Editing Gnolls (section)

=== Appearance ===
A Gnoll resembles a large, anthropomorphic hyena.<ref name=":0">[[Chapter 1.13]]</ref> They are the largest bipedal non-monster race native to Izril, and among the largest in the entire world. Only [[Antinium|Soldier Antinium]] and [[Minotaurs]] are directly confirmed as larger.<ref name=":37">[[Chapter 1.26 (Archived)]]</ref><ref name=":19">[[Chapter 3.35]]</ref> Few Gnolls are less than six feet tall,<ref name=":0" /> and the source text has [[Bearclaw|many]] [[Brunkr|examples]] [[Garusa Weatherfur|notably]] [[Bekia|larger]] than that. Based on this, it can be speculated that their racial median is several inches above six feet.
[[File:Mrsha by flauschesoeckchen.PNG|thumb|Gnoll child (Mrsha as imagined by flauschesoeckchen)]]
In addition to their height, Gnolls have a distinct, thickset build.<ref name=":7">[[Chapter 4.08 T]]</ref> Not like the mountains of muscle that are Minotaurs, but they are still ''strong''. Stronger than Humans or Drakes, easily. Most adults can bench press 200 pounds without prior training.<ref>[[Interlude – Lifting Ants]]</ref> Both [[Erin Solstice|Erin]] and [[Ryoka Griffin|Ryoka]] have separately been reminded of bears when considering their build.<ref name=":1">[[Chapter 1.20 (Archived)]]</ref><ref name=":8">[[Chapter 2.08]]</ref> And their hugs are apparently just as crushing.<ref name=":1" /> Erin’s first real conversation with Krshia involves her knees buckling when the Gnoll gives her a friendly clap on the shoulder.<ref name=":1" />

No mention is made of the weight of a typical Gnoll. However, based on the size and build, rough estimates would place them at least around 250 pounds. Or more, depending on the individual. Their fur alone probably adds a solid ten pounds on top of what a comparably built Human might weigh.

There is less sexual dimorphism among Gnolls than there is among Humans.<ref name=":63" /> Both genders reach the same heights and body mass.<ref>[[Chapter 6.57]]</ref> Erin could not initially tell that Krshia was in fact female, and only realized it the second time they met.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Female Gnolls are said to wear breast bands for modesty,<ref name=":4" /> implying that they have Human-like breasts up on their chests, but they may be less well developed and/or been covered by clothing, explaining Erin’s confusion.

Gnoll fur is thick, shaggy, wiry, and scruffy.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":3" /> It comes in a large variety of colors, from black over grey to blond, in all shades of brown, and even reddish-orange tones.<ref name=":7.10 K" /> It can be uniform, or have markings in the form of spots, stripes, or mottling. Very rarely, it might be pure white, but that is an unnatural color and carries a deeply negative significance among Gnolls.<ref name=":21">[[Chapter 3.27 M]]</ref> In spring and fall, Gnolls shed profusely as they change between summer and winter coats.<ref name=":1" />

Gnolls have large, jagged, bone-crushing teeth in the typical hyena fashion.<ref name=":0" /> Their faces feature damp noses<ref>[[Chapter 3.22 L]]</ref> and whiskers.<ref name=":0" /> Gnoll eyes have no whites, just dark pupils and colored cornea.<ref name=":14">[[Chapter 1.34 (Archived)]]</ref> Their highly mobile ears, while often mentioned in relation to body language, are never actually described in detail in the source text. If following the hyena analogy, Gnoll ears could be quite large, round with a slight tip, and furred both inside and out.

Gnoll hands and feet are exclusively referred to as ‘paws’ in the source material, including by Gnolls themselves.<ref name=":3" /> This implies short, stubby digits in lieu of a Human's longer fingers. However, they are said to be reasonably dexterous for what they are.<ref>[[Chapter 6.10]]</ref> Throughout the story, Gnolls are seen using tools, weapons, musical instruments, and other devices made for Humans or Drakes without any apparent disadvantage. Additionally, Gnolls feature large retractable claws on all four paws,<ref name=":3" /> in the typical feline fashion. This is unlike real hyenas, whose claws do not retract.

Gnolls also have bushy tails, which are of significant importance to their body language, together with their ears.<ref name=":15">[[Chapter 2.13]]</ref>

It is said that Gnolls have a certain bestial air around them,<ref name=":12">[[Chapter 1.31 (Archived)]]</ref> and Humans in the story are often very uncomfortable in their presence when not used to dealing with them.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8" /> The fact that Gnoll smiles are ''very'' toothy<ref name=":38">[[Chapter 1.32 (Archived)]]</ref> even when well-meaning probably doesn’t help...