Trolls aren’t underground creatures. Sure, they don’t enjoy sunlight. Yes, in many traditions they react violently to direct sunlight, which is why they lurk in deep forests or sheltered mountain ranges. Some of the more specialized Trollkin hide under the surface of lakes, ponds and swamps.
This isn’t to say they never set foot in a cave, much like primitive man, Trolls may retreat into natural cave systems when threatened by climate or other external forces. Caves are quite hard to find, however, especially habitable ones (that are large enough for the Troll, even!). So, cave dwelling Trolls are actually living in luxury.
Trolls are not architects. They build, perhaps a hovel, possibly a bridge – but they do not plan nor check for safety. All traits that are pretty important for a race meant to live their entire life underground. I discussed the fundamental differences between Dwarfs and Trollkin in my last post, that industry and organization are some of the many things that Trolls have no interest or use for. Dwarfs enjoy the safety and security, while Trolls are about the strongest things out there. They are also incredibly dim, hungry, ugly and reactionary creatures – much like a solitary bear rather than a pack animal like a lion or wolf. Less personal space, no doubt, would also probably lead to infighting between Trolls, who would be designed with a hair trigger in mind. From a player’s point of view, it would be nicer if a Troll took out its frustrations of getting wet in the rain on its crude bed, rather than the face of the tiny River Troll to his left.
-Sándor Csontos
Caffeine Lich 