I wrote this guide years ago, and have since decided to carry it over to the AD forums and provide it a much needed update. I expect there will no doubt be a guide written that will surely put this old girl to shame, but until that happens, I hope this proves helpful in the meantime!
An Introduction:
Let’s not pretend we don’t know who the trolls are. They’ve been an ever constant presence on Azeroth; entwined with its very being, they’ve made their mark on just about every corner of the planet. Trolls are as varied and as unique as the zones in which they’ve made their homes.
These creatures have a long, terrifying, intricate and fascinating history. They also make for an incredibly enjoyable race with which to roleplay.
Here, I will be focusing on the Darkspear tribe. (The default core race one, if you’re not up on your tribe names.)
This guide is supposed to be an aid in understanding the history and culture of the tribe, to give you a sense of how these may affect a personality. However, it is NOT a personality guide. Trolls, just like most groups of sapient beings, will have all sorts of people, with different opinions, habits, approaches and appreciations.
A Summary
Just who are the Darkspear?
A formally exiled tribe, the Darkspear have proven themselves an adaptable and open-minded peoples, managing to endure many threats and face all manner of hardships to finally settle in with a way of life so removed from their previous traditions.
Their connection to the Horde has certainly changed them, and directed them in ways they might never have imagined, though they still managed to keep their own tribal identity, their culture, their spirituality.
I think the Darkspear are great, don’t you think so too?
Contents:
Take A Look!
1: History
-1:1: The Empires
-1:2: The Darkspear
-1:3: With the Horde
-1:4: Garrosh’s Horde
-1:5: Another New Horde
2: Biology
-2:1: Appearance
-2:2: Aging
-2:3: Regeneration
3: Society and Culture
-3:1: Language and Names
-3:2: Homes
-3:3: Technology
-3:4: Raptors
-3:5: Females
-3:6: Witch Doctors
4: Spirituality and the Loa
-4:1: The Loa
-4:2: Ritual and Ceremony
-4:3: Cannibalism and Head-Shrinking
-4:4: Sacrifice
-4:5: Offerings
-4:6: Death and Burial
5: Miscellaneous
-5:1: The Accent
-5:2: A Note On Portrayal
The contents of this guide are always subject to change.
“I’ve never been more proud to be a Darkspear. Vol’jin leads us to glory.” - Morakbi, Captain of the Watch.
1: History
As a whole, troll history stretches back to the very beginning of Azeroth; this would be due to trolls being one of the planet’s original native species, “born in the early ages of the world”. Their history certainly goes further than other long-lived species that now populate the planet, with their actions having far reaching consequences that can still be felt today.
Troll history is VAST, is what I’m saying. Keeping to what is relevant to only Darkspear still means there’s a lot to delve into and explore, as we not only look at the Darkspear themselves, but have to go further back to explore the Gurubashi tribe, and the Zandalari as well.
Plus, even if your troll is barely aware of its own history, ancient or recent, it can help to know what fueled them on in the past and where they may now stand in today’s political climate.
1:1: The Empires
The Empires Were Vast
The Darkspear tribe are one of the many smaller tribes that make up the huge number of ‘jungle trolls’. Making their home within the Stranglethorn Vale, their society was one of an underestimated complexity, centred primarily around the Gurubashi tribe and their great walled city of Zul’Gurub.
Of course, the Gurubashi tribe were not the only troll empire of impressive size at the beginning. There were the Amani, forest trolls within Quel’Thalas; the Drakkari, brutish ice trolls who made their way to the far north, and of course… the Zandalari, who long regarded themselves as the protectors and spiritual leaders of the troll people in their entirety.
With good reason, of course, since it was during the time of the very first trolls, as their own individual tribal practices were formed, and their reverence for the planet’s Wild Gods (or, as they refered to them… loa) saw the Zandalar tribe begin to place themselves as the most powerful of these differing groups.
It is true that troll history has been filled with much violence, yet despite how it might seem, it actually wasn’t amongst each other… well, not on a large scale, anyway. The Zandalar did see their territory and power challenged by the other larger tribes, resulting in different areas of Azeroth further becoming troll-lands, but generally lengthy warfare wasn’t done.
It seems, trolls are very good at fighting other trolls, and any real conflict would be devastating to both sides.
One of the greatest wars that faced the trolls was that against the Aqir; terrifying insectoids who has long been hidden after the Black Empire’s fall, lead by the re-awakened C’Thraxxi general Kith’ix. Curious trolls had accidentally revitalised this old foe, and they were soon to pay the price. The Aqir’s numbers were incredible, and once they’d become numerous enough, they soon begun to sweep across the planet.
Trolls proved quite an obstacle for the Aqir, but just not enough. Smaller tribes were swiftly overwhelmed and scattered. The Zandalari took it upon themselves to command the tribes together, and throw everything they had at the Aqir anew. With the leadership of the Zandalari’s best minds, ambush tactics within the jungles that surrounded the great city, and the aid of their beloved and powerful loa; the Aqir were pushed back and forced to split.
Fearing a reunion of the scattered insectoids again, the Zandalar asked varied tribes to follow them, and granted them that any land they conquered on their way would be theirs.
Thus we come again full circle… to the Gurubashi, the Amani, and the Drakkari.
The empires continued as they had been, and perhaps would have continued to do so had it not been for the emergence of the night elves. The Well of Eternity enabled them to rise to power, and with them they brought a magic that had never before been seen, or at least been utilised. Though phenomenal, their magic eventually brought about the Sundering, causing the former troll empires to splinter. Once powerful troll territories were left in ruin, staggering from the sudden near destruction of the lands they had so long shared.
The Gurubashi, in particular, were hit hard by the Sundering. Famine become a near constant companion for the empire.
They grew desperate to not only regain their lost power and influence, but to also ensure their very survival, and begun to seek out ancient gods, eventually being answered by none other than Hakkar, the Soulflayer. He granted them what they sought, but for constant sacrifice and servitude. Once again, the Zandalar took note, and though initially pleased to see the Gurubashi’s return to form, they saw that Hakkar’s calls for sacrifice would never be sated. He would see the trolls, and all beings on Azeroth, wiped out to sate his bloodlust.
They aided the Gurubashi in driving him and his devoted priests away; he to the spirit world, and his Atal’Ai to the swamps in the south.
Even still, the Gurubashi continued to split further, with civil war a regularity amongst the many tribes within. One of these tribes consisted of the Darkspear, an admittedly smaller and weaker tribe, who found themselves being pushed out of the jungles they called home.
1:2: The Darkspear
The Tribe We All Know And Love
I know what you’re thinking. That was a lot of history on everyone except the Darkspear, wasn’t it? Yes and no. We don’t actually know when the Darkspear, as a seperate tribal identity, came to fruition. Regardless, the Gurubashi history, and the Zandalar history from before then, IS their history.
The exact timing of when the Darkspear were driven out of their jungle homes is also difficult to truly determine, although it can be reasonably guessed that it was plenty of decades ago.
The Darkspear, now outcasts and exiles, resided on a group of islands neighbouring their former home.
However, more fighting was to arise for these trolls. In fact, it came from two sides.
Sometime around the beginning of the third war, their island home became strained by the presence of Kul Tiras humans, who had begun to encroach on their jungle isle in their pursuit of the Horde orcs, led by Thrall. On the other side, local murloc populations, long a nuisance, had fallen under the sway of a mysterious sea witch; Zar’jira.
The Orcs of the Horde aided the Darkspear in managing these threats, although it wasn’t without its tragedies. While these combined forces did prove victorious over the humans, the sea witch was able to capture the troll leader Sen’jin, Thrall, and several trolls and orcs. Also, some humans, but who cares.
Despite escaping the vast cavernous prison in which they had been taken, things took a turn for the worst, as Sen’jin was killed in the ensuing battle for freedom.
Prior, Sen’jin had witnessed a vision in which the Darkspear are led away from their constant strife by Thrall, towards a new and better destiny.
Defeating their captors wasn’t enough to keep the Darkspear people safe. The islands had proven inhospitable, their leader was dead; they had absolutely nowhere to turn.
In line with the vision of Sen’jin, and just by virtue of his own kind-hearted nature, Thrall did offer the Darkspear a place within his Horde. Now leader Vol’jin, son of Sen’jin, readily accepted, leading his people towards Kalimdor with their new orcish allies.
1:3: With the Horde
The Horde Becomes A Home
Upon Durotar the trolls carved a new home for themselves on the Echo Isles, a string of islands just off the coast of the new orc homeland. Even here, they were not truly able to yet claim a permanent home, as their grip was strained first by a new approach from Kul Tiras, and then through betrayal from one of their own.
Zalazane, a witch doctor, used his vast yet dark skills to take the minds of his fellow tribespeople. Vol’jin saw no choice but to retreat on to the coast, setting up the village of Sen’jin. Efforts to remove Zalazane were futile. Despite sending a variety of Horde ‘heroes’ to the island to claim the witch doctor’s head they would return return empty-handed, or worse having been fooled by a ‘decoy’.
Within the Horde, the Darkspear had started to become a reliable and constant presence; both politically and socially. They had also aided in all sorts of Horde ventures and battles that had arisen. That the Darkspear were trustworthy and loyal was undeniable.
During the venture into Outland, the trolls set up a large presence in Zangarmarsh, claiming a reasonable foothold, while learning more about the magic and spiritual energies of the shattered planet.
In Northrend their role in the Horde was still ever important, and constant. The trolls did not halt in honouring their new allies, even if speculation arose as to the extent of their loyalty.
It is after the events in Northrend that Vol’jin was able to renew his efforts against Zalazane, calling on help from all the Horde races old or new alike. The isles were finally reclaimed as theirs once again, allowing the trolls to set up a base and homeland for their novice young and villagers.
1.4 Garrosh’s Horde
Gosh Garrosh
At the time of the Shattering, Thrall had stepped down as Warchief, leaving the role to the young Garrosh Hellscream. This decision was unpopular at its time, and has since been the subject of much debate; but one thing was made clear, the Darkspear would be facing a different sort of threat.
This new Warchief at first regarded the trolls with a kind of distrust, despite their phenomenal record of loyalty. This fact was not lost on Vol’jin, who responded in turn with his own open hostility and disregard for the younger Hellscream. Feeling that Garrosh is nothing more than a shallow replacement, who would send the Horde to slaughter as opposed to prosperity, Vol’jin had threatened to be the one to end Garrosh’s life.
In a vision-induced discussion with Thrall, Vol’jin was convinced to hold on and see Garrosh’s leadership through, resulting in a concern for the future of the Darkspear, and for the future of the Horde.
It is when the discovery of Pandaria was made that Garrosh’s attitude to the trolls was made far clearer.
It became no secret that he utterly loathed them.
As his war effort continues, and as his elite Kor’Kron forces advance further into Pandaria, his animosity towards Vol’jin resulted in the latter’s near assassination.
To add insult to injury, during this time he placed a lock down on the Echo Isles, enabling his Kor’Kron to keep a constant watch on the trolls back home.
Vol’jin was lucky to survive, being brought to secret safety to the village of Binan. While here he admitted his plans to chosen trustworthy Horde heroes, that he would bide his time until he was ready to make good on his threat.
We all know, of course, that Garrosh wasn’t Warchief for much longer. The Darkspear hadn’t been the only ones who wanted Hellscream out. The tauren, the blood elves and many orcs themselves threw themselves into a rebellion, retaking Orgrimmar, and positioning a new Warchief in his place.
Vol’jin.
1.5 Another New Horde
Here We Go Again?
I wish I could say there had been a lot to write about Vol’jin in his role of Warchief, but alas, this wasn’t to be. Garrosh had escaped his trial, and fled to Draenor (but not that Draenor, the other one…), inspiring the native orcs there to lead a campaign on Azeroth under the banner of the Iron Horde.
Heroes from both Horde and Alliance fought bravely against this onslaught, and finally Garrosh Hellscream was put down.
All this fuss on Draenor had lead to the escape of another foe, however. Gul’dan.
It was though Gul’dan that the Burning Legion set its eyes on Azeroth once again, and it was through the Burning Legion’s attack on the Broken Isles that the Darkspear would face another great tragedy.
Vol’jin was gravely wounded in the fight, and succumbed to his injuries back in Orgrimmar. In his last moments, he was able to appoint Sylvanas Windrunner to Warchief, and then after that it seemed his story was over.
Within the Darkspear, it appeared to have been Rokhan, a renowned shadow hunter in his own right, who begun to take up responsibility for leading the Darkspear’s fates.
The Burning Legion pushed back, the Horde and Alliance again found themselves at war. We won’t get into all of that, but what you need to know for the Darkspear is that once again they found themselves fighting for their beloved Horde, and also would soon face an old familiar ‘friend’.
The Zandalari nation was much desired by Sylvanas Windrunner for its mighty fleet, the loyalty of its people would add a new power to the growing Horde.
Rokhan was part of the small attack force that helped free Princess Talanji from her imprisonment in Stormwind, and it was he and a significant group of Darkspear who would further aid her within Naz’mir, facing the blood trolls and their twisted “loa”, G’huun.
Soon after, the Alliance would attack the city of Dazar’Alor, killing the Zandalari King, Rastakhan, destroying the fleet and escaping to sea. The Zandalari were incensed, now Queen Talanji pledged her people’s loyalty to the Horde, and the place of the trolls as an entirety solidified all the more.
And how much of this do our trolls know?
All that history is pretty overwhelming, but lucky you, you’re going to be playing a troll!
Trolls are a creature with a much shorter life span compared to the likes of the night elves, and are a race that tends to concern themselves with the present. This is especially true of the Darkspear tribe.
What this means is that your troll mightn’t know the grand details so far back at all, and it’s perfectly fine for them to not. The only way they’d know beyond their own lifespan is through stories and research, and whether that concerns them is up to you.
Present events are a different matter, but there’re plenty of avenues for one to know what’s going on anyway. They can hear rumour, they can be in the know of certain situations, they can read or hear the news within the major cities (there will always be… an IC newspaper…). The best way to be in the know is to get out there and roleplay!
2: Biology
You can’t argue with biology, but it doesn’t mean you have to make every troll look exactly the same. As with all sapient races, there’s a lot that will combine together to make everyone unique.
This section is only to give you a basis with which to work; to provide information on what is common or undeniably true of all trolls.
2:1: Appearance
The Darkspear trolls are an imposing creature.
With their heights averaging around seven foot for female, and eight foot at a standing posture for male, trolls create an immediately intimidating presence to their enemies. Lean and lithe, both the males and females also tower over most of their comrades.
The trolls of the Darkspear tribe have a lot more variation in their skin and hair colouring than may be found in other tribes. Their skin tends to be typically of a wide swath of blue hues, but green or purple Darkspear are not altogether uncommon either. Perhaps most peculiar is that their skin also hosts a short fine layer of a soft ‘fur’, more akin to the fuzz on a peach than the hide of a beast.
Their hair can be of a great many colours; from the more natural tones (at least to us humans here) of blondes, browns or black, to the more bizarre colours of green, blue, pink or purple. And even that isn’t all.
Commonly, trolls prefer to have their hair in styles that adds to their height or generally intimidating appearance; large mohawks, heavy ponytails or thick plaits; hair is often kept long, and is naturally thick.
This isn’t to say some trolls don’t prefer to keep their hair short, simple or forsake it altogether and choose to be rid of it. Bald trolls are out there.
Troll tusks are a point of pride for many, with those of the males being far larger and more protruding than the fairly small yet sharp looking ones of the females.
Strangely, their tusks are not often used as a weapon. They prefer real weaponry, or fighting with their claws if need be. Still, I wouldn’t want to be the unlucky one that does find themselves gored by those tusks; they could certainly choose to do it.
Sharp featured faces, long hooked noses and knife-like ears very much like the elves all complete the image.
2:2: Aging
Behold The Ravages Of Age
If one believes the idea that the long-lived night elves were an evolution from the trolls, they might then be surprised to hear that the troll lifespan is so comparatively short.
Troll lifespans closely mimic that of the humans. It is stated that trolls are considered to have come of age at around 18, and reach their middle ages around 35. To a troll, old age is 70 and on, much like the humans. A troll over the age of 80 is considered a curious rarity.
It would be fair to say, however, that troll lifespans may be hard to truly gauge the averages of due to their long violent history. Many trolls simply have had their lives cut short.
2:3: Regeneration
Trolls are well known for their unique ability of regeneration.
This impressive skill allows the trolls to heal at a remarkable rate, with some even being able to regrow lost limbs. Well, perhaps not the head.
This skill is so notorious, that alchemical mixtures designed to create a fast rate of healing are nicknamed “troll’s blood”, despite having no troll blood in them whatsoever. Trolls hope.
With this, trolls tend to fight ruthlessly and recklessly, relying on their natural healing ability to see them through combat. This isn’t hubris, either. Trolls war bands are a terrifying force. Just ask those that had to face the relentless Amani tribe. It was only through vast usage of fire magic that they were able to halt these trolls in their tracks.
Yes, regeneration certainly isn’t infallible. Fire will cauterise wounds to a point where regeneration is unable to do anything, and poisons can be devised that will slow or halt this process entirely.
One must also always remember, that while regeneration is powerful, and it does allow trolls to handle injury and trauma that would see those of other races fall… it does not mean they are immortal.
“The poundin’ rhythm of the drums drivin’ you to hit harder, callin’ the spirits to watch over you.”
3: Society and Culture
Troll culture. Plenty of other races would have long considered it simple, but it is just as complex and involved as the troll history.
For the Darkspear, this complexity deepens even more with their connection to the Horde. Though their history with the Horde is relatively short in comparison to their history on Azeroth, it has proven greatly important.
Consider how vital integration in to the Horde has been for the Darkspears’ survival and direction, especially when doing so caused the trolls to change and challenge old traditions and adapt to new ways of being.
3:1: Language and Names
Talk To Me
The troll language is that of Zandali, with it being spoken by trolls of all types. As a language it is largely syllabic, and remains a main language for the Darkspear just under Orcish. The language is named for the Zandalar tribe’s isle of Zandalar, once before regarded as the ancestral home for all trolls.
Some terms:
'jin = suffix referring to either a tribal chief or elder.
'fon = suffix meaning loner, or social outcast.
Atal’ai = devoted ones. History as term adopted by Hakkar’s most loyal worshippers.
Zul = prefix, a tribal witch doctor. May also be a term used for tribal villages.
Zufli = “baby witch”, a mocking term for female witch doctors.
What about them names?
With their language being largely syllabic, many jungle troll names were deceptively simple. Many syllables are added to the front or end of a given name, to denote skill or status. Troll given names may be one syllable to aid this naming convention.
Trolls do not tend to adopt surnames, though exceptions are around. A surname may be adopted to signify a great deed, or could be used by families to show their bond. With many of their Horde allies using surnames, the trolls might use them to further show their Horde identity, as well as they might pick up other naming customs from their fellows.
Titles, as is the case for many races, must be earned.
Example names.
