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Gnolls of Mystara

by Håvard

Gnolls on Mystara

In Mystara, Gnolls are followers of Ranivorus, who is also sometimes called Yeenoghu, but unlike in other editions, Ranivorus did not create the Gnoll race. Instead, he was once a Gnoll himself, who achieved Immortality. Mystaran Gnolls were created by the corrupted Nithian Empire (some say by combining Gnome and Troll blood) and helped spread destruction across the Known World, leading to the destruction of cultures such as that of the Traldar.

Gaz 7 the Northern Reaches and Gaz10 the Orcs of Thar are the best sourcebooks for Mystara Gnolls.

 
Gnoll Variants found on Mystara (Gaz10):

• Canis Erectus Meridionum (desert Gnolls)
• Canis Erectus Septentrionum (Northern Gnolls)
• Canis Erectus Hilaris ("Laughing Gnolls")

Roles in Gnoll Society (Gaz10)

• Gnoll Warriors (ie Standard Gnolls)
• Gnoll Shamans
• Gnoll Wokans
• Gnoll Pariah (Gnolls with no master)
• Gnoll, minor Chieftain
• Gnoll, major Chieftain
• Gnoll Horde Chief

Known Gnoll War Hordes

• Black Moons
• Desert Guards
• Desert Raiders
• Oasis Hunters

Gnolls in later editions

Gnoll Variants Introduced in AD&D

• Flind
• Ghuuna( Dragon #89), a lycanthrope-like creature that could transform between a gnoll and hyaenodon form

Gnoll Variants Introduced in 4E

• gnoll huntmaster (MM1)
• the gnoll claw fighter (MM1)
• the gnoll marauder (MM1)
• gnoll demonic scourge (MM1)
• Deathpledged Gnoll (MM2)
• the Fang of Yeenoghu (a Gnoll shaman) (MM2)
• Gnoll Gorger (MM2) cannibalistic Gnolls

Gnoll Variants introduced in 5E

• Fang of Yeenoghu (shaman) (MM1)
• the Gnoll Packlord (MM1)
• the gnoll hunter (Volo)
• the gnoll flesh gnawer (Volo)
• the gnoll witherling (Volo) - undead Gnolls
• flind (Volo)

Gnolls are often accompanied by Hyenas and something called Cacklefiend Hyenas.

 
Are there ways we can use the lore from later editions to expand on Gnolls and Ranivorus?