Playing Gnolls

[A. Malkov]

Most gnolls are fierce and feral predators dedicated to the wanton destruction favored by Yeenoghu, their dread demon prince. But some gnolls reject their heritage and the demonic heritage that is their legacy to become adventurers. As shunned as other such renegades by most civilized lands, these gnoll heroes nevertheless pursue more noble causes and seek to push back the tide of darkness that constantly threatens to consume all in its path.

http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/drfe/20080924

Nice article!
some opinions?

 

[garyh]

Not bad, but it didn't seem as strong as the warforged article. The background didn't really seem to break new ground, and the feats were so-so.

 

[Scribble]

something to read on teh train home! Woohoo

 

[Ethalias]

I like this article, as well as the one on Genasi; although they may not break new ground they provide a valuable insight which can help in roleplaying one of the less common races, at least for those who haven't seen it all before such as myself

 

[frankthedm]

I just don't like the idea of gnolls getting boosted charge attack damage. A follow up bite attack maybe or extra damage against bloody foes {though i think somone else gets that], but to me extra damage on a charge is the minotaur's department.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I just don't like the idea of gnolls getting boosted charge attack damage. A follow up bite attack maybe or extra damage against bloody foes {though i think somone else gets that], but to me extra damage on a charge is the minotaur's department.

I imagine they did this cause while a minotaur charges by himself, I could very well see a pack of Gnolls charging a target together, cackling away. So charging makes sense for them.

My friend will be quite happy he is thinking of playing a Gnoll, Two-Weapon Ranger in our campaign.

 

[Runestar]

Claws unable to be enchanted...that will get useless fast...can't even think of a use for it, considering that the disarm option does not even exist.

At least there is retraining in 4e...

 

[frankthedm]

Claws unable to be enchanted...that will get useless fast...

While this is true, making a system for players enchanting natural attacks is FAR outside the scope of the article. The only responsible thing to do was to have the "you cannot enchant your claws" notation.

 

[mattdm]

I thought this was great stuff, especially in combination with the Yeenoghu article from Dragon 365. I'm not sure I'll allow Gnoll PCs in my game, but this will certainly help me in making more memorable enemies.

I was really disappointed in the lack of this sort of detail in the Monster Manual. I do appreciate that book as a practical in-game/on-the-fly resource, though, so as long as added content like this keeps flowing, I'm a happy customer.

 

[frankthedm]

I thought this was great stuff, especially in combination with the Yeenoghu article from Dragon 365.

Agreed. Only part of the article I disliked was the "Soul of the Hyena" paragraphs which to me felt painfully tacked on.

I'm not sure I'll allow Gnoll PCs in my game, but this will certainly help me in making more memorable enemies.

If my group really wanted a 4E game, I'd allow gnoll PC's as long as the other players were cool with having an ally lots of NPCs would lynch at first opportunity.

I was really disappointed in the lack of this sort of detail in the Monster Manual.

I'd love a 2000 page fluff stuffed Monster Manual too.

Crowe's art was really good too.