Female: Hira’jin, Torenda, Nekali, Mishiki, Jamai, Parata
Male: Sortura, Jornun, Tora’jin, Voldreka, Zansoa, Bomsanchu
Trolls with Surnames: Lar Prowltusk, Vel’rin Fang
3:2: Homes
A Permanent Home This Time
If we look at the architecture of their structures for their homes, inns or meeting grounds, we see that the Darkspear trolls have clearly embraced their new place as island based peoples than that of the jungles.
Their tribe culture is apparent, with buildings including larger risen structures that consist of two stories, and enough open space to welcome a gathering of many trolls. Such buildings might be relegated to being inns, the place of meetings or as quarters for their leadership and powerful elders.
Smaller huts dot the island, some having balconies winding around the top, though the two-story type is more frequently seen by the forest trolls. Even smaller tent-like huts are in use by the many trolls offering various services or items. The communal style life of the troll is well respected.
While having moved away from the vast stone structures of the Gurubashi, the Darkspear still show off high platforms and walkways around the island, with tiki-masks decorating the many trees and homes.
The presence of the loa is constantly felt. Plenty of statues depicting them stand proudly, constantly surrounded by many offerings of food, pelts, incenses or even skulls.
The trolls on Echo Isles raise a huge number of boar that provide a bulk of their food source. This alongside the fish that would come natural to an island nation, and the many fruits the isle provides allows them a good diet. Boar farming is undeniably another adoption from their orcish cousins.
3:3: Technology
Robots
Troll engineers certainly exist. To a troll, the invention of a machine is a far more layered formation of a talisman or trinket. Trolls may prefer to see technology as an abstract form of magic, which might surprise a good number of technomages. Troll inventions involve the use of alchemical or natural applications combined with scientific ideas. Their study can be on what the troll themselves find most interesting, and become as elaborate as they feel necessary. Claims that spirits speak new ways to harness their technology have been made by some. Trolls are the proud inventors of the dart grenade, swamp walker boots and the poison extractor.
3:4: Raptors
Rah Rah Raptor
The Darkspear found themselves enthralled by the fierce raptors once upon the lands of Kalimdor. Considering the creatures as the physical embodiment of the hunter’s essence and will, ownership of one of the tamed beasts is regarded as a prized status symbol.
One island of the Echo Isles is dedicated entirely to the creatures’ breeding and growth. The Darkspears affinity and love for the animals, their island’s own being the Bloodtalon Lashtail, has not been tempered even with the appearance of more impressive mounts to control.
It’s also pretty clear that, generally, trolls just think reptiles are really really cool.
3:5: Females
Why is this section still here?
The RPG book is non-canonical, and with it much of the basis for the long held claim that troll society held females as less than males; merely a means with which to breed more trolls.
It also used to be ‘common knowledge’ that the Darkspear had long learnt to respect their tribeswomen, further separating themselves from other tribes attitudes and traditions.
But none of that matters anymore! Triumph!
Your female troll is just as respected, just as fierce, and just as capable as the males that she lives with and serves with. They are capable of as many great feats, powerful magic and wise leadership as any trolls.
They are also as capable of failing at all of that, too.
3:6: Witch Doctors
Keep It Up, I'll Hex Ya
The witch doctors hold one of the more important positions in troll society. These alchemical and spiritual masters are widely respected as wise and powerful, they are shown courtesy and deference. Suspicious-minded trolls may see omens, good or bad, in many areas of their life and it is the Witch Doctors they will task with interpreting and exorcising them. A witch doctor is believed to be as major to battle as the warriors, their ritual being able to define and influence success.
A witch doctor at work can appear unsettling, especially so to the non-trolls who may see them. They pull themselves deep in to their ritual, dancing and crooning to and for the spirits of the ingredients and natural magic they use. Using a unique magic named ‘juju’ the witch doctor can bend and twist nature and spiritual energy to their benefit.
A more intimidating area of expertise for the witch doctor is the ability to create curses and hexes, but do not fear, their true focus is on supporting and aiding their tribes and its allies.
Constantly decorated by their ritual tattoos and trinkets, working over a bubbling cauldron, the witch doctor is a character that’s pretty hard to miss.
Witch Doctor seems a good time to move on to another major aspect of troll life and society. So major, it’s its own section.
4: Spirituality and the Loa
If there’s anything most associated with trolls, save for their magnificent tusks, it’s the in depth magic they practice known as voodoo.
Voodoo itself is regarded as a form of animism, a philosophy that holds that all creatures and some objects have souls or spirits. The spirits that inhabit these are seen as individually minded as all living creatures. They are capable of being hostile, dangerous, greedy, cruel or jealous. And they can also be kind, helpful, forgiving and generous.
While immediately feared for being dark, voodoo is a divine magic that has natural ties to the loa and the spirits. The religion seems close to, but has major differences to, the orcs and tauren’s own shamanism.
4:1: Loa
Which Loa Do You Bargain With
Primal gods, spirits and ancestors; it is these loa that are the basis of the entire voodoo philosophy.
It is not always easy to gauge how powerful they may be in the grand scheme of things, with popular theory being that the more influential of loa are more powerful than the elementals, and less so than Azeroth’s own gods. No matter where they stand in the cosmic power line, the loa are mighty entities that grant their faithful extraordinary powers.
Loa are often seen in either animal or troll forms, these being the Primal loa and the most powerful. Others are shapeless, existing as, or with, the spirits and the ancestors. It is believed by the Zandalari, and various witch doctors of the many tribes, that great mortal trolls can even go on to become part of the pantheon of loa, holding dominion over one of the many aspects of nature or life upon their death - perhaps plants, animals, disease or weather.
Any troll can call on the loa, and any can perform the rituals necessary to do this. Whether the loa chooses to grant the requested wondrous boon, or inflicts a terrible punishment is part of the call, and loa may choose to ‘gift’ either without being requested if they see the need.
While answering to all trolls, it is the witch doctors, priests and shadow hunters who end up with the deeper connection to the loa spirits overall.
So who are these loa?
There are many loa who make up the pantheon of primal forces, with a different sacred animal representing each aspect. The pantheons differ from tribe to tribe, while a group of even higher loa are possibly worshipped across the many tribes.
Despite certain loa being associated to particular tribes, it isn’t limited. Trolls may worship whichever loa they feel that connection to, and most of these loa may accept this favour, even if they do otherwise play favourites.
Typically, the Darkspear tribe chosen loa tend to be those closest to the jungle troll tribes, or those we have learnt of by way of the Zandalari.
Let’s take a look at some of the major ones. There are so many, however, that my advice would be to look up lore about the loa themselves; that could be a guide all on its own!
“Bwon’samdi be waitin’ for ya… on de Other Side…”
Bwon'samdi
For the Darkspear, one of their primary loa is the troll-bodied loa who guards the dead and watches the realm between life and death.
Bwon’samdi, he who is capable of controlling the vast spirits of the dead.
The Darkspear once worshipped this great spirit before they were driven from the Echo Isles by Zalazane and his hexed victims.
As Vol’jin prepares to reclaim the Echo Isles, he calls on this loa to give he and the Horde allies aid. Bwon’samdi eventually agrees, after testing the Horde skill and loyalty. All he asks in return is that the Darkspear return to worshipping him, which they do readily.
Battle for Azeroth gave us even more delicious lore around this enigmatic figure; he is incredibly powerful; holding dominion over the dead of all trolls. To follow Bwon’samdi is to have to work with this bizarre figure, navigating his love of deals and trickery, while hoping to inspire his great generosity over his even greater wrath.
As previous members of the Gurubashi, it is their tribal loa who the Darkspear are more familiar with.
Shadra
Elortha no Shadra. The Spider.
Her eyes are everywhere, dey see all.
She has worshippers all over, beloved by members of the Gurubashi, the Vilebranch and Witherbark forest trolls, the Zandalari…
The loa of secrets, of spies, of whispers in the dark. She is benevolent, but those that betray her will find themselves the victims of her potent venoms.
It’s a shame she was killed by Yazma, her Zandalari prophet; much like the loa of the Drakkari, her essence was consumed to empower her killer.
Whether she can return from this is yet to be seen; no doubt her worshippers feel lost, angered, vengeful…
Hir'eek
The Lord of the Midnight Sky. The Bat.
He be blind, and so kind.
Don’t be intimidated. This loa guards the weak, protects and guides the lost. He is also known for bringing ‘clarity of mind’. Certainly, Hir’eek is a loa that will help keep your troll centred.
Unfortunately, he’s dead too. You can blame the blood trolls for that one. Corrupted by these trolls and their ‘loa’ G’huun, he became a fighteningly cruel-minded and selfish creature, finally slain by Horde adventurers and put to rest.
Being a Wild God, though, he’ll probably be back. It seems much more likely for him than it does for poor Shadra.
Shirvallah
The Loa of Tigers… and Paladins?
“On bended knee Thekal placed his weapon upon Shirvallah’s altar, whereupon she slowly knocked it off with her paw.”
Shirvallah is power. She is also a little bit playful, as the above quote shows.
As Vol’jin spoke with the spirit of his dead father, Sen’jin, and his loa, Bwonsamdi, he could hear the low rumbling laughter of Shirvallah in the distance, indicating she seemed to be enjoying watching the three.
It’s not canonical to the WoW game proper, but the Hearthstone expansion, Rastakhans’ Rumble, shows her as the loa over paladins.
Other loa often associated with the jungle troll tribes are Bethekk, the panther; Hethiss, the snake, and Hakkar, the Soulflayer. You probably shouldn’t worship Hakkar.
The loa of the Zandalari tribe may hold influence and accept worship from all tribes. In line with the Zandalari’s position as the highest of trolls, they regard their loa as the highest of loa.
