Homebrew Gnoll Species Details

 

Ah, my dear readers, how fortunate I am to find myself amidst a thriving civilized gnoll settlement as I pen these words! The gnolls, those intriguing and oft-misunderstood creatures, have captivated my attention once more. Oh, the tales I have to tell! In this bustling community, I have witnessed both the wayward gnolls led astray from the clutches of Yeenoghu, their wicked patron, and the feral gnolls still under his dark influence. The contrast is striking, my friends. The civilized gnolls, fluffier than their feral counterparts, roam without a clan to call their own. Yet, as rare as it may be, there exist clans of civilized gnolls, who become merchants, traders, and even fearless mercenaries. Ah, the loyalty they possess! Once they deem you a friend, their allegiance is unyielding. My forthcoming masterpiece, "Volo's Guide to Gnolls," will unravel the mysteries surrounding these fascinating creatures. Look out for it, my esteemed readers, for it shall be a literary delight!

— Volothamp "Volo" Geddarm

Gnolls are a race of fiercely aggressive and predatory beings with a deep-seated loyalty to their packs, embodying a primal and untamed essence in their every action.

Hyena Warriors

Gnolls, the fearsome and savage creatures of the wilderness, are a homebrew race known for their predatory instincts and brutish strength. Standing tall and hunched, they possess a unique blend of humanoid and hyena-like features that make them easily recognizable. With powerful builds, gnolls are adept hunters and relentless fighters, making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Gnolls have coarse fur covering their bodies, usually in shades of brown, tan, or gray. Their heads feature elongated muzzles filled with sharp fangs, and their amber or yellow eyes gleam with an uncanny intelligence. They have a keen sense of smell, rivaling that of their hyena counterparts, enabling them to track prey over great distances.

Possessing a tribal society, gnolls thrive in close-knit packs led by dominant alpha figures. They exhibit a natural affinity for teamwork and coordination, making them formidable in group combat situations. Gnoll packs are hierarchical, with the strongest and most cunning individuals occupying positions of authority.

While gnolls are notorious for their ferocity, their intelligence should not be underestimated. They have a complex language consisting of growls, barks, and howls, which they use to communicate with each other effectively. Although they may be prone to aggression, gnolls can also display loyalty and a strong sense of camaraderie towards their pack.

Gnolls excel in physical pursuits, making them natural warriors, scouts, and hunters. Their heightened agility and stamina allow them to excel in swift hit-and-run tactics, ambushing their foes with unexpected bursts of speed and overwhelming strength. Gnolls are also known for their resilience, possessing a remarkable ability to shrug off wounds that would incapacitate lesser beings.

Dogmatic in Their Ways

Gnolls, whether under the sway of Yeenoghu or residing in a more peaceful society, embody aggression and power. These formidable beings, ranging from fiercely friendly to dogmatically aggressive, command attention with their imposing presence. With a reputation for unmatched ferocity, gnolls strike fear into the hearts of their adversaries, but they also possess an unwavering loyalty that binds their packs together in the face of any challenge.

Their dogmatic nature is deeply rooted in their tribal customs and beliefs, shaping their way of life. Gnolls adhere to a strict code of honor, upholding ancient traditions and rituals passed down through generations. These tenets dictate their actions, guiding them in both times of conflict and moments of peace. Their unwavering adherence to these dogmas ensures a cohesive social structure within their packs, but it can also lead to clashes with those who challenge or defy their established norms.

The dogmatic nature of gnolls also extends to their religious practices. Many revere Yeenoghu, the Demon Lord of Gnolls, as a deity and follow his brutal teachings with fervor. The influence of Yeenoghu can be seen in their rites, ceremonies, and the relentless savagery they exhibit on the battlefield. However, there are exceptions among gnolls who have broken away from this dogmatic worship, seeking their own path and questioning the traditions imposed upon them.

Gnoll Names

Gnolls are given names that reflect their primal nature, ranging from simple, descriptive words like Skull and Grey Claw, to more complex and individualized names like Alymaine or other unique appellations.

Male Names: Grommash, Bloodfang, Skulldrifter, Ripclaw, Snarltooth, Alymaine, Tusque, Skarn, Thresh, Snarl

Female Names: Vixen, Shadowpaw, Emberfang, Grimscar, Huntress, Kalla, Sharn, Greyskull, Sabre, Lornyll

Childhood Names: Brown-fur, Soft-paw, Tinytooth, Curly-tail, Tree-bark, Bug-slayer

Clan Names: Bloodmoon, Darkeyes, Razorfang, Ironspear, Nightshade

 

(Art Credit to @TFiddlerArt on Twitter)

Gnoll Traits

Gnolls share certain racial traits as a result of their abyssal descent.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity, Constitution, and Strength score increases by 1.

Size

Gnolls tend to be over 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

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.

Languages

You speak, read, and write Common and Gnoll, and can understand Abyssal though you can’t communicate in it

Menacing

You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

Tooth and Claw

Your bite counts as a natural weapon and thus can be used to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with a bite, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. If you hit with a claw, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6+ your Dexterity modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Rampage

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 or claw attack.