Our DM said he'd allow Ape companions to use weapons and armor. Out of curiosity, I'd like ideas on how to optimize this for a melee based Hunter.
I was thinking of boosting the Ape's INT score first to allow him to pick up skills and feats. Two weapon fighting with high threat range weapons to increase the chances of getting outflank to work. Also light armor and some kind of melee weapon proficiency or exotic weapon. I thought for giggles of giving him Possessed Hand and Hands Autonomy too. Plus combat reflexes. So it's going to be about 10th level before the Ape can get all of this though.
Anyone else have any other ideas?
