Difference between revisions of "Gnoll"
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On the one hand, their bizarrely altered brains now have incredible proficiency at learning every skill. On the other, these same alterations have rendered Gnolls incapable of selective learning. They learn all skills equally at the same time, so it's hard for them to learn more about any one thing. | On the one hand, their bizarrely altered brains now have incredible proficiency at learning every skill. On the other, these same alterations have rendered Gnolls incapable of selective learning. They learn all skills equally at the same time, so it's hard for them to learn more about any one thing. | ||
| − | In order to survive with this limitation, Gnolls use their universal knowledge | + | In order to survive with this limitation, Gnolls use their universal knowledge to take advantage of every resource they find in the Dungeon. They also have powerful noses adapted to the Dungeon's scents, allowing them to easily locate where treasures lay hidden.}} |
==Innate Abilities== | ==Innate Abilities== | ||
| − | *Distributed Training: Gnolls' experience is split equally to | + | *'''[[Distributed Training]]:''' Gnolls' experience is split equally to all skills. |
| − | *[[Fangs]] 1: Gnolls can make an [[auxiliary attack|auxiliary bite attack]]. | + | *'''[[Fangs]] 1:''' Gnolls can make an [[auxiliary attack|auxiliary bite attack]]. |
| − | *[[Strong Nose]]: Gnolls can sense the location of nearby items on the floor. | + | *'''[[Strong Nose]]:''' Gnolls can sense the location of nearby items on the floor. |
Gnolls have a base [[Strength]] of 7, [[Intelligence]] of 7 and [[Dexterity]] of 7 (before Background modifiers). | Gnolls have a base [[Strength]] of 7, [[Intelligence]] of 7 and [[Dexterity]] of 7 (before Background modifiers). | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
*+1 [[strength]], [[intelligence]], or [[dexterity]] every 4 levels | *+1 [[strength]], [[intelligence]], or [[dexterity]] every 4 levels | ||
*Average [[HP]] and [[MP]] | *Average [[HP]] and [[MP]] | ||
| − | *+3 [[ | + | *+3 [[willpower]] per level |
==Difficulty of Play== | ==Difficulty of Play== | ||
| Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
Gnolls are jacks of all trades, but masters of none. Using what the game provides you as far as items and spells is essential. On the other hand, you will always have skill for any good item you find, which makes skilling and gearing easier. Gnolls also have an easier time with triple school spells than most other races, as they train all three schools at once. | Gnolls are jacks of all trades, but masters of none. Using what the game provides you as far as items and spells is essential. On the other hand, you will always have skill for any good item you find, which makes skilling and gearing easier. Gnolls also have an easier time with triple school spells than most other races, as they train all three schools at once. | ||
| − | Notably, Gnoll's | + | Notably, Gnoll's phenomenal +8 and +6 aptitudes mean that they start with inflated skill in whatever their [[background]] provides. While largely meaningless in the endgame, it does make their starts a lot easier. |
{{species_aptitudes|Gnoll}} | {{species_aptitudes|Gnoll}} | ||
==Strategy== | ==Strategy== | ||
| − | Given that a Gnoll's skills will be at around 16 once hitting character level 27, going for high level spells will be a challenge, and min delay with heavier weapons will not be possible without boosts from [[Okawaru]] or [[Ashenzari]]. This leads to | + | Given that a Gnoll's skills will be at around 16 once hitting character level 27, going for high-level spells will be a challenge, and min delay with heavier weapons will not be possible without boosts from [[Okawaru]] or [[Ashenzari]]. This leads to a hybrid character that should use every advantage they've got - from hexes, summons, and ranged combat - before engaging in melee. |
| − | + | ==Tips and Tricks== | |
*[[Okawaru]] is a popular god choice for gnolls because of weapon and armour gifts and skill boosts. Since gnolls can use every weapon equally well, Oka's gifts are easier to use and never require retraining if you get something absurdly powerful. | *[[Okawaru]] is a popular god choice for gnolls because of weapon and armour gifts and skill boosts. Since gnolls can use every weapon equally well, Oka's gifts are easier to use and never require retraining if you get something absurdly powerful. | ||
*[[Cheibriados]]ʼ stat boosts enable a gnoll to comfortably use any item or spell the game throws at it, at the cost of slow movement speed. This speed penalty may be worth paying in exchange for being able to deal with practically any situation before it becomes dangerous. | *[[Cheibriados]]ʼ stat boosts enable a gnoll to comfortably use any item or spell the game throws at it, at the cost of slow movement speed. This speed penalty may be worth paying in exchange for being able to deal with practically any situation before it becomes dangerous. | ||
| − | * | + | *[[Ashenzari]]'s skill boosts can help bolster your average skill levels enough to make use of high-end items and spells. |
| + | *Gnolls' ability to use anything and everything has the downside of making inventory management even more of an issue than for all other characters. | ||
