Homebrew Gnoll Species Details

 

“Saira?” Faris said. A cloud had passed over the moon, and the woods around him were a maze of shadows. Saira’s voice had drawn him away from the campfire, but each time she called, it seemed to come from a new direction; he just couldn’t pin it down. “Saira, what’s wrong?”

“I need you . . .” Her voice was weak, rough—it was clear she was in pain. “Help me . . . please, help me . . .” She was straight ahead of him. Faris pressed forward, thrashing his way through briars and vines. Then his foot caught on something and he stumbled, falling across a soft and wet mass—a human body with skin cold to the touch and blood matting her hair. It was Saira’s corpse.

"I need you.” It was her voice, rough and pained, but it wasn’t Saira who spoke. The speaker towered over Faris, a bloody axe clutched in one hand. Sharp teeth gleamed as the gnoll burst into laughter—a mocking, fluting cry that was quickly echoed on all sides as others stepped out of the woods. The moon broke through the clouds just in time to catch the blade of the gnoll’s axe as it rose and fell, silencing Faris’s cries.

 

Gnolls remind the world of the horrors posed by the hordes of the Abyss, and the damage that even the briefest demonic incursion can inflict on the world. They're a common threat, and a base scavenger. Most have little sense of reason due to living in small tribes that worship of the vicious Demon Lord Yeenohghu, who commands them to murder, pillage, and burn their way across the lands. Murder isn't so much something that a Gnoll does - its a way of life. However, in the rare event that a Gnoll manages to break from their tribe's brainwashing, a Gnoll can be a surprising companion. Those that still follow their tribe's customs are still known for being fickle and violent, but those that no longer worship Yeenohghu are as capable and reliable as any other species of man, and these rare individuals are sought after commonly as they are well known for receiving martial training in their time living with their tribe.

Demonic Origin

Gnoll legends trace the origin of their species to the demon prince Yeenoghu. Known as the Lord of Savagery and Ruler of Ruin, Yeenoghu sought to spread his hand across the mortal world by transforming it into a vicious realm of endless fighting. As Yeenoghu ran amok, rampaging through the material plane, he left a great trail of corpses in his wake. Packs of ordinary hyenas followed the bloodshed, feasting on the victims until the dead flesh of Yeenoghu's prey left them bloated and unable to move. Then, in a shower of blood and gristle, the hyenas transformed into the first of the gnolls—fierce humanoid creatures combining the traits of cunning hyena and vicious fiend. Yeenoghu charged the gnolls to spread horror in his name, bathing the lands in blood and bringing suffering to all things unfortunate enough to cross paths with the Children of Yeenoghu. Through this butchery, they earn a place of honor in the domain of the demon prince.

This is the tale gnoll mothers tell their pups and the story the scourge uses to exhort his troops. Whether it is truth or mere legend, it is easy to see the inspiration for the myth. A gnoll looks much like a humanoid hyena and shares many traits with the animal, including its haunting laughter. And the strength and savagery of these creatures is enough to suggest a demonic connection; the typical gnoll band strikes without fear or mercy, tearing into enemies with the fury of fiends incarnate.

Savage Bloodlines

Gnolls look very much like hyenas standing in humanoid form. They are an extremely tall race, with the average member of the race standing on average between 7 and 8 feet tall. Though gnolls were relatively lean for their height, weighing in usually between 280 to 320 lbs, they cut an impressive visage. In part because of their height and lean musculature, gnolls were very quickly compared with many other races, such as humans. Gnoll skin was greenish-gray, and their furry hide a light or dark brown hue, sometimes marked with spots or stripes. Many gnolls also had a dirty yellow to reddish-gray crest-like mane that stood on end when they were angry.

Female gnolls are almost indistinguishable from males by size, but are usually slightly larger and stronger. In fact, so similar are male and female gnolls in appearance that they are often mistaken for one another. Usually the only reliable way to tell the difference, other than through a close physical examination, is if a female is pregnant or openly nursing.

Stronger Together

There is a strong, instinctive bond between gnolls of the same bloodline. Gnoll clans can and do fight one another, and they see struggles for dominance within a clan, but pack mentality is a powerful force within gnoll life. Even gnolls exiled by their former packs usually seek to form a new pack, or join an existing one, be it with or without other gnolls. This is reflected in battle: Gnolls are pack hunters who work together to bring down their prey, ganging up on an enemy instead of striving for individual glory. Beyond this, gnolls are shaped by two forces: the primal nature of the hyena, and the pure malevolence of their demon lord. 

