges onto the backs of unsuspecting or herself. This can prove difficult, offspring or relatives that were not
victims. It is during this ambush however, as man-apes will often use strong enough to leave their natal
that the claws are most beneficial. their incredible leaping ability to family group and found their own.
Ambushing man-apes strike first and quickly come into grappling range The remainder of a man-ape s family
with deadly accuracy to the region with their opponents. These truths group consists of subordinate females
at the base of the victim s skull. The must all be considered carefully by and newborns. Conversely, Yahtis
hope is to immediately severe the anyone wishing to enter man-ape that are not solitary usually exist
spine, causing instantaneous death, territory. in small groups consisting of one
or piercing the jugular vein/carotid female, and occasionally their single
artery, causing the animal to quickly Predators: Adult man-apes offspring.
bleed out. are believed to have few natural
predators. Although it is believed Once reaching sexual maturity, male
Yahtis hunt alone or in groups of that they may be eaten by larger man-apes are given a choice by the
two. They will also ambush prey, but carnivores, no substantiated reports current dominant male: fall into
instead of using trees and coordinated exist on the subject. Although very line, or leave. Some young males
attacks, they wait along game trails rare, dragons possess the size and select a third option: usurping the
in the craggy mountain ranges for power to consume man-apes (even current alpha male and taking his
prey to come to them. Most often, adults) very easily, and it is probable place as leader of the group. Bouts
they will hide in crevices or on ledges that they do so. Juveniles and infants, for leadership of a man-ape family
above game trails, remaining upwind, should they be separated from their group are violent and rarely end with
with large boulders that they throw parents, are likely to be taken by both contestants still living. For
down at the prey, aiming for the head. predators more frequently. It can be man-apes that do not wish to fight
imagined that animals such as the for the leadership of their current
If man-apes are not successful large constrictor-type snakes (such as family group, they may elect to leave
in an overhead ambush attack to pythons) in the south will eat them, and found their own family group
the neck, they may then attempt a as well as large felines (for example, with other subordinate individuals,
frontal attack. In this situation, the lions, mountain lions, sabre-tooths) or attempt to enter a different family
claws are employed in the hopes of and perhaps boar-things. group. Existing family groups
making a swift strike to the throat, or occasionally adopt new members
a disemboweling strike to the mid- Longevity: Compared to other as long as these outsiders take on a
section. Man-apes rarely grapple one vertebrates, man-apes are fairly submissive posture when approaching
on one with prey items, preferring to long-lived. If they do not meet a the alpha male and female.
use their claws to bring down quarry. premature and violent demise, man-
Man-apes are, however, incredibly apes can live into their 40 s. Female man-apes are generally not
adept grapplers, if the need arises. If treated as roughly upon reaching
ambush attacks are unsuccessful, they Society and Allegiances: Man-apes, sexual maturity as males. Often
will not hesitate to confront human whether of the black or grey varieties, females will remain with a group as
opponents in close-quarter combat. usually live in family groups of five it can potentially increase the number
Anyone unfortunate enough to be to 20 individuals. The only exception of partners for the alpha male to mate
caught in a wrestling match with a to this rule is found in Yahtis, which with and spread his seed.
man-ape will likely end up severely are generally solitary, or living in
maimed, crushed or dead. If able to groups of three. Within the larger
grab hold of an opponent, man-apes family groups of most black and
T
This Epic Article
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force or crush them to death in their male who has one alpha female and
powerful arms. Therefore, it is in several subordinate females that