This was given to me by a Troll warrior I met in battle
one day. We fought a duel of honor and though I
lost to his experience I account myself well. In
friendship we met, dueled, and parted. I follow this code
as do all members of the Troll Brotherhood of the Dalelands.
It is said that this set of laws was handed to us Trolls by the goddess
Dana herself, they set a high and noble position for all trolls, and by
implication, all who follow it as well.
~ Excerpts by Oranthus the Troll Graybeard Scribe ~
Protect the Dreaming
While this appears to be one
of the simple commands, it has been the source of much debate for
centuries. In its most basic terms, it covers
ALL fae. Particular interpretations have included chimera,
the Prodigals, Gallain, and humans. Where
any one troll darws this line varies from Court to Court and
freehold to freehold. All that is certain, however,
is that a line does exist for each and every troll, and woe to all who
cross it.
Respect Those of Higher Station
This is usually interpreted as spoken,
with one provision. The respect associated with higher social
standing is something that must be continually
earned. This often comes as a shock to many nobles, who expect us
to bow and scrape simply because they are titled. It is not enough
to have rank bestowed by degree; you must constantly attend to your
duties should you wish the deference of trolls beneath you and the respect
of those above you.
Note: This is true for both Courts.
Never Abuse Your Strength
In practical terms, this means that
we seek our own kind in battle first. It may be clad in terms of
nobility, benevolence or simply searching for a
suitable opponent by which to increase one glory's, but it
all can be traced back to the Code of Dagda.
The proscription is also responsible for the high proportion
of itinerant warriors among our race; they roam
the world in search of worthy opponents and to ensure
that no other abuses her power.
Accept an Honorable Surrender
This is not about Seelie or Unseelie, but about
capability. We can defeat nearly any foe on the battlefield; this
is simple fact. Yet in our strength, we have a responsibility to
the weak, so that they might learn. In the past, scoundrels have
attempted to take advantage of our ways, feigning surrender so they might
gain one treacherous blow. Note that this is rare now, and growing
rarer yet. Perhaps it is due to the stories told of dishonorable
villians who attempted just that maneuver, only to meet harsh justice at
the hands of a trollish victor. Over the ages, other fae have generally
learned to listen to these stories.
Note: Should any doubt the modern importance
of this precept, one need only remember the Beltaine
Massacre and the response of the 4th Toll Commons.