Carmine Jaws is typically depicted as a hyena and is widely believed to be a gnoll, but some historians do argue he might have been a human who preferred polymorphing into a hyena or had a hyena familiar. Either way, Carmine Jaws is seen as the main reason why the Magaambya accepts gnolls as students so readily.

The following story is frequently used to justify Nantambu's tradition of leaving a spare chair, teacher Tahenkot believes it is actually about Carmine Jaws.

A strong young man went traveling during the spring when he came upon a village. “Hello, I am traveling to see my brother to celebrate his wedding and need wine for the party.” The village, seeing he was young and capable, offered him work in exchange for wine, but they kept the best for themselves. After getting his wine, he went on his way.

A wise middle-aged man went traveling during the summer when he came upon the village. “Hello, I am traveling to see my students and need food for the journey.” The village saw he was wise and offered him food in exchange for teaching their children, but saved the best food for themselves. After getting his food, he went on his way.

A decrepit homeless old man went traveling during the fall when he came upon the village. “Hello, I am traveling to visit my home to perform a funeral for my parents and need a room to rest in and a fire to warm my feet before I continue my journey.” The village, seeing he was old and poor told him they had no room nor fire to spare and sent him away tired and cold. A child, moved with compassion, gave the horrific figure his wooden toy. “Sir, I don't have much, but when my parents make me sad, this this toy brings me joy.” The homeless man thanked the child and went on his way.

Then it was winter and was very harsh. Misfortune fell upon the village and a magical mishap caused their storeroom to be destroyed. Their wine ran out, their food froze, and their homes could not keep the cold out. Then, (Old-Mage Jatembe / Carmine Jaws) came to the village for he heard their cries. “Help us, for our children are hungry and cold.” (Old-Mage Jatembe / Carmine Jaws) said to them, “when I was strong, you gave me watered down wine. When I was wise, you gave me stale bread. When I was (old / ugly), you left me cold and tired.” Seeing their mistake, they apologized profusely for the error of their ways. (Old-Mage Jatembe / Carmine Jaws) turned to the child and said “but, because of you, I will help the village.” Using magic, (Old-Mage Jatembe / Carmine Jaws) gave the village an abundance of fine wine and luxurious food and fixed their houses. And to the child, he gave a magical toy that never broke.

Teacher Tahenkot believes this to be a Carmine Jaws story, not Old-Mage Jatembe, in part because of the toy. While Old-Mage Jatembe loved children, Carmine Jaws was particularly fond of children and making children. He was also fond of traveling in disguise as it is believed he was searching for ley lines and needed to travel incognito (both to hide where they may be as well as being a gnoll). She also points out that, her personal theory, the toy wasn't magical. Instead, it was a typical Gnoll bone toy. This would have served as an effective reminder of the error of their ways as well as being a special object for the child to play with.