The gnoll is a fearsome humanoid creature with the head of a hyena. Standing on two legs, they possess a menacing and predatory appearance that strikes fear into the hearts of their enemies. Gnolls are known for their savage nature and insatiable hunger for both flesh and power.
With their muscular build and keen senses, gnolls are formidable hunters and relentless predators. Their sharp claws and powerful jaws can tear through flesh and bone with ease, making them dangerous in close-quarters combat. They are often seen adorned with primitive armor and wield a variety of weapons, ranging from crude clubs and axes to scavenged blades and spears.
Gnolls are driven by their primal instincts and an insatiable hunger for dominance. They live in tribal communities led by ruthless leaders who enforce their authority through strength and brutality. Gnoll tribes are known for their chaotic and violent nature, often engaging in raids and pillaging nearby settlements in their search for food and resources.
What sets gnolls apart from other creatures is their affinity for hyenas. They share a deep connection with these scavengers of the wild, often keeping them as loyal companions and hunting partners. Hyenas are regarded as sacred creatures among gnolls, and they often incorporate hyena imagery and symbolism into their tribal rituals and beliefs.
Gnolls thrive on chaos and revel in the thrill of battle. They are known for their ferocious war cries and relentless assaults, overwhelming their foes with sheer numbers and savage aggression. Their battle tactics may lack finesse and strategy, but they compensate with their relentless onslaught and brute strength.
While gnolls are primarily seen as savage marauders and raiders, there are rare individuals who rise above their primal instincts. These exceptional gnolls possess cunning intelligence and leadership qualities, becoming powerful warlords or tribal chieftains. These leaders instill loyalty and fear in their followers, guiding their tribes with a strategic mind and a desire for conquest.
Encountering a gnoll in the wild is a dangerous proposition. Their predatory instincts and ruthless nature make them relentless adversaries, driven by a primal hunger for power and domination. To face a gnoll is to face a creature that embodies the untamed savagery of the wilderness.
Whether as a scourge of the wilderness or a force to be reckoned with in battle, gnolls remain a symbol of primal ferocity and unrelenting aggression in the world of adventure and peril.
Special Abilities
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.
Actions
- Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
- Spear: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, or 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.
- Longbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
Senses
- Passive Perception: 10
- Darkvision: 60′
Languages
GnollEnvironment
Desert, Forest, Grassland, HillCredits: SRD 5.1