Homebrew Greth Gnoll Species Details

Life is fraught with mysteries. Some question the gods, others question our ideals or progression on this plane. Few wonder if those called monsters could be welcomed into what we see as 'proper' society. Among even them, most consider Gnoll an impossibility - that it they are too far gone with the influence of Yeenoghu, a demon lord know as the Ruler of Ruin. Indeed, his chosen people were gifted in combat and destruction. They tear through the lands, ripping apart buildings and people - even as meals.

Despite this, recently, we have seen a trend over the past five years with tribes fracturing. We had never assumed that the tribal ways of the Gnoll could possibly lead to fractures with their focus on a martial, honor bound society we barely grasp yet there it was... Tribes splitting apart with those who were less gifted in combat, less faithful in Yeenoghu, less interested on feasting on the flesh of others. Why now after centuries, is a mystery of its own with several theories but the reality is as it seems: tribes of more peaceful Gnoll.

Of course, these Gnoll tribes, known as Greth or 'Faithless' in their guttural language, are still gifted in combat and thus a threat... they have a better penchant for outside influence with a curiosity and intelligence that had been missing when compared to their hyena kin.

I prepare to insert myself into one these 'Faithless' tribes to see what the truths are. A danger that yes, many warn, but if this journal ends up published without a proper afterword from me, you will know what happened. Either I died to them or I stayed with them permanently.

- Elburn Renet, the Appearance of Greth

 

While Gnoll have their reputation, in recent times, some Gnoll have split from their erstwhile destructive tribes to form more peaceful tribes. Though still combative, compared to their origin, they are by all means: peaceful. These Gnoll, the Greth tribes, are still the same nominal Gnolls of yore with the difference in that they are not as bloodthirsty and crucially, do not worship Yeenohgu. Thus, they do not have the raw aggression and hunger as their claimed brethren nor the bloodlust to rampage across the plains to destroy and consume all they find in their path.

A Deft Laugh

Like any Gnoll, Greth Gnoll are excellent hunters and combat with an agility that can be described as 'concerning' to those threatened by their presence. On top of this is their absurd strength - of their jaws and body. Their jaws are as capable of snapping bone apart like hyena are but with the added bonus of being able to do so with their hands as well. This is on top of the sharp claws on their hands and feet which can leave painful cuts. Greth though, try to rely only on their bite if need be - choosing to relegate their claws for grooming themselves and other tribe or pack members instead of cutting throats.

Weighing in from a shocking high 200s to a weighty 400lbs, Gnoll stand from 6 and a half feet tall to a towering 8 feet tall. Their fur, a range of light to dark brown, are mottled with darker specks here and there on their sides and back. A lighter color of fur appears within the inner portion of their torso all the way down to the inner thighs. Their tails, short and messy, appear in the same color as the speckles dotting their fur. Gnoll very much appear as hyena's made humanoid in the face, with a short, soft muzzle, small angular ears, dark colored eyes and a powerful jaw lined with sharp teeth 

 

A Crowded Chuckle

Greth Gnoll, like the Gnoll of yore, are pack and tribe minded. Pack above all, aside the tribe. Only the Matriarch, the leader of the tribe, overrules the decisions of the various packs. Said packs, of which previously thought to be made of Gnoll born together in the same generation and thus brought up as close allies they can rely on, are in reality a mix of siblings. Packs are a family structure with each being heralded by its own Matriarch. Of which, all come together to elect a Tribal Matriarch to lead the tribe itself.

In traditional Gnoll tribes, these packs are tight knit and intermingle during times of mating along usually. In Greth tribes, packs are far looser and Gnoll can leave the pack if they so choose and enter a new one through the courting of another within. Successfully doing this earns them a place in the new pack - as well as any likely pups to come in the near future. 

 

Cackling Among Enemies

 Combat is where Gnoll shine, for the sake of honor and prizes. Prizes in this case being the corpses of their slain enemies as money generally held no value to these terrors of the plains. The eating of flesh of the fallen, enemy or ally, was an honor greater than any other - and one that the Greth explicitly shun in combat themselves. To a surprise of those researching the phenomenon of the Greth, they have adopted an unexpected Human cultural element - the cremation of the fallen. Soldiers of their own or their enemies in victory or loss, are cremated instead of consumed. Whether this adoption was at the effort of Humans preachers hoping to influence them or something these Gnoll adopted all on their own is unknown but for many, it is a welcome surprise.

Also welcome from the Greth tribes is their sale of service - mercenaries willing to work to defend or destroy. They offer a service to the towns and businesses operating in the plains - who better to stop Gnoll attacks than Gnoll themselves? One tribe has even become contracted to defend a trade road that had been long plagued by raids from Gnoll, Goblin, and Bandits. What once was so dangerous only the desperate would take the job now was mundane as they were escorted along by Gnoll whose presence was as comforting as it was terrifying.

 

Giggling Earnesty

Perhaps surprisingly, Gnoll learn Common on top of their own guttural, laughing and yipping language known the same name as their race: Gnoll. Usually, this comes as an afterthought for most - done so to intimidate their foes more practically instead of just being terrifying physically. For Greth tribes, Common is taught in more detail and thus these Gnoll are more articulate and learned as they pick up literature to devour instead of bodies.

Another element of surprise is their adherence to honesty, truthfulness, and trust. With some thinking, it makes sense - to lie is to betray the pack as the only ones you normally would lie to is the pack. To that end, to make a promise is absolute. To make a pact is to do so with the idea of one's blood being on the line. To betray is to kill the one's betrayed and thus met with the proper response: death. This is one carryover from the traditional Gnoll tribes the Greth have kept - depending on the severity of betrayal, it can end in death for the offending Gnoll. Their pack's honor stained and must be reclaimed in some way aside the punishment of the one who committed the act.

 

Gnoll Names

A gnoll's name is usually inspired by their appearance, behavior, or some other aspect of their early life. Gnoll cubs are frequently raised communally, customarily by their clan's shamans or elders, and typically named some time after their first season of childhood. Like most words in the Gnoll language, their names are often short and guttural.

Male Names: Arri, Arym, Braunr, Dagnyr, Drakar, Fangar, Ferrik, Garr, Garm, Garrun, Gnarl, Gorik, Greszik, Grahl, Grym, Hakryn, Herne, Ishkr, Kaal, Mognyr, Ragnr, Rekk, Ruenr, Skarn, Thrakk, Thrnn, Vargr, Varok, Vekryn, Zaryn

Female Names: Asza, Brauna, Dagrun, Drakka, Durna, Ferra, Garra, Gnara, Gorza, Grakka, Gresza, Grymda, Gudrun, Ishka, Kaia, Krezka, Krsha, Kylma, Mala, Mrna, Mrsha, Reeva, Runara, Saga, Shara, Vakra, Yara, Zudya

Pack (Family) Names: Longtail, Quickstride, Sharpteeth, Whiteclaw, Cleareyes, Shortjaw, Fastjump, Bonesnap, Bloodfur, Brownfur, Longclaw

 

 

Greth Gnoll Traits

Your Gnoll character will have a few traits in common with many other Gnoll of Greth tribes throughout the plains.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 1 and your Strength increases by 2.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Age

A Greth Gnoll reaches adulthood at the age of 14 and can live up to an average of 70 years, with some reaching into 90 years of age.

Size

Gnoll average about 6 ot 8 feet tall and weigh from 200 to 400 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnoll. The Gnoll language is one that is rife with calls, barks, yips, whoops, and laughs.

Moxie

When you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on your turn, you may use a bonus action to move up to half your speed and make a bite attack.

 

Bite

A powerful bite is in your possession and can be used alongside or instead of an Unarmed Strike. Upon hit, it deals 1d6+Strength Piercing damage to an enemy.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Looming Presence

With your towering physique and the terrifying reputation of Gnoll behind you, you have a natural proficiency in Intimidation.