On Troll Security

From: Dan McCluskey <daniem_at_microsoft.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 12:34:39 -0800


I just wanted to take issue with Peter Metcalfe's comments that the security precautions taken by the Uz in Krang's Table were somhow un-trollish...

I will concede immediately that no troll worth the name is going to wake up in the evening and think "gawsh, I'ze wanna stand Guard all night". And that they are rather lazy and unorganized by nature. However, trolls are an emotional lot, and one of their main driving emotions is fear, which combined with the huge wealth of Krang's clan (It make free FOOD!!!) very quickly becomes paranoia. And paranoid leaders make for active underlings.

the Uz in Krangs Table are justifiably scared to death that someone is going to steal their treasure. The rulers are therefore going to force the poor little men-folks to doo all sorts of distasteful things, like run patrols, and have a clearly planned out strategy for dealing with any funky assult that the mothers can think of. Keeping an organized and Visable defence active at all times is also vital to keep the other nearby clans from raiding. Having constant patrolls, and clever guard posts can keep other clans from attempting the raid, and Trolls will generally prefer to get what they want by intimidation than fighting.

BTW, I think it's a fine scenario -- dam stoopid hoomens deserve whad dey gets! Dem should see how tuff we is, an' go home. Don' mess wid Uz houses, if yu wanna not get et. Hah.

(okay, so maybe I wouldn't publish it without some hints about how the players might succeed, or alternatly, mentioning that it's Supposed to be a death trap, and the "solution" is to find another job. But it's an alright illustration of a petty troll fortress in the rubble IMO)

danm


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