Trolls of Eberon, part 3 [Archive] - Wizards Community

Trolls of Eberon, part 3 [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ieattrollsforbreakfast
03-04-07, 07:31 AM Well this has been a long time coming...
Sorry about the (massive) delay on this, its been far too long since I posted the other 2 parts! If you haven't read (or forgotten about) the previous two, you can read them here:
Part 1 (http://www.eberronbestiary.com/TEbyeshk.html)
Part 2 (http://www.eberronbestiary.com/TEharseldaarn.html)
Now, without further ado:

Kaaryshk

A grey skinned troll stands over you with a look of superiority. Its metallic armour glints in the light, and a large collection of blades is strapped to its back. A wide drum hangs at its waist.

The martial Kaarsyhk trolls retreated to the Ironroot Mountains after Kaarmagnul. Relatively untouched by Dhakaani, the area was thought ripe for troll conquest, but almost as soon as the trolls settled the region they met resistance from the orcs and ogres that already inhabited the region. Being the stronger race, the trolls secured their place in the mountains despite the conflict. Thousands of years passed as the trolls spread out and declared their dominance over the region now known as the Mror Holds.
When the dwarves arrived, the trolls were surprised by the combined strength of the smaller folk. The small troll settlements, though powerful enough to keep similarly sized bands of ogres and orcs at bay, fell to the vast armies of the dwarven settlers, and the Kaaryshk tribes retreated to the high peaks of the mountains. Though the dwarves settled underground, the Kaaryshk found it difficult to maintain their lands, and dominance fell to their enemies. Unrest in trolls, ogres and orcs alike was quelled, and even the armies of the mighty Empire of Dhakaan were repelled.
With the banishing of the dwarf clans, the Kaaryshk tribes strengthened their position again, taking part in the battles that lasted thousands of years. During this time, the trolls earned the respect of the dwarf barbarians, who soon developed techniques designed specifically to combat their larger, stronger foes. Such techniques have survived even to the present day.
Despite the union of the dwarven clans under Karrn the Conqueror, the trolls remained defiant. Many were killed, for the third time forcing the Kaaryshk trolls to start from scratch in the Mror Holds. Though not as numerous and united as the Jhorash’tar orcs in the present day, the Kaaryshk trolls still command respect from the dwarves. The trolls harass the dwarven settlements from time to time, but most prefer to target ogres, orcs and even rival troll tribes instead. Some Kaaryshk tribes have even established ‘protection’ deals with the smaller dwarven settlements in return for well crafted weapons and armour.

Traditions and Society

As a martial culture, discipline and status are very important to Kaaryshk trolls. Their rules and strictly hierarchical clan structure makes them unusual among trolls, though not among the other Mror cultures, particularly the dwarves. Clans are lead by a single warlord, who then leads up to four captains. The captains lead any number of soldiers, each of them having a defined position within their squad. Scout, front-liner, support and drummer are common positions. Rarely do Kaaryshk clans reach a size where a further level of authority is needed.
Kaaryshk trolls favour material possession much more than their cousins in the south. Almost every Kaaryshk troll carries a collection of blades taken from the dead or traded with other clans. Since the trolls still prefer to use their claws in combat, the blades are more a status symbol than a tool. As such, the leader of a clan can often be identified as the one carrying the most weapons on his back. Each troll usually carries a favoured blade, one which is used in blood rituals and the one taken if carrying many would prove impractical.
Another love of Kaaryshk trolls is music. Troll music is usually slow and simple, rarely using instruments beyond various sizes of drums. Naturally, the trolls prefer large, bass drums to smaller designs such as bongos. Kaaryshk drum beats always accompany clans to war, and a clan’s chief drummer is a highly respected individual.
Sometimes, a Kaaryshk clan’s drums can be heard from miles around, and even reach as far as the dwarven settlements. In the Mror Holds, mothers often threaten naughty children that the trolls will get them if they misbehave; a threat frighteningly supported when the slow beat of drums thunders from afar.

Religion

Although religion is not as important to Kaarysk clans as it is to the Byeshk tribes, it still exists within the culture. Most Kaaryshk trolls pay tribute to a triumvirate of gods known as the Sword, the Shield and the Dagger. The Sword leads the trolls in battle and grants them strength; the Shield teaches them to protect their clan and fight to the last; the Dagger sees to the schemes behind the battle. While the trolls honour the Sword and Shield through blood rituals, no such practise exists for worship of the Dagger. Instead, tribute is paid to the deity by the sacrifice of a prisoner before a battle begins, hoping such a gift will keep the Dagger’s schemes from themselves. Needless to say, Vassals claim the triumvirate aspects of Dol Dorn, Dol Arrah and the Mockery.
More recently, many Kaaryshk trolls have been seduced by the Blood of Vol faith. With the Mror Holds bordering both the Lhazaar Principalities and Karrnath, the nations most accepting of the religion, it is only natural that the trolls became exposed to its teachings. Troll Seekers often consider themselves closer to divinity than other mortals, their regeneration being proof of this. The Crimson Covenant somewhat indirectly supports their claim, often sending missionaries to collect troll blood for transport back to Atur or Farlnen, though this may simply be due to the fact troll blood, even from a single Seeker, is available in such large volumes.

Relations

Kaaryshk trolls generally prefer to live in peace, on the condition that the other races still fear and respect them. Dwarf and Kaaryshk relations in particular are heavily strained, though all out war is something the trolls would prefer to avoid. With ‘protection’ deals and the odd small scale raid, the trolls ensure the dwarves do not forget to fear them, while also maintaining the balance. Any race, be it dwarf, ogre or orc, found trespassing on troll land, however, is likely to meet a swift end.

Creating a Kaaryshk Troll

When creating a standard Kaaryshk troll, consider changing the feats and skills of the usual troll to reflect the culture. Martial focussed feats such as Power Attack and Cleave are particularly appropriate. Since the Kaaryshk value armour, Light Armour Proficiency also adds to the design. Ranks in skills such as Knowledge (tactics) or even Perform (weapon drill) or Perform (percussion) can also enhance the character.
Elite Kaaryshk trolls most often possess levels in the Fighter or Barbarian classes. Drum-beating Kaaryshk bards are also fairly common, and many are multiclassed bard/fighters. Many Kaaryshk bards take the Haunting Melody feat (ECS), enjoying inspiring fear in the enemy.

Kaarysk Feats

Beat of the Clan [Bardic Music]
Your knowledge of Kaaryshk drum beats has taught you how to unite your troops in a single, formidable force.
Prerequisites: Bardic music, Perform (percussion) 6 ranks
Benefit: Creatures under the effect of your inspire courage ability gain a morale bonus to Saving Throws against area effects equal to the number of allies within 10ft. of themselves.

Beat of the Blade [Bardic Music]
The Kaaryshk love of weapons resonates through your song.
Prerequisites: Bardic music, Perform (percussion) 6 ranks
Benefit: Creatures under the effect of your inspire courage ability become proficient with one martial or exotic weapon of your choice with which you are proficient. All affected creatures become proficient with the same weapon. If a creature is already proficient, he gains a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls made with that weapon.

Blade and Claw [Style]
You combine claws with blades in a terrifying rending attack.
Prerequisites: Troll, Str 26, Weapon Focus (any bladed weapon)
Benefit: While using your favoured blade (of the type for which you have Weapon Focus) in one hand and attacking with a claw as a secondary natural weapon, you can rend (as the racial ability) a foe’s flesh if you successfully hit with both blade and claw in the same round. However, the extra damage dealt by the rend attack is instead equal to the weapon damage dice plus the claw damage dice plus 1 ½ times Strength bonus. For example, a troll with this feat wielding a large longsword would deal 3d6 + 1 ½ times Strength damage on a rend.
Special: A troll fighter can select this feat as a fighter bonus feat.

