Gnolls of Lorian

A Brief History

 In ages past it is said that the Gnoll were created by a vicious and powerful Fiend in order to bring yet more violence and chaos to the realm. However during the last great age many divine beings were slain or lessened to the point where they could no long impose their will so blatantly upon the world. This in turn loosened the chains that bound the Gnolls to a chaotic and savage nature. The unending hunger each Gnoll is known to posses lessened little by little over each generation giving the once near mindless creatures room for thought and reflection beyond the need for mere survival. 

Fledgling Society

 Over the past fifty years the Gnoll tribes have begun a seemingly unified front to intergrade into the societies they once tormented. This is understandably met with varying levels of tension from several civilizations. especially those that managed to survive the last age or existed before hand. Often the Gnoll are monsters used in late night stories to frighten children or spoken in hushed words around camp fires by fledgling adventurers. These dark stories are not without merit of course as just like with all people there are good and bad within Gnoll society. While perhaps not as ravenous and wild as their previous generations it is not uncommon to encounter a hostile band of Gnoll or to encounter them mixed in with the more worldly races such as the Orcs and Goblinoids. 

Gender and "Integration"

As Gnolls inevitably grow closer to other races throughout the realm more knowledge of their society and social structures begin to come to light. Gnoll do not appear to have a societal comprehension of gender and by extension lack any sort of gender structure. A Gnoll is simply a Gnoll, addressed by their name or perhaps a title and nothing more, at least not in their native tongue of Abyssal. Most 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. Gnoll's value cunning and ferocity even in this more enlightened era. Often a Gnoll will take a liking to someone they may see as clever or sharp yet strangely it is not uncommon to see one of the cackling beasts reveling in tormenting of the meek. However those who know the Gnoll well would warn against attempting to join in on this torment of the Gnoll's perceived prey. What may appear to mast as teasing or even cruelty is in fact a sign that a Gnoll has fully embraced someone as their kin and should an outside attempt to share in this treatment they may find themselves suddenly dealing with an enraged and aggressively defensive Gnoll.

Racial Traits

Ability Score Increase:

Due to your heritage as a Carrion feeder and aggressive hunter you receive a +2 to Constitution, a +1 to Dexterity or Strength and have advantage in Saving Throws against Poison and Disease.

Age:

Gnolls reach Maturity at a mere 5-10 years of age usually, but live far shorter lives than other races. It's rare - with their vicious nature - for them to live past 30 but some have been seen to go on as long as 50 before their strength suddenly leaves them and they drift into the final sleep.

Languages:

Gnolls speak common and Abyssal. 

Size:

Gnolls stand hand and shoulders over most other races, averaging between 7 and 8 feet tall.

Speed:

Your Base speed is 30 feet.

Bite:

A Gnoll's jaws and fangs are vicious and powerful, specifically designed to rend flesh from bone. As an action you may make a bite attack, this attack does 1d8+ Strength piercing damage.

Darkvision:

Due to their fiendish heritage and close connection to the Hyena Gnolls are natural night hunters. You have Darkvision out to 60 feet.

Rampage:

If you reduce an enemy to 0 hit points on your turn you may use your reaction to move up to half your speed and make a single bite attack against another enemy within range.

Scavenger:

A gnoll is skilled in the wilds, often able to stalk and track prey for miles before ever being noticed. You gain proficiency in either the Stealth or Survival skill.

Dungeons and Dragons 5e 

The Gnoll of Lorian is compatible with the Dungeons and Dragons 5e game system.

by Keavah

Common Traits

To those unfamiliar with the Gnoll people they often come across as aggressive, manic, and at times even cruel.