Gnoll

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Gnoll Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the campfire, shadows dance across the trees, casting eerie shapes that seem to move with a life of their own. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant howl of a creature that sends a shiver down your spine. As you venture deeper into the wilderness, a sense of unease settles over you, for you have entered the territory of the gnolls.

Gnolls are fearsome, hyena-like humanoids, standing over seven feet tall with lanky, muscular frames covered in coarse, mottled fur. Their eyes gleam with a feral intelligence, and their mouths are filled with sharp, yellowed teeth, always ready to tear into flesh. The gnoll's laughter, a chilling, hyena-like cackle, echoes through the night, a sound that has haunted the dreams of many who have dared to cross their path.

These creatures are known for their savage and brutal nature, often attacking in packs with a cunning that belies their beastly appearance. Driven by an insatiable hunger, gnolls are relentless hunters, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. They are drawn to chaos and bloodshed, reveling in the thrill of the hunt and the taste of fresh prey.

Gnolls typically dwell in desolate, rugged landscapes, such as arid plains, dense forests, or craggy hills. Their lairs are often found in abandoned ruins or caves, where they hoard the spoils of their raids. Legends speak of a dark deity, Yeenoghu, the Demon Lord of Savagery, who is said to have created the gnolls in his own image, imbuing them with a thirst for violence and a desire to spread his malevolent influence across the land.

As you stand on the edge of their territory, the wind carries the faint scent of smoke and decay, a warning of the danger that lurks within. The gnolls are near, and their presence is a reminder of the untamed wilds that lie beyond the safety of civilization. Will you face these fearsome creatures and uncover the secrets of their dark origins, or will you turn back, leaving the gnolls to their savage domain?

Gnoll Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +2

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 12

Languages

• Gnoll

Abilities

• Rampage: When the gnoll reduces a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on its turn, the gnoll can take a bonus action to move up to half its speed and make a bite attack.

Actions

• Multiattack: The gnoll makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its spear.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
• Spear: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, or 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.

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Battle Tips for Gnolls

Gnolls are ferocious, hyena-like humanoids known for their savage tactics and relentless aggression. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing gnolls effectively can create thrilling and challenging encounters for your players. Here are some tips on how to use gnolls in battle:

Using Gnolls in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Gnolls are excellent at setting up ambushes. Use their knowledge of the terrain to hide them in dense foliage or behind rocky outcrops. Surprise your players with a sudden attack, taking advantage of the gnolls' speed and ferocity.
• Pack Mentality: Gnolls thrive in numbers. Use their pack mentality to overwhelm players with coordinated attacks. Have them focus on a single target to quickly bring it down before moving on to the next.
• Hit-and-Run: Gnolls are not known for their discipline. Use hit-and-run tactics to harass players, striking quickly and then retreating to a safe distance. This can frustrate players and force them to make tactical errors.

Coordinating Multiple Gnolls

• Flanking Maneuvers: Use multiple gnolls to flank players, gaining advantage on attacks. This can be particularly effective against heavily armored characters who rely on their defenses.
• Divide and Conquer: Have gnolls split the party by attacking from multiple directions. This can create chaos and make it difficult for players to support each other.
• Utilize Leaders: Include a gnoll pack leader or shaman to boost morale and provide strategic guidance. These leaders can use their abilities to enhance the effectiveness of the pack.

Retreat and Regroup

• Strategic Retreats: If the battle turns against them, gnolls are not above retreating to regroup. Use this to set up a second encounter, perhaps with reinforcements or in a more advantageous location.
• Use Terrain to Escape: Gnolls are adept at using the terrain to their advantage. Have them retreat into difficult terrain where players will have a harder time following.
• Feign Retreat: Sometimes a feigned retreat can lure players into a trap. Use this tactic to draw players into a more dangerous area or to separate them from their allies.

By leveraging the gnolls' natural abilities and instincts, you can create dynamic and memorable encounters that challenge your players and keep them on their toes.