Troll: Difference between revisions

From MTG Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(94 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox type
|type=creature
|beeble=3
|beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/747935344149790720/hey-big-fan-of-some-of-the-more-monstrous|title=I was wondering where in the Beeble Scale would Ogres, Trolls, Cyclopses and Giants be?|April 16, 2024}}</ref>
|stats={{stats|U=1|B=4|R=4|G=32|RG=2|GW=1|BG=11|GU=1}}
{{stats|Troll creation|G=1|RG=1|L=1|state=collapsed}}
as of ''[[Murders at Karlov Manor]]''
}}
{{TOCright}}
{{TOCright}}
'''Troll''' is a mainly [[green]] [[creature]] [[subtype|type]] represented in the [[Magic]] lore as large, bestial, ill-tempered humanoids that usually dwell in [[forest]]s and have [[regeneration|regenerative powers]]. <ref>{{NewRef|savor-flavor/how-design-specter-and-more-2010-11-10|How to Design a Specter and More!|[[Doug Beyer]]|November 10, 2010}}</ref>
'''Troll''' is a mainly [[green]] [[creature type]] represented in the ''[[Magic]]'' lore as large, bestial, ill-tempered humanoids that usually dwell in [[forest]]s and have [[regeneration|regenerative powers]].<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/how-design-specter-and-more-2010-11-10|How to Design a Specter and More!|[[Doug Beyer]]|November 10, 2010}}</ref>


While the creature type started as mainly [[red]], their regenerative properties (translated in the game with the keyword [[Regenerate]]) led them to be moved into [[green]] and later green-black.
While the creature type started as mainly [[red]], their regenerative properties (translated in the game with the keyword [[regenerate]]) led them to be moved into [[green]] and later green-black.


With [[Regenerate]] falling out of favor with both [[Design]] and [[Development]], trolls have become rarer and harder to print as they suffer the same problems as [[skeleton]]s: the flavor wants trolls to have [[Regenerate]], but [[R&D]] doesn't want to print cards with [[Regenerate]] due to complexity/poor gameplay; therefore [[R&D]] doesn't make trolls.
With regenerate falling out of favor with both [[Design]] and [[development]], trolls have become rarer and harder to print as they suffer the same problems as [[skeleton]]s: the flavor wants trolls to have [[regenerate]], but [[R&D]] doesn't want to print cards with regenerate due to complexity/poor gameplay; therefore R&D doesn't make as many trolls.


The first creatures to bear the type were <c>Uthden Troll</c> and <c>Sedge Troll</c> from ''[[Alpha]]''.  
The first creatures to bear the type were <c>Uthden Troll</c> and <c>Sedge Troll</c> from ''[[Alpha]]''.


==Trolls throughout the Multiverse==
==Trolls throughout the Multiverse==
===Arcavios===
The trolls of [[Arcavios]] come from Fernbosk, a wild place on the continent of Orrithia. Those who go to [[Strixhaven]] are associated with [[Witherbloom]] or [[Quandrix]]. Gyome, a troll, is Witherbloom's chef.
===Dominaria===
===Dominaria===
On [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]] live the aforementioned <c>Uthden Troll</c> and <c>Sedge Troll</c> : while no continent is the specific focus of [[Alpha]], most early magic took place on either [[Terisiare]] or [[The Domains]], meaning we can infer that these species lived on either or both.
On [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]] live the aforementioned <c>Uthden Troll</c> and <c>Sedge Troll</c>: while no continent is the specific focus of ''[[Alpha]]'', most early ''Magic'' took place on either [[Terisiare]] or [[The Domains]], meaning we can infer that these species lived on either or both. After the battle of [[White Ridge]], hundreds of knee-high blue and gray Uthden trolls abandoned by their summoner set to work pillaging. Their large noses can sniff out metal treasures. Though small, they were so densely built that a man couldn't lift one. These alien forms were also referred to by locals as '''goomers''' or '''goons'''.<ref name=ww>[[Clayton Emery|Emery, C.]] (1995). ''[[Whispering Woods (novel)|Whispering Woods]]''. HarperPrism. New York. Retrieved from [https://archive.org/details/whisperingwoods00emer] on 7 May 2022.</ref>
 
{{card plural|Jungle Troll}} are present on the continent of [[Jamuura]] and are notable for being led by a troll king (named Drulvurg during the time of [[Mirage]]).
 
Before its destruction during the [[Brothers' War]], the island of [[Argoth]] was home to the {{card plural|Albino Troll}} who fought on the side of [[Titania]] against the Brothers' insurrection.
 
The {{card plural|Charging Troll}} of the [[The Domains]] fought on the side of the [[Coalition]] during the [[Phyrexian Invasion]] of [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]].
 
At the time of the [[Time Rift]]s crisis, {{card plural|Sedge Troll}} from an alternate reality known as {{card plural|Hedge Troll}} appeared. These trolls were profoundly devout, and it seemed that unlike the other species of troll, these didn't need to feed.


<c>Jungle Troll</c>s are present on the continent of [[Jamuura]] and are notable for being led by a troll king (named Drulvurg during the time of [[Mirage]]).
By the second [[Phyrexian]] invasion of Dominaria in 4562 AR, trolls were nearly extinct on the plane.<ref name="DMU Legends">{{DailyRef|feature/legends-youll-find-dominaria-united-2022-09-01|The Legends You'll Find in Dominaria United|[[Roy Graham]]|September 1, 2022}}</ref>


Before its destruction during the [[Brothers' War]], the island of [[Argoth]] was home to the <c>Albino Troll</c>s who fought on the side of [[Titania]] against the Brothers insurrection.
===Eldraine===
The trolls of [[Eldraine]] are known to hunt [[human]]s, with bridges making their favorite hunting grounds. The Tanglespan, a series of bridges across a massive chasm, are a popular location, often leading them into conflict with the [[faun]]s who guard the area.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://discord.com/channels/750513920938082404/1144761959217115247/1144762760668909720|title=MtG Discord Wilds of Eldraine Q&A|author=[[Roy Graham]]|date=August 25, 2023|publisher=[[Magic: The Gathering]] Official Discord|archiveurl=https://www.reddit.com/r/mtgvorthos/comments/1641zno/mtg_discord_wilds_of_eldraine_qa/|archivedate=August 28, 2023}}</ref>


The <c>Charging Troll</c>s of the [[The Domains]] fought on the side of the [[Coalition]] during the [[Phyrexian Invasion]] of [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]].
===Kaldheim===
On [[Kaldheim (plane)|Kaldheim]] the trolls live in the realm of [[Gnottvold]]. Some fall asleep for a long time and almost become part of the landscape. But they are terrifying when they wake up.


At the time of the [[Time Rift]]s crisis, <c>Sedge Troll</c>s from an alternate reality known as <c>Hedge Troll</c>s appeared. These troll were profoundly devout, and it seemed that unlike the other species of troll, these didn't need to feed.
The ancient ruins of [[Gnottvold]] provide some degree of shelter to two distinct varieties of troll. The smaller, more aggressive '''Hagi''' trolls run wild across the realm, hunting in disorganized packs. Hunched over, they stand about as tall as a human. All are green-skinned - some a pale green, some a deeper shade, some an ugly mottled pattern — with long, dark hair wrapping their bony forms like a shawl and formidable tusks that clack together as they speak.<ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-2-awaken-trolls-2021-01-13|Kaldheim Episode 2: Awaken the Trolls|[[Roy Graham]]|January 13, 2021}}</ref>The Hagi like to harass the larger '''Torga''' trolls, who live in family groups and can sleep for years at a time. Despite their apparently somnolent nature, a Torga troll that is unexpectedly awakened from its slumber rises in a rage and sets out on a destructive rampage that can last for weeks until the troll is spent and looks for a new place to sleep.<ref name=":0">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-kaldheim-part-2-2021-01-14|Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 2|[[Ari Zirulnik]] and [[Jenna Helland]]|January 14, 2021}}</ref>


===Mercadia===
===Mercadia===
The <card title="Horned Trolls">Horned Troll</card> of [[Mercadia]] heal so fast that weapons are sometimes trapped inside their wounds.
The {{card plural|Horned Troll}} of [[Mercadia]] heal so fast that weapons are sometimes trapped inside their wounds.


