Homebrew Gnoll Race (Soul of the Hyena) Species Details

Gnolls are extremely tall, the average member of the race standing on average between 7' and 7'6", though gnolls are relatively lean for their height, weighing in usually between 280 to 320 lbs and the race cuts an impressive visage. In part because of their height and lean musculature gnolls are very quick compared with many other races such as humans. Gnoll skin is a greenish-gray, and their furry hide is light or dark brown marked sometimes with spots or stripes. Many gnolls also have a dirty yellow to reddish-gray crestlike mane that stands on end when a gnoll is angry.

It is believed by some that gnolls have traces of demonic blood, which may be evidenced by unusual features found amongst some of the gnoll bloodlines. These may include talons, gleaming red eyes, or black fur with fiery orange spots.

Female gnolls are indistinguishable from males by size, in spite of a reputation for being shorter. In fact, so similar are male and female gnolls in appearance that they are often mistaken for one another and the only reliable way to tell the difference other than through a close physical examination is if a female is pregnant or openly nursing.

Gnolls have very short lifespans when compared with other sapient humanoids, living only 30 or so years on average and maturing to adulthood at a remarkable speed. Gnolls do not, however, age particularly dramatically except at the end of their lifespans, at which point the decline is sharp and deadly, quickly ending in death.

Gnoll Race (Soul of the Hyena) Traits

Poison resistance, Bite attack

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2.

Age

Gnolls usually die around 30 years from combat or injury, but can live up to about 120 years.

Size

Gnolls are extremely tall, the average member of the race standing on average between 7' and 7'6". Your size is medium and you have a Powerful Build.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 can speak, read, and write Common and Gnoll. Creatures that speak Abyssal can understand, but not speak Gnoll.

Gnoll's Specialization

Within the pack there is a place for everyone with certain talents. You can choose to become proficient in Athletics, Acrobatics, Intimidation, Stealth or Survival.

Carrion Eater

Your body has adapted to processing decaying remains in times of need. You gain advantage on Saving Throws against diseases.

Keen Senses

Your strong nose guides you when you are trying to track down something, when you have smelled it before. You gain advantage on Perception checks that rely on smell.

Bite

You use your fangs to bite. You deal 1d6 + Strength modifier piercing damage. Your fangs are considered Natural Weapons.

Weapon Training

Every Gnoll quickly is taught how to handle simple weapons in order to hunt or fight for the pack's survival. Your upbringing makes you proficient in the following equipment:

• Handaxe
• Spear
• Shortbow
• Shield

Agressive

As a bonus action, you can move up to your speed toward an enemy of your choice that you can see or hear. You must end this move closer to the enemy than you started.