===Weapon Choice=== | ===Weapon Choice=== | ||
| − | + | Gnolls have a unique dilemma - ''what exactly do I use''? Here are a few points on melee weapons: | |
| − | Gnolls have a unique | ||
*The main thing to keep in mind is attack delay - you almost always want to keep it below 1.0. Above that, and you risk normal speed enemies double-hitting you. You can press '''@''' to see the delay with your current weapon. | *The main thing to keep in mind is attack delay - you almost always want to keep it below 1.0. Above that, and you risk normal speed enemies double-hitting you. You can press '''@''' to see the delay with your current weapon. | ||
| − | *[[Dagger]]s are a useful swap-out when you want to [[stab]] | + | *[[Dagger]]s are a useful swap-out when you want to [[stab]], whether you're sneaking up on your foes or using [[Hexes]] or [[wand]]s to give yourself opportunities. |
| − | *Artefacts aren't necessarily better than a mundane (branded) weapon | + | *Artefacts aren't necessarily better than a mundane (branded) weapon, but they might come with a nice [[brand]] or some neat properties. |
| − | *Gnolls | + | *Gnolls more often than not prefer wearing some sort of shield. Two-handed weapons require high skill levels, and they are already training Shields skill, anyway. [[Buckler]]s and [[orb]]s are universally useful, while [[kite shield]]s are good if you can cast necessary spells reliably in them. |
====Early Dungeon==== | ====Early Dungeon==== | ||
| − | *[[Brand]]s and [[enchantment]] are the main distinguishing factors throughout the early | + | *[[Brand]]s and [[enchantment]] are the main distinguishing factors throughout the early Dungeon. A [[dagger]] of [[venom]] on a Human is already strong enough to beat enemies on route to [[Lair]], and a +9 [[randart]] [[freezing]] flail will probably be useful for longer. |
| − | *Gnolls, thanks to their +8 aptitudes, will start with great skill in whatever weapon they start with. Make sure to use that. | + | *Gnolls, thanks to their +8 aptitudes, will start with great skill in whatever weapon school they start with. Make sure to make use of that. |
| − | *[[Polearm]]s | + | *As hostile [[gnoll (monster)|gnolls]] will happily demonstrate, [[Polearm]]s are great to use in the beginning. The extra hit, as well as the low skill requirements of [[spear]]s and [[trident]]s, are great perks in the early game. |
====Mid-game Options==== | ====Mid-game Options==== | ||
| − | *Many fast, low skill, and powerful options exist. | + | *Many fast, low-skill, and powerful options exist. [[Demon whip]]s, [[demon trident]]s, and [[demon blade]]s are all effective in terms of power, speed, and skill. Other good, non-demonic weapons include [[morningstar]]s, [[eveningstar]]s, and [[scimitar]]s. |
*[[Axes]] are still respectable throughout the entire game, thanks to their [[cleave]]. | *[[Axes]] are still respectable throughout the entire game, thanks to their [[cleave]]. | ||
*With a strong [[Transmutation]], like [[Blade Hands]] or [[Statue Form]], you may consider [[Unarmed Combat]] - though Gnoll's low skill makes UC a poor choice without the help from [[Okawaru]]. | *With a strong [[Transmutation]], like [[Blade Hands]] or [[Statue Form]], you may consider [[Unarmed Combat]] - though Gnoll's low skill makes UC a poor choice without the help from [[Okawaru]]. | ||
| − | * | + | *[[Scrolls of enchant weapon]] represent another form of dedication. A good base weapon that's well enchanted and branded (+6 [[vorpal]] [[broad axe]], [[eveningstar]], demon weapons, etc.) will remain passable throughout the game. |
| − | ** | + | **If you find a strong artefact (especially certain [[unrand]]s), it's probably worth using. |
==History== | ==History== | ||
Revision as of 05:03, 1 March 2022
Version 0.28: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.
This article covers the player species. For the monster, see Gnoll (monster). For a list of all monstrous gnolls, see List of gnolls.
| Gnolls are a race of caniform humanoids originally hailing from the arid deserts and grasslands of the east. In recent history they have become unusually attracted to the Dungeon, establishing tribes around and even inside of it. Unfortunately their long stay in the Dungeon has exposed their somewhat fragile minds to excessive amounts of its magic.
On the one hand, their bizarrely altered brains now have incredible proficiency at learning every skill. On the other, these same alterations have rendered Gnolls incapable of selective learning. They learn all skills equally at the same time, so it's hard for them to learn more about any one thing. In order to survive with this limitation, Gnolls use their universal knowledge to take advantage of every resource they find in the Dungeon. They also have powerful noses adapted to the Dungeon's scents, allowing them to easily locate where treasures lay hidden. |
Contents
Innate Abilities
- Distributed Training: Gnolls' experience is split equally to all skills.
- Fangs 1: Gnolls can make an auxiliary bite attack.
- Strong Nose: Gnolls can sense the location of nearby items on the floor.
Gnolls have a base Strength of 7, Intelligence of 7 and Dexterity of 7 (before Background modifiers).