===Mirrodin===
===Mirrodin===
The trolls who were brought to [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]] lived at [[Tel-Jilad]], the largest tree in the [[Tangle]]. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/mirrodin-block-trolls-2004-04-06|''Mirrodin'' block trolls|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 06, 2004}}</ref> Inscribed onto its metal surface is the history of Mirrodin. Near the bottom, all the writings have been etched out. The trolls considered this their sacred home, and they lived within its hollow core. After [[The Vanished Ones|the Vanishing]] there was only one left: <c>Thrun, the Last Troll</c>.
The trolls who were brought to [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]] lived at [[Tel-Jilad]], the largest tree in the [[Tangle]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mirrodin-block-trolls-2004-04-06|''Mirrodin'' block trolls|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 06, 2004}}</ref> Inscribed onto its metal surface is the history of Mirrodin. Near the bottom, all the writings have been etched out. {{card|Trolls of Tel-Jilad|title=These trolls}} considered this their sacred home, and they lived within its hollow core. Most of the Tel-Jilad trolls died out during [[Memnarch]]'s rule, and [[The Vanished Ones|the Vanishing]] returned those that remained to their home plane save one: [[Thrun]], "the Last Troll."<ref name="Terms">{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/terms-engagement-2010-09-22|The Terms of Engagement|[[Doug Beyer]]|September 22, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015958/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/savor-flavor/terms-engagement-2010-09-22|archivedate=November 12, 2020}}</ref>


===Rath===
===Rath===
The <card title="Skyshroud Trolls">Skyshroud Troll</card> of [[Rath]] lived in the [[Skyshroud]] forest, where they were known to subside on the [[Elves#Skyshroud Elves|elves]] and [[Merfolk#Rootwater Merfolk|merfolks]]. Other Rathi trolls known as <c>Pygmy Troll</c> were of an atypically small variety.
The {{card plural|Skyshroud Troll}} of [[Rath]] lived in the [[Skyshroud Forest]], where they were known to subsist on the [[Elf#Skyshroud Elves|elves]] and [[Merfolk#Rootwater Merfolk|merfolks]]. Other Rathi trolls known as <c>Pygmy Troll</c> were of an atypically small variety.


It is unknown whether any troll survived the [[Rathi Overlay]], but if they did, one or both specie could still exist on [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]] in [[Keld]], where the Skyshroud forest appeared.
It is unknown whether any troll survived the [[Rathi Overlay]], but if they did, one or both species could still exist on [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]] in [[Keld]], where the Skyshroud Forest appeared.


===Ravnica===
===Ravnica===
Many [[Ravnica (plane)|Ravnican]] trolls live oppressed existences, being <card title="hunted">Hunted Troll</card> by [[faeries]] or <card title="experimented on">Sporeback Troll</card> by the [[Simic Combine]]. They are part of the [[Gruul Clans]] and the [[Golgari Swarm]] (<c>Golgari Grave-Troll</c>, <c>Lotleth Troll</c>, <c>Trestle Troll</c>) <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/gruul-troll-2006-02-02|The Gruul Troll|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 02, 2006}}</ref>
Many [[Ravnica]]n trolls live oppressed existences, being {{card|Hunted Troll|title=hunted}} by [[faerie]]s or {{card|Sporeback Troll|title=experimented}} on by the [[Simic Combine]]. They are part of the [[Gruul Clans]] and the [[Golgari Swarm]] (<c>Golgari Grave-Troll</c>, <c>Lotleth Troll</c>, <c>Trestle Troll</c>, <c>Charnel Troll</c>, <c>Challenger Troll</c>, <c>Varolz, The Scar Striped</c>).<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/gruul-troll-2006-02-02|The Gruul Troll|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 02, 2006}}</ref> Golgari trolls are highly resistant to injuries. They have a symbiotic relationship with the fungus that covers their body like a mane.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>
 
With the reemergence of the guilds and the rediscovery of Ravnica's long gone oceans, through the sinkholes known as [[Zonot]]s, the [[Simic Combine]] were remade from scratch. A species of amphibious marine trolls lived at Zonot 4, where [[Trifon]] became the speaker.


