Trolls

Many fey consider the Trolls to be the first noble fae. Their own legends claim that they were the first protectors of the Dreaming, and many of the extremists among this fey consider the Sidhe to be unwelcome latecomers to the rulership and defense of the fey. Still, the same legends which claim that the Trolls were created to guard the Dreaming also speak of an ancient struggle between the Sidhe and the Trolls that the Sidhe won fairly. The Trolls swore themselves to service, accepting their defeat in good measure, and nonetheless remaining stalwart champions of the fae.

Most Trolls can be easily identified by their size and strength. Even in their human seemings, many of them tower above the rest of the mortals. Those who see the fae mien of these creatures know how massive and powerful they truly are. Seelie Trolls are often called "giants", and the name suits them well. They are a simple lot, preferring the old ways of plain-speaking, honest- dealing, and respect for the old ways. Even the most revolutionary of Unseelie Troll firebrands tends to have a grudging respect for his enemies; he will fight fairly whenever possible, but will repay treachery in kind.

For the large part, Trolls are a formal and loyal bunch, extremely set in their ways. Trolls have learned to be forgiving of the other fey, who seem fickle and effusive compared to the loyal Trolls. Other fey, of course, find Trolls tiresomely stubborn, complacent, and relics of another age. They are far from the best participants in courtly politics, but they possess a nobility which suits them well to the service of the Sidhe, both Seelie and Unseelie. Even the most Unseelie Troll dares not break his word. Trolls draw strength from the Dreaming itself, gaining the power of titans from their dedication to the defense of others. Those Trolls who break their word find that their Birthrights desert them; they are left powerless, no stronger than any other fey or mortal.

Trolls place a great premium on service to others, and both Seelie and Unseelie have a grudging respect for each other. Trolls of both Courts subscribe to a warrior's ethic called the Code of the Dagda, which insists that, in combat, any Troll faces another of his kind when presented with the option, as opposed to targeting weaker fey first. This ethic services two major functions for the Trolls. First, it allows them to enjoy the thrill of battle, which they savor, testing their mettle against a worthy opponent. Secondly, it allows a Troll to determine if other Trolls have broken their word. This fey holds honor and truth in such high regard that the murder of a Troll who has lost his Birthrights is considered a blessing, rather than letting the rogue live out his life in shame, or desperately try and regain his good name. True proponents of the Nordic traditions of dying in battle, any Troll would gladly end the life of another of his fey if he were determined to be an irredeemable Oathbreaker.

This is not to say, of course, that Unseelie Trolls are of the same moral caliber as their Seelie cousins. "Ogres," as Unseelie Trolls are frequently called, tend to be a dark and violent bunch. They do not trust easily, and though they will heed the call of duty and honor, they are much more roguish and solitary than their Seelie kin.

Sometimes, in the course of a Seelie Troll's life, he will even switch Courts for an extended period of time. This is never without good cause, and is mostly often the result of being mistreated in good service, or as a result of repeated betrayal. Though many Trolls are more than willing to put up with the admonishments of Goblins, or the pranks of Pooka, all fey know to beware when a Troll's countenance grows dark. As shadows fall about him, and lightning seems to flare in his eyes, a Troll considers his life and his service. There is little honor in serving those who have no respect, dignity, or charity for their kind. Most Trolls will make a formal, terrible announcement of their decision to leave their previous service, as a warning to other fey that they should beware. Those Trolls who have been betrayed already are in no danger of becoming Oathbroken from ending their service. The Dreaming does not hold Oathtakers prisoner, and expects both parties to keep their good word.

During the Accordance War, the Sidhe learned exactly how costly mistreatment of these fey can be. Consequently, the Seelie Court expends a good deal of effort to make sure that Trolls do not join the Unseelie, or the Commoner rebels who oppose the nobility. The Trolls are too important to the fabric of fae society, and too easily kept loyal, to be surrendered for the sake of simple even treatment, praise, and payment for their services.

Though they are deadly, capable warriors, most Trolls prefer peace. They see themselves as guardians, and are far more likely to work towards a safe accord than a violent insurrection. Still, the innocent are mistreated by a tyrant, no Troll is afraid to exercise their prowess against such a foe. Abuse of weaker fey is regarded as poor form, even by the Unseelie Trolls. The strength and stamina of these fey allows them to ignore the taunts, threats, and mischief of their smaller cousins; if necessary, a Troll can just as easily toss an opponent far away from him as actually grind him to powder. Chivalry is common practice for these fey. They are patient with other fae, and mortals, and rarely take the initiative in anything other than matters of honor and combat.

Trolls are massive in their fae mien, and very rarely have a human complexion. Troll skin is often white, purple, green, blue, or some earth tone. Most range in between seven and nine feet tall in their fae forms, and are massive, with powerful limbs. Most Trolls favor Nordic garb, and armor is quite common as standard garb. Despite their strength, few Trolls leave their lairs unarmed. All Trolls tend to have large powerful jaws, wolf-like teeth, and ridged horns on their heads.

The power of the Dreaming enforces the solemn oaths of Trolls; as it grants them great power, so is it willing to take such power away from Trolls who betray the trust of others. Any Troll who breaks a sworn oath or contract becomes sickly. These can only be restored by atoning for his lapse; usually this involves swearing a new Oath and successfully completing it. Seelie Trolls never lie if they can help it; Unseelie Trolls tend to be surprisingly honest, but choose to support only those whose opinions match their own. No matter which Court they swear allegiance to, Trolls refuse to break Oaths, and are never casual about lying. A Troll who gives his word, independent of any Oath, can expect the Dreaming to enforce his promise with the full weight of this Frailty.