Can a Troll regrow its head or other vital organs? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Can a Troll regrow its head or other vital organs? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
msavage
06-13-07, 06:48 PM Just a newbie question.

It states trolls can regrow lost body parts but doesn't give any limitations. Does this include the head and other vitals?

Thanks for any replies.
lugnut71
06-13-07, 07:33 PM Yes but if you cut off its head it seems likely to suffocate before it could finish growing one.
Lecen_of_Mitran
06-13-07, 07:48 PM Yes but if you cut off its head it seems likely to suffocate before it could finish growing one.

Of course he dies and that´s it. He doenst die because he suffocated. The head was cut off, he is dead.

End of conversation.

This seems one of those threads about how to kill the tarrasque, and people saying: "Dude, even if you cut his head off, it will grow again, with even more teeths than before!"
cwslyclgh
06-13-07, 07:57 PM Of course he dies and that´s it. He doenst die because he suffocated. The head was cut off, he is dead.not necessarily.
Slagger the Chuul
06-13-07, 10:05 PM Without any additional circumstances (like being underwater) a troll is perfectly capable of surviving until its head regrows. The regrowth of "body parts" does not say "all body parts except the head".

For powers of head-formation, trolls even beat Voltron. :)

Although they would take lethal damage from that blazing sword, so Voltron would easily kill a troll.
Talisman
06-13-07, 10:07 PM Of course he dies and that´s it. He doenst die because he suffocated. The head was cut off, he is dead.

End of conversation.

Wrong.
If the troll was decapitated by an attack that dealt fire or acid damage, it is dead. All other damage is considered non-lethal to a troll, and thus cannot kill it.
A troll will regenerate any lost body part unless killed by fire or acid (or, theoretically, suffocation or starvation). Note, however, that the typical troll would have to be strangled for about 53 rounds before it would die...during which time it is doubtlessly fighting like a maniac. Being headless doesn't stop its regeneration, so even if the GM rules that a headless troll can't breathe (which is not at all clear), you'd have to keep whacking on it for around 10 minutes to keep it from healing.
Riaruotaku
06-13-07, 10:18 PM Ok why would it not be able to breath. The head is just the beginning of the airway and by cleaving the head off it's airway would still be present, just shorter. Besides, you cannot kill a troll by beheading it unless the weapon does fire or acid damage as the previous poster stated.

Cheers
Rinian2
06-14-07, 10:07 AM A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor?

Does the troll return to a childlike state?

Will it retain the feral nature of all trolls by retaining its instinct rather than its memory?
Radijs
06-14-07, 11:40 AM At that point you'll have to decide which part of the troll regrows.

The head, the body (Or for evil DM's; Both!)
Adrez Nesnsid
06-14-07, 01:19 PM A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor?

Does the troll return to a childlike state?

Will it retain the feral nature of all trolls by retaining its instinct rather than its memory?

Well the thing about trolls is that they're not really bright enough for that to be an issue
Adrez Nesnsid
06-14-07, 04:55 PM A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor?

Does the troll return to a childlike state?

Will it retain the feral nature of all trolls by retaining its instinct rather than its memory?

But seriously, this does bring up a good point. Namely, cutting off a troll's head should deal some sort of ability damage. Either intelligence, wisdom, possibly charisma, and possibly constitution (from blood loss) if the head regrows back from the body, or Constitution (from blood loss) damage plus effective starvation penalties (from resources used for massive regrowth) if the body regrows from the head. (All of which are things which a troll is not immune to).
Dragonsblood
06-14-07, 05:32 PM You guys are thinking too much. There's only two ways to cut off a troll's head. Pin it down and saw it off, at which point the thing is defeated anyway. Or use a vorpal sword, who's owner is going to be so much more powerful than the troll that it's a moot point.
Slagger the Chuul
06-14-07, 06:49 PM But seriously, this does bring up a good point. Namely, cutting off a troll's head should deal some sort of ability damage. Either intelligence, wisdom, possibly charisma, and possibly constitution (from blood loss) if the head regrows back from the body, or Constitution (from blood loss) damage plus effective starvation penalties (from resources used for massive regrowth) if the body regrows from the head. (All of which are things which a troll is not immune to).

