Knight Otu
First Post
... that I'm doing on the side. Well, the attached part is little, and just a part of a project I don't know will ever fully see the light of day. 
A gnolly little thing
- Thread starter Knight Otu
- Start date
Knight Otu
First Post
Of course, four years ago, there were no paragon classes officially (though I'm sure some people have used similar concepts).
Think anything is missing or should be done better?
Think anything is missing or should be done better?
Shade
Monster Junkie
Knight Otu said:Of course, four years ago, there were no paragon classes officially (though I'm sure some people have used similar concepts).
Yeah, and back then there were no official flinds, shoosuvas, or even hyenas! I had to convert those myself, as well as the hyaenadon and ghuuna.
Knight Otu said:
If you are pitching it to an official publication (like Dragon), I'd add bits about Yeenoghu, flinds, shoosuva, etc. If not, none of those are probably OGL (unless they are in the Tome of Horrors, perhaps).
Knight Otu
First Post
Indeed they are in the revised tome - that how I cuold nitpick their will save in my traditional nit picker thread.Mortis said:
I've sprinkled mentions of the flinds in the posted document. However, flinds would receive a write-up much like the one I posted for gnolls in the finished project. My biggest hold-up for that write-up is deciding on fitting Subspecies feats.
I'm staying away from non-OGC material for the project, just for the record. That's why there is mention of a divine tribe, rather than Yeenoghu, for instance.
Knight Otu
First Post
I thought you might like to see the short fictional openings for the gnollkin: First the two familiar faces:
The Gnoll
The daywatch returned into the lair, its shift over. Lhaerh snarled as he saw that one of them, Ngaerhiadh, was wounded. A bite wound... “I demand you to report!” the chieftain barked. A wounded warrior was an unnecessary liability, especially in hunting seasons like this. Carelessness would have to be punished.
Ngaerhiadh knew that as well. Lowering his head, he began recounting the events leading to the wound, hoping that Lhaerh would not be overly displeased. “We patrolled along the territory borders with the hyenas. I inspected the ruins inhabited by the ha-naga sisters. I found that the entrance was barred. I concluded that they did not desire a new offering. I then heard a burrowing sound. I realized that ankhegs were close. I called out to the rest of the daywatch. They saved themselves onto the walls. I acted too slow after warning the others. I was attacked by one of the creatures before climbing to safety. We did not have to wait long until the ankhegs vanished.”
During Ngaerhiadh’s report, Lhaerh had already yowled a command to Yeengyuudh, the tribe’s shamaness so that she could assess the wound the warrior had suffered. Ankheg bites could easily kill a gnoll. So either Ngaerhiadh had been very lucky, or... Yeengyuudh’s whispers confirmed what the chieftain had already suspected.
The bite was not from an ankheg, but from a hyena. Ngaerhiadh must had been mishandling one of the chieftain’s animals, and got bitten in retribution. The other warriors would have covered for him. A challenge to his authority. But Lhaerh knew exactly how to handle this. “I see what has happened. We will have one maw fewer to feed today. We will have more flesh to feed on today.”
With a quick gesture, the chieftain drew his scimitar, and cut open the warrior’s chest. Then he commanded the other tribe members to carry the slowly dying Ngaerhiadh into the Feast Tent.
The Flind
Ngoudhialh steamed. This little chieftain still dared to oppose him! With a crash, one of the amphoras shattered. The gnide band outside the city actually grew, instead of dwindling as expected! With another loud crash, one of the idols from the human slaves shattered. And on top of all that, Bhaeshuidh announced the visit of one of his advisors! With a swift kick, Ngoudhialh shattered another amphora.
Slowly, Ngoudhialh let the rage burn down, and his typical calm return. This chieftain was hardly any problem at the moment. Sooner or later he'd have to become part of the city. The rebellious gnide band, on the other hand, posed a serious risk to the city. Hunters and workers had to fear their attacks, especially when they brought gnides themselves. These bands always attempt to steal the gnides belonging to the city.
Then, of course, Bhaeshuidh. Definitely, he had every right to proclaim “bhaerhou”. But this was his city, and only Yeeaennoush themselves could take it away from him! It had been hard enough to found the city. And now this... creature comes around, and demands submission?
Actually, Bhaeshuidh had not come here.Which was a good thing. Ngoudhialh would not have had a chance if the flonn came personally. Instead, it would be one of his advisors.
This advisor, definitely, would travel with a large retinue, consisting of further flinds and gnolls, and of slaves. Humans, for general tasks, halflings for entertainment, stealth, and endurance, and of course, gnides...
Suddenly, the prospect of keeping a few rebellious gnides outside the city was a lot more attractive for the flind...
Yep, that flind is in a city. I've expanded the culture a bit to resemble a greek-roman-egyptian blend.
I'm actually considering rewriting the dialog for the gnoll. While there is a reason for this, the I do, We do sentence starts are jarring.
The Gnoll
The daywatch returned into the lair, its shift over. Lhaerh snarled as he saw that one of them, Ngaerhiadh, was wounded. A bite wound... “I demand you to report!” the chieftain barked. A wounded warrior was an unnecessary liability, especially in hunting seasons like this. Carelessness would have to be punished.