===Shadowmoor===
===Shadowmoor===
<card title="Trows">Odious Trow</card> are the vile trolls that lurk in the bogs of [[Shadowmoor (plane)|Shadowmoor]]. They reappear each night to frighten the living and gnaw the dead. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/concepting-eventide-part-2-2008-07-30|Concepting ''Eventide'', Part 2|[[Doug Beyer]]|July 30, 2008}}</ref>
Trows are human-sized, ugly troll creatures that stalk the woods near Ashenmoor hunting for meat.<ref name="Concepting>{{DailyRef|feature/concepting-eventide-part-2-2008-07-30|Concepting Eventide, Part 2|[[Doug Beyer]]|July 30, 2008}}</ref><ref name="EvenGuide">(2008). ''[https://archive.org/details/eventide-players-guide-magic-the-gathering-2008 Eventide Player's Guide].'' [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> They can feed on rats or bats, but prefer humanoid prey. A  trow's sense of smell can detect a wounded Kithkin on the opposite side of the forest. They reappear each night to frighten the living and gnaw the dead.


===Ulgrotha===
===Ulgrotha===
The [[Ulgrotha|Homelands]] harbor a race of <card title="Sea Trolls">Sea Troll</card>. Sea Trolls are vicious, cruel, and extremely crafty undersea hunters.  They can walk on land for a few hours at a time, but are best off in the deep water away from sunlight and bright illumination.
The [[Ulgrotha|Homelands]] harbor a race of {{card plural|Sea Troll}}. Sea Trolls are vicious, cruel, and extremely crafty undersea hunters.  They can walk on land for a few hours at a time but are best off in the deepwater away from sunlight and bright illumination.
 
Whole tribes of Sea Trolls exist within deep subterranean caves, and live by stealing from Seafolk fish-herds, attacking passing surface ships, or even ambushing Seafolk towns and dragging their prisoners back to the caves for a quick, predatory meal. Sea Trolls have been the bane of the Seafolk for years, as they swim faster, fight harder, and are well versed in camouflaging themselves by painting the color of their skins with scum from the ocean floor. <ref>[[Scott Hungerford]] and [[Kyle Namvar]]. (June 14th, 1995). [http://forum.nogoblinsallowed.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=3645 Backstory for Magic the Gathering : Homelands], Wizards of the Coast.</ref>


One notable ulgrothan sea troll is Kakra, whose sayings prove the intelligence and pragmatic side of its specie (<c>Chain Stasis</c>, <c>Narwhal</c>, <c>Sea Sprite</c>).
Whole tribes of Sea Trolls exist within deep subterranean caves and live by stealing from Seafolk fish-herds, attacking passing surface ships, or even ambushing Seafolk towns and dragging their prisoners back to the caves for a quick, predatory meal. Sea Trolls have been the bane of the Seafolk for years, as they swim faster, fight harder, and are well-versed in camouflaging themselves by painting the color of their skins with scum from the ocean floor.<ref>[[Scott Hungerford]] and [[Kyle Namvar]]. (June 14th, 1995). [http://forum.nogoblinsallowed.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=3645 Backstory for Magic the Gathering: Homelands], Wizards of the Coast.</ref>


===Zendikar===
===Zendikar===
<c title="Harvester Trolls">Harvester Troll</c> existed on Zendikar at the time of the conflict with the Eldrazi, though they didn't intervene, preferring to continue preying upon wanderers.
{{card plural|Harvester Troll}} existed on Zendikar at the time of the conflict with the Eldrazi, though they didn't intervene, preferring to continue preying upon wanderers.


==Notable Trolls==
==Notable Trolls==
* [[Chunth]]
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
* Drulvurg, troll king<ref><c>Jungle Troll</c> flavor text</ref>
;Arcavios
* [[Thrun]]
*[[Gyome]]
* [[Varolz]]
 
;Dominaria
*[[Bortuk Bonerattle]]
*Drulvurg, troll king of the jungle trolls.<ref><c>Jungle Troll</c> flavor text</ref>
 
;Kaldheim
*[[Svella]]
 
;Mirrodin
*[[Chunth]]
*[[Thrun]]
 
;Ravnica
*[[Trifon]]
*[[Varolz]]
 
