Gnoll Pack Lord

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Gnoll Pack Lord Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the campfire, a chilling howl echoes through the night, sending shivers down your spine. The Gnoll Pack Lord, a fearsome leader among its kind, prowls the shadowy edges of the wilderness, its presence a harbinger of chaos and bloodshed. Standing taller than its gnoll brethren, the Pack Lord is a hulking figure, its matted fur streaked with the dark stains of past battles. Its eyes, burning with a malevolent intelligence, scan the surroundings with a predatory gaze, ever watchful for prey or intruders.

The Gnoll Pack Lord's appearance is a terrifying blend of hyena and humanoid features, its elongated snout filled with razor-sharp teeth that gleam in the moonlight. Its muscular frame is adorned with crude armor, pieced together from the remnants of its victims, and it wields a massive flail with deadly precision. The air around it is thick with the stench of decay, a testament to its savage nature and the countless lives it has claimed.

These fearsome creatures are often found in desolate wastelands or dense, untamed forests, where they lead their packs in relentless hunts. The Gnoll Pack Lord is a master of ambush tactics, using the terrain to its advantage as it orchestrates brutal raids on unsuspecting settlements. Its howls serve as both a rallying cry for its pack and a signal of impending doom for those who hear it.

Legends speak of the Gnoll Pack Lord's unholy connection to the demon lord Yeenoghu, from whom it draws its insatiable hunger for destruction. It is said that the Pack Lord's very presence can warp the land, causing crops to wither and animals to flee in terror. Those who dare to venture into its territory often find themselves ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, with the Pack Lord always one step ahead.

As you listen to the distant howls growing ever closer, you can't help but feel a sense of dread creeping over you. The Gnoll Pack Lord is out there, lurking in the darkness, and it will not rest until it has claimed its next victim. Will you stand and fight, or will you flee from the terror that stalks the night?

Gnoll Pack Lord Skills & Traits

Skills

• Intimidation +4
• Perception +3

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 13

Languages

• Gnoll

Abilities

• Aura of Bloodthirst: The gnoll pack lord and any gnoll within 10 feet of it has advantage on melee attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the gnoll's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Actions

• Multiattack: The gnoll makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its glaive.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
• Glaive: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing damage.
• Incite Rampage (Recharge 5–6): One creature the gnoll can see within 30 feet of it can use its reaction to make a melee attack if it can hear the gnoll and has the Rampage trait.

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Battle Tips for Gnoll Pack Lord

The Gnoll Pack Lord is a formidable opponent in any encounter, known for its leadership skills and ability to coordinate attacks with its pack. Here are some strategic tips for Dungeon Masters to effectively utilize the Gnoll Pack Lord in battle:

• Leadership and Coordination: The Gnoll Pack Lord excels at leading its pack. Use its ability to command other gnolls to create coordinated attacks. Position the Pack Lord at the back, where it can direct its minions and use its Incite Rampage ability to grant extra attacks to its allies.
• Strategic Positioning: Place the Pack Lord in a position where it can oversee the battlefield. This allows it to make the most of its leadership abilities while staying out of direct combat until necessary. Use terrain to your advantage, such as high ground or cover, to protect the Pack Lord from ranged attacks.
• Utilize Pack Tactics: Gnolls have the Pack Tactics feature, which grants them advantage on attack rolls if an ally is within 5 feet of the target. Ensure that the Pack Lord and its gnolls are always attacking in groups to maximize their effectiveness.
• Hit and Run Tactics: If the battle turns against the gnolls, the Pack Lord can use its superior speed and cunning to retreat and regroup. Use the Pack Lord's mobility to lead a strategic withdrawal, allowing the gnolls to escape and potentially set up an ambush later.
• Psychological Warfare: The presence of a Pack Lord can be intimidating. Use this to your advantage by having the Pack Lord taunt or intimidate the players, potentially causing them to make rash decisions or split their focus.
• Exploit Weaknesses: The Pack Lord should target the weakest or most vulnerable party members, using its allies to isolate and overwhelm them. This can quickly turn the tide of battle in favor of the gnolls.

By leveraging the Gnoll Pack Lord's leadership abilities and the pack's natural ferocity, a Dungeon Master can create a challenging and dynamic encounter that tests the strategic thinking of the players.