In Battle for Azeroth, the Zandalari pantheon got a lot of attention and a LOT of lore. I’ll only give some information on a small number, the rest can be read up about in game, or at the wowpedia.
Gonk
The Great Hunter. The Raptor.
He fills de heart with honor and awe.
This loa holds a special place in the hearts of those of the Darkspear tribe who turned to druidic magics. He approached those Darkspear that had hidden on the Echo Isles during Zalazane’s reign, sharing with them the secrets and powers he had long granted his Zandalari worshippers.
He taught these druids how to reconnect with the spirits in a different way.
Gral
The Loa of the Sea. The Shark.
Gral rules de deep and dere remains.
His realm is the ocean. From its shores, to its darkest depths. This loa is known for his wisdom, his long thinking on things, his rumination. He watches over all sea travel.
His love of knowledge, and his quiet reflection doesn’t mean he is weak, however.
He is power, and ferocity is a match for all other loa.
Being a loa of the sea, he may be of particular interest to the island-dwelling Darkspear trolls.
Jani
The Loa of Discarded Things. The Saurid.
Jani, Jani, o loa for me!
The patron of scavengers, the lord of thieves, the god of garbage, the keeper of secrets…
Jani pays attention to the people that have been disregarded, forgotten or ignored. The poor, the wretched, the orphaned and the overlooked.
Perhaps, being formerly exiles, there would be Darkspear who appreciate this loa…
Krag'wa
The Huge. The Frog.
De selfless have no need to fear.
Krag’wa is a physically powerful loa. A great protector for those who follow him, though he can prove demanding and impulsive.
He makes his home in the Frogmarsh of Naz’mir, the very zone in which the Darkspear lent their aid to stopping the wicked blood trolls.
Shadow Hunter Narez is a darkspear troll who gained the favour of Krag’wa, a loa she had long admired.
Other major loa of the Zandalari pantheon are Pa’ku, the Pterrodax, the Loa of Winds; Rezan, the Loa of Kings, the Devilsaur (he’s dead too); Kimbul, the Lord of Beasts, the Tiger, and Akunda, the Loa of Storms and New Beginnings, the Thunder Lizard.
There is another list of particular loa that have a rather spotty position in the overall canon. Long associated with shadow hunters, plenty of troll rpers adopted these concepts with enthusiasm.
Until we get more lore around these loa; who they are, what they do, we don’t have a lot to work with.
There has been some reference to these loa in the Battle for Azeroth expansion; with Rokhan calling on Lukou, and Shadow Hunter Ty’jin’s “Blessing of Dambala” ability at the mission table.
For reference, then:
-Legba: Legba is the loa of speed and swift motion. He is capable of walking the bridge between worlds.
-Lukou: Loa of healing and respite.
-Ogoun: The loa of war, the hunt and politics.
-Dambala: Loa of serpents, shadows, trickery and treachery.
-Shango: He holds the secrets to lightning and mayhem. Controller of the realm of storms.
So what loa should my troll have, then?
It can be any of the loa you feel fit the troll, but here is something else to consider. Remember, “countless loa exist.” As a troll RPer, you can choose to remain to the tried and true canon loa, or you can be completely free to invent one for your RP. Do what benefits you, and what appeals the most. Perhaps you can even have your troll express worship to some invented loa and some canon ones. Create them entirely from your head, or take a look at Haitian Vodou (or New Orleans Voodoo). It was those that were the inspirational basis for the in-game voodoo, after all.
4:2: Ritual and Ceremony
Ritual is an ever present part of troll life.
For some, ritual and ceremony are so entwined with the troll’s life, that they seem as if they perform some sort of chant or call for just about everything, summoning the will of their loa for all decisions. To others, it may be as if they never do, unphased and unburdened by their spirituality. Then, of course, there is all manner in between. How much ritual your character performs is really up to you. As with all religion, ones depth and involvement is individual.
Ritual can draw on voodoo power, halt the vengeance of an enemy, bless a meal or kill, call on a boon for the troll or an ally or just appease the loa they feel a connection to. Troll rituals are elaborate affairs, with the important ceremonies involving plenty of stories, dancing, feasting and chanting. The participants will wear elaborate clothing, the witch doctors painting themselves and the attendees with sigils. A ceremony can be for many events; the changing of season, a birth, a battle.
4:3: Cannibalism and Head-Shrinking
Gross
It’s no secret that the trolls indeed have a history with cannibalism, and yet the intent behind it has been twisted in retelling to where it has been described as nothing more than a senselessly barbaric expression of faith.
The trolls animism and voodoo beliefs extends towards their enemies, which results in the belief that the spirit of the killed could return to exact revenge. To consume the flesh means to consume the spirit’s former physical host making it weak and unable to inflict injury.
Since cannibalism was immediately stopped by the Horde, the trolls moved to different methods to compromise the spirits ability to do harm. Blessings, burning the heart and drowning the corpse are frequent.
