Gnoll
|
|
A gnoll is a humanoid creature originating in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game; a gnoll resembles a cross between a man and a hyena. They have greenish-grey skin and are at least seven feet tall. They use armor made of horn, metal plates, and leather, and large weapons. Gnolls are savage, barbaric creatures that often practice cannibalism, and enjoy eating the flesh of other sentient species. Gnolls are not especially strong or intelligent, but they are cunning and, when pressed, will fight to the death.
One notable race of gnoll is the flind, which is shorter, broader, and stronger than other gnolls; flinds are often found leading a tribe or settlement of gnolls. Flinds use a weapon called a flindbar, which resembles a pair of metal rods linked together by a chain.
Gnolls in Dungeons & Dragons are worshipers of the demon lord Yeenoghu, who also rules over ghouls (which explains the gnolls' taste for humanoid flesh). Some gnolls also worship the evil Erythnul, god of slaughter. The gnolls' vile disposition is most likely due to the influence of their demonic patron.
An interesting side note: when first introduced in the original Dungeons and Dragons rules (1974), gnolls were described as a "cross between gnomes and trolls." It was also indicated that the creature was inspired by a Lord Dunsany short story. The entire concept was scrapped with the next rules edition, Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, and was replaced with the more popular hyena-man concept used today.
Gnolls play a major role in a subplot of the computer role-playing game Baldur's Gate. They are also are included in the strategy game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and feature prominently in the western part of the continent of Antonica in the MMORPG EverQuest.
Gnolls are similar to the hyena/demons (çíyyîm) of the Bible, the were-hyenas of African bushman folklore, and the tall dog men (Cynocephales) of early European travellers logs and bestiaries. Hyenas were associated with death because they dug up and ate human corpses.
A new breed of Gnolls is also emerging. Based more heavily on actual hyena culture, these new Gnolls, or "Nglls" have developed a newer following, especially in the United Kingdom. They are featured heavily in a large live action fantasy event called Maelstrom (http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk).
These Gnoll Clans are led by an alpha female, also known as an "Eleri". A site featuring a short Gnoll film of this new breed of Gnoll can be found HERE (http://www.thebluehyena.com/media.htm), although they usually exist in more of a fantasy environment.
Other Gnoll resources include:
Gnoll Site (http://gnolls.junkyardcreations.com/)
Gnoll masks (http://www.primalvisions.com/Pages/instock.htm)
Customs, society and slang of one Clan of Gnolls existing in the Maelstrom system. (http://www.cenobite.34sp.com/maelstrom/)