Introduction to Trolls

They are nasty brutish and tall. Although many civilized people think that Trolls are monsters, no better than wild beasts, the truth is they are one of the sentient races crated by the gods. This is a fact known to the sages, but often forgotten by the common folk. 

 

The poets sing of Trolls as wild barbarians who love to fight. They attack with out reason, aiming to rape and pillage. They take captives some times, but not to be used as slaves. Instead they use prisoners in blood rituals and as entertainment which always ends in the victim’s death. All this is usually exaggerated in song but has some truth to it.

Trolls by their nature love the kind of life we call primitive. Their outlook can best be understood by considering the two gods they follow most; Libroner – the Prince of freedom, who is self sufficient and independent, and Kalata Goddess of hunters and herdsmen. From the Troll’s point of view most of what we call civilization is a hindrance to freedom and self sufficiency.

It is true that Trolls are dumb, in a general sense; however they are quite skilled in their narrow range of interests; survival and battle. They think like hunters and so their tactics are limited but effective. They do not use complicated plans, they act directly. Most prefer to charge forward, although some are more carful and look out for traps.

They can make their own equipment, but prefer to acquire it. A major source of conflict, for people who deal with Trolls, is the value placed on objects. Trolls don’t seem to understand the typical system and if they become frustrated at trying to make a deal, they will draw weapons. It is often said that a Troll prefers to raid than to trade.

Trolls usually live in small groups of 20 adults. They are nomadic; moving camp several times each year. Although they travel light, they set up fortified camps. Females tend to forage for food near the camp, while males hunt in groups of four.

Physically they are big strong and tough; about 8ft tall, 400 lbs, twice as strong as an average man and able to take a lot of damage before they drop. It is a popular myth that they can regenerate damage instantly, the truth is that they just heal fast.

Another popular myth is that they like to eat people. The truth is that they will eat anything including people but only do this as a last resort. The rather gruesome fact is that they do enjoy raw meat.