Homebrew Free Gnoll Species Details

On very rare occasions, whether it be through divine intervention of some kind, a Wish spell or some other unusual circumstance, a group of Gnolls is freed from Yeenoghu's grasp and can choose to live their lives as they wish.

Hybrid Physique

Gnolls resemble the hyenas they originated from, having distinctly hyena-like heads with manes, a hunched posture and fur covering their entire bodies, which is most often spotted. Their arms end in large hands, each with five long, bony fingers tipped with claws and their double-jointed legs end in feet with five clawed toes each. Their jaws, much like those of hyenas, are exceptionally strong and capable of crushing bone. Despite their humanoid nature, most gnolls are only slightly less primitive than their hyena ancestors. They generally aren't very intelligent and usually act upon their instincts long before they even think about thinking. A smart gnoll is about as rare as an evil halfling.

Demonic Origin

Despite being freed from Yeenoghu, free gnolls still originate from him. Because of this, despite their best efforts, they can still succumb to a more feral nature. Free gnolls living among other races must be careful, as something could trigger their more vicious underlying nature, which could cause them to attack and possibly even eat innocent people. Even those that resist will not shun eating other humanoids, a trait which is a taboo for most, if not all others in civilized society. Free gnolls are often disallowed from attending funerals, as people fear they might try to eat the deceased.

Assertive Personalities

Gnolls are assertive by nature, which they need to be in a typical gnoll pack to avoid being targeted by other gnolls. Free gnolls living among other races keep this trait, which can be quite jarring for those interacting with them. For example, instead of asking questions, these gnolls will often simply demand people explain things to them. Free gnolls that live among other races for extended periods of time will eventually learn to act similarly to average people, but will remain naturally assertive.

Free Gnoll Names

Gnoll names are always in the Gnoll language, and thus consists of barks, snarls and yips that are impossible to pronounce for most people. Some free gnolls try to translate their names, which often results in names that sound grotesque to most people. Free gnolls that try to integrate into society often take up names from the races among which they live.

Free Gnoll Names: Backbreaker, Blooddrinker, Bonegnawer, Brainsucker, Facebiter, Fleshshredder, Hearteater, Legsnapper, Skullcracker, Spineripper

Free Gnoll Traits

Your free gnoll character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, your Dexterity score increases by 1, and your Intelligence score is reduced by 2.

Age

Gnolls reach maturity around age 9. Due to the average gnoll's life as a pawn of Yeenoghu, they often don't live long. Free gnolls, however, might live longer, depending on their chosen lifestyle, although they rarely live longer than 50 years. Gnolls bodies do not gradually deteriorate as they age, but rather suddenly and dramatically decline when they near death.

Alignment

Having been freed from Yeenoghu's hold, free gnolls are free to act as they wish. Most of them lean towards neutrality. Free gnolls that try to integrate into society and live in towns and citites often become Lawful, whereas those that prefer to live in the wilderness lean more towards Chaotic, being free to do whatever they please. Some free gnolls still feel inclination for Evil, but few, if any, ever become Good.

Size

Gnolls are quite tall, although their hunched posture betrays their true height, which most often ranges between 6 and 7 feet. Their bodies are generally quite lean, so despite their tall stature, they're not as heavy as their height would suggest, usually weighing between 180 and 250 pounds. 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.

Bite

Your fanged maw is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Gnoll Weapon Proficiency

Almost all gnolls are skilled with spears and longbows. As such, you gain proficiency with these weapons.

Rampage

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

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnoll. Gnoll is a series of barks, snarls and yips that can only be understood by gnolls, hyenas, and the rare few that choose to learn the language.