Gnolls are nomadic, demon-worshipping, feral, and hyena-like humanoids who rarely stay in one place for long. When gnolls attack and pillage a settlement, they raid in rapacious packs capturing slaves and leaving nothing behind except razed buildings and gnawed corpses. Similar to other races of humanoids, gnolls fight among themselves for dominance. Some packs are even willing to become mercenaries or bodyguards for anyone - for the right price.

Gnolls detest physical labor and often use slaves to perform menial chores. Prisoners and slaves are often brutally treated at the hands of ruthless gnoll overseers. Only two things are certain for the life of a slave in a gnoll camp: misery and punishment.

Gnoll are also very fanatical creatures. An important part of a gnoll's daily ritual includes worshipping the demon-gnoll Yeenoghu. In the name of their master, the Beast of Butchery and Ruler of Ruin, they participate in rituals that involve acts of depravity and self-mutilation, brutally sacrificing themselves and feasting on the unfortunates that fall under their claw.

Gnolls are also fearless and ruthless in combat. They decorate their armors and encampments with bones from fallen enemies, casting fear into the hearts of anyone daring to cross their path or those unfortunate enough to be in their path. Weapons were never a concern for gnolls since they were always unskilled blacksmiths and artisans. Only wearing patchwork armor and using primitive or stolen weapons, gnolls only need to rely on their claws in combat.

Also, they are pack fighters, tracking their target with their incredible sense of smell. With an insatiable taste for blood, they become frenetic beasts when enemies are near. With surprising agility, they can leap and close in on targets from incredible distances. Countless soldiers have fallen this way without ever getting a chance to retaliate.

Due to their malice and cunning, gnolls have taken up with bandits and pirates around the Sword Coast in Neverwinter. Most notable are the bandits operating out of Blackdagger Ruins along the High Road, and those acting as slavers in drow raiding parties. Blackdagger Ruins are infested with them where they can be seen fighting alongside pirates against Neverwinter's heroes. There are even reports of monstrous gnolls spotted inside the ruins - be wary at all times!

Gnolls will feature some of the most fearsome and toughest enemies you will encounter in the Forgotten Realms. Will you stand and fight to protect Faerûn against the gnolls?

Click here to register for Neverwinter, the upcoming free-to-play Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG. The best part about Neverwinter: it's free to play! Prepare by becoming a Hero of the North today with a Founder's Pack purchase!  

Want more game details, screens, and videos? Like Neverwinter on Facebook for more fan-exclusive content and follow us on Twitter – tweet us your questions! And, subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest Neverwinter videos.