Gnoll

Created from the bloody aftermath of a rampaging demon, Gnolls are known for their insatiable bloodlust and complete lack of mercy. Gnolls are typically non-playable for a reason — they are driven only by slaughter. Try to think of a good reason why you or other Gnolls are different: perhaps Yeenoghu's power has waned over time, leading to less bloodthirsty Gnolls, or maybe you are just barely capable of keeping yourself together. Consult your DM to better fit yourself in to the world.

History of Bloodshed

Gnolls are despised by all: even savage orcs avoid allying with Gnolls. Expect to be turned away from large towns and avoided in small villages. Even with an entourage of humans, elves and more trustworthy races a Gnoll is likely to stir trouble wherever they go, sometimes even unintentionally.

Free From Yeenoghu

When creating a Gnoll character think about how they escaped Yeenoghu's grasp: Did someone save you? Or were you born free? How did the rest of your war band treat you? And are you truly free from him? Does Yeenoghu's voice sometimes whisper to you in your dreams and during battle? Did you lose something, mental or physical, in trade for freedom?

Gnoll Personality

You can use the Gnoll Quirks table to determine a personality quirk for a Gnoll character or to inspire a unique mannerism.

Gnoll Quirk

D8 Quirk 1 My laughter is terrifying. 2 I make a mess whenever I eat. 3 I like to eat things I haven't killed before. 4 I am terrible at speaking common. 5 I constantly twitch and flinch at mundane movements. 6 I try so hard to not be creepy, but it makes it worse. 7 I always hit to hurt, not just to kill. 8 The word "Yeenoghu" is like nails on a chalkboard.

Gnoll Traits

Your Gnoll character has traits born through years of battle

Ability score increase. Your Strength increases by 2, and your Dexterity increases by 1.

Age. Gnolls age quickly and die younger than most. Gnolls mature aged 7 and rarely live longer than 50.

Alignment. Typical Gnolls are chaotic evil, but those that escape Yeenoghu’s grasp can find themselves despising the the evil ways of their kind, but rarely have the commitment to change their chaotic ways.

Size. A Gnoll at full height can be up to 7 feet, but their hunched stature makes them look closer to 5 to 6 feet tall and average 200 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Rampage. When you reduce a creature to 0 hit points while within 5ft of it you can, as a bonus action, move half your movespeed and make a bite attack.

Bite. Your razor-sharp teeth are natural weapons, and can be used as an unarmed strike. It does 1d4 + your Strength modifier piercing damage.

Menacing. Gnolls have a reputation of violence. You gain proficency in Intimidation.

Carnivore. You can only be sustained by meat — fruit and vegetables do nothing to sate your hunger. On the plus side, you are immune to disease from food sources.

Languages. You speak Gnoll and Common.

Optional Feat

If your DM allows the use of feats from chapter 6 of the Player’s Handbook, your Gnoll character has access to the following special feat.

Endless Rampage

Prerequisite: Gnoll

Your violence knows no bounds. You gain +1 strength or dexterity and can attack with a weapon or touch spell in place of your Bite when using Rampage. Additionally, you can use Rampage one additional time, expending your reaction until your next turn, should you bring a creature to 0 hit points within 5ft of you with the first Rampage.