Gnolls
Gnolls are hyena-like people that dwell primarily in deserts and grasslands. Though they may be seen as little more than brutal beasts, there exists significant diversity among the four types of gnolls. Some gnolls are born from everyday hyenas feasting on the meal of a prominent gnoll, such as a Fang of Yeenoghu or a Sunkeeper; however, most are born as gnolls.
Different People, Different Paths
Spotted gnolls, the most common of the gnoll subraces, are a tribal people that live in packs of about 80 individuals. Some packs are brutal, following the path of Yeenoghu, the demon lord of butchery, others are more noble, relying on the strength of their pack and following the example of Gorellik, gnoll god of hunting and the pack.
Striped gnolls are a mostly nomadic race, living alone or with a partner and traveling across the land while surviving by scavenging and gathering, and occasionally by hunting. The more savvy of striped gnolls collect goods from these diverse locations and sell them in exchange for luxuries like armor and weapons. They tend not to swear loyalty to higher beings, relying on their own wits and abilities to survive. Therefore, striped gnoll clerics and warlocks are rare, but not unheard of.
Brown gnolls live in small villages of about 20 people, made up of family units. However, young brown gnolls often leave their villages as adults to seek a new village, and some find themselves among the world's other races. Brown gnolls worship Njabe, the gnoll goddess of the rising sun, and each village designates a Sunkeeper to act as a cleric and leader, and a Memorykeeper to hold the memories of significant events in the gnolls' lives.
Aardgnolls are the smallest and rarest of gnolls, mostly because they tend to keep to themselves. They live in groups of 1 to 3 couples, as well as their children, in the mounds of giant termites or in burrows underground. However, despite their isolation, aardgnolls have a rich tradition of oral storytelling and art. Occasionally, a group of aardgnolls will offer aid to gentle folk in need; however, their reclusive nature means they are rarely seen.
Gnoll Names
Despite the stark cultural differences between the four types of gnoll, their naming conventions are surprisingly similar. Gnoll names don't vary between genders, as gnolls don't put much stock in gender.
Names: Yipshak, Grukkan, Rhalee, Akebe, Volmik, Rusan, Domari, Yanell, Bemedu, Marrosh, Tabena, Kyrthal, Roavar, Pyell, Gerrosh, Maeba, Duanio
Gnoll Traits
Ability Score Increases: You may increase one score by 2 and another by 1, or three different scores by 1 each.
Age: Gnolls, due to the harsh environment they live in, grow up quickly. Therefore, gnolls are considered adults by age 13. In ideal conditions, gnolls can live to be about 75 years old.
Speed: Your speed is 30 ft.
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 sharp teeth and strong jaw provide a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Scavenger Stomach: You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnoll.
Variations
Spotted Gnoll
Size: Your size is Medium.
Rampage. When the gnoll reduces a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on its turn, the gnoll can take a bonus action to move up to half its speed and make a bite attack.
Striped Gnoll
Size: Your size is Medium.
Wanderer's Heart. You gain proficiency in Survival. Additionally, you have advantage on saves against being exhausted.
Brown Gnoll
Size: Your size is Medium.
Blessing of the Morning Sun. You know the light cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the flaming sphere spell as a 2nd-level spell; you must finish a long rest in order to cast the spell again using this trait. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the daylight spell; you must finish a long rest in order to cast the spell again using this trait. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Aardgnoll
Size: Your size is Small.
Nimble Escape. You can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of your turns.
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