Trolls

Appearance
Trolls are mostly humanoid in shape, though they are significantly larger and stronger than humans. The average troll has blue-grey skin, impressive musculature, sharp teeth, and silver or steel-grey hair, and is around ten feet tall. Trolls of both sexes have body shapes similar to that of an exceptionally fit human male, and many have strongly "masculine" facial structures. They have very deep voices compared to humans.

Due to these factors, most humans have difficulty differentiating between male and female trolls on sight, presuming any given troll to be male.

Sex and Gender
Sexual dimorphism in trolls is mostly limited to the primary sex characteristics.

Trolls have two genders: reig (dominant, loosely coded female), and vahn (submissive, loosely coded male). In troll society, gender is neither permanently set nor directly linked to physical sex. Instead, it functions as a way for each individual to self-identify as either dominant or submissive, with attendant societal responsibilities. See the pages on Reig and Vahn for more information.

Society
Trolls have a matriarchal society organized by clan, with each clan under the leadership of a clan head. Clan heads are always reig, but may be of either sex.

Culture
Trolls have an advanced culture built on philosophical principles and an emphasis on service to the community.

Accomplishment earned through hard work over time is celebrated.

Troll art tends toward geometrical patterns, especially in textile design and embroidery.

Religion
Trolls are, as a rule, not religious, instead subscribing to a system of thought referred to by humans as Troll Philosophy. Troll philosophy emphasizes solving problems and making decisions by using logic and argumentation to examine traditional precedents.

Magic
Trolls as a race are naturally gifted in magic, possessing the ability to sense magic as well as a logical mindset that lends itself well to the development of complex and powerful Parameters.

Settlements
The main troll city is Cwydarin, which is located in the northern reaches of the same continent as Daeslund. It is the center of troll culture and politics on the continent.

Clan Cynallum has both summer and winter villages somewhere north of Daeslund.

Humans
Humans may have developed their ability to use magic due to troll influence, though this is uncertain. The development of Academic Magic is almost certainly a result of troll influence.

The humans of Daeslund and the trolls of Cwydarin have a history of fluctuating between hostility, peace, alliance, competition, and cultural exchange. This relationship is mirrored, to varying degrees, in the relationship of trolls and humans in general.

Trolls and humans are capable of interbreeding, albeit with difficulty. Most human/troll pairings do not produce children, with the rare half-troll offspring usually being barren or infertile.

Fair Cousins
Trolls have a relationship of wary respect and camaraderie with the Fair Cousins.