Topics: fantasy worldbuilding, characters, factions, relics, creatures, locations, canon.

Tags: troll, road, elite, proof-audited.

Appearance: moss-backed giants with stone-like knuckles, wet hair, bridge charms wedged in their gums, pale eyes under heavy brows, and skin that seals around arrows unless burned or salted. Older bridge trolls develop arch-shaped spines and roots around the ankles.

Threat tier: elite at minor crossings, boss at old imperial bridges, and regional if rooted into a major trade arch. A troll on the right bridge can threaten more people than a larger monster in empty hills.

Origin: many are not simple beasts. Some are corrupted bridge spirits, toll ghosts given flesh, or regenerating predators bound to crossings where lawful maintenance, toll oaths, or burial rites were neglected.

Behavior: trolls demand tolls, riddles, meat, tools, remembered names, or repair work. They rarely pursue far from the crossing unless the bridge-root has spread into road stones. Some negotiate honestly if travelers know the old toll law.