Troll

Trolls are a diverse species of humanoids with ancestral ties to Terris, the realm of rocks and earth. It is thought that they descend from the earth-elemental gnomes; indeed, even some cultures have called gnomes "trolls." Contrary to some myths, not all trolls are misshapen, man-eating, dim-witted monsters. Some are, however, and can be quite dangerous, while most are quite amicable and simply wish to be left in peace.

The most common subraces are **Rock Trolls** (classic), **Tiny Trolls** (small and gnome-like), and **Cave Trolls** (monstrous). What makes all Trolls related is a **common ancestry to earth-elementals and the fact that nonmagical sunlight will turn them to stone!**

## Rock Trolls

These secretive trolls live in family units inside of rocks, mountains, or caves. They have a long history of being at least unhelpful to humans, though are not inherently evil; most simply wish to be left alone. Their stony bodies can appear human, but are in fact made of stone. They are all spellcasters, one and all, but tend to have very little trust in humans due to poor interactions with nonmagical folk and being treated as monsters. Some rock troll families can be quite friendly to specific humans, however, who prove themselves worthy of their trust and friendship.

Rock trolls come in many shapes and sizes, from small bowling-ball shapes, to human forms, to massive boulders that could crush a person in a single accidental step. They avoid all direct sunlight, however, as it will freeze their body to stone until sunset or they are in shade once again. Due to this, many prefer to reside in caves or in deep forests, or to simply sleep through the day.

These trolls are most closely related to earth-elemental gnomes. Their magic tends to favor Nature, the Earth element, Divination, Lunar magic, and Emoturgy.

As a note, it is impossible to extract Trollblood from these types of trolls, as their bodies are made of living stone.

## Tiny Trolls

This subset of trolls is very tiny, and due to this, are often mistaken for garden gnomes or even wingless pixies, or are called Goblins (in the generic). They have a flesh body and enjoy a wild mane of hair that is sometimes quite colorful. One subrace is has skin with a brilliant blue color.

Most prefer to reside in their own little communities and keep to themselves, but can easily coexist with magical society, provided they are given ways to traverse towns without being accidentally stepped on! Some are afraid of humans, while others are quite friendly and even talkative, if a language is shared.

Not all tiny trolls have magic, but some do, and such trolls are usually celebrated by their communities as builders, growers, protectors, and healers.

This species of troll is the most like humans, except for their tiny size and the fact that they can turn to stone in direct sunlight. As a note, they lack regeneration abilities, so their Trollblood will not work in regenerative enchantments or potions; only the most unscrupulous attempt to market it as a fake cure, and apothecaries are often taught how to identify it and report it to authorities.

## Cave Trolls

The most dangerous troll to come across, these large trolls are far from friendly. Some are brutish and feral, while others have a calculating intelligence; very few are willing to cooperate with humans. They are skilled hunters with an insatiable appetite, and can be surprisingly agile for their size.

Most stand over 10 feet tall even if hunched over, and easily weigh over 800 lbs. The females are even larger, and tend to rule as matriarchs of their extended family. Such families are like wolf packs, picking a territory and defending it from others; some will ravage a territory of all available prey and then move to a new location, while others make wiser use of their resources and can live sustainably in a valley or region for their whole lives. They usually establish themselves in a large, underground lair.

To encounter an individual troll is to be unlucky enough to find one hunting. Most show a marked lack of fear, and will readily maul anything, or try to crush it under thrown rocks. Most lack magic, but the trolls who wield it are extremely dangerous for anyone or any other creature to encounter. Unfortunately, such trolls are often under the impression that they will gain more magic by eating sentient prey, especially mages.

Cave trolls are extremely sensitive to light and have very poor senses of hearing, but have a keen sense of smell. Like other trolls, they will turn to stone at sunrise, but this occurs even if they are in shade or in a cave! Magical solar energy will harm them at night, but will not freeze them to stone.

This particular species is well-known for its regenerative abilities, even through loss of limbs! **Only acid or fire can hinder that regeneration**. Sometimes, a regeneration will result in a mutation, even the growth of another limb or a second head! Dismembered limbs can also continue to fight despite being severed.

The blood of these trolls is extremely valuable for certain healing potions and enchantments.