Technically speaking, none of those things happen. Why they don't happen is one of the mysteries of regeneration. A troll is perfectly capable of breaking the normal laws of physics (i.e. normal for our world) in order to regenerate.
mvincent
06-15-07, 04:51 PM From the 3.5 FAQ:
"How long does a beheaded troll live? The ogre mage’s
description states that a severed head or other vital organ
must be reattached within 10 minutes or it dies.
All creatures with regeneration follow the normal rules for
regeneration (presented most recently in Monster Manual IV),
with exceptions as noted in the monster’s description.
Unlike the ogre mage, a troll regrows any lost body part in
3d6 minutes, even its head (Monster Manual, 248).
Dazzer
06-15-07, 04:59 PM Technically, the body does not regrow a head.

The head regrows a new body.

Also, yes, the troll can survive in this state. Consider it an inanimate object until such time as it regrows lungs. It goes into a state where it's metabolism shuts down and concentrates solely on regrowing new parts.

For a more magical and nasty troll, consider making it able to speak still! Cursing anyone who walks by. Perhaps this troll head could be a villain? Hiring orcs to carry it around while it...casts spells? (still spell?)

Funny.
mvincent
06-15-07, 05:06 PM Technically, the body does not regrow a head.

The head regrows a new body.Also from the 3.5 FAQ:
"Can a troll or other regenerating creature continue to
act if it’s been beheaded? Can it reattach its own severed
head?
A headless regenerating creature (such as a troll) can’t take
any actions, because its brain can’t send any signals to the rest
of its body. Thus, it can’t reattach its own head.
The Sage supposes that the severed head could still make
bite attacks (or use any other special abilities that don’t require
a body or limbs), but since it can’t really move around it’s
pretty easy for PCs to avoid that danger.

If a beheaded troll’s body is destroyed with acid or fire
but the detached head remains intact does the head
eventually grow a new body? If the troll is simply beheaded
and left for dead, does its head or its body regenerate?
A troll reduced to –10 hp is dead and does not regenerate,
even if intact body parts remain.
If you chop a troll up into little bits but don’t actually
reduce its hp to –10, it will eventually regenerate entirely. As a
rule, only the largest part of a troll grows into a new troll—you
never get more than one troll from a pile of parts from a single
troll."
cwslyclgh
06-15-07, 05:07 PM The head regrows a new body. I disagree with this

from the SRD:

Creatures with regeneration can regrow lost portions of their bodies and can reattach severed limbs or body parts. Severed parts die if they are not reattached.
Vrael
06-15-07, 05:07 PM From the 3.5 FAQ:
"How long does a beheaded troll live? The ogre mage’s
description states that a severed head or other vital organ
must be reattached within 10 minutes or it dies.
All creatures with regeneration follow the normal rules for
regeneration (presented most recently in Monster Manual IV),
with exceptions as noted in the monster’s description.
Unlike the ogre mage, a troll regrows any lost body part in
3d6 minutes, even its head (Monster Manual, 248).

Second emphasis mine.
Sildatorak
06-15-07, 05:09 PM Technically, the body does not regrow a head.

The head regrows a new body.Whatever is the largest piece of its body will regrow the rest of its body. If you were to put a troll in a giant blender, the one lump that is slightly bigger than the rest would be the one that would regrow.
NobodyRemembersThis
06-15-07, 06:53 PM Please stop using the Farce, I mean FAQ. Even though you got lucky and it is right this time, it is so often wrong that it is barely useable. Just do as cwslyclgh did and quote the SRD.
mvincent
06-15-07, 07:12 PM Please stop using the Farce, I mean FAQ. Even though you got lucky and it is right this time, it is so often wrong that it is barely useable. You appear to be incorrect. "Please stop" giving people terrible advice. I've read the FAQ far more than you. I've done line-by-line comparisons of every FAQ change and I've kept independent track of all valid FAQ errors (as opposed to differences of opinions). Valid errors are usually fixed fairly quickly (since so many people write in to mention them). Simple differences of opinions on areas that are subject to interpretation (and there are many of these) however are not corrected. Given the huge readership, you just can't expect to please everyone.