While Gnolls heavily lean in favor of a pack mentality, some may go off on their own to fulfill a personal quest - usually revolving around a challenging task that the Gnoll has pit against himself. Some find themselves at home in civilizations where gladiatorial combat is the main entertainment spectacle - willingly entering the ring with a grin at the thought of being praised to slay another skilled opponent. Some are simply the last of their pack, as in-fighting does occur from time to time, and may seek companionship to replace the pack they've lost.

Brutal Savages

The gnoll followers of Yeenoghu embrace the fury of the fiend, which results in their legendary brutality. Aggression is a tangible force within the soul of the gnoll and even with their ties to Yeenoghu broken they still feel an impulse to perform acts of brutality whenever the opportunity is presented. Gnolls in civilization know that they must behave among the other races (and often feel resentment towards those who keep watch over them) so many of them find careers as mercenaries, soldiers, thugs or even bodyguards, if it affords them an opportunity to unleash their fury against an enemy in full. 

The Soul of the Hyena

Gnolls agree, that Yeenoghu gave birth to their race, as it was the tainted corpses of his foes which turned the scavenging hyenas into the monstrosities they are now. Though the fury of the fiend runs through in the blood of all gnolls, some manage to reject this demonic heritage and find solace in the spirit of the hyena that lies within them. Over the course of generations, this has produced few clans of gnolls that are less savage than the Butcher’s Brood.

Typically unaligned as opposed to Chaotic Evil, these gnolls still live as nomadic hunters on the fringes of society. However, they are more likely to hunt wild beasts than civilized creatures, and they take no joy in torture or unnecessary cruelty. These gnolls still love the thrill of the hunt, especially when tracking together with others of their pack; it is this that keeps them tied to the wild life, instead of settling down to form static communities. But they do not attack peaceful villages without serious provocation. They love to hunt and track—not to slaughter. Such gnolls usually come to terms with the humans or other settlers who share their lands, and they might sell their services as trappers or hunters. Although they trade with members of other species, gnolls prefer the company of their own kind, along with their hyena companions.

They do not take slaves, and while they do not kill peaceful humans who come to their camps, neither do they make them feel welcome. These gnolls are still predators and carnivores; while they are not quick to anger, a visitor to a gnoll camp would be wise to mind his manners. A gnoll is more comfortable in the wilds than in a town. He is a pack animal and prefers the company of his kin to solitude. Like the hyena, he is content to scavenge others’ kills—but like the hyena, he is a hunter and predator, ready to fight if provoked. Gnolls that follow the path of the hyena make excellent rangers.

Friendly Intimidation

Humans typically find, that even friendly gnolls seem aggressive. When performed correctly, gnolls do not consider intimidation to be a hostile act; instead, the speaker is asserting its strength and seeking to establish its place in the pack hierarchy. One of the simple ways that this comes across is that a gnoll almost never makes requests; when possible, it makes demands, or at the least firm statements. Instead of “Can I help you?” the gnoll says “Tell me what you want!”—pushing the target to take action.

Childish Games

Gnolls aggression starts young. As soon as a gnoll pup is capable of walking, it starts fighting with other young gnolls. Pups seek out small tunnels that adults can’t fit into; in these mazes, they fight to the death. This practice weeds out weaker gnolls, but it also keeps their numbers down—one reason these vicious creations don’t pose more of a threat to the world at large.

Language of Demons

The gnoll language is the strongest evidence supporting the theory that gnolls have fiendish blood. Gnolls have an innate knack for the Abyssal language; even if a pup is raised outside gnoll society, the words come to the gnoll from dreams and vague memories. Gnoll's dreams are often plagued by visions sent by Yeenoghu. The promise of ultimate power, fueled by acts of brutality, temp and torment them. Most of the gnolls, that follow the path of the hyena are able to resist the call to violence, but there have been some cases, where few have been swayed. The true lure of Yeenoghu's promises lies not in the power they offer, but in the deep sense of belonging they create.

Religion

Those gnolls that turn away from Yeenoghu follow many paths. Some see the deities as being no different from demons, and they refuse to worship any higher power. Such gnolls seek to strengthen their bond to the natural world, searching for connection to a primal force deeper than they can have with any divine power.

However, some gnolls have embraced the worship of the common gods. The Black Moon Clan is sworn to the Raven Queen, and her followers stain their fur with dark dyes. The Storm Chasers revere Kord. A number of clans are dedicated to Melora. The best of these hunt aberrations in her name, seeking to drive unnatural beasts from the wilds. But all too many take the message of Melora to extremes; in their efforts to protect the wilderness from the forces of civilization, they can be as merciless as the Butcher’s Brood.

