The Troll Races

To outsiders, the Trolls of Azeroth are the most enigmatic and fearsome of species, they are the very fabric of legends and terrifying stories, a threat to many, and a mystery to all. They have been the focus of racial war with the Humans, Dwarves and Elves of Azeroth since the beggining of memory. Indeed for the people of the Alliance, Trolls are the definition of monster - before Orcs invaded Azeroth, and before the Burning Legion was even known of, Trolls were the arch-enemies of the races of the Alliance, the traditional ancestral foe - at the same time the most familiar, and the most unknown. But for those who know the history of Azeroth, and who have visited the massive walls of old Troll cities - megalithic and antidiluvian in their antiquity - Trolls are more than the secretive stuff of fable who cover all four corners of the planet - they are an ancient race beyond comparison, with society and religion so old that humans were but cave-dwellers when the golden age of the Troll Empires was coming to an end. Wherever on Azeroth one travels, there is always Trolls - divided into five races, who broke away from each other in the detphs of history - Trolls are the most diverse and widespread of all civilisations. Detailed below is all known information on the five Troll races, Dark, Ice, Desert, Forest and Jungle.

Dark Trolls

Information
Dark Trolls are subterranian dwellers, and have no known capital, cities, towns, villages, temples or ruins. Little is known about their civilisation, and in recent times, apart from minor nightime raids from their caves, Dark Trolls are becoming less and less frequent sights for some unknown reason. It is thought that Dark Trolls follow one of the most barbaric paths of Voodoo sacrifice, and are the most primative, valueing strenghth more than any other trait.

History
Dark Trolls seem to be located in dark forest areas of northern Kalimdor such as Ashenvale and Felwood, suggesting they have probably had frequent contact with the Night Elves, but may also exist elswewhere, and have historically raided any who pass through their territories at night. Some have suggested that they are perhaps remenants of the proto-Troll civilisation that eventually became the four other Troll races, if so, then they would be easily the oldest civilisation on Azeroth, even outdating the Gurubashi and Amani Empires.

Society
Little is known of Dark Troll society, but it is known that their society contains Berserkers, Trappers, Shadow Priests and High Priests, and like other Trolls, and that their war groups are led by powerfull Warlords. During the last great war, these were the general classes of the Dark Trolls martial culture. More specific information on the roles each of these types of unit play in Dark Troll society is not available due to the infrequency with which they have been seen recently.

Important Individuals
None known.

Tribes/Groups
None known.

Ice Trolls

Information
Ice Trolls can be found in the frigid lands of Dun Morogh, where they once ruled the surface before Dwarves conquered it from them. Other Ice Troll civilisation can be found in the frozen continent of Northrend, where they founded the nation of Gundrak - now a citadel within the remenants of the Nerubian Empire. The Ice Trolls of Dun Morogh - the Frostmane Tribe - who are currently fighting a guerilla war against the Dwarves, have been forced to live in caves and small encampments surrounding Iceflow Lake. It is unknown where the location of their former capital was, however the seat of their power now lies in the large cave complex of Frostmane Hold. In the hills of Shimmer Ridge, the Ice Trolls grow Shimmerweed and have several encampments. (Encampments include: Frostmane Hold, Shimmer Ridge, the Troll settlements near Anvilmar). Like other Trolls, the Ice Trolls follow the Voodoo traditions, with a focus on priestly rather than shamanistic Voodoo.

History
The Ice Trolls have been the enemies of the Dwarven kingdom since the Dwarves invaded the surface of Dun Morogh and took it from the Trolls hundreds of years ago. Before this catastrophy befell them, the Ice Trolls had controlled a small Empire similar to that of the larger Empires of their Forest Troll and Jungle Troll brothers. Recently in their ongoing ancestral holy-war against the Dwarves, they have been content to let the Troggs wear down their enemies for them. The Ice Trolls of Northrend are also a displaced civilisation, first being the target of hostilities from the ancient Insectoids of Nerubia, and now the land of Northrend is dominated by the Scourge.

Society
Frostmane society is geared around their state of guerilla war, with even the Whelps and Novices of their Tribe being enlisted into the battle. Headhunters, Hideskinners and Snowstriders form the core of their warrior force, making up the hunter-killer and ranger type warriors of their armies, and Seers and Shadowcasters act as their magic users and spiritual advisors. In the last great war it was observed that the Ice Trolls of Northrend also had Trapper, Berserker, Priest, High Priest and Warlord type martial units, similar to most other Troll military forces, and many of them acted as mercinaries for the Alliance forces in the belief that the Lich King was their common enemy.

Important Individuals
*Grik'nir the Cold - Although it is unknown who leads the Frostmane Tribe, Grik'nir the Cold seems to be a prominent figure of some importance, perhaps the commander of the Trolls in Frostmane Hold.

Tribes/Groups
*Frostmane Tribe - The Frostmane Tribe inhabits Dun Morogh, and constantly fights a guerilla war against the Dwarves. In recent times they have welcomed the Trogg invasion of the Dwarven lands, and are content to let the two sides fight it out whilst they sit and wait for an oppertunistic moment to take back their lands. They can be found in Frostmane Hold, on the Shimmer Ridge and around Anvilmar in Dun Morogh.

Desert Trolls

Information
Sometimes known as Sand Trolls, the Desert Trolls inhabit the Tanaris desert of southern Kalimdor, near the ancient Insectoid Empire. Their capital city is located at Zul'Farrak, and they do not seem to have any further settlements outside this stronghold. (Capital city: Zul'Farrak). Their proximity to Gadjetzan brings them into freqent conflict with the Goblin Trade Princes, the Horde and the Alliance. Desert Trolls seem to follow a shamanistic path of Voodoo similar to their Jungle Troll brothers, and hold reverance for a mysterious summoned creature called Gahz'rilla.

History
Not a lot is known about the history of the Desert Trolls, but they seem to be just as ancient as the other Troll races. In recent times they have been in conflict with the Goblins and others who intrude on their territory. Unlike the other Troll races who have been known since at least the last great war, the Desert Trolls have remained largly unknown to all non-Trolls until the settlement and exploration of Kalimdor.

Society
Desert Trolls seem to have one of the most diverse number of social units in their society, ranging from Axe Throwers, Hideskinners, Blood Drinkers, Guardians and Executioners who act as the warriors and hunters of Zul'Farrak, to the Shadow Hunters, Soul Eaters, Firecallers and Witch Doctors who are potent Voodoo casters. It is rumorered that slaves are also employed by the Sandfury Tribe as warriors, and extra labour. A number of priest-type Trolls such as Zealots and Acolytes seem to be at the core of the Desert Troll civilisation, acting as religious leaders. Drudges and Cretins seem to perform the menial labour, similar to the role of peons.

Important Individuals
*Hydromancer Velratha - This female seems to be a prominent member of the Desert Troll priestly order, perhaps commanding the Zealots and Acolytes who are so numerous in Zul'Farrak, or presiding over the secret rituals surrounding the mysterious Gahz'rilla.
*Theka the Martyr - A historical figure in Desert Troll society who sacrificed himself for the benefit of his people, those who persecuted him were forever cursed into the form of scarabs.

Tribes/Groups
*Sandfury Tribe - The Sandfury Tribe inhabits the Tanaris Desert and holds many ancient relics of Troll society. They can be found in and around the ancient bastion of Zul'Farrak in the Tanaris Desert.

Forest Trolls

Information
Sometimes reffered to as Amani Trolls, after the ancient Forest Troll Empire of the same name. Their capital, Zul'Aman, is located in northern Lorderon, in the former territory of the High Elves, now dominated by the Eastern Plaguelands. Geographically, Forest Trolls have a wider spread of settlements than the Jungle Trolls, in part due to the war with the High Elves, and because unlike their Jungle Troll cousins, their Empire never fragmented but simply grew weaker after the ancient war with the Night Elves. Their later war with the High Elves and Humans forced them out of their central homeland, and into the areas around it. Little information is currently known about the condition of Zul'Aman after the invasion of the Burning Legion, however Forest Trolls are frequently seen in their settlements in the Hinterlands, Arathi Highlands and in the Eastern Plaguelands, where they are still a very feared enemy. (Settlements include: Zul'Mashar,Witherbark Village, Shadra'Alor, Jintha'Alor, Hiri'watha, Zun'watha, Shaol'watha). Just as all other Trolls, the Forest Trolls practice the Voodoo faith, venerate the spirits of the dead and worship the Troll gods. The spider-god Shadra, who can be summoned in the form of her avatar, the Venom Queen, is especially reveared amongst the Forest Trolls.

History
In ancient times, along with the Gurubashi Empire, the Amani Empire of the Forest Trolls was the founder of civilisation on Azeroth, and ruled the north of the planet. Like the Gurubashi Empire, the Amani Empire was at war with the Insectoids, who they eventually pushed back into the far-west of the ancient single continent which covered Azeroth. After a devestating war with the Night Elves, who were a new race - possibly Trollish in origin, mutated by the energies of the Well Of Eternity - the Amani Empire, like the Gurubashi, was pushed back into the areas around its capital, but unlike the Gurubashi, who subsequently suffered a total collapse after the events surrounding the god Hakkar, the Amani Empire began to rebuild. After the arrival of the High Elves, and the wars against them and their Human allies from Arathor that followed, the Forest Troll Empire went into a state of guerilla war in an atempt to reclaim their lost lands, including the holy ruins that the Elves built Quel'Thalis around. In recent times the Forest Trolls entered an alliance of convienience with the first Horde, and under the leadership of Zul'jin, who united all the tribes, they sought to regain their former glory. With the collapse of the first Horde, and the invasion of the Scourge, the Forest Trolls were both weakened again and presented with an oppertunity to again reclaim their Empire, in the wake of the Elven defeat.

Society
Guards, Scouts Warriors, Ambushers, Headhunters, Hideskinners, Axe Throwers, Berserkers, and others all play an important role in the Forest Troll guerilla armies, but one unique aspect is their use of Wolves and Wolf Pups as trained combatants and raiders. Shadow Hunters, Witch Doctors, Shadowcasters and others all form an impressive force of Voodoo wielders and priests in their forces with Mystics and Seers acting as advisors. Venombloods, Scalpers, Felhunters, Bodyguards and others form a range of unique Forest hunters and specialised warriors. Callers and Sadists act as ritual performers, and even Broodlings take part in warfare. In the ranks of the Forest Trolls who try to reclaim those lands which were devoured by the Scourge, shaman casters and priests use Voodoo powers to combat the infection of the plague, creating powerfull Voodoo Zombies, and resorting to Cannibalism. Even the regeneration and strength of Trolls has not been able to prevent the plague from affecting some - Unliving Mossflayer Tribe Trolls wander the plaguelands, and many more are known as the Infected.

Important Individuals
*Zul'jin - The former leader of the Forest Trolls, once the most powerfull Troll on Azeroth who united all the Forest Troll Tribes under one banner and allied with the legendary Ogrim Doomhammer in an alliance designed to reclaim the Amani Empire. His location is now unknown after the defeat of the first Horde, but he is thought to still be alive. It is unknown what power Zul'jin still holds over the Trolls, but it is clear he is a reveared hero, at least to some.
*Zalas Witherbark - Leader of the Witherbark Tribe, holds the title of Warband Leader, and resides within Witherbark village in the Arathi Highlands.
*Warmaster Voone - The leader of the Smolderthorn Tribe, who holds the title of Warmaster, possibly a former general of Zul'jin, his Tribe, like certain Orc clans, remained loyal to the Burning Legion, and now inhabit the Blackrock Spire.
*Zul'Brin Warpbranch - A Troll of some importance within the Mossflayer Tribe, resides in the Eastern Plaguelands.
*Zul'arek Hatefowler - A Troll of some importance who resides in the Hinterlands.

Tribes/Groups
*Witherbark Tribe - Located around the Hinterlands and based in the Arathi Highlands, this Tribe, led by Zalas Witherbark, holds considerable power.
*Vilebranch Tribe - Located around the Hinterlands, this Tribe holds considerable power.
*Mossflayer Tribe - Located in the Eastern Plaguelands around the holy temple city of Zul'Mashar, this tribe is the closest to the former heartlands of the Amani Empire but suffers the effects of the plague. Many of its members have to be sacrificed after becoming infected.
*Smolderthorn Tribe - Still allied to the first Horde, and the Orcs of Blackrock Mountain, the Smolderthorn Tribe is under the sway of the Burning Legion.

Jungle Trolls

Information
Sometimes reffered to as Gurubashi Trolls, after the ancient Jungle Troll Empire of the same name. Their capital, Zul'Gurub, is located in Stranglethorn Vale, along with many smaller towns, cities and villages, many of which are in a state of ruin or disrepair. (Ruins include: Zul'Kunda, Zul'Mamwe, Zuuldala, Kal'ai, Bal'lal, Ziata'jai, Jubuwal, Aboraz, Balia'mah, Mizjah, Tkashi, the Gurubashi Arena and Gillijim's Isle). The largest Jungle Troll settlement outside Stranglethorn is Sen'jin village - founded by the Darkspear Tribe, who had been displaced from their exile on the Broken Isles and Echo Isles. The Jungle Trolls share the same pantheon of gods with the other Troll races, and practice the same Voodoo religion, with an emphesis on the power of spirits. The god Hakkar, a bloodthirsty Troll spirit god of that can be evoked by ritual sacrifice, played a very important roll in Jungle Troll history, but fell out of favour due to his bloody demands of sacrifice. During the ancient times when the Gurubashi Empire was trying to reclaim its power by making Hakkar their patron, those who would not give up his worship, the Atal'ai Priests, were exiled to the Swamp Of Sorrows, where they built a temple in his name. Hakkar's avatar can still be summoned from this temple, a very dangerous prospect.

History
The history of the Jungle Trolls begins at the dawn of civilisation when the Gurubashi Empire (Jungle Trolls) and Amani Empire (Forest Trolls) ruled the south and north of Azeroth respectively, with only the Insectoids of the far-west posing any significant threat. After numerous catastrophic events that were beyond the control of the two Empires, such as the Night Elf war, and the subsequent invasion of the Burning Legion, the Gurubashi Empire lost most of its lands outside Stranglethorn, and fell into a state of isolationism and collapse following the rebellion surrounding the god Hakkar. (The Temple of Atal'Hakkar in the Swamp of Sorrows still contains the trapped Hakkar). In recent times, the Darkspear Tribe was exiled to the Broken Isles, where eventually they joined the new Horde and its the exodus to Kalimdor, where they founded settlements on the Echo Isles and in Durotar.

Society
Thanks to the massive interaction with the Horde, the Darkspear Tribe has gained huge diversity and expertise, employing not only the Troll roles in society, but also taking to the training and vending of the Horde. The Tribes of Stanglethorn still hold on to the ancient roles of the Trolls, including the usual shamanistic and priestly casters, hunters, warriors and scouts. The Tribes of Stranglethorn are amongst the most bloodthirsty of any Troll Tribes, including many Cannibals, other hunters and barbaric consumers of flesh. The Atal'ai exiles are heavily made up of priests of Hakkar, but many of them have been turned into Undying Corpses, Mummies and Skeletons, all enthralled to Hakkar's power. Many exist only as spirits still in service of Hakkar.

Important Individuals
*Vol'jin - Leader of the Darkspear Tribe, successor to Sen'jin, ally to Thrall.
*Sen'jin - Former leader of the Darkspear Tribe, killed while defending the Broken Isles from invasion.
*Gan'zulah - The leader of the powerfull Bloodscalp Tribe, at war with the Skullspiltter Tribe, holds the title of Chief.
*Ana'thek the Cruel - The leader of the powerfull Skullsplitter Tribe, at war with the Bloodscalp Tribe, holds the title of Chief.
*Nezzliok the Dire - The master Witch Doctor of the powerfull Bloodscalp Tribe.
*Mogh the Undying - The master Witch Doctor of the powerfull Skullsplitter Tribe.
*Jammal'an the Prophet - Spiritual Leader of the Atal'ai priesthood, and devoted follower of Hakkar, his prophesy claims that the Atal'ai Tribe would become immortal if they sucessfully released Hakkar.
*Master Gadrin - A porminent figure in the Darkspear Tribe and the Horde who was a former mentor of the rebellious Zalazane, and is an expert in many areas of Troll society.
*Master Vornal - A prominent figure in the Darkspear Tribe.
*Zilzibin Drumlore - Darkspear Tribe historian and ecologist. As a scholar he is an expert in many mysterious aspects of Troll history, and has studied the native life of Kalimdor, making him a valuable reasource of knolwedge about the Insectoids.
*Zalazane - Deranged rebel leader of the Troll rebels inhabiting the Echo Isles, he is a former pupil of Master Gandrin.

Tribes/Groups
*Darkspear Tribe - Once exiled from Stranglethorn to the distant islands of the great ocean, the Darkspear Tribe, led by Vol'jin is now one of the most powerfull Troll tribes again, and has formed an alliance with the Horde.
*Bloodscalp Tribe - A powerfull Tribe of Stranglethorn, led by Gan'zulah, they are currently at war with the Skullsplitter Tribe.
*Skullsplitter Tribe - A powerfull Tribe of Stranglethorn, led by Ana'thek the Cruel, they are currently at war with the Bloodscalp Tribe.
*Atal'ai Tribe - The rebellious followers of Hakkar, who did not give up his worship after the fall, they reside in the Swamp Of Sorrows, where the Temple of Atal'Hakkar has been sunk by the Green Dragonflight in an attempt to keep Hakkar from being unleashed upon the world.
*Gurubashi Warriors - The ancient army of the Gurubashi Empire, whose warriors still defend Stranglethorn from outsiders, they are neutral amongst the Tribes.
*Zalazane's Rebels - Darkspear rebels inhabiting the Echo Isles, led by Zalazane, who do not recognise the authority of Vol'jin.