Gnoll (Almish)

Mightiest of the beast-kin, the former rulers of Alm

In Alm’s distant past, the lands were shared by countless beast-kin tribes of all types. The most powerful of these were the gnolls, whose strength and numbers allowed them to dominate less powerful folk for millennia. Arrayed in matriarchal clans from one side of Alm to the other, these brutal warlords lost their absolute dominance only after the Calans came to power. Even after centuries of war between the two empires, it took the mythic hero Brayden Bloodmane—and the combined might of the bannyri clans—to finally break the gnolls.

Though the pride of conquerors still burns in them, the gnolls are now an empire in decline. The territory of Beasthome is their final stronghold, the only land where they still enjoy complete dominance. Increasingly, their leaders are beginning to understand that if they are to have any place in their changing world, they must begin to form relationships with other cultures.

As it stands, most gnolls are still hostile toward other races. Outsiders are no longer treated as prey, but they are still foes in a war that is ultimately unresolved. The typical gnoll still lives fast, bleeds often, and dies surrounded by their enemies.

Any active advocate for peace can expect to be cast out of their clan, most likely to face a future of scorn and fear. These few often become adventurers—hard-bitten survivors, seeking to rise above their totalitarian history. Many remain outcast to the end, but others make genuine efforts to repair past ills, laying the trail for slow but inevitable progress.

Almish gnolls are perceived as… Savage, proud, unforgiving, warlike, decisive, spiritualistic, domineering, capable, standoffish.

Names: Blackheart, Bladeclaw, Bloodburn, Bonesaw, Deadscar, Denward, Godhand, Longtooth, Redfang, Stonefist, Warcry.

Gnollish names are given in bestial, largely unpronounceable to foreigners. However, to make their achievements known to their enemies, most translate their names into common as well.