Shade Gnoll Riot Forces

Story so far

Two of them work the Security Checkpoint above Earth, and Carl recognises them for what they are: the Shade Gnoll Riot Forces, real ones, mercenaries — not the dungeon's manufactured version of the same creature. They enter from above, dropping feet-first through a hatch Carl had not spotted, landing heavily on either side of the crawlers like commandos running a raid. No tool tips pop up for them.

Each is armored head to foot except the head in plastic-like body armor bearing rank insignia on the chest, carries what look like pulse rifles slung over the shoulder, and wears a scanner on the wrist like an oversized watch. Oddly, each also has a pair of large, old-school diver's flippers tied to the waist and dangling. One scans Carl, asks whether he is holding explosives, grunts with amusement at his answer, and pats him down roughly without responding to his complaint about AI scanners. The other checks Princess Donut, handles her Enchanted Collar Charm of the Effete Bourgeoisie, and pronounces them clear before scratching her under the chin on his way out. Both then leap back through the ceiling hatch, flying higher and more expertly than Carl expected in the low gravity.

Appearance

Hyena-headed shade gnolls encased in matte plastic-like body armor with chest rank insignia, pulse rifles over the shoulder, wrist scanners like oversized watches, and large old-fashioned diver's flippers tied dangling at the waist.

Role

Professional mercenary security staffing the orbital checkpoint on the route to the show, and the first genuine article Carl has met of a creature he only knew as a dungeon NPC.

Relationships

Earlier in this series

Also appears in books you've already read — spoiler-safe to their endings:

• Carl's Doomsday ScenarioBook 2