Trolls are a ravenous type of giantkin known for their regenerative abilities, large ugly noses, and great, tusked maws. The species is highly adaptable to a great many environments, and accordingly, many regions have their own ethnic group of troll. It is said the first troll was made in Hyrrtsikki.
Society[]
Most trolls live in small familial packs of 3-12 and are semi-nomadic in nature, living the lifestyle of traveling hunters. They are capable of devouring any and all things, ranging from local fauna to any humans unlucky enough to cross their path. Due to their incredible regenerative abilities, trolls are difficult to kill and quickly become the apex predators of whichever territory they appear in, often devastating the local wildlife before moving on.
Strange Morality[]
Excerpt taken from "Of Trolls and Men - The Comprehensive Guide to Trollkind"
Unlike their giantkin cousins, trolls are far more bestial in nature, and their lack of civility comprises of several, defining characteristics. One: Their animalistic demeanour. Two: Their general dim-wittedness. And three, the most peculiar characteristic of all: Their alien morality. Charity, mercy. Ruthlessness, cruelty. The average troll cares not for these cornerstones that dictate our own understanding of morality. Instead, trolls follow their own code of conduct:
"My might makes right."
Indeed, a troll's moral code is not influenced by societal expectations. They simply do whatever it is that pleases them in the moment. As such, one must be aware of each troll's distinctive personality when dealing with them. Some trolls may enjoy being fair or even generous. Others may track you down and slaughter your village for the crime of looking at them the "wrong way".
Due to this... unpredictability, those who dare bargain with trolls often do so with simple exchanges and contracts: if you guard and maintain this bridge we'll pay you. If you stay away from this place, we will provide food, and so forth.
Romance[]
When it comes to courtship males will search for females and try to impress them with gifts or the female finds the males' lair. This can be in the form of a bridge the male troll has taken care of in pristine condition. Trolls mark their territory by carving symbols into tree bark, letting other trolls know where to find them.
Sometimes multiple males track down the same female and will resort to intimidation and if they are unable to scare each other away they will fight.
Zeinbrot[]
Arguments that can’t be solved with words often turn into a ritualistic combat called Zeinbrött or bone break in common.
The objective is simple: rip the arm off their opponent first.
Depending on the culture a different limb might be chosen, but Zeinbrot always has the objective to rip off an appendage. The loser is often handed back their arm after the battle as a sign of good faith, those denied their arm are forced to regenerate a new one. with the victor sometimes keeping the dried out atrophied limbs as trophies.
Child-rearing[]
Pregnancy takes around 14 months and birth 1-2 kids at a time. children live with their mothers for around 15 years. During that time they follow their mothers closely and learn from observing their mothers actions. When multiple females live in close proximity, the younger females will hand off their young to the wise older female to take care of the children. Dubbed the Wise/Den mother. A number of things are required to be chosen to become a den mother:
- They have a secure location
- the location is clean and clear of pests
- Has access to a varied and reliable food source
- They have a partner who assists them in taking care of the young
- is wise and knowledgeable of the world, and the history of trollkind
Regeneration[]
Main Article: Troll Regeneration
A troll with enough energy and time can regenerate any limb, organ, bone or even head as long as they have enough resources stored up in their fat, muscles and liver to be able to grow back the missing parts.
While regeneration is a powerful ability, trolls require a varied and healthy diet for it to be in good shape. Stagnation and deficiencies in their diet can cause rapid onset diseases that have critical health complications, This can also explain their preference to migrate vast distances. To find new foods to keep their bodies healthy.
Sub-Species[]
- Fjord Trolls - Former servants and warriors of the Ice Giants, these trolls tend to be viciously defensive of the northern reaches of Gerudia that they've inhabited.
- Swamp Trolls - these trolls were sold to the Night Hags of the Shadowswamp and have since become corrupted, becoming highly sadistic and masochistic.
- Forest Trolls - TBD