Gnolls
Gnolls embody the savage unpredictability of the wilds. These hyena-like humanoids are known for their ferocity, strength, and cunning. They thrive in the harsh environments of Seerth, forming packs that roam the wastelands and the outskirts of civilizations, preying on the weak and battling the strong.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Gnolls have a terrifying visage, combining the features of hyenas and humans into a fearsome form. They stand on two legs, towering over most humans with their muscular, hunched bodies, and possess jaws filled with sharp teeth capable of crushing bone.
Biological Traits
Their primitive beast heritage and harsh lifestyle grants them exceptional endurance and a bite that can crush bones. Gnolls are capable of bursts of speed, making them terrifying predators.
Genetics and Reproduction
Gnolls reproduce at a rapid rate, with litters of 2-5 pups being common. Their communities swell quickly, leading to frequent conflicts over territory and resources
Growth Rate & Stages
Gnolls mature by the age of 3 and can live up to 30 years if they avoid the dangers of their violent lifestyle. They pass through stages of pup, juvenile, adult, and elder, with each stage marked by rites of passage that emphasize survival and combat prowess.
Ecology and Habitats
Gnolls are not picky about their habitats, making their homes in deserts, forests, and ruins. They adapt quickly to their surroundings, using whatever resources are available to strengthen their packs.
Dietary Needs and Habits
As opportunistic carnivores, gnolls are not above scavenging but prefer fresh kills. They are known to hunt in packs, using tactics and numbers to overwhelm their prey.
Behaviour
Gnolls are driven by an insatiable hunger, both for food and for battle. They respect strength above all, with the strongest leading the pack. Despite their ferocity, gnolls have a deep sense of loyalty to their pack.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Gnoll society is pack-based, with the strongest leading. Their social order is maintained through displays of strength and submission.
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Facial characteristics
Their faces are hyena-like, with dark, intelligent eyes and a jaw capable of a wide, terrifying grin.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Gnolls are found throughout Seerth, with concentrations in the Great Wastelands and unsettled parts of Gul. They are semi nomadic, and usually move after exhausting all prey in one particular area.
Average Intelligence
While not known for their intellect, gnolls possess cunning and are quick learners, especially in matters of survival and combat.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their senses are keen, especially their sense of smell and hearing, which they use to track their prey over great distances. Some gnoll shamans claim to communicate with the spirits of the hunt, granting them insights into future kills or dangers.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Names are often guttural, reflecting their hyena heritage, and are given based on an individual's notable deeds or characteristics observed by the pack leader.
Major Organizations
Gnoll packs are the primary form of organization, with the largest packs being led by a single alpha known as the "Packlord."
Average Technological Level
Gnolls favor simple, effective tools and weapons, often scavenged from their victims. They show little interest in developing technology beyond what is necessary for their survival and warfare.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Gnolls speak a dialect of Iznuug and demonic tongue, mixed with growls and barks. This language is as ferocious sounding as the gnolls themselves.
Common Etiquette Rules
Strength and dominance are the core of gnoll etiquette. Displays of submission or weakness are scorned, while strength and aggression are respected
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Gnoll culture revolves around the kill and the glory of carnage. They have a deep-seated belief in survival of the fittest, with rituals and traditions that emphasize their predatory nature.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Rituals of passage, such as the first successful hunt or kill, are significant in Gnoll culture. Clan meetings and feasts follow successful raids or battles.
Common Taboos
Showing fear or mercy is taboo in Gnoll society, as is failing to contribute to the clan's strength.
History
Gnolls have a long history of conflict with other races, often depicted as marauders and raiders. Their packs have been responsible for the fall of numerous settlements throughout history.
Historical Figures
Skrag Bloodfang: A legendary chieftain who united several clans to conquer vast territories.
Iznugg's Whisper: A mystic who was said to communicate directly with their deity, leading her clan to numerous victories through divine insight.
Common Myths and Legends
Gnoll myths often involve their god of carnage and slaughter, depicting epic battles and the creation of the Gnoll race. Legends of great chieftains and warriors are passed down through generations. [
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Gnolls are typically hostile towards other species, seeing them as either threats or prey. Their relations are governed by strength and power, with temporary alliances formed only when mutually beneficial.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Origin/Ancestry
Gnolls are believed to have originated from the cursed offspring of Iznuug and primitive demons of another plane
Lifespan
Gnolls live up to 30 years, though few reach old age due to the perils of their lifestyle.
Average Height
Adult gnolls stand between 2.1 to 2.5 meters tall.
Average Weight
They weigh between 100 to 160 kilograms, varying with muscle mass and subspecies.
Average Physique
Gnolls are muscular and robust, built for endurance and strength.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their fur ranges from mottled grey to brown, with darker spots or stripes denoting their lineage. Those born with a varied mix can be seen as different, for better or worse.
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