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{{source needed}}
:''Were you looking for [[Drakan]]?''
 
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{{For|the playable race|Troll (playable)}}
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{{For|the language|Troll (language)}}
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{{Infobox race
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| name = Trolls, the Masters of Voodoo
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| image = TrollCrest.jpg
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| capital = [[Zuldazar]]
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| faction = [[Independent]], [[Horde]] (Darkspear, Shatterspear<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNB4py6LOz0</ref>, and Revantusk), [[Zandalar tribe|Zandalari]]([[Zandalar tribe|Zandalari]], [[Amani]], and [[Gurubashi]]), Hostile
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| character = [[Warrior]], [[Hunter]], [[Mage]], [[Priest]], [[Rogue]], [[Shaman]], [[Druid]], [[Death Knight]], (WoW) [[Shadow hunter]], [[Witch doctor]], [[Potion doc]], [[Barbarian]], [[Primal]], [[Wilderness stalker]], [[Hexer]], [[Berserker]], [[Healer]] (RPG)
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| mount = [[Raptor]]
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| homeworld = [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]
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| region = [[Azeroth (continent)|Azeroth|Azeroth]] ([[Stranglethorn Vale]], [[Zul'Gurub]]), [[Dun Morogh]], [[Lordaeron (continent)|Lordaeron]] ([[Zul'Aman]], [[Hinterlands]], [[Ghostlands]] [[Eversong Woods]], [[Arathi Highlands]], [[Eastern Plaguelands]])
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| language = [[Zandali]], [[Low Common]], [[Common (language)|Common]]
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| leader = [[King Rastakhan]]
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| exact = 6' 3" - 7' 1" ( 190 - 216 cm ) (Male, Upright)<br/>5' 11" - 6' 9" ( 180 - 206 cm ) (Female, Upright)<br/>
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}}
   
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'''Trolls''' (aka '''trollkind''') are a diverse sapient race in Azeroth and can be found in every part of the world. They average seven feet in height and two hundred pounds in weight. Two exceptions to this are the [[Drakkari]] and the [[Zandalari]], who tend to be somewhat larger than their kindred. As with other races, there are also scattered trolls who far exceed the normal size range. For further discussion of these outliers, consult the below section on these so-called "monstrous" trolls. There are several races of troll.
{{Wowbox/Begin|width=250px}}
 
{{Infobox Warcraft character
 
| image = Femorc nopic.jpg
 
| name = Draka
 
| gender = Female
 
| race = [[Orc]]
 
| character = [[Warrior]]
 
| affiliation = The [[Horde]], [[Frostwolf Clan]]
 
| faction = [[Horde]]
 
| occupation = Mate of [[Durotan]]
 
| status = Murdered by Gul'dan's spies
 
| relatives = [[Durotan]] (Mate), [[Thrall]] (Son), [[Kelkar]] (Father), [[Rhakish]] (Grandfather)}}
 
{{Wowbox/End}}
 
   
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Many trolls have no loyalty except amongst their own tribes, with the exception of the [[Darkspear tribe]], [[Shatterspear tribe]], and [[Revantusk tribe]], the former two being part of the [[Horde]], while the latter being allies of them. Darkspear are the playable trolls in ''World of Warcraft.'' Although the Darkspear are the weakest and smallest of all the troll races, they are the most cunning and intelligent and can still grow to rather immense sizes. For example, Darkspear [[Berserker]]s in [[Warcraft III]] were larger even than grunts.
The courageous warrior mate of [[Durotan]], '''Draka''' is a firm believer in the [[Frostwolf Clan]]'s convictions of the old ways of honour and shamanism. She is the daughter of [[Kelkar]] and the granddaughter of [[Rhakish]].
 
   
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==Characteristics==
Draka met [[Durotan]] as he and [[Orgrim Doomhammer]] stared in amusing awe at the once-lethargic Draka. Durotan was slack-jawed when she refused his courtship hunt invitation, but accepted one that meant nothing more than a simple hunt. At the time, Draka was too young, the reason of declining [[Durotan]]'s first offer. Whilst trailing a [[Clefthoof]], they were attacked by a black wolf. After killing it, Draka revealed that she was of age to 'date' on that day, and romantically kissed Durotan.
 
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[[File:Troll.png|thumb|[[Forest troll]]|left]]
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[[File:Troll Subspecies.jpg|thumb|450px|Jungle trolls, forest trolls, ice trolls, sandfury trolls, dark trolls, and undead trolls.]]
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Trolls are often tall, lanky, and muscular. They have both [[elf|elven]] and [[orc]]ish characteristics with their fierce fangs and long ears. Their long arms, strong legs and quick reflexes make them adept hunters. Trolls have only two fingers and a thumb on their hands, and they have only two toes on each foot. Like the tauren, trolls do not wear standard shoes or boots, although while tauren are unable to do so because of the shape of their hooves, trolls are simply more comfortable barefoot.
   
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The forest trolls' bodies can support plant life to a limited extent due to a mutation that took place many millennia ago. A thin layer of moss will inevitably grow on the skin of a forest troll shortly after they are born, giving them their characteristic green coloring. Their moss-like skin color ranges from light green to blue and purple. However, the jungle trolls' bodies are covered in a short, soft fur which cause the trolls to appear purple or gray.<ref>http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/troll/</ref>
Draka mothered [[Thrall]], child of Durotan, shortly before joining her chieftain on his excursion to the southern lands to meet with their old comrade Orgrim Doomhammer.
 
   
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Although enough physical damage will kill them, trolls can [[Regeneration|regenerate]] grievous physical injuries at an accelerated rate, giving them a large advantage in battle. They could regrow fingers and toes, but more complex parts like limbs and organs were beyond their abilities.<ref>[[The Judgment]] pg. 8</ref> Troll blood is thick enough to hold in your hand.<ref>http://www.wowhead.com/item=52064#</ref> Trolls are so well known for their regenerative abilities that [[Alchemy|alchemical]] mixtures, which induce regeneration in other races, are referred to as "[[Strong Troll's Blood Potion|troll's blood potions]]," despite not actually containing any troll blood. Militant tribes of trolls are efficient killers and have a strong lust for blood. Some may still cling to their heritage of [[cannibalism]] and [[voodoo]].
After explaining to Doomhammer the deception of [[Gul'dan]], Durotan and Draka were sent away with one of Doomhammer’s guards, but the guard betrayed them to the assassins of the [[Stormreaver Clan]]. Draka was killed in the encounter.
 
   
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Trolls have a characteristic way of speaking. Words like "yo" (a greeting) and "mon" (man) are common expressions. They speak with varying accents that resemble that of Jamaicans and Cubans. Cuban-sounding accents are more common among forest trolls.
[[Category:Deceased]]
 
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[[Category:Orcs]]
 
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Legends exist that suggest the possibility that the first night elves were pioneering [[Forest troll]]s or [[Dark troll]]s from the North who settled on the shores of the [[Well of Eternity]]. See [[troll and elven lineage]] for more information.
[[Category:Lore Characters]]
 
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[[Category:Major Characters]]
 
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==History==
[[Category:Frostwolf Clan]]
 
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===The Twin Empires===
[[Category:Family Trees]]
 
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[[File:Voodoo Troll Priest.jpg|thumb|[[Voodoo]] Troll [[Priest]]]]
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About 16,000 years ago (long before the [[Night elf|night elves]] summoned the wrath of the [[Burning Legion]]), trolls lorded over much of [[Kalimdor]], which was then a single continent. The [[Zandalar Tribe|Zandalarian]]s were the earliest known trolls - the first tribe from which all tribes originated.
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Over time two distinct troll empires emerged: the [[Amani Empire]] of the middle forestlands and the [[Gurubashi Empire]] of the Southeastern jungles. Smaller tribes lived far North in the region now called [[Northrend]]. These tribes founded a small nation known as [[Zul'Drak]], but they never achieved the size or prosperity of the southern empires.
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The Gurubashi and Amani empires held some animosity for one another, but they rarely warred. At the time, their greatest common enemy was a third empire — the civilization of [[Azj'Aqir]]. The [[aqir]] were intelligent insectoids who ruled the lands of the far West. These insectoids were clever, greatly expansionary, and extremely hostile. The aqir aimed to eradicate all non-insect life from the fields of Kalimdor.
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The trolls fought the aqir for many thousands of years but never succeeded in winning a true victory over them. Eventually, due to the trolls' persistence, the aqiri kingdom split in half as its citizens fled to separate colonies in the far Northern and Southern regions of the continent. Two aqiri city-states then emerged: [[Azjol-Nerub]] in the Northern wastes and [[Ahn'Qiraj]] in the Southern desert. Though the trolls suspected that there were other aqiri colonies beneath Kalimdor, their existence was never verified.
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With the insectoids driven into exile, the twin troll empires returned to normalcy. Despite their great victories, neither civilization expanded much further than their original boundaries. However, ancient texts speak of a small faction of trolls who broke off from the Amani Empire and founded their own colony in the heart of the dark continent. There, pioneers discovered the cosmic [[Well of Eternity]], which allegedly transformed them into beings of immense power. Some legends suggest that these troll adventurers were the first night elves, though this hypothesis has never been proven.
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===Empires' Fall===
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[[File:TheOmensOfTerror.jpg|thumb|A troll [[priest]] in art.]]
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Aside from their shadowy origins, it is clear that the night elves came to power soon after their discovery of the Well of Eternity. Despite the trolls' attempts to keep them from expanding their territories, the night elves built a strong empire that expanded rapidly across primordial Kalimdor. Wielding magics never before seen by the trolls that remained largely superstitious, the night elves had little trouble demolishing the trolls' twin empires, an act the aqir could not accomplish.
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The night elves systematically dismantled the trolls' defenses and supply chains. The trolls, unable to counter the elves' destructive magics, buckled under the onslaught. The actions of the night elves incurred the trolls' long-lasting hatred and disdain. The Gurubashi and Amani Empires fragmented within only a few short years.
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Eventually, the night elves' reckless overuse of magic lured the demonic Burning Legion to the world. The demons destroyed much of the night elves' civilization. Though there are no records to indicate that the Legion attacked either troll civilization, it is likely that battles took place across the breadth of the continent.
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At the end of this conflict, known as the [[War of the Ancients]], the Well of Eternity imploded. The resulting shockwave shattered the greater landmass of Kalimdor. The center of the continent was blasted beneath the sea, leaving only a small group of broken, single continents. Thus, great chunks of both the Amani and Gurubashi Empires still exist in the present day lands of [[Quel'Thalas]] and [[Stranglethorn]] (respectively). The Azj'Aqir kingdoms of Azjol-Nerub and Ahn'Qiraj have also survived in present day [[Northrend]] and [[Silithus]] (respectively).
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Both troll civilizations recoiled from the vast destruction of the world they had known. The trolls later rebuilt their ravaged cities and set about to reclaim some of their former power.
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===Wrath of the Soulflayer===
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[[File:Hakkar.jpg|thumb|[[Hakkar the Soulflayer]]]]
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The long centuries following the [[Great Sundering]] of the world were difficult ones for the troll race. Famine and death were commonplace within the broken kingdoms. The Gurubashi trolls, driven to desperate ends, sought aid from ancient, mystical forces. Though both of the troll kingdoms shared a central belief in a great pantheon of primitive gods, the Gurubashi fell under the sway of a darker one.
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[[Hakkar the Soulflayer]] (not to be confused with [[Hakkar the Houndmaster]] from War of the Ancients), a darker spirit, heard the trolls' calls of distress and decided to aid them. Hakkar gave his secrets of blood to the Gurubashi and helped them extend their civilization across most of Stranglethorn Vale and certain islands of the [[South Seas]]. Though he brought them great power, Hakkar demanded souls be sacrificed to him daily. He wanted to gain access to the physical world so that he could terrorize and devour mortal creatures. In time the Zandalari helped the Gurubashi realize what kind of creature they had courted with, and both forces turned against him. The strongest tribes rose up against Hakkar and his loyal priests, the [[Atal'ai]].
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The devastating war that ensued between Hakkar's followers and the rest of the Gurubashi tribes was not well-recorded and has mostly been passed on through oral tradition. The budding empire was shattered by the magic unleashed between the angry god and his rebel children. Just as the war began turning away from the trolls' favor, they succeeded in destroying Hakkar's avatar and banishing him from the mortal world.
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The Atal'ai priests were eventually driven from the capital of [[Zul'Gurub]] and forced to survive in the uncharted swamplands of the North. Within the dense ferns they built a great temple, [[Atal'Hakkar]], in honor of their fallen god, where they continued to worship and serve him.
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The rest of the Gurubashi tribes separated after the great civil war had left their lands in ruins. The [[Skullsplitter tribe|Skullsplitter]], [[Bloodscalp]], and [[Darkspear]] tribes set off to claim their own lands within the vast jungles of Stranglethorn. Though a fragile peace had settled over the broken empire, rumors of a prophecy that Hakkar would one day be reborn into the world spread.
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===The Troll Wars===
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{{main|The Troll Wars}}
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One of the oldest wars in the lands of ''Warcraft'' was between the [[forest troll]]s of [[Zul'Aman]] and the [[high elves]]. High elves founded their kingdom of [[Quel'Thalas]] over ground sacred to the trolls, beneath which lied a ruined troll city. This sparked conflict between the high elves and trolls, and elven magic frightened away superstitious and angry troll warbands. 4,000 years passed before the trolls began to orchestrate an earnest war against the high elves.
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The trolls proved very likely to win the war, but [[human]]s arrived to aid the high elves. Together the high elves and humans used fire magic to prevent the trolls from regenerating their wounds. The troll armies broke and attempted to flee, but many were chased by enemy forces and eventually killed.
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The forest trolls would never fully recover from their defeat, and history would never see them rise as one nation again.
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===The Horde===
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When the [[Horde]] first arrived on Azeroth the troll tribes initially ignored the [[orc]]'s but when the Horde destroyed [[Stormwind]] and was moving to destroy [[Lordaeron]], the Forest Trolls saw the perfect chance to gain vengeance for their defeat in the Troll Wars. Led by the mighty [[Zul'jin]] the Forest Trolls proved to be a great asset to the Horde during the [[Second War]] and were able to successfully strike against the High Elves of Quel'thalas. However when [[Orgrim Doomhammer|Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer]] decided to launch an assault on the humans of Lordaeron instead of continuing the invasion of Quel'Thalas Zul'jin grew furious. The Forest trolls ultimately left the Horde when the orcs were defeated and placed into [[Internment camps]], with one tribe the [[Revantusk tribe]] still feeling a small amount of loyalty to the Horde. The troll race would then return to the former policy of ignoring the Horde until the [[Third War]].
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During the Third War the young Warchief [[Thrall]], heeding the [[Medivh|Prophets]] words set sail to [[Kalimdor]]. On the way his ships crashed landed on the [[Darkspear islands]] and his forces encountered the [[Darkspear tribe]]. After helping the Darkspear tribe against the attacking [[Alliance]] forces, all sides were captured by [[murlocs]] under the command of the [[Zar'jira|Sea Witch Zar'jira]]. After being saved and following their [[Sen'jin|Chieftain Sen'jin]]'s dying wishes the Darkspear tribe swore loyalty to the Horde.
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Following the aftermath of the Third War the orcs sent emissaries to the [[Hinterlands]] renew the bonds of loyalty with their former Forest Troll allies. While the [[Vilebranch tribe|Vilebranch]] and the [[Witherbark tribe|Witherbark]] refused outright, the [[Revantusk tribe|Revantusk trolls]] agreed and have become the Horde's ally.
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===End of the Troll Capitols===
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In [[Tanaris]] Alliance and Horde adventures have launched constant assaults on the [[Sandfury troll]] capital of [[Zul'Farrak]] leaving it a barren wasteland. <ref>[[Patch 4.1.0#Trailer]]</ref>
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While in [[Stranglethorn]] the [[Hakkari]] and [[Atal'ai]] were able to successfully bring forth [[Hakkar the Soulflayer]] into [[Zul'Gurub]] and the [[Gurubashi tribe]] quickly joined them hoping to restore themselves to their former glory. When word of Hakkar's presence reached the [[Zandalar tribe]] in the South Seas, they were horrified to discover the enslavement of their kindred, the Zandalari high priests. [[King Rastakhan]] has therefore sent emissaries from the island of Zandalar to the Eastern Kingdoms, where the trolls recruit champions from Azeroth's many races in the hope that Hakkar will once again be defeated.
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The Zandalari's call to arms was answered by the proud defends of Azeroth who ventured into the Zul'Gurub and killed many of Zul'Gurub's finest including five high priests [[High Priest Venoxis]], [[High Priestess Jeklik]], [[High Priestess Arlokk]], [[High Priest Thekal]], and [[High Priestess Mar'li]] and the hydra [[Gahz'ranka]] were slain. In the end Hakkar was slain and Zul'Gurub became an even greater shadow of its former glory with the surviving the Gurubashi being led by [[Jin'do]].
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Sometime after the [[Blood elf|Blood elves]] joined the Horde, Zul'jin ventured out of [[Zul'Aman]] and became enraged that the Troll's eternal enemy joined with his former ally. Before Zul'jin could unleash the [[Amani]] within Zul'Aman onto the world [[Budd Nedreck]] and his group entered the scene. At Budd's behest adventures entered Zul'Aman to steal the treasures within. Not only were Zul'Amans' treasures stolen, adventures were able to kill Warlord Zul'jin. With Zul'jin dead the forest troll capital became quiet with the surviving Amani grouping under [[Daakara]].
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In [[Northrend]] [[Zul'Drak]] became under attack by [[Scourge|Undead Scourge]]. In desperation to counter the Scourge threat the [[Drakkari tribe|Drakkari trolls]] began sacrificing their own [[Loa]] animals god. The Zandalari went to Zul'Drak to intervene on the behalf of the Loa and chronicle the end of the Drakkari empire. Though the Zandalari were able to rescue most of the Loa, Zul'Drak is considered to be lost to the scourge.<ref>[[Patch 4.1.0#Trailer]]</ref>
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===A New Troll Empire===
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{{Cata-section}}
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The recent cataclysm has seen the Revantusk become members of the Horde who are fighting to claim the entire Hinterlands for the tribe and the Horde. The cataclysm has also seen the [[Shatterspear tribe]] end their isolationists policy join the Horde which under the command of the new Warchief, [[Garrosh Hellscream]]. The Shatterspear is not the only tribe who has seen a change in philosophy. The chaos unleashed by the recent Cataclysm has reshaped the Zandalari's philosophy about the world and the dwindling remnants of their race. A meeting is then called by an unknown Zandalari troll, possibly Zul or [[Rastakhan|King Rastakhan]] to discuss the fate of their people. Among those in attendance at the meeting are Vol'jin of the Darkspear, Jin'do of the Gurubashi, Daakara of the Amani and an unknown ice troll leader.
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There the tribe leaders are informed that Zul'Farrak is now a barren wastelands and that Zul'Drak has fallen to the Scourge. The Zandalari troll then says that the troll tribes must unite to form a new Troll Empire. He entices both Jin'do and Daakara with promises of restoring Zul'Gurub and Zul'Aman to their former glory. As the other trolls agree to join the Zandalari Vol'jin begins walking away and only stops when asked if he would betray his people. Vol'jin retorts that the Horde are his people and promises to stop the Zandalari should they bring war to the land.
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Knowing that a new troll empire would be a grave threat to Azeroth, Vol'jin has sent Darkspear emissaries to both Orgrimmar and Stormwind, knowing that the Horde alone can not stop the Zandalari. While Vol'jin's efforts have been able to keep the Amani contained within Zul'Aman, the Gurubashi were able to launch an attack on Stranglethorn before being pushed back to Zul'Gurub. Vol'jin's Darkspear have been able to keep themselves entrenched within both Zul'Aman and Zul'Gurub, the Revantusk and Shatterspear tribes have also refused to join the Zandalari and have stayed true to the Horde.
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So far the Troll race can be considered to be in a state of civil war and it's outcome could change the face of Azeroth forever.
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==Culture==
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[[File:Frostmanetroll.gif|right|Frostmane Troll]]
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===Troll hostility===
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Trolls are very isolated beings. Most trolls, excluding a few tribes (one such being the Darkspear), don't speak any of the common languages. Wild jungle trolls and coastal trolls are territorial and hostile toward trolls of other tribes. They are highly tribally spiritual. The center of a tribe's spirit is the tribe's [[priest]] or superior [[hunter]].
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Other than tribes such as the Darkspear, most trolls will attack outsiders on sight, even trolls of other tribes. Uncivilized trolls live all across Kalimdor and the [[Eastern Kingdoms]]. The jungle near [[Booty Bay]] in the Eastern Kingdoms is infamous for its many aggressive jungle troll inhabitants.
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===Languages===
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Most trolls speak [[Zandali]]<ref name="LoM34">''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 34</ref><ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', 10</ref> and [[Common]]<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 50</ref><ref>''[[Alliance & Horde Compendium]]'', 23</ref> as their primary languages. However, due to their isolation, some trolls have forgotten Zandali and use Low Common as their primary language instead.<ref name="LoM34"/> Darkspear trolls, having been somewhat assimilated into the culture of [[Orgrimmar]] and its surrounding settlements, also speak [[Orcish]].
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===Cannibalism and voodoo===
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[[File:Dark troll concept art.jpg|thumb|Cataclysm concept artwork.]]
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[[Cannibalism]] is a relatively common troll practice. Several specific troll tribes have been confirmed as cannibalistic, including the [[Mossflayer]] and [[Vilebranch]] tribes. All of the currently known tribes of [[ice troll]]s practice cannibalism. Sand trolls, forest trolls, dark trolls, and jungle trolls are also frequently cannibalistic. Notable exceptions include the [[Zandalar]] and [[Revantusk]] tribes. The [[Darkspear]] tribe practiced cannibalism until they joined forces with the Horde, who forbade the practice. [http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/troll/biology.html]
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Not all trolls practice [[voodoo]], but it is as widespread as cannibalism. Little is known about the emergence of voodoo among the trolls, for most tribes that possess such knowledge are unwilling to share it with outsiders. However, with the recent advent of [[Zandalari]] trolls to Yojamba Isle, many researchers have speculated that voodoo may have originated with the Zandalari.<ref name="trollbiology">[http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/troll/biology.html Biology: Physical Features] from [[Troll Compendium]]</ref>
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===Dire trolls===
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A small number of trolls are strikingly larger and more heavily muscled than the rest of their brethren. Dire trolls do not have a racial distinction from the rest of the troll race. A variety of reasons might be behind this unusual size and musculature. For example, these trolls might have been altered alchemically or magically (see [[troll berserker]]). They might also simply have evolved to be larger than average. These large trolls are not regarded as monstrous by other trolls. <ref name="trollbiology" /> They are called [[dire troll]]s.
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===Mummification===
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{{source needed}}
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Displayed in many troll tribes, the trolls have mummified their deceased in the past. In all cases seen so far, the trolls have had the power to reanimate their dead. The [[Sandfury]] and [[Amani]] are such tribes. Other races can also reanimate deceased and mummified trolls, as can be seen in Northrend, where many undead trolls are a part of the [[Scourge]] legions.
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==Troll races==
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[[File:JungleTroll.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Jungle troll]]]]
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At one time, only four races of trolls had been discovered on the continents of the Eastern Kingdoms and other known lands. It was commonly believed by eminent scholars from [[Dalaran]] and elsewhere that these were the only four races of trolls on all of [[Azeroth]]. These included forest trolls, jungle trolls, ice trolls, and the Zandalari themselves. [[Alonda]] of the [[Kirin Tor]] strongly believed that there was a fifth race yet to be discovered based on references she had discovered in her research. Her theory was commonly ridiculed as bushwah by most scholars in the world, including [[Medivh]]. It was also believed that trolls were nearly extinct, but were reappearing with the coming of the [[orc]]s.<ref>''[[The Last Guardian]]'', 10, 31-32, 98-103, 107, 162, 174</ref>
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During the Third War, with the discovery of Kalimdor, two more races were discovered including the rare desert trolls and dark trolls, found only on that continent. The orcs discovered the Darkspear island trolls, an offshoot of the jungle trolls, on the [[Darkspear islands]] (believed today to be part of the [[Broken Isles]]) during their flight from [[Lordaeron]]. The Zandalari trolls were first encountered by various races when they set up an expedition on Yojamba Isle in Stranglethorn Vale in order to find allies to defeat the god Hakkar, mentioned above.
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Historians and physicians generally classify trolls into four categories: forest trolls, jungle trolls, ice trolls, and sand trolls. The trolls of the Zandalar tribe are considered unclassifiable because the Zandalari are the earliest known trolls, from whom all other trolls are descended. Some debate exists as to how many categories are necessary in order to describe the troll race. Several notable authorities on the topic have chosen to specify a fifth category: namely, the dark trolls.<ref>[http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/troll/othertrolls.html Other Trolls: Dark Trolls] in the [[Troll Compendium]]</ref> Some of the scholarly debate includes those that classify Zandalar trolls as jungle trolls<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 81-83</ref><ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 179</ref> or as their own race.<ref name="MG138">''[[Monster Guide]]'', 138</ref> Trolls found in desert areas are classified as desert trolls.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 81</ref> Because there is only evidence of a single tribe of the race in existence, scholars have begun to classify the race as the Sandfury trolls. Most scholars think them a small and anomalous deviation of the more common troll races<ref name="MG138"/>, namely the jungle trolls. Some refer to dark trolls as dark forest trolls, implying they believe them be a type of forest troll or derivation thereof. Darkspear trolls are mainly classified as [[island trolls]].<ref>[http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/warcraft_iii_reign_of_chaos_demo_-_chapter_5_countdown_to_extinction/ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Demo - Chapter 5: Countdown to Extinction] OPTIONAL QUEST Island Trolls; [[Countdown to Extinction]]</ref>
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In ''Day of the Dragon,'' [[Vereesa Windrunner]] talks about trolls. "As with elves, [[dwarves]], and especially humans, there had existed different types of trolls. Some few spoke with the sophistication of elves — even while they tried to take one's head. Others ranged toward the more savage, especially those who frequented the barrows and other underground realms. Yet Veressa doubted that there could be any lower form of troll than the three base creatures that had captured her and [[Falstad]] — and clearly had darker designs for them."<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', 254</ref>
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* [[Zandalari|Zandalar troll]]s: The progenitor race from which all other trolls came.<ref name="MG138"/>
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* [[Forest troll]]s: The [[Amani Empire]], living in the northern mountain forests of the [[Hinterlands]] and [[Quel'Thalas]] ([[Amani Tribe|Amani tribe]]).
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* [[Jungle troll]]s: The [[Gurubashi Empire]] and its break-away tribes, the [[Bloodscalp]], [[Skullsplitter tribe|Skullsplitter]], [[Darkspear]], and [[Shatterspear]].
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* [[Dark troll]]s: (aka dark forest trolls) Dark-skinned trolls who live on Mount Hyjal, never held an empire (WC3/RPG). May be a subclass or offshoot of forest trolls (rather than its own type), includes [[Shadowtooth|Shadowtooth tribe]].
  +
* [[Ice troll]]s: Blue and (occasionally) white-skinned trolls, held cities in [[Dun Morogh]] ([[Frostmane|Frostmane tribe]]) and [[Northrend]] ([[Drakkari|Drakkari tribe]]).
  +
* [[Sandfury troll]]s (aka desert trolls or [[sand troll]]s): The [[Sandfury|Sandfury tribe]] in [[Zul'Farrak]] live in the desert wastelands of [[Tanaris]].
  +
  +
* Two other kind of trolls are mentioned: Island troll and Steppe troll, however the validity of this sources are disputed.
  +
** [[Island troll]]s - Subclass and/or offshoot of jungle trolls, the [[Darkspear]]s.
  +
** [[Steppe troll]]s: Said to live on the steppes and grasslands of Azeroth. Maybe a subclass or offshoot of forest trolls or jungle trolls. (RPG)
  +
  +
===Other types===
  +
*[[Dire troll]]
  +
*[[Mummy|Mummified troll]]
  +
*[[Scourge troll]]
  +
*In ''[[Manual of Monsters]]'' [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three|Appendix Three]] two other types of trolls are mentioned: the [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Troll Abomination|Troll Abomination]] and the [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Spectral Troll|Spectral Troll]]; however the validity of the source is disputed.
  +
  +
==Playable race==
  +
{{main|Darkspear}}
  +
In ''World of Warcraft'', only trolls of the Darkspear tribe are playable. The neutral [[Revantusk Tribe]] has a village in the [[Hinterlands]].
  +
  +
==Known tribes==
  +
[[File:Troll Zandalar Tribe WoW.jpg|thumb|[[Zandalar troll]]]]
  +
* [[Zandalar tribe]] - The progenitor troll race.
  +
  +
===Forest trolls===
  +
* [[Amani tribe]] - Namesake and largest tribe of the [[Amani Empire]].
  +
* [[Firetree tribe]]
  +
* [[Revantusk tribe]]
  +
* [[Vilebranch tribe]]
  +
* [[Shadowpine tribe]]
  +
* [[Mossflayer tribe]]
  +
* [[Smolderthorn tribe]]
  +
* [[Witherbark tribe]]
  +
* [[Shadowglen Trolls]]
  +
  +
===Jungle trolls===
  +
* [[Gurubashi tribe]] - Namesake and largest tribe of the [[Gurubashi Empire]].
  +
* [[Bloodscalp tribe]]
  +
* [[Darkspear tribe]]
  +
* [[Skullsplitter tribe]]
  +
* [[Shatterspear tribe]]
  +
* [[Hakkari tribe]]
  +
* [[Atal'ai tribe]] - Originally the extremist priest caste of the [[Hakkari]].
  +
  +
===Ice trolls===
  +
* [[Drakkari tribe]] - Likely the main tribe of all ice trolls.
  +
* [[Frostmane tribe]]
  +
* [[Winterax tribe]]
  +
* [[Winterfang tribe]]
  +
  +
===Other species===
  +
* [[Sandfury tribe]] - Desert trolls, very possiblly a lost jungle tribe separated by the [[Great Sundering]].
  +
* [[ShadowTooth Clan]] - [[Dark troll]] tribe and only one known also.
  +
  +
==Named trolls==
  +
===Named forest trolls===
  +
[[File:HeroZuljinWC2.gif|thumb|[[Zul'jin]]]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Zul'Jin|Small}} [[Zul'jin]] - Leader of forest troll forces during the [[Second War]]. Arguably the most important individual troll in history. Current Leader of the [[Amani Tribe|Amani tribe]].
  +
*{{RaceIcon|ForestTroll|Male|Small}} [[Hex Lord Malacrass]] - Imbued four warriors of Zul'Aman with the essences of mighty animal gods.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|ForestTroll|Female|Small}} [[Primal Torntusk]] - Leader of the [[Revantusk]] trolls.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|ForestTroll|Female|Small}} [[Vile Priestess Hexx]] - Ruler of the [[Vilebranch]] tribe.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|ForestTroll|Male|Small}} [[War Master Voone]] - Chief of the [[Smolderthorn]] tribe.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|ForestTroll|Male|Small}} [[Jin'zakk]] - A warlord of [[Zul'Aman]]. {{RPG-inline}}
  +
  +
===Named jungle trolls===
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Ana'thek the Cruel]] - Chief of the [[Skullsplitter tribe]].
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Gan'zulah]] - Chief of the [[Bloodscalp]] tribe.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Bloodlord Mandokir]] - Leader of the [[Gurubashi|Gurubashi Tribe]] and the trolls of [[Zul'Gurub]].
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Jammal'an the Prophet]] - Spiritual Leader of the [[Atal'ai]] in the [[Temple of Atal'Hakkar]].
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Zanzil the Outcast]] - Outcast witch doctor.
  +
  +
====Named Darkspear trolls====
  +
[[File:Vol'jin Wei.jpg|thumb|[[Vol'jin]]]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Vol'jin}} [[Vol'jin]] - Current leader of the [[Darkspear]] trolls.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Sen'jin]] - Former chieftain of the [[Darkspear]] trolls.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Rokhan]] - [[Shadow hunter]] of the [[Darkspear]] tribe.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Master Gadrin]]: Trusted adviser to Vol'jin. Mystic guide of the Darkspear tribe formerly along with Zalazane.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Troll|Male|Small}} [[Zalazane]]: Mad witch doctor who drove the Darkspear from their home on the [[Echo Isles]].
  +
  +
===Named ice trolls===
  +
*{{RaceIcon|IceTroll|Male|Small}} [[Frost King Malakk]] - Leader of the [[Drakkari]] tribe.
  +
*{{RaceIcon|IceTroll|Male|Small}} [[Overlord Drakuru]] - Scourge overlord in [[Zul'Drak]].
  +
*{{RaceIcon|IceTroll|Male|Small}} [[Warlord Zol'Maz]] - A warlord of [[Zul'Drak]].
  +
*{{RaceIcon|IceTroll|Male|Small}} [[Great Father Arctikus]] - Leader of the [[Frostmane]] tribe.
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|DireTroll|Small}} [[Korrak the Bloodrager]] - Leader of the [[Winterax]] tribe.
  +
  +
===Other named trolls===
  +
*{{RaceIcon|ZandalarTroll|Male|Small}} [[King Rastakhan]] - King of the [[Zandalar troll]]s and democratic leader of all the trolls on [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]].
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SandTroll|Male|Small}} [[Chief Ukorz Sandscalp]] - Chief of the [[Sandfury tribe]].
  +
  +
==References==
  +
[[File:Troll Female WC1.jpg|thumb|Unused concept art for a female troll from {{WC1-inline}}]]
  +
{{reflist}}
  +
  +
==See also==
  +
{{elink|type=wowus|link=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/race/troll|desc=Troll Compendium}}
  +
{{elink|type=woweu|link=http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/story/trolls/|desc=Troll Compendium}}
  +
  +
{{Trolls}}
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{{Azeroth natives}}
  +
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[[da:Trold]]
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[[fr:Troll]]
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[[nl:Troll]]
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[[Category:Horde races]]
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[[Category:Trolls| ]]
  +
[[Category:Lands of Mystery]]
  +
[[Category:Horde Player's Guide]]
  +
[[Category:World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]
  +
[[Category:Alliance & Horde Compendium]]
  +
[[Category:Alliance Player's Guide]]
  +
[[Category:Monster Guide]]

Revision as of 17:26, 5 May 2011

For the playable race, see Troll (playable).
For the language, see Troll (language).
Trolls, the Masters of Voodoo
TrollCrest
Faction/Affiliation Independent, Horde (Darkspear, Shatterspear[1], and Revantusk), Zandalari(Zandalari, Amani, and Gurubashi), Hostile
Character classes Warrior, Hunter, Mage, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Druid, Death Knight, (WoW) Shadow hunter, Witch doctor, Potion doc, Barbarian, Primal, Wilderness stalker, Hexer, Berserker, Healer (RPG)
Racial capital Zuldazar
Racial leader(s) King Rastakhan
Racial mount Raptor
Homeworld Azeroth
Language(s) Zandali, Low Common, Common
Height 6' 3" - 7' 1" ( 190 - 216 cm ) (Male, Upright)
5' 11" - 6' 9" ( 180 - 206 cm ) (Female, Upright)

Trolls (aka trollkind) are a diverse sapient race in Azeroth and can be found in every part of the world. They average seven feet in height and two hundred pounds in weight. Two exceptions to this are the Drakkari and the Zandalari, who tend to be somewhat larger than their kindred. As with other races, there are also scattered trolls who far exceed the normal size range. For further discussion of these outliers, consult the below section on these so-called "monstrous" trolls. There are several races of troll.

Many trolls have no loyalty except amongst their own tribes, with the exception of the Darkspear tribe, Shatterspear tribe, and Revantusk tribe, the former two being part of the Horde, while the latter being allies of them. Darkspear are the playable trolls in World of Warcraft. Although the Darkspear are the weakest and smallest of all the troll races, they are the most cunning and intelligent and can still grow to rather immense sizes. For example, Darkspear Berserkers in Warcraft III were larger even than grunts.

Characteristics

File:Troll.png

Forest troll

Troll Subspecies

Jungle trolls, forest trolls, ice trolls, sandfury trolls, dark trolls, and undead trolls.

Trolls are often tall, lanky, and muscular. They have both elven and orcish characteristics with their fierce fangs and long ears. Their long arms, strong legs and quick reflexes make them adept hunters. Trolls have only two fingers and a thumb on their hands, and they have only two toes on each foot. Like the tauren, trolls do not wear standard shoes or boots, although while tauren are unable to do so because of the shape of their hooves, trolls are simply more comfortable barefoot.

The forest trolls' bodies can support plant life to a limited extent due to a mutation that took place many millennia ago. A thin layer of moss will inevitably grow on the skin of a forest troll shortly after they are born, giving them their characteristic green coloring. Their moss-like skin color ranges from light green to blue and purple. However, the jungle trolls' bodies are covered in a short, soft fur which cause the trolls to appear purple or gray.[2]

Although enough physical damage will kill them, trolls can regenerate grievous physical injuries at an accelerated rate, giving them a large advantage in battle. They could regrow fingers and toes, but more complex parts like limbs and organs were beyond their abilities.[3] Troll blood is thick enough to hold in your hand.[4] Trolls are so well known for their regenerative abilities that alchemical mixtures, which induce regeneration in other races, are referred to as "troll's blood potions," despite not actually containing any troll blood. Militant tribes of trolls are efficient killers and have a strong lust for blood. Some may still cling to their heritage of cannibalism and voodoo.

Trolls have a characteristic way of speaking. Words like "yo" (a greeting) and "mon" (man) are common expressions. They speak with varying accents that resemble that of Jamaicans and Cubans. Cuban-sounding accents are more common among forest trolls.

Legends exist that suggest the possibility that the first night elves were pioneering Forest trolls or Dark trolls from the North who settled on the shores of the Well of Eternity. See troll and elven lineage for more information.

History

The Twin Empires

Voodoo Troll Priest

Voodoo Troll Priest

About 16,000 years ago (long before the night elves summoned the wrath of the Burning Legion), trolls lorded over much of Kalimdor, which was then a single continent. The Zandalarians were the earliest known trolls - the first tribe from which all tribes originated.

Over time two distinct troll empires emerged: the Amani Empire of the middle forestlands and the Gurubashi Empire of the Southeastern jungles. Smaller tribes lived far North in the region now called Northrend. These tribes founded a small nation known as Zul'Drak, but they never achieved the size or prosperity of the southern empires.

The Gurubashi and Amani empires held some animosity for one another, but they rarely warred. At the time, their greatest common enemy was a third empire — the civilization of Azj'Aqir. The aqir were intelligent insectoids who ruled the lands of the far West. These insectoids were clever, greatly expansionary, and extremely hostile. The aqir aimed to eradicate all non-insect life from the fields of Kalimdor.

The trolls fought the aqir for many thousands of years but never succeeded in winning a true victory over them. Eventually, due to the trolls' persistence, the aqiri kingdom split in half as its citizens fled to separate colonies in the far Northern and Southern regions of the continent. Two aqiri city-states then emerged: Azjol-Nerub in the Northern wastes and Ahn'Qiraj in the Southern desert. Though the trolls suspected that there were other aqiri colonies beneath Kalimdor, their existence was never verified.

With the insectoids driven into exile, the twin troll empires returned to normalcy. Despite their great victories, neither civilization expanded much further than their original boundaries. However, ancient texts speak of a small faction of trolls who broke off from the Amani Empire and founded their own colony in the heart of the dark continent. There, pioneers discovered the cosmic Well of Eternity, which allegedly transformed them into beings of immense power. Some legends suggest that these troll adventurers were the first night elves, though this hypothesis has never been proven.

Empires' Fall

TheOmensOfTerror

A troll priest in art.

Aside from their shadowy origins, it is clear that the night elves came to power soon after their discovery of the Well of Eternity. Despite the trolls' attempts to keep them from expanding their territories, the night elves built a strong empire that expanded rapidly across primordial Kalimdor. Wielding magics never before seen by the trolls that remained largely superstitious, the night elves had little trouble demolishing the trolls' twin empires, an act the aqir could not accomplish.

The night elves systematically dismantled the trolls' defenses and supply chains. The trolls, unable to counter the elves' destructive magics, buckled under the onslaught. The actions of the night elves incurred the trolls' long-lasting hatred and disdain. The Gurubashi and Amani Empires fragmented within only a few short years.

Eventually, the night elves' reckless overuse of magic lured the demonic Burning Legion to the world. The demons destroyed much of the night elves' civilization. Though there are no records to indicate that the Legion attacked either troll civilization, it is likely that battles took place across the breadth of the continent.

At the end of this conflict, known as the War of the Ancients, the Well of Eternity imploded. The resulting shockwave shattered the greater landmass of Kalimdor. The center of the continent was blasted beneath the sea, leaving only a small group of broken, single continents. Thus, great chunks of both the Amani and Gurubashi Empires still exist in the present day lands of Quel'Thalas and Stranglethorn (respectively). The Azj'Aqir kingdoms of Azjol-Nerub and Ahn'Qiraj have also survived in present day Northrend and Silithus (respectively).

Both troll civilizations recoiled from the vast destruction of the world they had known. The trolls later rebuilt their ravaged cities and set about to reclaim some of their former power.

Wrath of the Soulflayer

Hakkar

Hakkar the Soulflayer

The long centuries following the Great Sundering of the world were difficult ones for the troll race. Famine and death were commonplace within the broken kingdoms. The Gurubashi trolls, driven to desperate ends, sought aid from ancient, mystical forces. Though both of the troll kingdoms shared a central belief in a great pantheon of primitive gods, the Gurubashi fell under the sway of a darker one.

Hakkar the Soulflayer (not to be confused with Hakkar the Houndmaster from War of the Ancients), a darker spirit, heard the trolls' calls of distress and decided to aid them. Hakkar gave his secrets of blood to the Gurubashi and helped them extend their civilization across most of Stranglethorn Vale and certain islands of the South Seas. Though he brought them great power, Hakkar demanded souls be sacrificed to him daily. He wanted to gain access to the physical world so that he could terrorize and devour mortal creatures. In time the Zandalari helped the Gurubashi realize what kind of creature they had courted with, and both forces turned against him. The strongest tribes rose up against Hakkar and his loyal priests, the Atal'ai.

The devastating war that ensued between Hakkar's followers and the rest of the Gurubashi tribes was not well-recorded and has mostly been passed on through oral tradition. The budding empire was shattered by the magic unleashed between the angry god and his rebel children. Just as the war began turning away from the trolls' favor, they succeeded in destroying Hakkar's avatar and banishing him from the mortal world.

The Atal'ai priests were eventually driven from the capital of Zul'Gurub and forced to survive in the uncharted swamplands of the North. Within the dense ferns they built a great temple, Atal'Hakkar, in honor of their fallen god, where they continued to worship and serve him.

The rest of the Gurubashi tribes separated after the great civil war had left their lands in ruins. The Skullsplitter, Bloodscalp, and Darkspear tribes set off to claim their own lands within the vast jungles of Stranglethorn. Though a fragile peace had settled over the broken empire, rumors of a prophecy that Hakkar would one day be reborn into the world spread.

The Troll Wars

Main article: The Troll Wars

One of the oldest wars in the lands of Warcraft was between the forest trolls of Zul'Aman and the high elves. High elves founded their kingdom of Quel'Thalas over ground sacred to the trolls, beneath which lied a ruined troll city. This sparked conflict between the high elves and trolls, and elven magic frightened away superstitious and angry troll warbands. 4,000 years passed before the trolls began to orchestrate an earnest war against the high elves.

The trolls proved very likely to win the war, but humans arrived to aid the high elves. Together the high elves and humans used fire magic to prevent the trolls from regenerating their wounds. The troll armies broke and attempted to flee, but many were chased by enemy forces and eventually killed.

The forest trolls would never fully recover from their defeat, and history would never see them rise as one nation again.

The Horde

When the Horde first arrived on Azeroth the troll tribes initially ignored the orc's but when the Horde destroyed Stormwind and was moving to destroy Lordaeron, the Forest Trolls saw the perfect chance to gain vengeance for their defeat in the Troll Wars. Led by the mighty Zul'jin the Forest Trolls proved to be a great asset to the Horde during the Second War and were able to successfully strike against the High Elves of Quel'thalas. However when Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer decided to launch an assault on the humans of Lordaeron instead of continuing the invasion of Quel'Thalas Zul'jin grew furious. The Forest trolls ultimately left the Horde when the orcs were defeated and placed into Internment camps, with one tribe the Revantusk tribe still feeling a small amount of loyalty to the Horde. The troll race would then return to the former policy of ignoring the Horde until the Third War.

During the Third War the young Warchief Thrall, heeding the Prophets words set sail to Kalimdor. On the way his ships crashed landed on the Darkspear islands and his forces encountered the Darkspear tribe. After helping the Darkspear tribe against the attacking Alliance forces, all sides were captured by murlocs under the command of the Sea Witch Zar'jira. After being saved and following their Chieftain Sen'jin's dying wishes the Darkspear tribe swore loyalty to the Horde.

Following the aftermath of the Third War the orcs sent emissaries to the Hinterlands renew the bonds of loyalty with their former Forest Troll allies. While the Vilebranch and the Witherbark refused outright, the Revantusk trolls agreed and have become the Horde's ally.

End of the Troll Capitols

In Tanaris Alliance and Horde adventures have launched constant assaults on the Sandfury troll capital of Zul'Farrak leaving it a barren wasteland. [5]

While in Stranglethorn the Hakkari and Atal'ai were able to successfully bring forth Hakkar the Soulflayer into Zul'Gurub and the Gurubashi tribe quickly joined them hoping to restore themselves to their former glory. When word of Hakkar's presence reached the Zandalar tribe in the South Seas, they were horrified to discover the enslavement of their kindred, the Zandalari high priests. King Rastakhan has therefore sent emissaries from the island of Zandalar to the Eastern Kingdoms, where the trolls recruit champions from Azeroth's many races in the hope that Hakkar will once again be defeated.

The Zandalari's call to arms was answered by the proud defends of Azeroth who ventured into the Zul'Gurub and killed many of Zul'Gurub's finest including five high priests High Priest Venoxis, High Priestess Jeklik, High Priestess Arlokk, High Priest Thekal, and High Priestess Mar'li and the hydra Gahz'ranka were slain. In the end Hakkar was slain and Zul'Gurub became an even greater shadow of its former glory with the surviving the Gurubashi being led by Jin'do.

Sometime after the Blood elves joined the Horde, Zul'jin ventured out of Zul'Aman and became enraged that the Troll's eternal enemy joined with his former ally. Before Zul'jin could unleash the Amani within Zul'Aman onto the world Budd Nedreck and his group entered the scene. At Budd's behest adventures entered Zul'Aman to steal the treasures within. Not only were Zul'Amans' treasures stolen, adventures were able to kill Warlord Zul'jin. With Zul'jin dead the forest troll capital became quiet with the surviving Amani grouping under Daakara.

In Northrend Zul'Drak became under attack by Undead Scourge. In desperation to counter the Scourge threat the Drakkari trolls began sacrificing their own Loa animals god. The Zandalari went to Zul'Drak to intervene on the behalf of the Loa and chronicle the end of the Drakkari empire. Though the Zandalari were able to rescue most of the Loa, Zul'Drak is considered to be lost to the scourge.[6]

A New Troll Empire

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

The recent cataclysm has seen the Revantusk become members of the Horde who are fighting to claim the entire Hinterlands for the tribe and the Horde. The cataclysm has also seen the Shatterspear tribe end their isolationists policy join the Horde which under the command of the new Warchief, Garrosh Hellscream. The Shatterspear is not the only tribe who has seen a change in philosophy. The chaos unleashed by the recent Cataclysm has reshaped the Zandalari's philosophy about the world and the dwindling remnants of their race. A meeting is then called by an unknown Zandalari troll, possibly Zul or King Rastakhan to discuss the fate of their people. Among those in attendance at the meeting are Vol'jin of the Darkspear, Jin'do of the Gurubashi, Daakara of the Amani and an unknown ice troll leader.

There the tribe leaders are informed that Zul'Farrak is now a barren wastelands and that Zul'Drak has fallen to the Scourge. The Zandalari troll then says that the troll tribes must unite to form a new Troll Empire. He entices both Jin'do and Daakara with promises of restoring Zul'Gurub and Zul'Aman to their former glory. As the other trolls agree to join the Zandalari Vol'jin begins walking away and only stops when asked if he would betray his people. Vol'jin retorts that the Horde are his people and promises to stop the Zandalari should they bring war to the land.

Knowing that a new troll empire would be a grave threat to Azeroth, Vol'jin has sent Darkspear emissaries to both Orgrimmar and Stormwind, knowing that the Horde alone can not stop the Zandalari. While Vol'jin's efforts have been able to keep the Amani contained within Zul'Aman, the Gurubashi were able to launch an attack on Stranglethorn before being pushed back to Zul'Gurub. Vol'jin's Darkspear have been able to keep themselves entrenched within both Zul'Aman and Zul'Gurub, the Revantusk and Shatterspear tribes have also refused to join the Zandalari and have stayed true to the Horde.

So far the Troll race can be considered to be in a state of civil war and it's outcome could change the face of Azeroth forever.

Culture

Frostmane Troll

Troll hostility

Trolls are very isolated beings. Most trolls, excluding a few tribes (one such being the Darkspear), don't speak any of the common languages. Wild jungle trolls and coastal trolls are territorial and hostile toward trolls of other tribes. They are highly tribally spiritual. The center of a tribe's spirit is the tribe's priest or superior hunter.

Other than tribes such as the Darkspear, most trolls will attack outsiders on sight, even trolls of other tribes. Uncivilized trolls live all across Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. The jungle near Booty Bay in the Eastern Kingdoms is infamous for its many aggressive jungle troll inhabitants.

Languages

Most trolls speak Zandali[7][8] and Common[9][10] as their primary languages. However, due to their isolation, some trolls have forgotten Zandali and use Low Common as their primary language instead.[7] Darkspear trolls, having been somewhat assimilated into the culture of Orgrimmar and its surrounding settlements, also speak Orcish.

Cannibalism and voodoo

Dark troll concept art

Cataclysm concept artwork.

Cannibalism is a relatively common troll practice. Several specific troll tribes have been confirmed as cannibalistic, including the Mossflayer and Vilebranch tribes. All of the currently known tribes of ice trolls practice cannibalism. Sand trolls, forest trolls, dark trolls, and jungle trolls are also frequently cannibalistic. Notable exceptions include the Zandalar and Revantusk tribes. The Darkspear tribe practiced cannibalism until they joined forces with the Horde, who forbade the practice. [1]

Not all trolls practice voodoo, but it is as widespread as cannibalism. Little is known about the emergence of voodoo among the trolls, for most tribes that possess such knowledge are unwilling to share it with outsiders. However, with the recent advent of Zandalari trolls to Yojamba Isle, many researchers have speculated that voodoo may have originated with the Zandalari.[11]

Dire trolls

A small number of trolls are strikingly larger and more heavily muscled than the rest of their brethren. Dire trolls do not have a racial distinction from the rest of the troll race. A variety of reasons might be behind this unusual size and musculature. For example, these trolls might have been altered alchemically or magically (see troll berserker). They might also simply have evolved to be larger than average. These large trolls are not regarded as monstrous by other trolls. [11] They are called dire trolls.

Mummification

Displayed in many troll tribes, the trolls have mummified their deceased in the past. In all cases seen so far, the trolls have had the power to reanimate their dead. The Sandfury and Amani are such tribes. Other races can also reanimate deceased and mummified trolls, as can be seen in Northrend, where many undead trolls are a part of the Scourge legions.

Troll races

JungleTroll

Jungle troll

At one time, only four races of trolls had been discovered on the continents of the Eastern Kingdoms and other known lands. It was commonly believed by eminent scholars from Dalaran and elsewhere that these were the only four races of trolls on all of Azeroth. These included forest trolls, jungle trolls, ice trolls, and the Zandalari themselves. Alonda of the Kirin Tor strongly believed that there was a fifth race yet to be discovered based on references she had discovered in her research. Her theory was commonly ridiculed as bushwah by most scholars in the world, including Medivh. It was also believed that trolls were nearly extinct, but were reappearing with the coming of the orcs.[12]

During the Third War, with the discovery of Kalimdor, two more races were discovered including the rare desert trolls and dark trolls, found only on that continent. The orcs discovered the Darkspear island trolls, an offshoot of the jungle trolls, on the Darkspear islands (believed today to be part of the Broken Isles) during their flight from Lordaeron. The Zandalari trolls were first encountered by various races when they set up an expedition on Yojamba Isle in Stranglethorn Vale in order to find allies to defeat the god Hakkar, mentioned above.

Historians and physicians generally classify trolls into four categories: forest trolls, jungle trolls, ice trolls, and sand trolls. The trolls of the Zandalar tribe are considered unclassifiable because the Zandalari are the earliest known trolls, from whom all other trolls are descended. Some debate exists as to how many categories are necessary in order to describe the troll race. Several notable authorities on the topic have chosen to specify a fifth category: namely, the dark trolls.[13] Some of the scholarly debate includes those that classify Zandalar trolls as jungle trolls[14][15] or as their own race.[16] Trolls found in desert areas are classified as desert trolls.[17] Because there is only evidence of a single tribe of the race in existence, scholars have begun to classify the race as the Sandfury trolls. Most scholars think them a small and anomalous deviation of the more common troll races[16], namely the jungle trolls. Some refer to dark trolls as dark forest trolls, implying they believe them be a type of forest troll or derivation thereof. Darkspear trolls are mainly classified as island trolls.[18]

In Day of the Dragon, Vereesa Windrunner talks about trolls. "As with elves, dwarves, and especially humans, there had existed different types of trolls. Some few spoke with the sophistication of elves — even while they tried to take one's head. Others ranged toward the more savage, especially those who frequented the barrows and other underground realms. Yet Veressa doubted that there could be any lower form of troll than the three base creatures that had captured her and Falstad — and clearly had darker designs for them."[19]

  • Two other kind of trolls are mentioned: Island troll and Steppe troll, however the validity of this sources are disputed.
    • Island trolls - Subclass and/or offshoot of jungle trolls, the Darkspears.
    • Steppe trolls: Said to live on the steppes and grasslands of Azeroth. Maybe a subclass or offshoot of forest trolls or jungle trolls. (RPG)

Other types

Playable race

Main article: Darkspear

In World of Warcraft, only trolls of the Darkspear tribe are playable. The neutral Revantusk Tribe has a village in the Hinterlands.

Known tribes

File:Troll Zandalar Tribe WoW.jpg

Zandalar troll

Forest trolls

Jungle trolls

Ice trolls

Other species

Named trolls

Named forest trolls

HeroZuljinWC2

Zul'jin

Named jungle trolls

Named Darkspear trolls

Vol'jin Wei

Vol'jin

Named ice trolls

Other named trolls

References

File:Troll Female WC1.jpg

Unused concept art for a female troll from WCOnH logo

See also

da:Trold nl:Troll