And there it is :)
SquirrelMortis
03-04-07, 09:20 AM :D Yeeehaw!!! :D

:ayyyy!: :cloud9: :w00t: :plotting: :love: :clap:

:dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin:

The final addition is here! There's only problem, that you have to fix... Troll's have a too big LA!!! :mad:

;)

Seriously, this is plain awesome.

Now, to think of a plot that links the Spider Lords, Gloamhaunts, and each of the troll cultures together...
Romulus LoneWolf
03-04-07, 09:45 AM The final addition is here! There's only problem, that you have to fix... Troll's have a too big LA!!! :mad:

Savage Species has an 11-level Troll Monster Class.
ieattrollsforbreakfast
03-04-07, 10:01 AM :D Yeeehaw!!! :D

:ayyyy!: :cloud9: :w00t: :plotting: :love: :clap:

:dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin:

The final addition is here! There's only problem, that you have to fix... Troll's have a too big LA!!! :mad:

Seriously, this is plain awesome.

Now, to think of a plot that links the Spider Lords, Gloamhaunts, and each of the troll cultures together...

Glad you liked it :D

But I never said this would be the final one ;) There are the Droaamite, Xen'drician and Adaran trolls still to cover after all, though I can't say when (if ever) I'll get around to doing them!

But making a lower powered troll isn't a bad idea. There is the monster class as Romulus says, but they leave little room for enhancing a troll character will class levels.
Sylvaroth
03-04-07, 10:36 AM Great work as usual :tiphat:

You have at least one fan already.

It was a pleasure to read through this as well as your older installments, and I am looking forward already to future ones (the Xen'Drician trolls especially).

- Sylvaroth
SquirrelMortis
03-04-07, 10:43 AM Glad you liked it :D

But I never said this would be the final one ;) There are the Droaamite, Xen'drician and Adaran trolls still to cover after all, though I can't say when (if ever) I'll get around to doing them!

More... :drool:

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ieattrollsforbreakfast 03-04-07, 07:31 AM	Well this has been a long time coming... Sorry about the (massive) delay on this, its been far too long since I posted the other 2 parts! If you haven't read (or forgotten about) the previous two, you can read them here: Part 1 (http://www.eberronbestiary.com/TEbyeshk.html) Part 2 (http://www.eberronbestiary.com/TEharseldaarn.html) Now, without further ado: Kaaryshk A grey skinned troll stands over you with a look of superiority. Its metallic armour glints in the light, and a large collection of blades is strapped to its back. A wide drum hangs at its waist. The martial Kaarsyhk trolls retreated to the Ironroot Mountains after Kaarmagnul. Relatively untouched by Dhakaani, the area was thought ripe for troll conquest, but almost as soon as the trolls settled the region they met resistance from the orcs and ogres that already inhabited the region. Being the stronger race, the trolls secured their place in the mountains despite the conflict. Thousands of years passed as the trolls spread out and declared their dominance over the region now known as the Mror Holds. When the dwarves arrived, the trolls were surprised by the combined strength of the smaller folk. The small troll settlements, though powerful enough to keep similarly sized bands of ogres and orcs at bay, fell to the vast armies of the dwarven settlers, and the Kaaryshk tribes retreated to the high peaks of the mountains. Though the dwarves settled underground, the Kaaryshk found it difficult to maintain their lands, and dominance fell to their enemies. Unrest in trolls, ogres and orcs alike was quelled, and even the armies of the mighty Empire of Dhakaan were repelled. With the banishing of the dwarf clans, the Kaaryshk tribes strengthened their position again, taking part in the battles that lasted thousands of years. During this time, the trolls earned the respect of the dwarf barbarians, who soon developed techniques designed specifically to combat their larger, stronger foes. Such techniques have survived even to the present day. Despite the union of the dwarven clans under Karrn the Conqueror, the trolls remained defiant. Many were killed, for the third time forcing the Kaaryshk trolls to start from scratch in the Mror Holds. Though not as numerous and united as the Jhorash’tar orcs in the present day, the Kaaryshk trolls still command respect from the dwarves. The trolls harass the dwarven settlements from time to time, but most prefer to target ogres, orcs and even rival troll tribes instead. Some Kaaryshk tribes have even established ‘protection’ deals with the smaller dwarven settlements in return for well crafted weapons and armour. Traditions and Society As a martial culture, discipline and status are very important to Kaaryshk trolls. Their rules and strictly hierarchical clan structure makes them unusual among trolls, though not among the other Mror cultures, particularly the dwarves. Clans are lead by a single warlord, who then leads up to four captains. The captains lead any number of soldiers, each of them having a defined position within their squad. Scout, front-liner, support and drummer are common positions. Rarely do Kaaryshk clans reach a size where a further level of authority is needed. Kaaryshk trolls favour material possession much more than their cousins in the south. Almost every Kaaryshk troll carries a collection of blades taken from the dead or traded with other clans. Since the trolls still prefer to use their claws in combat, the blades are more a status symbol than a tool. As such, the leader of a clan can often be identified as the one carrying the most weapons on his back. Each troll usually carries a favoured blade, one which is used in blood rituals and the one taken if carrying many would prove impractical. Another love of Kaaryshk trolls is music. Troll music is usually slow and simple, rarely using instruments beyond various sizes of drums. Naturally, the trolls prefer large, bass drums to smaller designs such as bongos. Kaaryshk drum beats always accompany clans to war, and a clan’s chief drummer is a highly respected individual. Sometimes, a Kaaryshk clan’s drums can be heard from miles around, and even reach as far as the dwarven settlements. In the Mror Holds, mothers often threaten naughty children that the trolls will get them if they misbehave; a threat frighteningly supported when the slow beat of drums thunders from afar. Religion Although religion is not as important to Kaarysk clans as it is to the Byeshk tribes, it still exists within the culture. Most Kaaryshk trolls pay tribute to a triumvirate of gods known as the Sword, the Shield and the Dagger. The Sword leads the trolls in battle and grants them strength; the Shield teaches them to protect their clan and fight to the last; the Dagger sees to the schemes behind the battle. While the trolls honour the Sword and Shield through blood rituals, no such practise exists for worship of the Dagger. Instead, tribute is paid to the deity by the sacrifice of a prisoner before a battle begins, hoping such a gift will keep the Dagger’s schemes from themselves. Needless to say, Vassals claim the triumvirate aspects of Dol Dorn, Dol Arrah and the Mockery. More recently, many Kaaryshk trolls have been seduced by the Blood of Vol faith. With the Mror Holds bordering