From: rogue@ucrengr.ucr.edu (ed zeamba)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: Killing (or not killing) Trolls
Date: 15 Oct 92 00:17:43 GMT
Organization: University of California, Riverside

In article <1992Sep29.171325.11098@waikato.ac.nz> cdb@waikato.ac.nz (Craig D. Beere) writes:
>In article <1992Sep28.212012.6975@Princeton.EDU>,
> tao@potato.princeton.edu (Terry Tao) writes:
>> Brings up another interesting question.  What DOES kill trolls apart from
>> fire and acid:: what about
>
>I had this conversation a few weeks ago.  Here is what we though would be
>amusing...
>

I dunno what the big argument here is.  Seems like most people are just 
saying what they "feel" instead of what the AD&D rules say.
Well, if yer interested in a strict interpretation, here ya go:

Understand, that a troll only regernerates "damage" Thus any attack/spell/
etc that simply kills/destroys (ie. Death magic/Disintegrate) will kill
any regenerating creature.  Unless of course it has special immunities.

Severing: If a regenerating creature has its head severed, it will simply
grow a new one, more likely though it will grope around for the severed one 
to reattach it. 

>> old age

Nowhere does it say there are immortal, therefore they die, and thus
they are subject to aging magic as well.
(Note: Monstrous Compenduim say they live around 100yrs or more...)

>> death spells

If a creature is "alive" a death spell will kill it, unless this immunuty
is stated with the monster description.  Death spells stop the heart,
tear spirit/soul from body, wahtever...there is no damage that can
be regenerated.
>
>> suffocation

Soffocation is death.  It really doent do "damage" no air...
you just die.  Trolls not immortal, see above.
>
>> poison

Once again some poisons just Kill, stop heart, etc.  Troll takes
no damage, troll is dead.  Poisons that cause damage can be regenerated.
>
>> freezing to death

If the cold causes damage it can be regenerated.  If the cold is enough
to prevent carbon-based life from surviving, the troll dies.
Cold only causes damage if its sudden, or arguable the minor effects
of hypothermia.  Prolonged freezing = death.
>
>> psychic attacks

Would depend on the effect.  Trools minds are not regenerative,
only thier skin/tissues..  Mind attacks will Kill.
>
>> disease

Technically trolls are not immune to disease...however it can be deduced
that long term effects will be regenerated, as only acid and fire
can due permanent tissue damage.
>
>> falling long distances
>
Any damage taken can be regenerated.  However if you make your
creatures subject to the <50 HP damage rule, then trolls
sustain a shock to thier system, causing a save vs. death
(falls do more than damage: they can cause heart failure do to the
great shock of deacceleration...)

>> petrifaction
As per the spell.  Victum is only suspended in stone form psudo-alive
All petrification effects require a system shock or death roll,
and trolls aren't immune to the shock of this (see above)
>

Remember the tissues of the troll is what has the regenerative 
properties.  There must be living tissue to regenerate!  Thus
fire and acid, completely destroy tissue (like disintegrate)
thus no regeneration. . .  I allow shocks to the living system
 to kill anything but undead.  Prolonged exposure to cold, or
lack of oxygen will cease bodily funtions...

             "I'd rather be an obscure thief than a famous fool..."
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rogue@ucrmath.ucr.edu		UC Riverside -- home of the Guildsman
-- 
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rogue@ucrmath.ucr.edu		UC Riverside -- home of the Guildsman
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd