Trolls
Background lore for Cosmic Trolls
Troll Island being their home away from their home planet Jötunn, trolls are strong and brutish, yet cunning and jovial at the same time. In fact, they always seem to be in the mood for entertaining games. Iwa, the Stone Elemental, brought the Trolls into existence out of the very stone that lay in the ground. The Trolls that emerged varied in size considerably, from tiny to gargantuan. However, all Troll-kind understand their connection to each other and to Crypton itself. Trolls are loyal friends but would make fearsome enemies if provoked.
Trolls enjoy building however they aren’t as adept as the Dwarves in the finer details of masonry. They do make wonderful bridges though, and charge a toll to those who wish to use them. The portal on Troll Island is also of their own design and is an intricate work of art, as well as a functional device. Although they are expert builders of bridges, Trolls also enjoy farming and tend to the fields of their island with a tender touch.
In the middle of Troll Island is the great lake of Kodai, at the centre of which is the Troll city of Daraj. The city is spread across several small islands which are connected by beautifully constructed and maintained bridges. The Trolls have a defined hierarchy and they are led by the Troll King, Gruk-Thol who is thought to be practically immortal. Gruk-Thol is the mightiest Troll of them all and the first created by Iwa. Equal parts cunning and caring, he leads his people well and is well-respected amongst all the different Factions.
Troll Factions are mostly straight-forward to determine and group Trolls together based on their nature. There are some though who prefer to remain neutral and simply identify as Trolls and make it their purpose to antagonise anyone and everyone that they interact with. These misbehaving Trolls begin their antics in jest, however usually end up taking things too far. One such incident involved the flooding of the Forest Troll Faction’s Island in Daraj, causing damage to everyone’s homes.
Troll Factions
The following are Troll Factions found on Troll Island:
Mountain Trolls
To the west of Troll Island stands a large mountain range and atop its peaks is the expansive plateau of Kandrylrr. The plateau stands so high that to look over the edge of a cliff might be to look down upon the clouds. Easily the largest of Trolls, the Mountain Trolls have even been compared in size to a giant cliff face. Embodying the spirit of Iwa, they sometimes stand still for so long that plants and shrubbery begin growing on their bodies. As much rock as they are flesh, these behemoths are sluggish to move and slow in speech. The Mountain Trolls rarely leave their lands, preferring to live in the quiet among the clouds. By far the strongest Trolls on the Island, the Mountain Trolls are always ready to come to the aid of the city of Daraj.
Cave Trolls
Cave Trolls reside within the bowels of Crypton in elaborate cave systems that lead into the Inner Earth. Since there is an entire self-contained ecosystem within these underground networks, Cave Trolls have learned to live without the usual kind of eyesight and needs that other Trolls require. This has led to bizarre and ghastly appearances appearing over time, such as Cyclops Trolls, pale Ghost Trolls, and many-headed Thrasher Trolls. The deeper into the caves that one dares enter, the more bizarre, brutish, and unpredictable the Trolls become. As mysterious and unusual Cave Trolls are, they have formed an amicable relationship with Gnome Trolls.
Gnome Trolls
The smallest in stature are the Gnome Trolls. Do not mistake their size for weakness or passiveness, for they are a most mischievous kind. These Trolls also live in cavern systems, and are known to play pranks on others on the surface lands. They live for taking part in mischievous play. In fact, it has practically become all that they do. Their favorite pastime is to group together and go on trolling adventures. When you see yourself approaching a Gnome Troll, be on your best behavior as to not upset them or bring too much attention to yourself, for they tend to roast people...figuratively, that is…or is it?
Forest Trolls
The most common trolls are the Forest Trolls. You could say that Forest Trolls are the most cunning, intelligent, and reasonable of all Troll-kind. These trolls have also learned how to wield magic more than any other. What they lack in brute strength of Mountain Trolls they make up for with power over Nature, particularly anything related to earth, such as trees, rocks, sand, and lava. Forest Trolls are almost twice as tall as Wizards and are generally amicable with most others. They tend to act as the diplomats of Trolls, often facilitating conversations between their more mischievous kin and visitors to Troll Island. Even so, a good policy is to show significant respect to a Forest Troll lest you lose all friendships on Troll Island.
Treasure Trolls
Gold, gems, and magical items are highly sought after by the Treasure Trolls. These Trolls become consumed with desire for all manner of rare and treasured items and scour all of Crypton for them. A Treasure Troll will often be found traveling and when they stop in a town will party until they drop. Causing quite the ruckus they are playful, but in a rough kind of way. A Treasure Troll will usually travel alone, although they have been known to team up with a few select others when the looting of said treasure can only be done with partners in crime. Storing of their loot is usually done in fanciful treasure chests, as well as plain sacks, and either buried under boulders, hidden near bridges, or placed in secret areas around the lands.
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