Trolls
Great, brutal, and dim-witted — creatures of immense strength and savage hunger
Overview
Trolls are among the oldest and most feared creatures of Athera. Great, brutal, and dim-witted, they are creatures of immense strength and savage hunger. Most dwell far from civilisation in caves, ruined strongholds, deep forests, mountain passes, or the shadowed lands bordering Umbramor.
Though stories differ from land to land, most scholars believe trolls were twisted long ago by dark powers in the elder ages, bred for war and destruction. Few things are more dreaded by travellers than the sound of a troll's heavy footsteps in the dark.
Unlike orcs or men, trolls rarely build kingdoms or lasting settlements. They gather in small bands beneath the rule of the strongest among them, fighting amongst themselves almost as often as they prey upon others.
Most trolls dislike bright sunlight. In many old tales, sunlight weakens them, and some claim the oldest kinds may even stiffen like stone beneath the full light of day. Many tales also claim that trolls recover from wounds with unnatural speed, though fire and certain blessed weapons are said to hinder this.
Age
- Maturity: ~20 years
- Average Lifespan: ~100 years
Height
- Male: Up to 132" (11'0")
- Female: Up to 126" (10'6")
Attributes
- Strength Bonus
- Constitution Bonus
- Intelligence Penalty
- Dexterity Penalty
- Agility Penalty
- Willpower Penalty
- Aura Penalty
Appearance
- Skin: Grey, brown, black, or sickly green, often rough like stone or leather.
- Hair: Sparse, coarse, tangled, or entirely absent.
- Eyes: Small, deep-set, and usually yellow, pale blue, red, or black.
Trolls are hulking creatures with long arms, thick necks, heavy jaws, and misshapen features. Their bodies are often covered in scars, warts, old wounds, and patches of coarse hair. Some possess tusk-like teeth, long claws, or skin so hard it seems almost like stone.
Inherent Abilities
Infravision
Roleplaying
Trolls are not subtle creatures. They are usually driven by hunger, anger, greed, fear, or simple cruelty. A troll character should think in direct and immediate ways. They rarely speak at length or understand complex ideas. Most prefer simple solutions: smash a door instead of opening it, threaten instead of persuade, eat instead of negotiate. That does not mean trolls cannot have personalities. One troll may be brutish and violent, another sullen and suspicious, another strangely loyal to those it trusts. Some may collect trophies, fear fire, obey a stronger master, or dream of becoming the greatest and strongest of their kind.
Trolls are feared almost everywhere in Athera. Most civilised folk will flee, attack, or raise the alarm at the sight of one. Because of this, troll characters are best suited to wilderness, monsters, enemies, or unusual roleplay situations rather than ordinary life among the kingdoms of men.