Another race for my upcoming story. Any feedback or suggestion on these characters is much appreciated.

Name: Gnoll(s)

Appearance: Gnolls are a large and broad race of people. While not nearly as big as giants, most of the men near seven feet in height and the women near six. The men are build broad and muscular, and the women are full-figured and also have great strength. It is not uncommon to see an overweight gnoll, even these, however, possess incredible strength and athletic ability. Gnolls tend to be rather hirsute beings as well. They are known for the fluff of untamable hair on the tops of their heads. Men typically have black, brown, or blond hair; women are apt to sport more colorful hair. For the most part, gnolls are darker skinned, with an olive to woody brown skin tone. Fair-skinned gnolls are rare. They have bigger noses/nostrils than many races, though possess the typical pointed ear, albeit theirs are the most slight of all the races despite their larger size. Big feet and big hands are also an attribute of such a race.

Biology: Gnolls are big-boned and their bodies are hearty ones. With a copious muscle mass, they are incredibly strong and despite their size, extremely fast, and otherwise athletically adept. They’re skin is thick compared to other races as well. Thus, if there is a war, the gnolls are the race typically on the front lines. They shed twice a year. Their villages are mostly located in the north, eliciting cold winters and warm summers The gnolls have a winter “coat” that acts to collect and insulate them with warmth. Before the warm weather comes, they shed again so that their fur is really nothing more than hair, thus without this feature.
While gnolls are an incredibly strong race, they possess inherent weaknesses. Because of the weight on them, the other gnolls are typically ridden with aches, pains, and arthritis. Mild dementia is not uncommon.They also do not live very long. Sixty years is usually as old as a gnoll gets.

Culture: Gnolls tend to be gentle giants. They are capable of inflicting much damage because of how they are built, however, instead of using such for violence, they utilize their abilities for work. In their region, there are two abundant natural materials; trees and rocks. The northern regions have a tree that is unique to their area. Massive in hight and berth, the trees can only be likened to willow trees, and only slightly. Rather than leaves, the trees have long vines. They are thick, but strangely soft. The gnolls depend on these trees for shelter and clothing. A single tree can build a complete gnoll house, and is necessary more than other trees because of their thickness; the gnolls are not likely to break anything made of their bark. This cannot be said for other trees. The vines are excellent for weaving winter clothing as well.
The gnolls are a simple race and value usefulness and practicality over beauty. Thus, they do not possess colorful clothing or ornate jewelry for the most part. Education in subjects that do not involve skills necessary for their work are not taught. In fact, written language they only learn because of their need of it during war. Other subjects, such as art and music are almost nonexistent.
The gnolls are a humble race and highly prize two things; the natural world and food. Animals in their region can grow to be quite large and are highly prized among the people. Pets and animal companions are almost a given. Especially wolves, as they make good hunting companions and horses, for they are useful for traveling and farm work and their gentle disposition is well-liked. Oxen and cattle also possess their own sentimental and loving value, aside from their usefulness.
Food and feasts are popular with the gnolls, so much so that a meal that is not a grand feast in their house is an anomaly. With the importance of the occasion, the feast and party aspects only grow.
Gnolls have big families and value family life immensely. It is not uncommon for a gnoll family to comprise of more than ten people. It is traditional to live in close proximity with the entire family, and so gnoll societies are quite close-knit. Homes are akin to Iroquois. They are long, with holes in the top to let out smoke from a fire and they are filled with rows of bunk beds for the family. There is a separate room for the kitchen and dining areas. Women cook while the men prepare the table and such for company, or simply their own families. The room is massive and the tables can fit incredible amounts of people.
While a celebratory people, they are not nearly as so as the Drakai in certain areas. Gnolls do mourn the death of loved ones, and do so for a period of thirty days. During this time, the fast everyday, only eating while the sun is not up. They are to remain silent during this time as well. At night time, the other gnolls in the village cook a meal each for the family, so during their grief, they do not cook. For dinner, the entire community gathers in a large dining hall made for such a purpose. The family can then talk and break their fast. The time is a very bitter-sweet occasion. For the gnolls mourn the loss of a loved one from their lives, but also recognize that their loved one is without suffering and in a substantially better place. The funeral and mourning serve relieve their feelings of grief while rejoicing for the fortune of their loved one.
While gnolls do not care much for the things others may describe as beautiful, they do export vast quantities of valuable stones, minerals, metals, etc. As their region is quite abundant with it.

Nice idea, I really like the part about the arthritis. Very well thought out.

How did you get the name Gnolls?

Thanks. In the world I put them in, each race has an evil counterpart, with a similar name to the original just to clarify what exactly the are. I wanted to incorporate trolls into my world, but making them good didn't sit right with me. So I thought of random sounds replace the "tr" in "trolls" and "Gnolls" just sounded good to me.

ohh, good idea

Thanks.

I like this. Very creative and anti-cliche.
I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into this--race building is obviously something you're very good at. Maybe sometime I'll have to get a few pointers from ya.

Wow, thanks. That was one of the things I was going for, because a lot of the stuff I'm doing in the novel they're in has the possibility of being really cliche, so I wanted to do something unique.
I'm flattered.

I like your race a lot.
You might consider a diffident name though as "Gnoll" has been used before. They are a cross between a gnome and a troll in the game "Dungeons and Dragons."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnoll

I know. When I found that out, I was so disappointed, lol. I got bored and one of the threads on the NaNoWriMo forums was a suggestion to look up the names of places on Google and see what you got. I did that with names of races, because I didn't have an places yet and found that out. I haven't used the name yet though, so at least I can figure out what to call the race before then.

I know what you mean. Whenever I come up with a word I Google it to make sure of how it is being used.

That's a good idea. One I may borrow.