Gnoll Racial Powers

Racial utility powers are a relatively new mechanic, introduced in Heroes of Shadow. They grant your PCs a dynamic way to make their race interesting throughout the tiers of play. The team at Wizards of the Coast have been releasing new racial powers for the classic races through the DDI. Some races seem to have a better chance of being selected over others, which is only natural.

One of the most neglected player races is the gnoll. Released early in 4e’s history via DDI, the gnoll was the first fully supported monster race. We say fully supported because it had more than one racial ability and some feats. When other races got options tied to classes, articles themes (not the mechanic), or updates due to Essentials changes, the gnolls were largely ignored.

I happen to like the gnoll though. It’s wild, it has claws and its even a little demonic. It comes jam packed with easy roleplaying opportunities for that player who loves not thinking about roleplaying and just wants to hit stuff with its great axe.

So with out further adieu, gnoll racial powers.

Demonic Resistance It’s no secret that gnoll blood sports a demonic lineage. Many scholars will claim this as the cause for their bloodlust and edge toward chaos. You’ve discovered a greater link, in the ability to mimic their variable resistance.

Demonic Resistance * Gnoll Racial Utility 2
As the pain washes over you, your blood turns and your abyssal heritage strengthens you against further blows.
Daily * Varies
Immediate Reaction * Personal
Trigger: You take acid, cold, fire, lightning or thunder damage
Effect: You gain resist 5 to the triggering damage type until the end of the encounter. The resistance increases to 10 at 11th level and 15 at 21st level.

Predator’s Judgement Gnolls are natural hunters and you are no exception. Closer interaction with other humanoids have allowed your skills to evolve for more situations. There are many obvious signs when dealing with liars, if only you’re sharp enough to notice them.

Predator’s Judgement * Gnoll Racial Utility 6
Your questions to this man put him on edge. The smell of his sweat, shake of his hand and sound of his racing heart, gives you the worth of his tale.
Encounter
Free Action * Personal
Effect: You roll Perception when you would normally roll Insight to discern motive or determine the truth of a person’s words.

Savage Bound Through woods, plains and battlefields, life with your tribe taught you to adapt your footing to the fight at hand. When in need, you can always find a path to charge.

Savage Bound * Gnoll Racial Utility 10
You push yourself forward leaping quickly from one foot-hold to another.
Encounter
Move Action * Personal
Effect: You move up to your speed, ignoring difficult terrain. You can use this movement as part of a charge.

Pack Domination The pack is strong because the pack works as one. You and your allies have learned each others skills and tactics. When you knock someone down, everyone works together so they do not get up.

Pack Domination * Gnoll Racial Utility 16
You work with your allies to take the foe off balance. A mighty blow knocks him to the ground, and you swarm to keep him down.
Encounter
Free Action * Personal
Trigger: You hit with a melee attack against a target that has one or more of your allies adjacent.
Effect: The target is prone (save ends).

Yeenoghu’s Blessing The demon lord Yeenoghu is a mad and bloodthirsty master. Even those gnolls who do not worship him feel his taint in their blood. His blessings extend to any who revel in the slaughter.

Yeenoghu’s Blessing * Gnoll Racial Utility 22
Your sacrifice to your demonic lord does not go unnoticed. Bathed in blood, you begin to slaughter your opponents outright.
Daily
Free Action * Personal
Trigger: You reduce a non-minion enemy to 0 hit points.
Effect: Until the end of the encounter, you deal an extra 2d8 damage when you hit with an attack against a bloodied enemy.