Ngaerhiadh knew that as well. Lowering his head, he began recounting the events leading to the wound, hoping that Lhaerh would not be overly displeased. “We patrolled along the territory borders with the hyenas. I inspected the ruins inhabited by the ha-naga sisters. I found that the entrance was barred. I concluded that they did not desire a new offering. I then heard a burrowing sound. I realized that ankhegs were close. I called out to the rest of the daywatch. They saved themselves onto the walls. I acted too slow after warning the others. I was attacked by one of the creatures before climbing to safety. We did not have to wait long until the ankhegs vanished.”
During Ngaerhiadh’s report, Lhaerh had already yowled a command to Yeengyuudh, the tribe’s shamaness so that she could assess the wound the warrior had suffered. Ankheg bites could easily kill a gnoll. So either Ngaerhiadh had been very lucky, or... Yeengyuudh’s whispers confirmed what the chieftain had already suspected.
The bite was not from an ankheg, but from a hyena. Ngaerhiadh must had been mishandling one of the chieftain’s animals, and got bitten in retribution. The other warriors would have covered for him. A challenge to his authority. But Lhaerh knew exactly how to handle this. “I see what has happened. We will have one maw fewer to feed today. We will have more flesh to feed on today.”
With a quick gesture, the chieftain drew his scimitar, and cut open the warrior’s chest. Then he commanded the other tribe members to carry the slowly dying Ngaerhiadh into the Feast Tent.
The Flind
Ngoudhialh steamed. This little chieftain still dared to oppose him! With a crash, one of the amphoras shattered. The gnide band outside the city actually grew, instead of dwindling as expected! With another loud crash, one of the idols from the human slaves shattered. And on top of all that, Bhaeshuidh announced the visit of one of his advisors! With a swift kick, Ngoudhialh shattered another amphora.
Slowly, Ngoudhialh let the rage burn down, and his typical calm return. This chieftain was hardly any problem at the moment. Sooner or later he'd have to become part of the city. The rebellious gnide band, on the other hand, posed a serious risk to the city. Hunters and workers had to fear their attacks, especially when they brought gnides themselves. These bands always attempt to steal the gnides belonging to the city.
Then, of course, Bhaeshuidh. Definitely, he had every right to proclaim “bhaerhou”. But this was his city, and only Yeeaennoush themselves could take it away from him! It had been hard enough to found the city. And now this... creature comes around, and demands submission?
Actually, Bhaeshuidh had not come here.Which was a good thing. Ngoudhialh would not have had a chance if the flonn came personally. Instead, it would be one of his advisors.
This advisor, definitely, would travel with a large retinue, consisting of further flinds and gnolls, and of slaves. Humans, for general tasks, halflings for entertainment, stealth, and endurance, and of course, gnides...
Suddenly, the prospect of keeping a few rebellious gnides outside the city was a lot more attractive for the flind...
Yep, that flind is in a city. I've expanded the culture a bit to resemble a greek-roman-egyptian blend.
I'm actually considering rewriting the dialog for the gnoll. While there is a reason for this, the I do, We do sentence starts are jarring.
Knight Otu
First Post
And the two unfamiliar faces that were hinted at:
The Gnide
Iagh watched the procession from his hole. He was very proud of the hole – he made it all by himself, and hid it using the surrounding plants. A good place to see Ngoudhialh’s city, from where he had fled so long ago.
How long has it been? A year? Such a long time. During this time, he had built up a small band of gnides who fled their masters just like he did. Most had fled the city like he did. There had been a few that were set out at a young age, to die in the wilds. Their band took to rearing them, as their children. Why should only gnolls and flinds have children, anyway?
Then there was the third kind of members in the band. The freed gnides, those who could not flee by themselves. Iagh was certain that every gnide in the city would rather be free, just like he and his band. This procession he watched was a good chance to free a few of them. Some ruler named Bhaeshuidh had sent it here. They seemed what the rulers of the city called ‘rich’. Togas, golden necklaces, some guy at the center had one of those scepter things...
And of course, slaves. Humans, gnides, halflings (what were they good for, anyway, apart from a quick snack?)... if the band could break up this procession, they’d have many new members. And enough food for a welcome feast...
The Flonn
The human slave was busy redecorating the columns in front of Bhaeshuidh's palace as he heard the signal. Swiftly, he dropped to the ground. He might have good relations with his lord, but he still was but a slave...
The inhabitants of the capital, Bhaeshuidh's city, came and gathered in front of the palace. Gnolls. Flinds. Gnides. Sslaves of various races, from halflings to half-giants. Waiting for Bhaeshuidh himself to emerge.
And there he came. Carried on a palanquin by two gnides, the ruler of six cities emerged from the palace. He stood up, presenting himself to the crowd. “Bhaerhou!” he yelled out, and everyone in the crowd that did not lie in the dirt as a slave raised his arms and likewise yelled out “Bhaerhou!”
In his time, the human slave had learned that bhaerhou, despite what he originally thought, was not a title – but it had become a title in other parts of the world. Pharaoh.
