Gnoll
History
Thousands of years ago, gnolls were once one of the many species of feyfolk that lived in the Great Forest that was created by the ancient goddess Qamara. They were strong and clever, and acted as the loyal favored servants of the goddess. For unknown reasons, the gnolls banded together and defied Qamara and left the forest in a mass exodus heading south towards the deserts and plains of Holter, and north into the forests of Bocrae. They separated entirely from the feyfolk, and renamed their species the Gnoll. As punishment for their defiance Qamara tore away a fraction of their souls, crippling the gnolls and shattering their minds. To this day, the gnolls still struggle with the aftereffects of provoking the goddess's anger and the curse laid upon them. The curse is called "Qamara's Agony", or more simply among gnolls "The Agony". The Agony affects every gnoll, regardless of where they are raised, or what they know of their history. It manifests as an extremely cloudy memory, and most struggle to form new long term memories. Though they can potentially live to 70 years old, most only live to about 35 years old before they begin to suffer physical and mental degradation that generally leads to their death by about 40. Those that do live longer entirely lose their memories, and revert into a near-feral state of extreme pain. Occasionally, through chance or use of magic, a gnoll is born immune to The Agony. They are known to be 'mended' gnolls. Unfortunately, this trait is not hereditary, and quite rare.Basic Information
Anatomy
Gnolls are tall, humanoid creatures resembling hyenas that stand anywhere from six and a half to over seven feet tall when not hunched over. They are covered in short reddish brown fur and many have black or red manes. They are fairly lean for their height, weighing on average around 300 pounds.
Gnolls have relatively long arms in comparison to most other humanoids, and digitigrade legs with paws.
Genetics and Reproduction
Unlike other feyfolk, gnolls only ever have gnoll children, and cannot produce children with other feyfolk. In nearly every circumstance gnolls produce two children at a time, with most gnoll women having two to four children over their life.
Growth Rate & Stages
Gnolls reach adulthood at around age 15, and it is possible for them to live up to 70 years old if not for the Agony. Early in their life, gnolls have muted fur coloration and a lack of spots or stripes. Starting at around 14 years old they begin to shed their adolescent fur and their patterns come in. Fur coloration tends to become more vibrant, and manes grow in.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Average Intelligence
Most gnolls are acutely aware of the flaws caused by The Agony, and have a much more narrow focus in their knowledge. Most focus on a single skill to ensure they remember as much as possible. They do best with physical activities, relying on muscle memory to guide them when their memories fail them.
Other cultures often look down on gnoll's intelligence because their memory is spotty, and because they shy away from more complex, scholarly topics. Traders become frustrated when treaties are forgotten, ambassadors are insulted when they must repeatedly introduce themselves.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Gnolls see well in the dark, and have an excellent sense of smell acute enough to aid with hunting.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
40*
Average Height
7'0"
Average Weight
300 lbs
Related Ethnicities
