Insanely pedantic query: The hind-quarters of a Gnoll!

[Tuzenbach]

Picture this: You're a Dwarven or Elven or Human or even Hobgoblin armourer given the task of constructing custom suits of field or full plate armour for a Gnoll.

Well, what's one look like? A cursory glance (always wanted to use that expression - sorry!) of the 1E MM reveals them to be large and very humanoidish in stature. That is, shaped like a human, but bigger. If you're an armourer, no problem.

I'll skip all things pertaining to 2E as I never bought any of those creature books save the Complete Book Of Humanoids which only has Gnolls pictured from the waste up.

All of a sudden, there's this picture in the 3E MM of the Gnoll which would make all of the aforementioned armourers cringe in unison. What, Gnolls now have the hindlegs of a canine? Upright dog-men? How the Hell do you make an intricate suit of plate mail for something if you're not even sure how that something's anatomy is constructed or moves?

Or am I just thinking too much again?

Even so, wouldn't armour with unusual joints and hinges be a lot more expensive than "regular" custom armour? Would the only solution be to employ a Gnoll armourer?

Mind you, I haven't even brought up the fact that in the 3E picture, the back, neck, and head of the Gnoll resemble the same unit!

Oh yeah........do things with paws for feet engage in the wearing of boots?!

 

[Drakmar]

Interesting question. I would say that it wouldn't be that much of a stretch. All you would be doing is adding an additional articulation. The only thing I can think of it really needing would be some kind or leather or mail "skirt" over the inside of the joint..

As for boots.. They might consider them. For war you want to avoid things like Caltrops and sharp things lying on the battlefield. However I would definately see them as being stylised claws/spikes.

 

[Tuzenbach]

So, special boots with claws and spikes, eh? Interesting! I wonder if they'd get to do special damage with them as well?

 

[Drakmar]

probably.. just like bladed gauntlets.. just less unbalanced.

 

[Snoweel]

Picture this: You're a Dwarven or Elven or Human or even Hobgoblin armourer given the task of constructing custom suits of field or full plate armour for a Gnoll.

Well, what's one look like? A cursory glance (always wanted to use that expression - sorry!) of the 1E MM reveals them to be large and very humanoidish in stature. That is, shaped like a human, but bigger. If you're an armourer, no problem.

I'll skip all things pertaining to 2E as I never bought any of those creature books save the Complete Book Of Humanoids which only has Gnolls pictured from the waste up.

All of a sudden, there's this picture in the 3E MM of the Gnoll which would make all of the aforementioned armourers cringe in unison. What, Gnolls now have the hindlegs of a canine? Upright dog-men? How the Hell do you make an intricate suit of plate mail for something if you're not even sure how that something's anatomy is constructed or moves?

Or am I just thinking too much again?

Even so, wouldn't armour with unusual joints and hinges be a lot more expensive than "regular" custom armour? Would the only solution be to employ a Gnoll armourer?

Mind you, I haven't even brought up the fact that in the 3E picture, the back, neck, and head of the Gnoll resemble the same unit!

Oh yeah........do things with paws for feet engage in the wearing of boots?!

Dude, be honest. You're amongst friends...

You're making a suit of armour for your dog aren't you?

Bloody LARPers...

 

[Snoweel]

Registration desk clerk: I'm sorry sir, but you'll have to tie your dog up outsi...

Tuzenbach: THIS IS NO DOG! This is MANGRIYA, BLACKGUARD OF YEENOGHU!!!!!

 

[frankthedm]

2e MM had this one

I like gnolls,They are a great example of a predator given sentience. If more furries acted like gnolls, things would be much better.

3.xE Gnoll based on Bisney's Lying King hyena

 

[The Goblin King]

2e MM had this one

I like gnolls,They are a great example of a predator given sentience. If more furries acted like gnolls, things would be much better.

I like them too. When I think of them this is what I picture, not the one from the 3e MM.

 

[frankthedm]

Oh armorsmith, give both genders extra groin room. Naturalist have a VERY difficult time telling hyena genders apart due to the female 'bitz' being oversized.

 

[Tuzenbach]

So there is no definitive way that a Gnoll has to look?