Bhaerhou, on the other hand, was a claim, an expresseion, and almost a ceremony. “I have, and still am, building an Empire!” was the best translation that the human slave had heard. The repeat by the crowd essentially meant “Indeed you do!”
Bhaeshuidh continued his address to his subjects. As the ruler spoke in the language of the gnolls, the human slave understood little. It appeared that Bhaeshuidh announced that a war would come, and that another city would join the empire.
About an hour passed until Bhaeshuidh completed his speech and dismissed the crowd. That was when he noticed the human slave, who was about to continue his work. The flonn nudged his gnide carriers to move over to the column the slave was currently working on, and examined it with expert eyes.
“Excellent work as always,” the ruler commended. He was using the Common tongue now, with little indication that he was a not a native speaker of that language. “May you do as excellent work in the future, such as in the city that will soon be in our control.”
The slave bowed deep, and remained silent. If Bhaeshuidh wanted him to talk, he would say so. “You might have understood a few bits of what I said. I am currently manipulating the surroundings of a flind city, secretly supplying a gnoll tribe and a gnide band with some ability to resist that city's ruler.” Bhaeshuidh's eyes wandered further over the columns. “Ah, you have outdone yourself, slave. I grant you two questions, which I will answer. Speak.”
Without raising his head, the human slave asked his first question. “My lord, why do you not simply visit the city and take control of it this way?” – “It is quite simple. Despite their natural loyalty, my subjects require battle to remain content. By manipulation to start a war, I fulfill this requirement.” – “And what is your reason to expand into other cities and nations?” – “Because they are there.”
The Gnide
Iagh watched the procession from his hole. He was very proud of the hole – he made it all by himself, and hid it using the surrounding plants. A good place to see Ngoudhialh’s city, from where he had fled so long ago.
How long has it been? A year? Such a long time. During this time, he had built up a small band of gnides who fled their masters just like he did. Most had fled the city like he did. There had been a few that were set out at a young age, to die in the wilds. Their band took to rearing them, as their children. Why should only gnolls and flinds have children, anyway?
Then there was the third kind of members in the band. The freed gnides, those who could not flee by themselves. Iagh was certain that every gnide in the city would rather be free, just like he and his band. This procession he watched was a good chance to free a few of them. Some ruler named Bhaeshuidh had sent it here. They seemed what the rulers of the city called ‘rich’. Togas, golden necklaces, some guy at the center had one of those scepter things...
And of course, slaves. Humans, gnides, halflings (what were they good for, anyway, apart from a quick snack?)... if the band could break up this procession, they’d have many new members. And enough food for a welcome feast...
The Flonn
The human slave was busy redecorating the columns in front of Bhaeshuidh's palace as he heard the signal. Swiftly, he dropped to the ground. He might have good relations with his lord, but he still was but a slave...
The inhabitants of the capital, Bhaeshuidh's city, came and gathered in front of the palace. Gnolls. Flinds. Gnides. Sslaves of various races, from halflings to half-giants. Waiting for Bhaeshuidh himself to emerge.
And there he came. Carried on a palanquin by two gnides, the ruler of six cities emerged from the palace. He stood up, presenting himself to the crowd. “Bhaerhou!” he yelled out, and everyone in the crowd that did not lie in the dirt as a slave raised his arms and likewise yelled out “Bhaerhou!”
In his time, the human slave had learned that bhaerhou, despite what he originally thought, was not a title – but it had become a title in other parts of the world. Pharaoh.
Bhaerhou, on the other hand, was a claim, an expresseion, and almost a ceremony. “I have, and still am, building an Empire!” was the best translation that the human slave had heard. The repeat by the crowd essentially meant “Indeed you do!”
Bhaeshuidh continued his address to his subjects. As the ruler spoke in the language of the gnolls, the human slave understood little. It appeared that Bhaeshuidh announced that a war would come, and that another city would join the empire.
About an hour passed until Bhaeshuidh completed his speech and dismissed the crowd. That was when he noticed the human slave, who was about to continue his work. The flonn nudged his gnide carriers to move over to the column the slave was currently working on, and examined it with expert eyes.
“Excellent work as always,” the ruler commended. He was using the Common tongue now, with little indication that he was a not a native speaker of that language. “May you do as excellent work in the future, such as in the city that will soon be in our control.”
The slave bowed deep, and remained silent. If Bhaeshuidh wanted him to talk, he would say so. “You might have understood a few bits of what I said. I am currently manipulating the surroundings of a flind city, secretly supplying a gnoll tribe and a gnide band with some ability to resist that city's ruler.” Bhaeshuidh's eyes wandered further over the columns. “Ah, you have outdone yourself, slave. I grant you two questions, which I will answer. Speak.”
Without raising his head, the human slave asked his first question. “My lord, why do you not simply visit the city and take control of it this way?” – “It is quite simple. Despite their natural loyalty, my subjects require battle to remain content. By manipulation to start a war, I fulfill this requirement.” – “And what is your reason to expand into other cities and nations?” – “Because they are there.”
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