;Ulgrotha
*Kakra, a sea troll whose sayings prove its species' intelligence and pragmatic side.<ref>{{card|Carapace|Homelands|#=84a}}, <c>Chain Stasis</c>, <c>Narwhal</c> and <c>Sea Sprite</c> flavor text</ref>
 
;Unknown
*[[Grismold]]
}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Albino Troll.jpg|From Dominaria
File:Jungle Troll.jpg|From Dominaria
File:Gluttonous Troll.jpg|From Eldraine
File:Feasting Troll King.jpg|A Noble Troll from Eldraine
File:Old-Growth Troll.jpg|A Torga troll from Kaldheim.
File:HAGI TROLLS.jpg|Hagi trolls from Kaldheim.
File:Horned Troll.jpg|From Mercadia
File:Tel-Jilad Lifebreather.jpg|From Mirrodin
File:Skyshroud Troll.jpg|From Rath
File:Hunted Troll.jpg|A Gateless Troll from Ravnica
File:Charnel Troll.jpg|A Golgari Troll from Ravnica
File:Golgari Grave-Troll.jpg|A Golgari Skeleton Troll
File:Lotleth Troll.jpg|A Golgari Zombie Troll
File:Trollbred Guardian.jpg|A Simic Mutant Troll from Ravnica
File:Mossbridge Troll.jpg|From Shadowmoor
File:Sea Troll.jpg|A Sea Troll from Ulgrotha
File:Murasa Brute.jpg|From Zendikar
File:Barkhide Troll.jpg
File:Cudgel Troll.jpg
File:BojukaTrollConcept.jpg|Concept art of a Zendikari troll from Bojuka Bay.
File:TorgaConcept.jpg|Torga Troll concept.
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*<c>Uthden Troll</c> and <c>Sedge Troll</c> are both the first trolls printed and the only mono-[[red]] {{r}} trolls.
*<c>Uthden Troll</c> and <c>Sedge Troll</c> are both the first trolls printed and were the only mono-[[red]] {{R}} trolls for 28 years until <c>Hagi Mob</c>.
*<c>Sea Troll</c> is the only [[blue]] {{u}} troll.
*There are 14 [[multicolored]] trolls, 11 of which are in {{B}}{{G}}.
*<c>Jungle Troll</c>, <c>Charging Troll</c>, <c>Lotleth Troll</c>, <c>Trestle Troll</c>, and <c>Varolz, the Scar-Striped</c> {{-}} The only [[multicolored]] trolls.
**<c>Jungle Troll</c> was the first multicolored troll and, much like above, was the only red-green {{R}}{{G}} troll for 25 years until <c>Svella, Ice Shaper</c>.
**<c>Jungle Troll</c> was the first multicolored troll and is the only red-green {{r}}{{g}} troll.
**<c>Charging Troll</c> is the only Troll with [[white]] {{W}} in its [[casting cost]]. <c>Hedge Troll</c> has {{W}} in its color identity, as a homage to <c>Sedge Troll</c>.
**<c>Charging Troll</c> is the only Troll with [[white]] {{w}} in its [[casting cost]].
**<c>Rendclaw Trow</c> and <c>Odious Trow</c> are the only trolls with a [[hybrid mana]] cost, both in {{B/G}}.
*<c>Rendclaw Trow</c> and <c>Odious Trow</c> are the only trolls with an [[hybrid mana]] cost. They both are {{B/G}}.
*<c>Sea Troll</c> is the only [[blue]]-costed {{U}} troll, with <c>Chrome Host Hulk</c> being accessible entirely in green thanks to blue [[Phyrexian mana]]. <c>Masterful Ninja</c> was the first mono-black troll, but given its theme and silver-borderedness, it is not representative of the tribe; <c>Clackbridge Troll</c> gets the honor for black-border.
*Out of the 27 trolls printed inthe game, 17 are mono-green {{g}}.
*Shadowmoor's Trows are based on [[Wikipedia:Trow_(folklore)|the creatures of the same name from Orkney and Shetland islands folklore]].<ref name="Concepting"/>
 
==Tokens==
{{Troll Tokens|header=y}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Creature types}}
{{Creature types|Races|Trolls}}
[[Category:Trolls| ]]