“I got a shrunken head. I just came out of the pool!” , - some kind of troll comedian.
Head shrinking is another main method of closing a spirit away from possibly doing harm to the living. While the spirit leaves the body it must first move to the corpse’s head, and it is here that they are trapped while trying to flee the body.
4:4: Sacrifice
Blood Blood Blood!
Sacrifice is the most controversial of troll rituals. Originally performed on sapient species, most commonly other troll members, the Darkspear moved to animal sacrifice at the request of the Horde.
Sacrifice is perhaps the strongest method of loa appeasement that there is, and it as a ritual is not taken lightly or even performed with regularity for the most part. The spilling of blood pleases the loa, making them more likely to grant requests for huge occasions.
4:5: Offerings
Shirvallah Please Don't Knock It Off This Time
It’s not just sacrifice that is done to appease the loa. There also comes a more gentle form of ritual, that of the humble offering. Incense, food, pelts, writings and drawings and a vast many things are placed before the statues depicting loa, and the shrines dedicated to them. What need be offered can depend, some loa prefer certain gifts over others whereas some loa ask for something that was meaningful to the troll personally. How important and considered the offering is can define what the loa does in its thanks.
4:6: Death and Burial
In The End, Death Comes For Us All
The trolls believe the spirit of the enemy may linger to do harm, and this belief has been known to extend to the recently deceased. Some spirits may become jealous of the living, especially if the cause of their death is cruel or considered too soon by the spirit themselves, calling on sacrifice or offerings to appease them and allow them to move on to the other side. Trolls may cut in to their own flesh to allow blood to spill for these angered spirits. New spirits may also find an obstacle in the malicious spirits that already walk the world, the spilling of blood having a secondary meaning in distracting these malevolent beings.
Trolls seem to make use of many different means of handling the bodies of the dead. Burial is common, with certain tribes making heavy use of mummification and the placing of those bodies into large urns, which are then sunk into the ground.
The King’s Rest instance shows us too, that cremation is another often used method. The Zandalari begun this practice as a means to control the blood plague that hit their tribe, halting the body from being capable of harbouring the virus further.
The Horde’s presence in Northrend would have further emphasised the importance of cremation; it would have prevented bodies being risen into the Scourge.
As well, we know, that Vol’jin was cremated, his ashes placed into a large elaborate urn. Displayed prominently on the Echo Isles, allowing the Darkspear to express their love and grief as one would at a headstone.
Well, until some adventurer took the urn for a walk, anyway.
I sure hope they bring that back!
As with most societies, how the cadaver is handled after death is dependant on all sorts of circumstances, preferences or trends.
5: Miscellaneous
Some final bits and pieces, and a few personal thoughts and points of advice.
5:1: The Accent
How Ya Doin', Mon?
It’s strange indeed how certain races become recognised for being regularly RP’d with an accent where others would not. There are the dwarves, and then there are the trolls.
The troll accent’s basis is pretty clear, and playing one up is not a requirement. In roleplay, seeing a troll without the accent is fairly unheard of, but not impossible.
I’m not going to say how to write up the accent exactly. How strong you make it is up to you, but when it comes to the accent be mindful of a few things:
-The accent is based on a few real life accents, even if the end result is a mish mash of them with an American twang (sorry, Blizzard). What this means is while you’re free to create up an accent, beware you don’t end up becoming nothing more than an offensive caricature.
-The RP in WoW is quick and constant, unlike RP in a forum where answers and replies can be smoothed over and examined in comfort, in WoW the dialogue will be coming fairly quick. Unless you intentionally want your character to not be understood, try and create an accent that is immediately readable. A good rule of thumb is you want to be able to type it out as fast as you would type the dialogue without it.
5:2: A Note On Portrayal
Let us all become serious for a moment.
If you’ve been paying even vague attention, it’s probably not going to come as a shock that, despite the elaboration and complexity evident in the troll history and culture, it is also based on real world stereotypes of many indigenous peoples all over the world.
Does it mean that it’s wrong to play a troll, and to enjoy doing so? Not at all.
What it means is that it is sometimes easy to create a troll character who furthers the hurtful stereotypes present and who embraces the myths in a harmful way. As fictitious as the trolls are, the prejudices that inspired their creation were still just that.
While Blizzard themselves seem to be moving away from the flat one-note portrayal of their trolls, with the great rounded and compelling Vol’jin and the troll’s place in the Horde story of MoP, you as a troll player also have a responsibility to try and do the same. We can’t remove trolls from this as to do so is to no longer play a troll, but we can be considerate, thoughtful and careful when creating our trolls regardless.
And there we are. What a wonderful trip. I sure hope you’ve learnt to love the trolls as much as I do!
SOURCES:
Soon
EDIT LOG:
Log of Edits? Lady, who cares?
Alright, fine, can I get a list of edits? Yeah, you heard me.
Two stinking measly edits.