Physically, they are of medium height and rarely reach 6 feet in height. They have short, bristly, woolly fur that is sandy, reddish, or brownish-gray in color, with blackish or dark brown patches on the back, flanks and limbs. Their legs are slightly shorter than average, causing the hindquarters to tilt downwards. The neck is long and stout, and the head is large, round, and powerful, with a short muzzle and rounded ears. They also have a mane that extends from the neck down to the back, and sexual dimorphism in which females are larger and stockier than males.

Hyenas' society is strictly matriarchal and hierarchical. Within it, there are distinct social "castes": the imajaghan are noble tribes and have a monopoly on weapons, treasures, and steeds; the imghad are vassal tribes, freemen that practice trading and pastoralism, both with their own cattle and that of nobles to whom they are subjected; the ineslemen, who are usually entrusted with the management of sacred and spiritual traditions; the inădăn, blacksmiths, or artisans, who form a social group of their own; and the iklan, domestic slaves who often belong to different races and who often are given as war tributes to increase their wealth. Collective entities belonging to the Hyenas are, from smallest to largest: family, clan, tribe (tawshit), and the confederation (ettebel).
Hyenas are well known for their nomadic architecture made up of tents, and there are several styles, some covered with animal skin, some with mats. In their culture, a tent is traditionally built for the first time during a marriage ceremony and is considered an extension of this union. Hyenas are also called "the blue," due to the tradition of covering themselves with a tagelmust (a blue veil), of which some traces remain on the fur. There seems to be some rivalry between them and the Sailfishes regarding who owns the primacy of Marauders' order techniques.

Despite being a raiders’ society, Hyenas are not without good civil attitudes. One of their guest-welcoming customs is known as desert tea, as tea is considered a way to elevate the spirit and meditate. Tea is brewed three times: the first variant, filled with a bitter and strong blend, is called tea of death; the second is a sweeter blend with a bitter aftertaste, called tea of life, and finally, the third is a very sweet blend, the tea of love. They have also developed a fascinating culture of both romantic literature and music and have achieved a good level of knowledge about astronomy and math. Moreover, the discovery of opium poppies' properties and their marketing is commonly due to them.