Editing Gnolls (section)

=== Ancient Origins ===
Gnolls are among the oldest species in Innworld. They predate recorded history - not just their own, but ''anyone’s'' recorded history.<ref name=":6" /> As the Gnolls recall it, they were present during all of history’s major eras and ages, which they have given names: the Time of Hiding (Gnollkind is forced underground), the Sunset of Flame (presumably the end of the reign of [[Dragons]] on Izril, though not specifically explained), the Faded Times (when magic died), the Rain of Scales (details unknown), the Age of Theft (the [[Selphid]] slave empire), the Twilight of Magic (the fall of the [[Half-Elves]]), Skyfall's Memory (the last war of the [[Giants]]), and many others.<ref name=":6" /> The current age has also been named by the Gnolls: the Waning World.<ref name=":6" /> This is based on the fact that, while Gnolls have historically been a world power, they have declined immensely since the Human invasion of Izril, and have not been able to return to their former strength.<ref name=":6" />

Gnolls have historically been found on all continents,<ref name=":6" /> but it is implied that they originated on Izril<ref name=":18" />. Both Gnolls and Drakes lived on the whole continent,<ref name=":18" /> but Gnolls were always more numerous in the north<ref name=":18" />. This could mean that the forested rolling hills of the north are the cradle of Gnollkind, while the Drakes originated in the swampy prairies of the south. Gnolls used to have eight "Heartlands" around the world, where Gnolls roamed freely.<ref name=":76" />

At some point in the past, Dragons ruled Izril, and kept their descendants, the Drakes, as slaves.<ref name=":25" /> The Gnolls, meanwhile, were hunted as food by Dragons and Drakes alike,<ref name=":18" /> and skinned for their pelts.<ref name=":65">[[Chapter 6.30]]</ref> To escape this predation, the Gnolls fled and hid wherever they could - ultimately, even underground.<ref name=":18" /> First in caves, then ever deeper. But Gnolls are outdoor creatures,<ref name=":26" /> and the darkness and confinement did not sit well with them. A number of Gnolls lost their minds, and eventually changed - they gave up their levels and their sentience, becoming a semi-feral, subterranean offshoot of the race that the Gnolls dubbed the Raskghar.<ref name=":18" /> They began to hunt the Gnolls, and the Gnolls fought back, declaring a total extermination war that is still in effect today.<ref name=":18" />