Bar'kashyr , children of the plains

In the vast, rolling steppes to the east of Aran’sha, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the sky meets an ocean of rolling grass, lies a land of untamed beauty and hidden dangers. This majestic expanse, known as the Eastern Steppes, is the ancestral home of the gnolls. A people of many splintered clans, these hyena-like creatures have a long history, steeped in legends and traditions. Their mocking laughter echoed across the plains long before humans ever set foot on Aran’sha.

The Clans

Each of their clans is led by a chieftain, a formidable warrior whose strength and cunning are unmatched. Clad in intricate and ornate armor covered in trophies, these leaders are not only fearsome warriors but also keepers of their people’s history, tracing their lineage back through countless generations. Fierce hunters and skilled warriors, each chieftain has fought for their title with tooth and nail—literally. Earned by blood, there is little that can break a tribe's loyalty to her.
For untold centuries, the gnolls have roamed these steppes, living in harmony with the natural world and the spirits of their ancestors. Their settlements, simple gatherings of huts and tents, are adorned with ropes full of knots, each a story in its own right. Every few generations, a grand exodus unfolds, driven by a deeply held belief that relocating to new lands within the steppes will bring prosperity and strength and allows the land to heal. This tradition of migration ensures rich hunting grounds and harvests, while following the paths of their ancestors.

The hunt

A gnolls’ daily life is a celebration of the stalk, for the hunt is all. At dawn, the hunters of the clan gather, their eyes keen and focused, ready to pit their strength against today’s prey. The tall grasses sway gently in the morning breeze, hiding the gnolls as they move silently through the savannah. A gnoll tribe almost always hunts in packs, seamlessly building on each other’s skills. Each member knows their role intimately, moving with practiced precision trough the tall grass. The thrill of the hunt is palpable in the air, an eternal dance of life and death spanning generations. Their prey, be they swift and elusive terrorbirds or ponderous and mighty Trihadon, stands little chance against the gnolls’ combined might and strategy. Cackling and yipping can be heard as the hunters call out to each other in a chilling concert that few can escape.

A night by the fire

As the sucesssful hunters return to their village, the atmosphere shifts from the thrill of the hunt to something warmer. The air is soon filled with the scent of roasting meat, berries, mashed roots, and wheat bread. Around the cooking fires, daily life continues as the night approaches.
Some practice their hunting skills, using sticks and stones to mimic the movements of their prey. Others dance to the rhythm of drums, slow, heavy beats to which their bodies sway like the grass of the endless steppes. Young pups, inspired by the dancers, mimic their moves, their laughter ringing out as they stumble over each other. Grizzled elders, their fur matted and grey, watch with laughing eyes, offering guidance and encouragement.
As the night dawns, the sound of rhythmic drumming increases, a throbbing heartbeat of the steppes that echoes trough the very ground into the night. Skilled drummers lead the beats, their hands moving in a blur of motion. Soon, the haunting melodies of flutes and the deep, resonant tones of horns made from animal bones join in, a balad to land and sky the gnolls have sung for centuries.

Physical characteristics

Gnolls are imposing, hyena-like creatures, standing between six and seven feet tall with muscular, agile bodies built for both speed and strength.
Their fur, colored in everything from tawny brown to dark gray, is often spotted or striped, a heritage of their hyena ancestors.


Sharp, attentive eyes that gleam with intelligence and a hint of mischief, and their ears are large and pointed, constantly twitching to catch the faintest sounds.
Their faces are distinctly hyena-like, with powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth capable of crushing bone, while their hands and feet still bear strong, clawed digits, perfect for both combat and crafting.