Home/Monsters/Monsters & Creatures/Gnoll 5e Stats

Gnoll 5e Stats

Medium Humanoid, Chaotic Evil

At a Glance

CR
1/2
Type
Humanoid
Size
Medium
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
AC
15 (hide armor, shield)
HP
22 (5d8)
Speed30 ft.

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Ability ScoresKey AbilitiesTacticsEncounter TipsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Ability Scores

str
14
+2
dex
12
+1
con
11
+0
int
6
-2
wis
10
+0
cha
7
-2

Key Abilities

AbilityDescription
RampageWhen gnoll reduces creature to 0 HP with melee attack, it can use bonus action to move up to half speed and make bite attack.
Bite+4 to hit, 4 (1d4+2) piercing damage.
SpearMelee or ranged, +4 to hit, 5 (1d6+2) or 6 (1d8+2) two-handed piercing damage.

How to Run This Monster

Swarm weak targets to trigger rampage. Focus fire to drop enemies quickly. Fight with frenzied bloodlust.

Encounter Ideas

Use packs of 4-8 gnolls. Add a gnoll pack lord for CR 2 challenge. They attack caravans and small settlements.

Loot
Crude weapons, hide armor, bone jewelry (2d10 gp), spoiled rations.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Not using rampage ability—it's what makes gnolls scary
Common Mistake
Playing them too tactically—they're savage and reckless

DM Tips

DM Tip
Describe their hyena-like cackling during combat
DM Tip
Show aftermath of gnoll raids for motivation

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading