Gnoll

With their strong ties to the clan, gnolls are most likely to take to adventuring having been raised from a pup by a mercenary or someone of a similar life. Gnolls raised by a clan may find themselves alone if the clan is wiped out, or if they are banished for a betrayal, and might be forced to interact more peaceably with other races to keep their belly full.

Gnolls retain a strong instinct to physically dominate others, even those they are allied with, to work out a hierarchy. Despite this, they are fiercely aggressive of their established ‘clan’, even non-gnolls, and see an insult or an attack on any ‘clan mate’ as a personal one. They tend to be impulsive, with a strong predatory drive which may lead to them to engage or pursue an enemy even when it may not be the best tactical choice. Most gnolls continue to collect trophies from their kills, although they tend to avoid body parts while in more civilized company if it is against the will of their ‘clan mates’.

Gnoll Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age. Gnolls mature rapidly, reaching adulthood by three or four and growing old at 40.

Alignment. Outside their own clan, gnolls care little for order, tending towards a chaotic disposition. Beyond this, they imprint strongly on those that raised them and usually reflect their values.

Size. Gnolls range from six to eight feet tall, and are heavily muscled, especially around the neck and shoulders, and you weigh between 200 and 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.

Darkvision. As part of your bestial heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 jaws are a natural weapon, and you can bite as an unarmed strike, dealing 1d4 + your Strength modifier piercing damage on a hit, instead of the normal damage. This damage increases to 1d6 at 8th level and 1d8 at 14th level.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Gnoll and one other language of your choice. Gnoll has no formalized written component of its own, and is nearly impossible to transcribe (though attempts have been made), consisting mostly of guttural grunts and piercing howls.

Subraces

The three main types of gnoll are the gutter, plains, and rock. Choose one of these subraces.

Gutter Gnoll

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

Opportunist. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.

Sewer Dweller. You have advantage on saving throws against poisons and diseases, and you have resistance to poison damage.

Plains Gnoll

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.

Fleet of Foot. Your base walking speed increases to 40 feet.

Sprinter. As a bonus action on your turn, you can move up to half your speed.

Rock Gnoll

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.

Lookout. You gain proficiency in the Perception skill.

Cave Dweller. While in rocky terrain, you are considered proficient in the Stealth skill.