Picture from here: https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/illustrations/travelers-lured/
I like a dash of the supernatural in all my games. I'm rather proud of this troll bash.
Three massive figures awaited them at the foot of the hill. Their height dwarfed even the mightiest warrior back home. Their hides were rough and knotted. They had scraggly hair and yellow eyes that shone in the dark.
"Bold," grumbled one.
"Be you the songstress or be you supper?" asked the other, brandishing his club.
Kiah let out a haunting call from behind her mask.
[Compel: Weak Hit]
[What Do The Guards They Ask? Gather Decay]
The trolls blinked in surprise.
"Songtress it is..." surmised the Troll.
"I'm still hungry," rumbled his brother.
"We can eat one of the others," suggested the third.
[Face Danager: Weak Hit]
[Lose Supply -1]
"You will not," Kiah stated, suddenly growing as tall as a pine. Her masked visage glared down at the Trolls with a baleful light.
She dumped her rations from her pack and added, "You may feast on that. If one of you so much as sniffs at my friends, I'll have you for my supper."
The trolls staggered back. The one with the club dropped it.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Go on through ma'am."
"Thank you," stated Kiah, suddenly her own size. With that, she strode up the hill, stifling a giggle as she went.
A stunned Owena had to be tugged along by Gruff.
Shush flew after, without a care in the world.
-----
Trolls peeked out of their caves, their eyes glowing like fireflies, as the three climbed.
Gruff and Owena soon overtook Kiah. They had to pause a few times for her to catch up.
"I hope I'm correct," she huffed, "about Bleat the Bat living up top."
"Why don't you just grow?" asked the wolf warden.
Songhood paused; after catching her breath, she explained, "What I showed the guards was a dream. Trust me, if I could actually become a giant, I would."
Eventually, the humans reached the summit.
There they found a cooking fire.
[His human being roasted? Small Chance No ]
A venison was being turned on a spit by a troll maid.
There were over a score of them. Grumbling, laughing, and playing dice.
[Endure Stress: Weak HIt ]
Kiah bit her blistered lip behind her mask and summoned her courage. Wolfe Mane gripped Gruff's hand. The silent warden stood braced and ready.
With a sniff, a large hunter lumbered over. His eyes narrowed, "Humans, what in the depths are you doing here?"
[Compel: Weak Hit]
"I am Kiah Song Hood. Overseer of Great Mount. Wyevern sister and Neda's slayer. I'm here to meet with Bleat the Bat."
"Ha!" the troll rumbled. "Prove it!"
Without missing a beat Kiah called, "Shush!"
The wyvern flew down, landed behind her mistress, and spread her wings.
The troll's blink was obvious in the dark. "Very well," he concluded. "This way."
-----
[What is Bleat Doing? Withdraw supply]
They were brought to a huge tangled rose bush. The hunter stomped on the ground with enough force that it rumbled.
After a moment, a hidden door opened, and a warm light emanated from within.
Bleat's long-eared head popped out, "What is it Stoad?"
"You have visitors boss," he answered, gesturing to the humans in their wyvern.
The troll overseer glanced at them and frowned. "Who are you?"
"Kiah Songhood," the bright woman answered.
At that, the troll flinched.
Kiah touched her face, "Breaking Glush's enchantment was, costly."
[Is Stoad fond of Glush? Unlikely: No]
The hunter chuckled and slapped Kiah on the back, she stumbled and nearly fell.
"You're alright," he responded while striding away.
"Come on in," Bleat said gesturing them inside.
-----
[Secure Advantage: Weak Hit ]
The witch, the wardens, and the wyvern found themselves in a cozy underground den. A warm fire crackled before them. Each nursed a large mug of warm ale.
"... and that brings us here," Kiah concluded. She sipped her drink from within the shadows of her hood.
The troll considered her story for a long, thoughtful moment, "Quite a story." Then, in a warmer tone, he added, "You should rest. In fact, I insist."
He scurried to the back of the den and ran through his hall.
"Should we trust him?" Owena asked.
"If we're poisoned, we're poisoned," Kiah countered.
Gruff, finished his ale. It was excellent.
-----
[Sourjurn: Strong HIt ]
The party spent two days with Bleat the Bat.
His hospitality left nothing to be desired. He provided personally cooked meals and smooth ale and cider. His conversation was wise and engaging.
Wolf Mane commented, "I was going to ask how someone as puny as you can boss around those lugs," she laughed, "but I get it now. "
Bleat just toasted her in response.
Shush warmed to Bleat immediately. One morn, he was snoozing on her belly.
Gruff and Owena explored Wood Hill the next morning. By evening they returned with fresh venison for the trolls.
-----
On the second evening, Bleat left the den to organize a grand ceremony for Lucia Nightdottir.
Kiah went with. The trolls gave her the side eye at first, but soon enough welcomed her into their circle. They discussed what games, stories, songs, and food would be involved.
After the plotting, while walking back to the den, Kiah remarked, "Your brethren are kinder than I imagined."
"Don't get the wrong idea," Bleat warned. "While I'm more open-minded, they don't like humans. It's just," he paused to consider, "never mind."
"No, tell me." Songhood pressed, "Please."
Bleat sighed, "It's the mask. They see you as a troll," his expression was apologetic.
There was a moment of silence. Then Kiah giggled, "As it's to my advantage, I am flattered."
-----
(Does it rain on the Third Evening? Unlikely: No)
The following night found the trolls sitting around a large, crackling fire. They sat with full bellies and full mugs of mead. Off to the side, two elders were playing chess with human bone pieces.
Gruff and Owena were far down the hill, sharing a night away.
Shush glided quietly across the sky.
Just beyond the fire, Bleat told Kiah, "It's time."
[Compel: Weak Hit ]
Kiah stepped forward; as she did a cold mist rolled along the ground. Spectral pipes and drums echoed throughout Wood Hill. Song Hood's powerful voice rang out with clear, ethereal notes in praise of Luciea Nightdottir. Her music seemed to make the stars and moon shine brighter.
Her voice dropped lower to a famous refrain:
Nighdottir striding across the stars
High above, in the darkness afar
No matter where you wander, no matter where you go
Remember us, your children down below
The trolls sang along, their deep voices shaking the hill.
Kiah walked among the trolls, singing solo for a few more verses until calling for the refrain again. The music led the listeners on a journey, where they sailed with the gods. It reminded them of earlier times, when they were united with the elves.
The elders paused their games to weep.
Finally, Kiah's music faded, bringing all back to earth. The mists faded, and the song was done.
After was a moment of silence,
Suddenly Stoad shoved a mug the size of a bear's skull into the bright woman's hand. "Drink."
"Aye!" the trolls responded with joy. "Drink!"
Kiah, seeing no other choice, lifted her mask and drank deep.
[Face Danger: Miss]
[Ender Harm: Miss]
She drank too much and fell into a happy stupor.
Bleat led her away before she could be accidentally stomped upon during the merry-making.