Gnoll Names

Gnolls have names appropriate to the culture in which they were raised. As befits creatures with a language that is little more than whines, growls, and shrieks, most gnolls worshiping Yeenoghu lack a name and would have little use for one. Gnolls raised in civilization usually do take a name, that is easier to pronounce for a non-gnoll. The name usually does not mean anything in their language and the name is usually quite guttural.

Male Gnoll Names: Kronix, Rrazyx, Rrourr, Krerrgux, Gokxuc, Ouroux, Xurraax, Vargorrg

Female Gnoll Names: Gemnush, Uszhuhn, Dhiluz, Shazriesh, Nish, Aiszrosh, Sziszrihz, Shehrro

Gnoll Traits

Your gnoll character has the following racial traits:

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increase by 1.

Age

Gnolls reach maturity at a mere 5 years of age. Most Gnolls often die at the age of 20 to 30 due to their violent, in-fighting nature. However, gnolls who live in civilized tribes or in cities can live up to 85 years.

Alignment

Gnolls, by nature, are nomadic raiders, that have an unending thirst for blood. They are usually Chaotic Evil. Those Gnolls, who turned to the path of the hyena, can be of any alignment, but they lean towards Neutral.

Size

Gnolls are typically over 7 feet tall, and weigh almost twice as much as humans do. 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 jaws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier instead of 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 an attack with your Bite trait.

Cackle of Hyena

Hyenas tend to be wherever Gnolls are and often become domesticated by their tribes to be used as guard “dogs”, hunting companions, and, in the case of Giant Hyenas, mounts and beasts of burden. Because of this relationship, through sounds and gestures, you can communicate simple ideas with hyenas. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Abyssal, and speak Gnoll (which has no written language). The Gnoll language is incredibly difficult for non-Gnolls to understand as it primarily consists of yips, yaps, chuckles, and snarls with some references and influences from the Abyssal language.

Subraces

Four subraces of gnoll exist: striped gnoll, spotted gnoll, brown gnoll and flind. Choose one of them for your character.

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Striped Gnoll

Striped gnolls tend to be leaner than most gnolls, but are capable of amazing bursts of speed. Often earning the rank of “Flesh Gnawer”, specimens of this breed of Gnoll tend to be the most ruthless and apathetic of their kind.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Sudden Rush

Your feral adrenaline can give you a surge of energy. Once per turn, when you use your Action to take the Dash action, you can increase your movement speed by 60 feet instead of the normal amount.

Natural Agility

You gain proficiency in Acrobatics skill.

Spotted Gnoll

Spotted gnolls tend to be bigger, smarter, and more cunning compared to regular gnolls. As such, nearly every Gnoll Pack Lord is a Spotted Gnoll.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2.

Incite Rampage

Born to be a leader, you can command your allies to strike when you see fit. As an action or by substituting one of your attacks when you take the Attack action on your turn, you can allow an ally within 30 feet of you to use their reaction and make one weapon attack against an enemy within 5 feet of them. Once you have used this ability, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.

Keep the Runts in Line

You gain proficiency in Intimidation skill.

Brown Gnoll

Brown gnolls are the most common Gnolls and make up the bulk of a tribe’s forces. Often treated poorly by higher ranks, Brown Gnolls survive off of whatever scraps or refuse they are able to eat. The weakest among them are left to tend to the tribe's pet hyenas; those who shirk their duties usually become grub for said hyenas.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2.

Serrated and Gnarled Teeth

Your jagged and vicious teeth can hinder the recovery and movement of your foes. When you hit a creature with your bite attack, you can force that creature to make a Constitution saving throw (DC = 8 + Proficiency Bonus + your Constitution modifier). If it fails, their speed is reduced by 10 feet and any hit points it recovers within the next hour are halved. Once you use this feature you cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Among the Dregs

You gain proficiency in Survival skill.

Flind

Flinds tend to be a bit shorter and broader in stature than an average gnoll. They are particularly strong and vicious gnolls that usually command their war band. Flinds are usually admired and respected by their lesser cousins, and are blessed with demonic powers by Yeenoghu. If not found in a leadership role over other gnolls, flinds often wind up as solitary hunters.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength and Constitution scores each increases by 1.

Flind Strike

You can call upon the ancient blessing of Yeenoghu to empower your melee attacks. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you may add one of the following effects to the attack;

Strike of Madness: Force an enemy to make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target must take a single melee attack against a random target within its reach at the start of its next turn.  If it has no targets within its reach even after moving, it loses its action on that turn.

Strike of Pain: Deal an extra 1d6 Psychic damage to the target.

Strike of Paralysis: Force the enemy to make a Constitution saving throw or be incapacitated until the end of its next turn and be knocked prone.

Once you use this trait, you cannot use it again until you finish a short rest.

Gnoll Weapon Training

You gain proficiency in flails, longbows and spears.