Gnolls
Gnolls are one of the monstrous races on the continent. They live primarily in the Moraine mountains, and are a nuisance to settlements surrounding that range. The Dwarves are an old enemy of theirs, the two fighting to defend their territory among the mountain passes. Gnolls are a wolf-human hybrid, brought into the world by a surge of wild magic. They are unruly and wild, raiding from the mountains to steal and pillage whatever they come across. Their disunity, travelling in smaller rival packs, keeps them from presenting too much of a threat to any reasonable fortification. Gnolls worship a death god, Wahya, who emphasizes savagery and destruction.
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History
Gnolls came into the world in the wake of the Aetherbreach in the far north, possibly spawned by the burst of magic that accompanied that event. They have since spread across the human realms and beyond, thriving as scavengers on the outskirts of human society. Acting much as wolves, they roam the countryside, attacking their prey at night and in packs to ensure a swift victory. They tend to cluster near the foothills of mountains, using the forests and rocky terrain to hide their dens. A fairly large threat to peace and stability across the continent, they pose an especially powerful foe for less powerful rural lords. They are violently hated among farmers and herders, picking off their livestock and laying waste to isolated villages.
Description
Massive humanoid wolves, Gnolls are surprisingly large given their origins. Standing anywhere from six to eight feet tall, they tower over many humans. Very top heavy, their musculature stems from broad shoulders, tapering down to thinner legs that make them look almost cartoonish. Thick necks end in vicious jaws which they use to bite and tear at their opponents. Their fur is shaggy and typically grey or brown, though it thins to blackish skin around their hands and feet. Horn, hide and fur are the most common clothing types, though bits of clothes stolen from humans make common appearances as well. They work exceptionally well in small packs, using instinctual methods to take down and ambush prey. Many Gnolls also keep dogs and wolves as pets, adding to their ferocity and hunting prowess.