Preferred Backgrounds
- Adventurer: Wanderer
- Warrior-mages: Transmuter, Warper, Arcane Marksman
Level Bonuses
Difficulty of Play
| Simple • Intermediate • Advanced |
Gnolls are jacks of all trades, but masters of none. Using what the game provides you as far as items and spells is essential. On the other hand, you will always have skill for any good item you find, which makes skilling and gearing easier. Gnolls also have an easier time with triple school spells than most other races, as they train all three schools at once.
Notably, Gnoll's phenomenal +8 and +6 aptitudes mean that they start with inflated skill in whatever their background provides. While largely meaningless in the endgame, it does make their starts a lot easier.
Skill aptitudes
The higher the value, the better the aptitude.
| Skill | Aptitude | Skill | Aptitude | Skill | Aptitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | Miscellaneous | Magic | |||
| Fighting | 8 | Armour | 8 | Spellcasting | 8 |
| Dodging | 8 | ||||
| Maces & Flails | 8 | Shields | 8 | Conjurations | 6 |
| Axes | 8 | Stealth | 8 | Hexes | 6 |
| Polearms | 8 | Summonings | 6 | ||
| Staves | 8 | Invocations | 9 | Necromancy | 6 |
| Unarmed Combat | 8 | Evocations | 8 | Translocations | 6 |
| Throwing | 8 | Shapeshifting | 7 | Alchemy | 6 |
| Fire Magic | 6 | ||||
| Short Blades | 8 | Ice Magic | 6 | ||
| Long Blades | 8 | Air Magic | 6 | ||
| Ranged Weapons | 8 | Experience | 0 | Earth Magic | 6 |
Strategy
Given that a Gnoll's skills will be at around 16 once hitting character level 27, going for high-level spells will be a challenge, and min delay with heavier weapons will not be possible without boosts from Okawaru or Ashenzari. This leads to a hybrid character that should use every advantage they've got - from hexes, summons, and ranged combat - before engaging in melee.
Tips and Tricks
- Okawaru is a popular god choice for gnolls because of weapon and armour gifts and skill boosts. Since gnolls can use every weapon equally well, Oka's gifts are easier to use and never require retraining if you get something absurdly powerful.
- Cheibriadosʼ stat boosts enable a gnoll to comfortably use any item or spell the game throws at it, at the cost of slow movement speed. This speed penalty may be worth paying in exchange for being able to deal with practically any situation before it becomes dangerous.
- Ashenzari's skill boosts can help bolster your average skill levels enough to make use of high-end items and spells.
- Gnolls' ability to use anything and everything has the downside of making inventory management even more of an issue than for all other characters.
Weapon Choice
Gnolls have a unique dilemma - what exactly do I use? Here are a few points on melee weapons:
- The main thing to keep in mind is attack delay - you almost always want to keep it below 1.0. Above that, and you risk normal speed enemies double-hitting you. You can press @ to see the delay with your current weapon.
- Daggers are a useful swap-out when you want to stab, whether you're sneaking up on your foes or using Hexes or wands to give yourself opportunities.
- Artefacts aren't necessarily better than a mundane (branded) weapon, but they might come with a nice brand or some neat properties.
- Gnolls more often than not prefer wearing some sort of shield. Two-handed weapons require high skill levels, and they are already training Shields skill, anyway. Bucklers and orbs are universally useful, while kite shields are good if you can cast necessary spells reliably in them.
Early Dungeon
- Brands and enchantment are the main distinguishing factors throughout the early Dungeon. A dagger of venom on a Human is already strong enough to beat enemies on route to Lair, and a +9 randart freezing flail will probably be useful for longer.
- Gnolls, thanks to their +8 aptitudes, will start with great skill in whatever weapon school they start with. Make sure to make use of that.
- As hostile gnolls will happily demonstrate, Polearms are great to use in the beginning. The extra hit, as well as the low skill requirements of spears and tridents, are great perks in the early game.
Mid-game Options
- Many fast, low-skill, and powerful options exist. Demon whips, demon tridents, and demon blades are all effective in terms of power, speed, and skill. Other good, non-demonic weapons include morningstars, eveningstars, and scimitars.
- Axes are still respectable throughout the entire game, thanks to their cleave.
- With a strong Transmutation, like Blade Hands or Statue Form, you may consider Unarmed Combat - though Gnoll's low skill makes UC a poor choice without the help from Okawaru.
- Scrolls of enchant weapon represent another form of dedication. A good base weapon that's well enchanted and branded (+6 vorpal broad axe, eveningstar, demon weapons, etc.) will remain passable throughout the game.
- If you find a strong artefact (especially certain unrands), it's probably worth using.
History
- Prior to 0.27, their base attributes were 10 Str / 10 Int / 10 Dex.
- Gnolls were added in 0.21.
| Species | |
|---|---|
| Simple | Mountain Dwarf • Minotaur • Merfolk • Gargoyle • Draconian • Troll • Deep Elf • Armataur • Gnoll |
| Intermediate | Human • Kobold • Demonspawn • Djinni • Spriggan • Ghoul • Tengu • Oni • Barachi |
| Advanced | Coglin • Vine Stalker • Vampire • Demigod • Formicid • Naga • Octopode • Felid • Mummy |
