Homebrew Blackmane Gnoll Species Details

Blackmane gnolls typically have patterned brown fur with the eponymous black mane, though other color morphs do exist. Blackmanes track their matrilineal ancestry to before the rise of Yeenoghu in Shaar through the lengthy "Song of the Mothers". As a result, a Blackmane Gnoll is likely to be offended by a recitation of the myth that gnolls came into being when hyenas were tainted through eating the flesh of abyssals. Although most bands are matriarchal and contain fewer than 100 gnolls, some groups do end up with patriarchs and small gnoll towns are not completely unheard of. Gnolls have primarily gained a bad name due to their fearsome appearance and the occasional bands that do pillage non-gnoll settlements for goods and plunder. However, most Blackmanes are nomadic hunters who only visit non-gnoll settlements to trade and prefer not to start conflicts with outsiders.

Creature Type: Humanoid
Size: Medium (about 4–7 feet tall)
Speed: 30 feet

Blackmane Gnoll Traits

As a Blackmane Gnoll, you have the following traits:

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Cackle

As a Bonus Action, you let out an unnerving cackle. Each creature of your choice within 20 feet of you must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 plus your Constitution modifier and Proficiency Bonus). On a failure, the creature has Disadvantage on attack rolls and cannot take a reaction until the start of your next turn.

You can use this trait a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.

Iron Stomach

You have Resistance to Poison Damage. You have Advantage on saving throws to avoid the Poisoned Condition. You automatically succeed on saving throws to avoid the Poisoned Condition from spoiled food.

Nomadic Knowledge

You have proficiency in Perception and either the Nature or Survival skill.