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VERCY WOOD

Vercy Wood is an ancient forest that has undergone many changes over the years, mainly in the form of its inhabitants. Over the past 75 years or so, the forest has been predominately "owned" by a tribe of Gnolls that are rumored to be related to old servants of the once powerful Flind. In modern times they refer to themselves as the Brtualclaw Pack. In 1468 DR, a massive civil war broke out amongst the Gnoll tribe, one that lasted for several years. The source of the conflict revolved around a divide in the fundamental principles of the tribe. One side desired to embrace a more primeval stance when it came to neighboring societies-- electing to conduct raids and provocative actions that were meant to cause fear and establish a sphere of influence. The other side desired to be inclusive, desiring only to live amongst nature and strengthen their connection to primal spirits. In the end, the latter prevailed and the tribe is mostly unheard of unless provoked.

Besides the gnollish influence that resides within Vercy Wood, many exotic and common creatures can be found as well.

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The flind is similar to a gnoll in body style, though it is a little shorter, and broader. They are more muscular than their cousins. Short, dirty, brown and red fur covers their body. Their foreheads do not slope back as far, and their ears are rounded, but still animal like. -2nd Ed Monster Manual, 1993

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Originally posted by SaMoCon

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Originally posted by Markustay

In Marco Volo: Journey, Gnolls are apparently active in the region around Iriaebor. I find it amusing that the accompanying illustration shows a gnoll with nun-chuks. I guess gnolls are monks.

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That would be a Flind with Flind Bars.

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Originally posted by Markustay

In Marco Volo: Journey, Gnolls are apparently active in the region around Iriaebor. I find it amusing that the accompanying illustration shows a gnoll with nun-chuks. I guess gnolls are monks.

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Originally posted by dazzlerdal

I'm sure i've read in a few sourcebooks that the elves and dwarves of the north expended much of their numbers and power keeping the orcs isolated in the Spine of the World.

Certainly once Eaerlann and Delzoun fail there is an explosion of orcs that reach progressively further south.

Not too sure on the origins of orcs since we have sources citing them fighting dwarves for control of their holds in the Spine of the World (which is pretty ancient) and that they arrived from elsewhere before the elves, none of this however excludes orcs being mutated humans, in fact the first mention of orcs has them led by a demon so it might be demon influence/breeding that creates the first orc. And gray orcs possibly came from another world so may or may not be related to mountain orcs (although the bloodlines appear to mingle in several places at several points in history)

Looking at timeline events i had a go at pinpointing the century in which orcs migrated into areas like the dalelands and the Moonsea and the Western Heartlands (and from what direction and subrace). The only problem is the Netheril sourcebook which just randomly chucks about 100000 orcs every centuries.




I think George has some alternative ideas on hobgoblins, with one branch existing in the Unapproachable East that may be a case of convergent evolution brought about by magical experimentation from dragons (dragons kidnap goblins, turn them into hobgoblins through magic and breeding, hobgoblins evolve naturally on their own in the south much later).

Given the hobgoblin intelligence and resourcefulness they exhibit above other goblinoids it is possible they migrated the normal way across Faerun by walking rather than hordes for orcs or magic for other races. With a hooded cloak they could probably pass for a sick human and travel right through human nations with little trouble (people avoid plague sufferers for fear of catching the disease).

Goblins are too small to notice and probably got pushed out of useful areas by humans into less hospitable terrain which explains their spread.

And then there is always the upper reaches of the Underdark which humanoids can use to migrate through (if they can find it)



I like gnolls in Thay, in what were once Sarrukh lands (masters of transmutation magic) and full of portals to whisk them away to other parts of Faerun. The Sarrukh were known to experiment on their servant races quite heavily so gnolls and centaurs have a possible origin there

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Originally posted by Markustay

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Originally posted by George Krashos

I don't think the lore supports gnolls ever being the "big bad", whereas orcs in the North have always been accorded this status.

Gongs can exist throughout the North and other parts, but they are simply not a major "player" in these areas.

-- George Krashos

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I haven't been attacked by a Gong in awhile.

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Originally posted by George Krashos

I don't think the lore supports gnolls ever being the "big bad", whereas orcs in the North have always been accorded this status.

Gongs can exist throughout the North and other parts, but they are simply not a major "player" in these areas.

-- George Krashos

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Originally posted by SaMoCon

I was actually looking at it more from the point of view of the original question.

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Originally posted by Bladewind

Are there any known tribes of gnolls in the more northern parts of Faerun? I always thought of them as more near desert nomads, but when I came across this picture, I kinda second guessed myself...

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There are significant populations of gnolls in the Shaar, the Hordelands, Thay, Anauroch, Dambrath (in the Gnollwatch Mountains) and Damarra. The North: Cities has Kismet's Champions being ambushed by gnolls in the Moonwoods. The Fall of Myth Drannor has a large component of the Army of Darkness that ran rampant through Cormanthor and doomed Myth Drannor as being gnolls. From the Moonsea, to the Lake of Steam, to the Sword Coast - those buggers seem to range far and wide. Yes, there are 3rd Ed references but a few 2nd Eds rear their heads as well. Even without this information I was just wondering why EricBoyd was so quick to dismiss gnolls, promote orcs, offer a hobgoblin alternative, suggest pinning the gnolls in the East, and advocating "sensible migration." The entire post hinged on orcs being the big bad so I wondered why, given x, y, and z, he thought that way.

