Trolls
(TROLS)
Quote: “ As long as my lord requires the service of my blade, I will stand by his side.”
Duty, strength and honour are the hallmarks of a troll. Warriors
without peer, they hold to the old ways of plain speaking and simple truths. Honour is a way of living to them, and once they
have pledged their support to someone, they dedicate themselves fully. Many trolls expect the same honesty from all fae, and
are often disappointed as a result. In fact, many fae think of the trolls as being naïve for this very reason, especially
when it comes to trust. A troll’s devotion is not easily dismissed, however; they are also seen as patient, reliable
and chivalrous.
Trolls consider dedication to be the measure of their worth. If a
troll breaks his word or betrays a trust, he weakens until he has atoned for his offending deed. In addition, trolls cannot
use their great strength without just cause. Taking such an unfair advantage over an adversary would be unchivalrous, after
all. Legends tell that the trolls were actually the first noble kith; when the sidhe appeared, a great war began. The trolls
lost, and as a result, swore loyalty to the sidhe. Since then, serving as guardians has been their destiny.
This kith has an impressive reputation largely because of their Seelie
brethren. Seelie trolls are often referred to as “giants”, and their mortal seemings are usually ruggedly proud
and handsome. Bravery and stoicism define their character. Always seeking civility, they typically use formal titles when
addressing others and dedicate their souls to those they respect. In romance, they are ardent suitors who go for all the courtly
trimmings. In loyalty, it is nearly impossible to sway a Seelie troll’s beliefs once they are established. They prefer
Spartan quarters and simple living. Recognition of service is reward enough for them.
Yet there are limits to what a troll will endure. The mockery of
a pooka or a nocker will hardly rouse a troll, but if a troll’s patience is broken, he will fly into a monstrous rage,
destroying everything and everyone until he calms or is taken down. Even the most foolish pooka watches closely for the darkening
of a troll’s visage. These fae can also be stubborn. Changing a troll’s mind can be as difficult as moving a mountain.
A kingdom is safe as long as it’s trolls can be trusted. When
a troll’s lair starts to degrade, others begin to worry about his well-being. A troll’s eyes begin to darken as
he starts to question trust and honour. This is the beginning of a troll’s descent into his Unseelie Legacy. Most trolls
try to bear this temptation with epic stoicism - once the descent has begun, others will not trust him as much. If he fully
acknowledges a betrayal or rejects his beliefs, his faerie mien changes, and his visage becomes hairy and coarse-featured.
At this point, he is recognised as an Unseelie troll. The worst of Unseelie trolls are typically referred to as “ogres”.
Once Unseelie, a troll will begin to associate with disreputable fae, and the triumph of maligned villains over celebrated
heroes will fill him with self-worth.
For this reason, Seelie Kithain speak highly of trolls, and acknowledge
their worth among the Kithain. They’re too valuable to lose to the Unseelie Court. Trolls are more than the guardians
of the people and places they protect; as staunch defenders, they are also seen as guardians of the values of honour and chivalry.
Appearance: Trolls are large, ranging from seven to nine feet tall, with thick bones and weightlifter’s muscles.
Seelie giants carry an air of nobility; though many favour a Nordic look, they tend to have slatey blue skin and thick black
hair. All trolls, however, have icy blue or pale green eyes. Trolls have large powerful jaws, wolf-like teeth and small ridged
horns on their foreheads.
Lifestyle: In mortal life, trolls choose honest professions where they can put their skills to use. Athletics
and police work are two such callings. They tastes are Spartan, and they greatly prefer work to relaxation.
Childlings grow up fast. They learn that the ways of children
are weak, and they take on honourable duty at an early age. Childhood is something best left behind. Stoicism is embraced.
Wilders test their strength and abilities to the limit. Great
adversity inspires them to great risks. They are incredibly modest about their accomplishments, however, and are always struggling
to out-do themselves.
Grumps are slower then their younger brethren, but possess
superhuman strength. After a career of service, they choose one person or place to protect until the death. No force on Earth
can move a greybeard troll who has made up his mind about something.
Affinity: Fae.
Birthrights:
Titan’s Power - Wilders gain an additional Bruised Health Level and an additional dot of Strength during
character creation, even if this raises this Trait above 5. Grumps get two extra dots in Strength and two additional Bruised
Levels (for a total of nine Health Levels). However, greybeards also add +1 to the difficulty of all Dexterity-based rolls.
This extra strength does not function in the presence of mortals
or the unenchanted unless the troll has called upon the Wyrd.
Stubbornness - Nothing can interfere with a troll’s devotion to duty. When in the service of a cause, trolls
get an extra two dice to any Willpower roll to resist temptation or distraction.
This Birthright is always in effect.
No troll can botch an Athletics or Alertness roll.
Frailty:
Bond of Duty - Any troll who dares to renege on a sworn contract or oath becomes sickly and loses his Titan’s
Power. Only by atoning for his lapse of trust can he regain his Titan’s Power. Usually this involves fulfilling a new
oath. Seelie trolls never lie to fae they are protecting; Unseelie trolls uphold their bond of duty, but usually prefer to
support more disreputable fae. This trust must extend both ways; if a troll’s trust is betrayed, he will be filled with
anger, and must roll Willpower (difficulty 8) to avoid becoming violent. Their stoicism belies great rage, perhaps one that
has been with them since the Earth was young…
Outlook:
Lay down your arms and lend an ear to Eric Grimmson, a guard of the
Freehold of the Setting Sun.
On Boggans - Commoners
take care of the essential tasks of a freehold. Without them, where would we be?
On Eshu - Perhaps
they’re a bit dishonest, but they always find adventure. How I envy that!
On Nockers - Ingeniously
clever, I’ll admit, but you’re better off ignoring their complaints.
On Pooka - Thieves.
Liars. Fools. Never let one stand behind you.
On Redcaps - So
much sound and fury! One solid blow and they go down bleeding.
On Satyrs - They
pretend to be wise to justify a life of debauchery.
On Sidhe - They
may be pompous, but they do uphold chivalry. If a sidhe is strong, you must support him. If he falls, then you must replace
him.
On Sluagh - If
their information is so trustworthy, why do they all have to whisper and hide?