Latest revision as of 04:46, 17 June 2024

Troll
Creature Type
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards)
Beeble Scale 3[1]
Statistics
56 cards
{U} 1.8% {B} 7.1% {R} 7.1% {G} 57.1% {R/G} 3.6% {G/W} 1.8% {B/G} 19.6% {G/U} 1.8%
3 Troll creation cards
{G} 33.3% {R/G} 33.3% {land symbol} 33.3%
as of Murders at Karlov Manor
Scryfall Search
type:"Troll"

Troll is a mainly green creature type represented in the Magic lore as large, bestial, ill-tempered humanoids that usually dwell in forests and have regenerative powers.[2]

While the creature type started as mainly red, their regenerative properties (translated in the game with the keyword regenerate) led them to be moved into green and later green-black.

With regenerate falling out of favor with both Design and development, trolls have become rarer and harder to print as they suffer the same problems as skeletons: the flavor wants trolls to have regenerate, but R&D doesn't want to print cards with regenerate due to complexity/poor gameplay; therefore R&D doesn't make as many trolls.

The first creatures to bear the type were Uthden Troll and Sedge Troll from Alpha.

Trolls throughout the Multiverse

Arcavios

The trolls of Arcavios come from Fernbosk, a wild place on the continent of Orrithia. Those who go to Strixhaven are associated with Witherbloom or Quandrix. Gyome, a troll, is Witherbloom's chef.

Dominaria

On Dominaria live the aforementioned Uthden Troll and Sedge Troll: while no continent is the specific focus of Alpha, most early Magic took place on either Terisiare or The Domains, meaning we can infer that these species lived on either or both. After the battle of White Ridge, hundreds of knee-high blue and gray Uthden trolls abandoned by their summoner set to work pillaging. Their large noses can sniff out metal treasures. Though small, they were so densely built that a man couldn't lift one. These alien forms were also referred to by locals as goomers or goons.[3]

Jungle Trolls are present on the continent of Jamuura and are notable for being led by a troll king (named Drulvurg during the time of Mirage).

Before its destruction during the Brothers' War, the island of Argoth was home to the Albino Trolls who fought on the side of Titania against the Brothers' insurrection.

The Charging Trolls of the The Domains fought on the side of the Coalition during the Phyrexian Invasion of Dominaria.

At the time of the Time Rifts crisis, Sedge Trolls from an alternate reality known as Hedge Trolls appeared. These trolls were profoundly devout, and it seemed that unlike the other species of troll, these didn't need to feed.

By the second Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria in 4562 AR, trolls were nearly extinct on the plane.[4]

Eldraine

The trolls of Eldraine are known to hunt humans, with bridges making their favorite hunting grounds. The Tanglespan, a series of bridges across a massive chasm, are a popular location, often leading them into conflict with the fauns who guard the area.[5]

Kaldheim

On Kaldheim the trolls live in the realm of Gnottvold. Some fall asleep for a long time and almost become part of the landscape. But they are terrifying when they wake up.

The ancient ruins of Gnottvold provide some degree of shelter to two distinct varieties of troll. The smaller, more aggressive Hagi trolls run wild across the realm, hunting in disorganized packs. Hunched over, they stand about as tall as a human. All are green-skinned - some a pale green, some a deeper shade, some an ugly mottled pattern — with long, dark hair wrapping their bony forms like a shawl and formidable tusks that clack together as they speak.[6]The Hagi like to harass the larger Torga trolls, who live in family groups and can sleep for years at a time. Despite their apparently somnolent nature, a Torga troll that is unexpectedly awakened from its slumber rises in a rage and sets out on a destructive rampage that can last for weeks until the troll is spent and looks for a new place to sleep.[7]

Mercadia

The Horned Trolls of Mercadia heal so fast that weapons are sometimes trapped inside their wounds.

Mirrodin

The trolls who were brought to Mirrodin lived at Tel-Jilad, the largest tree in the Tangle.[8] Inscribed onto its metal surface is the history of Mirrodin. Near the bottom, all the writings have been etched out. These trolls considered this their sacred home, and they lived within its hollow core. Most of the Tel-Jilad trolls died out during Memnarch's rule, and the Vanishing returned those that remained to their home plane save one: Thrun, "the Last Troll."[9]

Rath

The Skyshroud Trolls of Rath lived in the Skyshroud Forest, where they were known to subsist on the elves and merfolks. Other Rathi trolls known as Pygmy Troll were of an atypically small variety.