The FAQ serves as an extension of the rules for those that view an issue as subject to interpretation. It resolves issues that there may be two sides to. If someone does not view something as open to interpretation, then the FAQ is not for them anyway (since they have no question on the subject). However, they may encounter groups in the future that were more undecided on the subject... in which case the FAQ can at least allow them to know what to expect (especially with RPGA groups)... which is the whole purpose of having rules in the first place. If they insist on arguing against the FAQ with such groups, they may well be in for disappointment and/or needless conflict.

I can vouch: the FAQ is very useable. It is certainly better than the alternative.

Conversly: your own credibility (based on other threads (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=11470022) I've seen you in) seems very much in question.
locustechpriest
06-15-07, 07:36 PM A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor?

This is pure opinion, but I have gotten the impression that DnD as a whole treats memory and experiences in a way that even "fickle" cannot accurately define. Memmory is treated alternately as stored in the brain or stored in the "essence" or soul. Correct me if there is something official on this. :)

As for bleeding, if it regenerates, how could blood loss be an issue; seems silly to regrow arms and not blood... also, I immagine the arteries could close via "muscular action".

Tell me if I am wrong, but body parts can be targeted for sunder attempts, so a vorpal weapon isn't the only thing capable of beheading a troll. It seems this would usually have to be a readied action against an attack (as per the hydra) unless the target is in easy reach. Can anyone confirm or deny that for me, also any tips on the AC for a sunder attempt on a body part?
Talisman
06-15-07, 11:42 PM Tell me if I am wrong, but body parts can be targeted for sunder attempts, so a vorpal weapon isn't the only thing capable of beheading a troll. It seems this would usually have to be a readied action against an attack (as per the hydra) unless the target is in easy reach. Can anyone confirm or deny that for me, also any tips on the AC for a sunder attempt on a body part?

You are wrong.

Body parts are not valid targets for sunder attempts except in very specific circumstances (specifically, hydras). A sunder attempt is an attack on a held object, usually a weapon--not a limb, not a natural weapon, not armor. Unless the description of the monster allows for it, you cannot sunder anything other than a held object
Rinian2
06-16-07, 11:55 AM This is pure opinion, but I have gotten the impression that DnD as a whole treats memory and experiences in a way that even "fickle" cannot accurately define. Memmory is treated alternately as stored in the brain or stored in the "essence" or soul. Correct me if there is something official on this.The idea that memories aren't stored in someone's brain is so wrong that I hope there is something official denying even the remotest possibility of it being true.
Sarlax
06-16-07, 02:44 PM The idea that memories aren't stored in someone's brain is so wrong that I hope there is something official denying even the remotest possibility of it being true.
Do you think a lich still has a brain sitting comfortably in his skull? A fire giant has a brain 35 times as massive as a human's but is no smarter. Kobolds have a brain only 20% the size of a human. A water elemental doesn't have a brain at all.

In D&D, the brain has pretty much nothing to do with your memories or intelligence.
Rinian2
06-16-07, 11:16 PM The Lich is an inherently magical creature and magic changes everything. And the size of a Fire Giant's brain is not mentioned in any material I've looked at; they might be just little dinosaurs with brains the size of walnuts. Kobolds are just small; haven't you ever met a child that blew you away with some incredible insight? And all Elementals are magical manifestations of physical stuff... I do see your point though.

The troll's regeneration is nonmagical and I can't see how a body can regrow memories along with its head.

If memories came from parts not connected to heads, does this mean that every [scientificly created] clone would have the memories of its 'parent'?

Yeah, I know, contemporary science doesn't really work too well in a discussion based entirely in a magical world but I couldn't think of a nonmagical analogy to suit. :)
Slagger the Chuul
06-16-07, 11:30 PM The troll's regeneration is nonmagical and I can't see how a body can regrow memories along with its head.