both the Lhazaar Principalities and Karrnath, the nations most accepting of the religion, it is only natural that the trolls became exposed to its teachings. Troll Seekers often consider themselves closer to divinity than other mortals, their regeneration being proof of this. The Crimson Covenant somewhat indirectly supports their claim, often sending missionaries to collect troll blood for transport back to Atur or Farlnen, though this may simply be due to the fact troll blood, even from a single Seeker, is available in such large volumes. Relations Kaaryshk trolls generally prefer to live in peace, on the condition that the other races still fear and respect them. Dwarf and Kaaryshk relations in particular are heavily strained, though all out war is something the trolls would prefer to avoid. With ‘protection’ deals and the odd small scale raid, the trolls ensure the dwarves do not forget to fear them, while also maintaining the balance. Any race, be it dwarf, ogre or orc, found trespassing on troll land, however, is likely to meet a swift end. Creating a Kaaryshk Troll When creating a standard Kaaryshk troll, consider changing the feats and skills of the usual troll to reflect the culture. Martial focussed feats such as Power Attack and Cleave are particularly appropriate. Since the Kaaryshk value armour, Light Armour Proficiency also adds to the design. Ranks in skills such as Knowledge (tactics) or even Perform (weapon drill) or Perform (percussion) can also enhance the character. Elite Kaaryshk trolls most often possess levels in the Fighter or Barbarian classes. Drum-beating Kaaryshk bards are also fairly common, and many are multiclassed bard/fighters. Many Kaaryshk bards take the Haunting Melody feat (ECS), enjoying inspiring fear in the enemy. Kaarysk Feats Beat of the Clan [Bardic Music] Your knowledge of Kaaryshk drum beats has taught you how to unite your troops in a single, formidable force. Prerequisites: Bardic music, Perform (percussion) 6 ranks Benefit: Creatures under the effect of your inspire courage ability gain a morale bonus to Saving Throws against area effects equal to the number of allies within 10ft. of themselves. Beat of the Blade [Bardic Music] The Kaaryshk love of weapons resonates through your song. Prerequisites: Bardic music, Perform (percussion) 6 ranks Benefit: Creatures under the effect of your inspire courage ability become proficient with one martial or exotic weapon of your choice with which you are proficient. All affected creatures become proficient with the same weapon. If a creature is already proficient, he gains a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls made with that weapon. Blade and Claw [Style] You combine claws with blades in a terrifying rending attack. Prerequisites: Troll, Str 26, Weapon Focus (any bladed weapon) Benefit: While using your favoured blade (of the type for which you have Weapon Focus) in one hand and attacking with a claw as a secondary natural weapon, you can rend (as the racial ability) a foe’s flesh if you successfully hit with both blade and claw in the same round. However, the extra damage dealt by the rend attack is instead equal to the weapon damage dice plus the claw damage dice plus 1 ½ times Strength bonus. For example, a troll with this feat wielding a large longsword would deal 3d6 + 1 ½ times Strength damage on a rend. Special: A troll fighter can select this feat as a fighter bonus feat. And there it is :)
SquirrelMortis 03-04-07, 09:20 AM	:D Yeeehaw!!! :D :ayyyy!: :cloud9: :w00t: :plotting: :love: :clap: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: The final addition is here! There's only problem, that you have to fix... Troll's have a too big LA!!! :mad: ;) Seriously, this is plain awesome. Now, to think of a plot that links the Spider Lords, Gloamhaunts, and each of the troll cultures together...
Romulus LoneWolf 03-04-07, 09:45 AM	The final addition is here! There's only problem, that you have to fix... Troll's have a too big LA!!! :mad: Savage Species has an 11-level Troll Monster Class.
ieattrollsforbreakfast 03-04-07, 10:01 AM	:D Yeeehaw!!! :D :ayyyy!: :cloud9: :w00t: :plotting: :love: :clap: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: :dancin: The final addition is here! There's only problem, that you have to fix... Troll's have a too big LA!!! :mad: Seriously, this is plain awesome. Now, to think of a plot that links the Spider Lords, Gloamhaunts, and each of the troll cultures together... Glad you liked it :D But I never said this would be the final one ;) There are the Droaamite, Xen'drician and Adaran trolls still to cover after all, though I can't say when (if ever) I'll get around to doing them! But making a lower powered troll isn't a bad idea. There is the monster class as Romulus says, but they leave little room for enhancing a troll character will class levels.
Sylvaroth 03-04-07, 10:36 AM	Great work as usual :tiphat: You have at least one fan already. It was a pleasure to read through this as well as your older installments, and I am looking forward already to future ones (the Xen'Drician trolls especially). - Sylvaroth
SquirrelMortis 03-04-07, 10:43 AM	Glad you liked it :D But I never said this would be the final one ;) There are the Droaamite, Xen'drician and Adaran trolls still to cover after all, though I can't say when (if ever) I'll get around to doing them! More... :drool: