Trolls are known for their superior regenerative abilities. While physical damage can very well be lethal to trolls, they will recover from most other injuries in a considerable short time, to the point where they can regenerate entire body parts. There are various theories to the extend and speed in which they can – and statemens in the games and books are more often than not contradicting. For roleplay purposes, we use the following guidelines. Keep in mind that this is merely a guideline we use in our own guild to ensure the impact of injuries and risks are roughly the same for all trolls. We by no means claim to be canon!
Within Shadow of the Empires, troll regeneration differs with each troll but is partially dependent on:
- The age and strength of the individual troll. Physically weaker or older trolls will take a considerably longer time to heal;
- Use of food and medicine. Food rich in protein will help the trolls regenerate faster; where a lack of proper food or medicine will slow down the healing process;
- Whether or not wounds are cauterized. Cauterized wounds will not regenerate to new body parts; if fire is used to close the wound in any way the body part is lost forever;
- Activity of the troll during the healing process: trying to use wounded body parts will slow down regeneration, where rest is beneficial;
- Worship of the Loa can result in the troll receiving boons or blessings that help during regeneration. Lukou is often addressed; though a troll can also call upon his/her own Loa to aid them regaining strength.
The following examples are guidelines and give an indication of the duration of the healing process in the most optimistic cases for various common injuries.
| Type of injury | Regeneration time |
| Minor scratches / cuts | 1-2 days |
| Deep gashes / cuts | 1-2 weeks |
| Ear (loss) | 1 week |
| Tongue (loss) | 1 week |
| Finger/Toe (loss) | 1 week |
| Broken bones | 1-3 weeks, depending on fracture |
| Eye (loss) | 1-3 weeks |
| Hands/feet (loss) | 3-4 weeks |
| Tusk, loss | 1-2 weeks (small tusks), 1 month (large tusks) |
| Damaged organs | 1 month* |
| Arm (loss, full) | 5-6 months* |
| Leg (loss, full) | 9-10 months* |
*Loss of an arm of leg can be lethal, as is major damage to organs, and not all trolls are able to regenerate them. Some form of advanced mending is at least needed to give the troll a chance to survive and heal.
Sickness and disease
Due to their regeneration, trolls are less prone to sickness and disease. On top of that, they have a natural resistance to poison – they can be poisoned but the effect will be much less than with any other race. Recovery from illness is completely dependent on the nature of said disease and the individual troll.
Scarring
Trolls are blessed with advanced regeneration, meaning most wounds will heal quickly and leave little to no scars. As opposed to for example orcs, trolls will be relatively devoid of scars! There are a few instances where a wound leaves a lasting mark:
- The injury was severe and/or could not heal properly due to whatever circumstances.
- The wound was inflicted by either a heated weapon / result of a burn or caused by a substance that would counter the troll’s natural regeneration.
- The scar was made on purpose or the troll does not wish for it to heal properly. There are various reasons for this: a form of body modification, much like piercings and tattoos; as a mark of belonging to a tribe, an indication of some kind of achievement; or as a reminder when given as punishment or failure.
- Rule of cool: if you want to give your troll scars, go for it!