I would suggest that in D&D terms, the memories are stored by the creature's spirit/soul; the brain is probably just how humanoids and other fleshy creatures connect it to their bodies.
Phalo
06-17-07, 04:33 AM The Lich is an inherently magical creature and magic changes everything. And the size of a Fire Giant's brain is not mentioned in any material I've looked at; they might be just little dinosaurs with brains the size of walnuts. Kobolds are just small; haven't you ever met a child that blew you away with some incredible insight? And all Elementals are magical manifestations of physical stuff... I do see your point though.

The troll's regeneration is nonmagical and I can't see how a body can regrow memories along with its head.

If memories came from parts not connected to heads, does this mean that every [scientificly created] clone would have the memories of its 'parent'?

Yeah, I know, contemporary science doesn't really work too well in a discussion based entirely in a magical world but I couldn't think of a nonmagical analogy to suit. :)

Hang on to your hats kiddo contemporary science does back for simple organisms memory may not be in the brain.

consider the planaria (its a kind of flatworm) Anyhow some behavioral scientists got the idea in their heads to train them to avoid light sources by applying electrical shock when they entered the light. (simple plavlov stuff i know) but here is where it gets weird they cut teh worms in half and both kept the trained avoidance to light. Then they took it a step further and ground up a trained worm and fed it to another and the training time for that worm was greatly reduced.

Ya crazy
Phalo
06-17-07, 04:37 AM Oh and this may or may not be needed but in 2nd edition trolls could regrow their heads(but it took a couple days i think). It was even in their society section how when two fought the loser would be the one without a head.
Sildatorak
06-17-07, 02:07 PM Oh and this may or may not be needed but in 2nd edition trolls could regrow their heads(but it took a couple days i think). It was even in their society section how when two fought the loser would be the one without a head.That was indeed the case. I miss the ecology section sometimes, and this is one of the cases. When female trolls (which are larger and stronger than the males) would battle for dominance of a clan, the victor would tear the loser's head off and throw it far enough away that the headless troll couldn't just grope about and find it.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
msavage 06-13-07, 06:48 PM	Just a newbie question. It states trolls can regrow lost body parts but doesn't give any limitations. Does this include the head and other vitals? Thanks for any replies.
lugnut71 06-13-07, 07:33 PM	Yes but if you cut off its head it seems likely to suffocate before it could finish growing one.
Lecen_of_Mitran 06-13-07, 07:48 PM	Yes but if you cut off its head it seems likely to suffocate before it could finish growing one. Of course he dies and that´s it. He doenst die because he suffocated. The head was cut off, he is dead. End of conversation. This seems one of those threads about how to kill the tarrasque, and people saying: "Dude, even if you cut his head off, it will grow again, with even more teeths than before!"
cwslyclgh 06-13-07, 07:57 PM	Of course he dies and that´s it. He doenst die because he suffocated. The head was cut off, he is dead.not necessarily.
Slagger the Chuul 06-13-07, 10:05 PM	Without any additional circumstances (like being underwater) a troll is perfectly capable of surviving until its head regrows. The regrowth of "body parts" does not say "all body parts except the head". For powers of head-formation, trolls even beat Voltron. :) Although they would take lethal damage from that blazing sword, so Voltron would easily kill a troll.
Talisman 06-13-07, 10:07 PM	Of course he dies and that´s it. He doenst die because he suffocated. The head was cut off, he is dead. End of conversation. Wrong. If the troll was decapitated by an attack that dealt fire or acid damage, it is dead. All other damage is considered non-lethal to a troll, and thus cannot kill it. A troll will regenerate any lost body part unless killed by fire or acid (or, theoretically, suffocation or starvation). Note, however, that the typical troll would have to be strangled for about 53 rounds before it would die...during which time it is doubtlessly fighting like a maniac. Being headless doesn't stop its regeneration, so even if the GM rules that a headless troll can't breathe (which is not at all clear), you'd have to keep whacking on it for around 10 minutes to keep it from healing.
Riaruotaku 06-13-07, 10:18 PM	Ok why would it not be able to breath. The head is just the beginning of the airway and by cleaving the head off it's airway would still be present, just shorter. Besides, you cannot kill a troll by beheading it unless the weapon does fire or acid damage as the previous poster stated. Cheers
Rinian2 06-14-07, 10:07 AM	A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor? Does the troll return to a childlike state? Will it retain the feral nature of all trolls by retaining its instinct rather than its memory?
Radijs 06-14-07, 11:40 AM	At that point you'll have to decide which part of the troll regrows. The head, the body (Or for evil DM's; Both!)
Adrez Nesnsid 06-14-07, 01:19 PM	A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor? Does the troll return to a childlike state? Will it retain the feral nature of all trolls by retaining its instinct rather than its memory? Well the thing about trolls is that they're not really bright enough for that to be an issue
Adrez Nesnsid 06-14-07, 04:55 PM	A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor? Does the troll return to a childlike state? Will it retain the feral nature of all trolls by retaining its instinct rather than its memory? But seriously, this does bring up a good point. Namely, cutting off a troll's head should deal some sort of ability damage. Either intelligence, wisdom, possibly charisma, and possibly constitution (from blood loss) if the head regrows back from the body, or Constitution (from blood loss) damage plus effective starvation penalties (from resources used for massive regrowth) if the body regrows from the head. (All of which are things which a troll is not immune to).
Dragonsblood 06-14-07, 05:32 PM	You guys are thinking too much. There's only two ways to cut off a troll's head. Pin it down and saw it off, at which point the thing is defeated anyway. Or use a vorpal sword, who's owner is going to be so much more powerful than the troll that it's a moot point.
Slagger the Chuul 06-14-07, 06:49 PM	But seriously, this does bring up a good point. Namely, cutting off a troll's head should deal some sort of ability damage. Either intelligence, wisdom, possibly charisma, and possibly constitution (from blood loss) if the head regrows back from the body, or Constitution (from blood loss) damage plus effective starvation penalties (from resources used for massive regrowth) if the body regrows from the head. (All of which are things which a troll is not immune to). Technically speaking, none of those things happen. Why they don't happen is one of the mysteries of regeneration. A troll is perfectly capable of breaking the normal laws of physics (i.e. normal for our world) in order to regenerate.
mvincent 06-15-07, 04:51 PM	From the 3.5 FAQ: "How long does a beheaded troll live? The ogre mage’s description states that a severed head or other vital organ must be reattached within 10 minutes or it dies. All creatures with regeneration follow the normal rules for regeneration (presented most recently in Monster Manual IV), with exceptions as noted in the monster’s description. Unlike the ogre mage, a troll regrows any lost body part in 3d6 minutes, even its head (Monster Manual, 248).
Dazzer 06-15-07, 04:59 PM	Technically, the body does not regrow a head. The head regrows a new body. Also, yes, the troll can survive in this state. Consider it an inanimate object until such time as it regrows lungs. It goes into a state where it's metabolism shuts down and concentrates solely on regrowing new parts. For a more magical and nasty troll, consider making it able to speak still! Cursing anyone who walks by. Perhaps this troll head could be a villain? Hiring orcs to carry it around while it...casts spells? (still spell?) Funny.
mvincent 06-15-07, 05:06 PM	Technically, the body does not regrow a head. The head regrows a new body.Also from the 3.5 FAQ: "Can a troll or other regenerating creature continue to act if it’s been beheaded? Can it reattach its own severed head? A headless regenerating creature (such as a troll) can’t take any actions, because its brain can’t send any signals to the rest of its body. Thus, it can’t reattach its own head. The Sage supposes that the severed head could still make bite attacks (or use any other special abilities that don’t require a body or limbs), but since it can’t really move around it’s pretty easy for PCs to avoid that danger. If a beheaded troll’s body is destroyed with acid or fire but the detached head remains intact does the head eventually grow a new body? If the troll is simply beheaded and left for dead, does its head or its body regenerate? A troll reduced to –10 hp is dead and does not regenerate, even if intact body parts remain. If you chop a troll up into little bits but don’t actually reduce its hp to –10, it will eventually regenerate entirely. As a rule, only the largest part of a troll grows into a new troll—you never get more than one troll from a pile of parts from a single troll."
cwslyclgh 06-15-07, 05:07 PM	The head regrows a new body. I disagree with this from the SRD: Creatures with regeneration can regrow lost portions of their bodies and can reattach severed limbs or body parts. Severed parts die if they are not reattached.
Vrael 06-15-07, 05:07 PM	From the 3.5 FAQ: "How long does a beheaded troll live? The ogre mage’s description states that a severed head or other vital organ must be reattached within 10 minutes or it dies. All creatures with regeneration follow the normal rules for regeneration (presented most recently in Monster Manual IV), with exceptions as noted in the monster’s description. Unlike the ogre mage, a troll regrows any lost body part in 3d6 minutes, even its head (Monster Manual, 248). Second emphasis mine.
Sildatorak 06-15-07, 05:09 PM	Technically, the body does not regrow a head. The head regrows a new body.Whatever is the largest piece of its body will regrow the rest of its body. If you were to put a troll in a giant blender, the one lump that is slightly bigger than the rest would be the one that would regrow.
NobodyRemembersThis 06-15-07, 06:53 PM	Please stop using the Farce, I mean FAQ. Even though you got lucky and it is right this time, it is so often wrong that it is barely useable. Just do as cwslyclgh did and quote the SRD.
mvincent 06-15-07, 07:12 PM	Please stop using the Farce, I mean FAQ. Even though you got lucky and it is right this time, it is so often wrong that it is barely useable. You appear to be incorrect. "Please stop" giving people terrible advice. I've read the FAQ far more than you. I've done line-by-line comparisons of every FAQ change and I've kept independent track of all valid FAQ errors (as opposed to differences of opinions). Valid errors are usually fixed fairly quickly (since so many people write in to mention them). Simple differences of opinions on areas that are subject to interpretation (and there are many of these) however are not corrected. Given the huge readership, you just can't expect to please everyone. The FAQ serves as an extension of the rules for those that view an issue as subject to interpretation. It resolves issues that there may be two sides to. If someone does not view something as open to interpretation, then the FAQ is not for them anyway (since they have no question on the subject). However, they may encounter groups in the future that were more undecided on the subject... in which case the FAQ can at least allow them to know what to expect (especially with RPGA groups)... which is the whole purpose of having rules in the first place. If they insist on arguing against the FAQ with such groups, they may well be in for disappointment and/or needless conflict. I can vouch: the FAQ is very useable. It is certainly better than the alternative. Conversly: your own credibility (based on other threads (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=11470022) I've seen you in) seems very much in question.
locustechpriest 06-15-07, 07:36 PM	A troll can regrow its head but what about the memories that were in the head rolling around on the floor? This is pure opinion, but I have gotten the impression that DnD as a whole treats memory and experiences in a way that even "fickle" cannot accurately define. Memmory is treated alternately as stored in the brain or stored in the "essence" or soul. Correct me if there is something official on this. :) As for bleeding, if it regenerates, how could blood loss be an issue; seems silly to regrow arms and not blood... also, I immagine the arteries could close via "muscular action". Tell me if I am wrong, but body parts can be targeted for sunder attempts, so a vorpal weapon isn't the only thing capable of beheading a troll. It seems this would usually have to be a readied action against an attack (as per the hydra) unless the target is in easy reach. Can anyone confirm or deny that for me, also any tips on the AC for a sunder attempt on a body part?
Talisman 06-15-07, 11:42 PM	Tell me if I am wrong, but body parts can be targeted for sunder attempts, so a vorpal weapon isn't the only thing capable of beheading a troll. It seems this would usually have to be a readied action against an attack (as per the hydra) unless the target is in easy reach. Can anyone confirm or deny that for me, also any tips on the AC for a sunder attempt on a body part? You are wrong. Body parts are not valid targets for sunder attempts except in very specific circumstances (specifically, hydras). A sunder attempt is an attack on a held object, usually a weapon--not a limb, not a natural weapon, not armor. Unless the description of the monster allows for it, you cannot sunder anything other than a held object
Rinian2 06-16-07, 11:55 AM	This is pure opinion, but I have gotten the impression that DnD as a whole treats memory and experiences in a way that even "fickle" cannot accurately define. Memmory is treated alternately as stored in the brain or stored in the "essence" or soul. Correct me if there is something official on this.The idea that memories aren't stored in someone's brain is so wrong that I hope there is something official denying even the remotest possibility of it being true.
Sarlax 06-16-07, 02:44 PM	The idea that memories aren't stored in someone's brain is so wrong that I hope there is something official denying even the remotest possibility of it being true. Do you think a lich still has a brain sitting comfortably in his skull? A fire giant has a brain 35 times as massive as a human's but is no smarter. Kobolds have a brain only 20% the size of a human. A water elemental doesn't have a brain at all. In D&D, the brain has pretty much nothing to do with your memories or intelligence.
Rinian2 06-16-07, 11:16 PM	The Lich is an inherently magical creature and magic changes everything. And the size of a Fire Giant's brain is not mentioned in any material I've looked at; they might be just little dinosaurs with brains the size of walnuts. Kobolds are just small; haven't you ever met a child that blew you away with some incredible insight? And all Elementals are magical manifestations of physical stuff... I do see your point though. The troll's regeneration is nonmagical and I can't see how a body can regrow memories along with its head. If memories came from parts not connected to heads, does this mean that every [scientificly created] clone would have the memories of its 'parent'? Yeah, I know, contemporary science doesn't really work too well in a discussion based entirely in a magical world but I couldn't think of a nonmagical analogy to suit. :)
Slagger the Chuul 06-16-07, 11:30 PM	The troll's regeneration is nonmagical and I can't see how a body can regrow memories along with its head. I would suggest that in D&D terms, the memories are stored by the creature's spirit/soul; the brain is probably just how humanoids and other fleshy creatures connect it to their bodies.
Phalo 06-17-07, 04:33 AM	The Lich is an inherently magical creature and magic changes everything. And the size of a Fire Giant's brain is not mentioned in any material I've looked at; they might be just little dinosaurs with brains the size of walnuts. Kobolds are just small; haven't you ever met a child that blew you away with some incredible insight? And all Elementals are magical manifestations of physical stuff... I do see your point though. The troll's regeneration is nonmagical and I can't see how a body can regrow memories along with its head. If memories came from parts not connected to heads, does this mean that every [scientificly created] clone would have the memories of its 'parent'? Yeah, I know, contemporary science doesn't really work too well in a discussion based entirely in a magical world but I couldn't think of a nonmagical analogy to suit. :) Hang on to your hats kiddo contemporary science does back for simple organisms memory may not be in the brain. consider the planaria (its a kind of flatworm) Anyhow some behavioral scientists got the idea in their heads to train them to avoid light sources by applying electrical shock when they entered the light. (simple plavlov stuff i know) but here is where it gets weird they cut teh worms in half and both kept the trained avoidance to light. Then they took it a step further and ground up a trained worm and fed it to another and the training time for that worm was greatly reduced. Ya crazy
Phalo 06-17-07, 04:37 AM	Oh and this may or may not be needed but in 2nd edition trolls could regrow their heads(but it took a couple days i think). It was even in their society section how when two fought the loser would be the one without a head.
Sildatorak 06-17-07, 02:07 PM	Oh and this may or may not be needed but in 2nd edition trolls could regrow their heads(but it took a couple days i think). It was even in their society section how when two fought the loser would be the one without a head.That was indeed the case. I miss the ecology section sometimes, and this is one of the cases. When female trolls (which are larger and stronger than the males) would battle for dominance of a clan, the victor would tear the loser's head off and throw it far enough away that the headless troll couldn't just grope about and find it.