It is unknown whether any troll survived the Rathi Overlay, but if they did, one or both species could still exist on Dominaria in Keld, where the Skyshroud Forest appeared.

Ravnica

Many Ravnican trolls live oppressed existences, being hunted by faeries or experimented on by the Simic Combine. They are part of the Gruul Clans and the Golgari Swarm (Golgari Grave-Troll, Lotleth Troll, Trestle Troll, Charnel Troll, Challenger Troll, Varolz, The Scar Striped).[10] Golgari trolls are highly resistant to injuries. They have a symbiotic relationship with the fungus that covers their body like a mane.[11]

With the reemergence of the guilds and the rediscovery of Ravnica's long gone oceans, through the sinkholes known as Zonots, the Simic Combine were remade from scratch. A species of amphibious marine trolls lived at Zonot 4, where Trifon became the speaker.

Shadowmoor

Trows are human-sized, ugly troll creatures that stalk the woods near Ashenmoor hunting for meat.[12][13] They can feed on rats or bats, but prefer humanoid prey. A trow's sense of smell can detect a wounded Kithkin on the opposite side of the forest. They reappear each night to frighten the living and gnaw the dead.

Ulgrotha

The Homelands harbor a race of Sea Trolls. Sea Trolls are vicious, cruel, and extremely crafty undersea hunters. They can walk on land for a few hours at a time but are best off in the deepwater away from sunlight and bright illumination.

Whole tribes of Sea Trolls exist within deep subterranean caves and live by stealing from Seafolk fish-herds, attacking passing surface ships, or even ambushing Seafolk towns and dragging their prisoners back to the caves for a quick, predatory meal. Sea Trolls have been the bane of the Seafolk for years, as they swim faster, fight harder, and are well-versed in camouflaging themselves by painting the color of their skins with scum from the ocean floor.[14]

Zendikar

Harvester Trolls existed on Zendikar at the time of the conflict with the Eldrazi, though they didn't intervene, preferring to continue preying upon wanderers.

Notable Trolls

Arcavios
Dominaria
Kaldheim
Mirrodin
Ravnica
Ulgrotha
  • Kakra, a sea troll whose sayings prove its species' intelligence and pragmatic side.[16]
Unknown

Gallery

Trivia

Tokens

Token Name Color Type Line P/T Text Box Source Printings
Troll Warrior Green Creature — Troll Warrior 4/4 Trample

References

  1. Mark Rosewater (April 16, 2024). "I was wondering where in the Beeble Scale would Ogres, Trolls, Cyclopses and Giants be?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  2. Doug Beyer (November 10, 2010). "How to Design a Specter and More!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. Emery, C. (1995). Whispering Woods. HarperPrism. New York. Retrieved from [1] on 7 May 2022.
  4. Roy Graham (September 1, 2022). "The Legends You'll Find in Dominaria United". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. Roy Graham (August 25, 2023). "MtG Discord Wilds of Eldraine Q&A". Magic: The Gathering Official Discord. Archived from the original on August 28, 2023.
  6. Roy Graham (January 13, 2021). "Kaldheim Episode 2: Awaken the Trolls". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. Ari Zirulnik and Jenna Helland (January 14, 2021). "Planeswalker's Guide to Kaldheim, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. Magic Arcana (April 06, 2004). "Mirrodin block trolls". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. Doug Beyer (September 22, 2010). "The Terms of Engagement". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020.
  10. Magic Arcana (February 02, 2006). "The Gruul Troll". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica". Wizards of the Coast
  12. a b Doug Beyer (July 30, 2008). "Concepting Eventide, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. (2008). Eventide Player's Guide. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. Scott Hungerford and Kyle Namvar. (June 14th, 1995). Backstory for Magic the Gathering: Homelands, Wizards of the Coast.
  15. Jungle Troll flavor text
  16. Carapace (Homelands, #84a), Chain Stasis, Narwhal and Sea Sprite flavor text