Bladewind was asking about known tribes in Northern regions (not necessarily The North) which contradict his earlier notion of gnolls being wanderers of scorching deserts. Markustay, other than the novel you named, as far as I have seen, none of the sources name their tribes. Does anyone else have anything or do we just clear the way so that Markustay can take a victory lap for winning the thread.

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Originally posted by Bladewind

Are there any known tribes of gnolls in the more northern parts of Faerun? I always thought of them as more near desert nomads, but when I came across this picture, I kinda second guessed myself...

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Originally posted by Brian R. James

Samek is described as a gnome village in Soldiers of ice p.19.

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Originally posted by Markustay

I do see that Brian James turned the river from the novel into a town on the 4e Vassa map... still trying to figure that one out (but at least I know where that town came from now).

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Originally posted by ericlboydAccording to the FRCS (3e), there are gnolls in the High Forest. There has never been any reason (other than that source) to suppose gnolls are native to the North, so I've chosen never to mention them. (Don't contradict the source, but don't exacerbate it.) I think it's actually better to keep mountain orcs as the big threat of the North (supplemented by goblins and trolls) and keep gnolls and gray orcs as natives of the east (in the vicinity of the Thaymount)...

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Originally posted by Markustay

It must have smelled AWFUL.

Then again, given how often we here about characters bathing, the whole world must smell pretty awful. 50,000+ intelligent races on one world, and none of them have running water.

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Originally posted by Markustay

I do see that Brian James turned the river from the novel into a town on the 4e Vassa map... still trying to figure that one out (but at least I know where that town came from now).

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Originally posted by Lyiat

I seem to recall gnolls being counted among monsters whom Drizzt faced just after leaving the Underdark in the Dark Elf Trilogy.

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Originally posted by Markustay

I was doing some research yesterday when I came across an FR map I hadn't seen before, which had a gnoll town on it. It was from the novel Soldiers of Ice.

The entire thing takes place between Damara and the Great Glacier. Since there isn't anything between Damara and the Great Glacier (and the map had mountains, forests, etc), I find it kinda hard to justify and place. I do see that Brian James turned the river from the novel into a town on the 4e Vassa map... still trying to figure that one out (but at least I know where that town came from now).

Anyhow, the gnolls are detailed - I didn't get very far in (seemed kinda boring), but the whole first chapter is just gnolls - gnolls living right up against the Great Glacier. It doesn't get much further 'north' then that. Its also very apparent the author also thinks gnolls are dog-like.

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Northern Gnoll

Physiology
Gnolls of the north have notable for having relatively lanky, long limbs and a brighter fur colors than some of the other races. This fur is medium length and Adults can have anything from tawny brown to brilliant, golden pelts. While youth and kits have raw beige colored fur with a soft, downy texture and a general 'poofiness' that may remind someone of the fur of a Pomeranian. It should also be noted that gnolls require clothing to remain warm in the unforgiving chill of the north.

Personality
Northern gnolls are boastful, as are all gnolls but expect a little more work from their people then is normally common to gnollkind. This changes depending upon how unforgiving the environment is. They do tend to be insular but have a stronger sense of community than most gnolls.

Society
Northern gnolls have slightly differing naming standards from those of other regions. Firstly they have a given gnoll like "Krote", "Grash" or "Varrn" followed by a compound word nickname which is more commonly used such as "Wolf-Ear", "Word-Maker" "Spear-Biter" etc. Finally followed by a totem-based compound tribename. Such as "Strong-Bear" or "Frost-Worm" (although a few have tribenames that do not contain a totem, such as "Burnt Fur"). Northern gnolls are organized based upon Tribes, which contain a number of Lodges, within these lodges are packs. Packs usually hunt with eachother and sleep in a communal tent by pack. (for warmth) Although more important gnolls will have their own quarters usually with their own fires and wives.
Northern Gnolls have numerous social traditions. Marriage is to be declared before the entire tribe, the male stating that the female is now his. This is usually followed by ritual chants of celebration.
Generally, females must compete to find the best mates, as logically, all the females desire the chieftain or the best hunters as mates. In addition to physical prowess and aggressive, strong behavior, the amount the female owns is taken into consideration. All she has is given to the husband as a dowry and he will examine it to see if her possessions are worthwhile to him and his aids. A strong male is likely to have multiple wives, showing truly how much he owns and the levels of his prowess.

Alignment
They are generally evil and chaotic, but it's not uncommon for them to work with the other gnoll tribes and to a limited extent, human tribes.

Religion
Northern gnolls are one of the great holdout peoples and do not generally worship Yeenoghu. Gorellik is the dominant belief combined with a powerful superstitious bent. It's likely a number of northern gnoll tribes worship giantkin gods as well as deities such as Malar.

History
The gnolls of the North and the Savage Frontier have allot more difficulty even surviving than those in warmer regions. The weather is oppressive and the terrain treacherous. Due to this actual war is rather rare among their people, although conflict is still quite common.
Recently, the Harpers have begun working with the Gnolls of the north and a slow understanding is being created between their peoples. This started when the Burnt Fur tribe was attacked and taken over by an Ice Devil. The Devil was stopped with the aid of a Harper ranger of Mielikki named Martine, her Gnome companion Vilheim and a gnoll Shaman of Gorellik named Krote Word-Maker.

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