Gnolls are a race of humanoid creatures that resemble hyenas in appearance and behavior. They are savage, nomadic raiders that worship the demon lord Yeenoghu, the Beast of Butchery. Gnolls are driven by an insatiable hunger for flesh and blood, and they attack any living creature they encounter. Gnolls are feared and hated by most other races, who see them as mindless killers and scavengers.
Gnolls have been a part of the Dungeons & Dragons game since its earliest editions, where they were originally described as a cross between a gnome and a troll. However, they soon evolved into their current form of hyena-like humanoids, influenced by the mythology of Africa and the Middle East. Gnolls have appeared in various sourcebooks, novels, comics, video games, and other media related to D&D. Some of the most notable gnoll characters include Fang of Yeenoghu, a champion of the demon lord; Larethar Gulgrin, a former slave who became a Harper agent; and Rukh, a gnoll ranger who befriended Drizzt Do’Urden.
Gnolls are typically encountered as enemies or antagonists in D&D adventures, but some players may choose to play as gnoll characters, either as allies or anti-heroes. There are no official rules for playing a gnoll character in D&D 5th edition, but there are some unofficial homebrew options available online. Playing as a gnoll can be challenging and rewarding, as it requires exploring the dark and primal aspects of their nature, as well as their potential for redemption and heroism.
Gnoll Tribe Composition
A gnoll tribe is a group of gnolls that live and hunt together, following the commands of their leader and the will of their demonic patron, Yeenoghu. A gnoll tribe is usually composed of different types of gnolls, each with their own role and function within the group. The common types of gnolls found in a tribe are:
- Flind: A flind is a rare and powerful type of gnoll that has been blessed by Yeenoghu with superior strength, intelligence, and charisma. A flind is usually the leader of a gnoll tribe, or at least the second-in-command to a more powerful gnoll. A flind wields a flail that can inflict various effects on its enemies, such as stunning, knocking prone, or causing fear.
- Gnoll: A gnoll is the most common and basic type of gnoll, a savage and hungry warrior that fights with reckless abandon. A gnoll is armed with a spear and a longbow, and can make an extra bite attack as a bonus action. A gnoll is loyal to its tribe and its leader, but also driven by its insatiable hunger for flesh.
- Gnoll Fang of Yeenoghu: A gnoll fang of Yeenoghu is a fanatical and devoted follower of the demon lord, chosen by him to spread his chaotic influence. A gnoll fang of Yeenoghu can summon hyenas to aid it in battle, and can also unleash a bloodcurdling howl that can cause fear and madness in its foes. A gnoll fang of Yeenoghu is often the spiritual leader of a gnoll tribe, or a personal champion of the flind.
- Gnoll Flesh Gnawer: A gnoll flesh gnawer is a twisted and deformed type of gnoll that has been corrupted by its excessive consumption of rotten flesh. A gnoll flesh gnawer is faster and more agile than a normal gnoll, and can make two bite attacks as a bonus action instead of one. A gnoll flesh gnawer is usually shunned by other gnolls, but tolerated for its usefulness in scouting and ambushing.
- Gnoll Hunter: A gnoll hunter is a skilled and cunning type of gnoll that specializes in tracking and hunting prey. A gnoll hunter is equipped with a longbow and a spiked shield, and can use its shield to make an extra attack as a bonus action. A gnoll hunter is often the leader of a hunting party, or a trusted advisor to the flind.
- Gnoll Pack Lord: A gnoll pack lord is a strong and experienced type of gnoll that commands respect and authority among its peers. A gnoll pack lord is armed with a glaive and a longbow, and can use its Rampage trait to move up to half its speed and make a bite attack as a bonus action when it reduces a creature to 0 hit points. A gnoll pack lord is usually the leader of a large group of gnolls, or a rival to the flind.
- Gnoll Witherling: A gnoll witherling is an undead type of gnoll that has been reanimated by Yeenoghu’s foul magic after death. A gnoll witherling is weaker and slower than a living gnoll, but also more resilient and relentless. A gnoll witherling can make two attacks with its claws or its longbow, and can also use its Death Throes trait to explode in a burst of necrotic energy when it dies. A gnoll witherling is usually used as cannon fodder or guard duty by other gnolls.
- Hyena: A hyena is a scavenging animal that often follows or serves the gnolls. A hyena can use its Pack Tactics trait to gain advantage on attack rolls when it has an ally within 5 feet of its target. A hyena can also be affected by the howl of a fang of Yeenoghu, becoming more ferocious and loyal.
- Ogre: An ogre is a large and brutish humanoid that sometimes allies with the gnolls for mutual benefit. An ogre can use its Greatclub or Javelin to deal massive damage to its enemies. An ogre can also be affected by the howl of a fang of Yeenoghu, becoming more aggressive and bloodthirsty.
- Troll: A troll is a monstrous humanoid that regenerates from almost any wound. A troll can use its Bite and Claw attacks to rend its foes, and can also be affected by the howl of a fang of Yeenoghu, becoming more frenzied and hungry.
A typical gnoll tribe of 100 members in D&D 5th edition might consist of:
- 45 gnolls
- 12 flinds
- 8 fangs of Yeenoghu
- 5 flesh gnawers
- 5 hunters
- 5 pack lords
- 10 witherlings
- 10 hyenas
- 5 ogres
- 5 trolls
However, this composition can vary depending on the size, location, and goals of the tribe. Some tribes might have more or less of certain types of gnolls and their allies, or even some types that are not listed here. For instance, some tribes might have more fangs of Yeenoghu if they are more devoted to their demon lord, or more witherlings if they have suffered heavy losses in battle. Some tribes might also have allies or enemies from other races, such as cultists, orcs, or humans.