Difference between revisions of "Troll"

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(Major rewrite, and changed difficulty to Easy. The old article really overstated the threat of starvation. Feel free to adjust if you see anything I got entirely wrong though :P)
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''This page is about the player [[species]]. For the monster, see [[Troll (monster)]]. If you were looking for monstrous trolls in general, see [[List of trolls]].''
 
''This page is about the player [[species]]. For the monster, see [[Troll (monster)]]. If you were looking for monstrous trolls in general, see [[List of trolls]].''
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{{flavour|Trolls are like Ogres, but even nastier. They have thick, knobbly skins of any colour from putrid green to mucky brown, which are covered in patches of thick fur, and their mouths are full of ichor-dripping fangs.
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{{flavour|Trolls are monstrous creatures with powerful claws. They have thick, knobbly skins of any colour from putrid green to mucky brown, which are covered in patches of thick fur.
  
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They can rip creatures apart with their claws, and regenerate very quickly from even the most terrible wounds. They learn slowly indeed - as slowly as High Elves - and need a great amount of food to survive.}}
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They are incredibly strong, and regenerate rapidly from even the most terrible wounds. However, they are hopeless at spellcasting and learn most skills very slowly.}}
  
 
==Innate Abilities==
 
==Innate Abilities==
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*[[Good mutations#Shaggy Fur|Shaggy Fur]] 1 and [[Good_mutations#Tough_Skin|Tough Skin]] 2: Trolls have AC +3.
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*Trolls are '''[[Size#Player Sizes|large]]''' species:
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*[[Good_mutations#Claws|Claws 3]]: Trolls have claws for hands. They also get a passive (hidden) to-hit bonus when using them. These claws inflict heavy [[bleeding]] and can decapitate [[hydra]]s.
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**Like all large creatures, they receive an [[EV]] and [[Dodging]] penalty.
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*[[Gourmand]]: Trolls can eat [[chunk]]s even when not [[hungry]].
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**Unlike regular sized species, they can use [[giant club]]s,  [[giant spiked club]]s, and [[large rock]]s.
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*[[Good_mutations#Regeneration|Regeneration 2]]: Trolls heal very quickly.
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**Their bodies do not fit into [[boots]], [[gloves]], [[helmet]]s, or most [[body armour]] (they can only wear [[robe]]s, [[animal skin]]s, [[troll leather armour]], and [[dragon scales]]). In addition, [[buckler]]s are too small for them to use.
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*[[Bad_mutations#Fast_Metabolism|Fast Metabolism 3+]]: On top of the +3 hunger penalty from this mutation, trolls receive an additional +3 racial penalty directly, for an unmatched base metabolism of 9 food/turn.
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**They can attack and move normally in [[shallow water]].
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*[[Saprovore]] 2: Trolls can tolerate rotten meat, and have a reduced chance of getting [[sick]] from contaminated meat.
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*'''[[Tough Skin]] 1:''' Trolls get +1 [[AC]].
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*Trolls are [[Size#Player Sizes|large]] and can use [[giant club]]s and [[giant spiked club]]s (unlike smaller species), but their bodies do not fit into any armour but [[robe]]s, [[cloak]]s, [[animal skin]]s, [[troll hide]]s, [[troll leather armour]], [[dragon armour|dragon hide]]s, or [[dragon armour]]. [[Buckler]]s are also too small for them to use, but they can handle [[shield]]s and [[large shield]]s easily.
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*'''[[Shaggy Fur]] 1:''' Trolls get +1 [[AC]].
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*Trolls are large enough to attack normally while standing in [[shallow water]] (though they cannot move normally through it).
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*'''[[Claws]] 3:''' Trolls have claws for hands, greatly improving their performance in [[unarmed combat]]. Claws deal +6 damage, though they can decapitate [[hydra]]s.
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*'''[[Regeneration (mutation)|Regeneration]] 1:''' Trolls heal very quickly (+0.8 HP/turn).
 +
 
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Trolls have a base [[Strength]] of 15, [[Intelligence]] of 4 and [[Dexterity]] of 5 (before Background modifiers) and one less base [[magic points|magic point]] than normal.
  
 
==Preferred Backgrounds==
 
==Preferred Backgrounds==
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*'''Warriors:''' [[Fighter]], [[Gladiator]], [[Monk]], [[Hunter]]
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*'''Warriors:''' [[Fighter]], [[Gladiator]]
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*'''Zealots:''' [[Berserker]], [[Death Knight]], [[Healer]]
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*'''Zealots:''' [[Berserker]]
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*'''Mages:''' [[Wizard]]
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*'''Warrior-Mages:''' [[Warper]]
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*'''Mages:''' [[Hedge Wizard]], [[Earth Elementalist]]
  
 
==Level Bonuses==
 
==Level Bonuses==
 
*+1 [[strength]] every 3rd level.
 
*+1 [[strength]] every 3rd level.
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*30% more [[HP]] than average.
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*30% more [[hit points]] than average.
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*20% less [[MP]] than average.
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*+3 [[willpower]] per level.
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*+3 [[magic resistance]] per level.
 
  
 
==Starting Skills and Equipment==
 
==Starting Skills and Equipment==
 
Trolls start with the skills and equipment listed for their background, with these exceptions:
 
Trolls start with the skills and equipment listed for their background, with these exceptions:
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*Incompatible body armour is replaced by an [[animal skin]] or [[robe]].
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*Incompatible body armour is replaced with an [[animal skin]] or [[robe]].
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*Any [[helmet]] is replaced with a [[cap]].
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*[[Helmet]]s are replaced with [[hat]]s.
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*[[Meat ration]]s replace [[bread ration]]s, and trolls receive an extra ration.
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*[[Buckler]]s are replaced with [[kite shield]]s.
 
*Any [[Armour]] skill is replaced with [[Dodging]].
 
*Any [[Armour]] skill is replaced with [[Dodging]].
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*If their class does not start with [[Unarmed Combat]] skill ''and'' offers a choice of weapon, trolls have the extra option of "claws" (and Unarmed Combat skill).
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*[[Javelin]]s are replaced with [[large rock]]s.
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*Troll [[hunter]]s are offered a choice of [[large rock]]s instead of [[javelin]]s.
 
  
 
==Difficulty of Play==
 
==Difficulty of Play==
 
{{Easy}}
 
{{Easy}}
  
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Trolls are an extremely easy race in the early game, despite first appearances. They have the worst aptitudes in almost every skill, and hunger three times faster than average. However, trolls are actually highly effective as all-out [[Unarmed Combat]] attackers; they have a decent aptitude, the highest STR in the game, +6 bonus damage (from the Claws 3 mutation), a passive +4 [[to hit]] bonus, and they occasionally inflict the [[bleeding]] condition for 9% of a living monster's health per turn. With or without [[Blade Hands]], a troll specialized in Unarmed Combat is one of the deadliest melee fighters possible, competitive with an [[ogre]] with a fully enchanted [[giant spiked club]].
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Troll is a simple, generally easy, species to play. With great HP, fast regeneration, high strength, and powerful [[Claws]], Trolls are great at being [[Unarmed Combat]] bruisers. With terrible aptitudes in most other skills, they aren't good at much else. As one of the two species big enough for [[large rock]]s, [[Throwing]] is a viable secondary skill.
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On top of that, access to [[large rock]]s makes a huge difference in survival. Even with 0 [[Throwing]] skill, spamming large rocks at an oncoming foe can soften them up tremendously before you start going at them by hand.
 
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Their hunger rate is astonishingly fast, but their Gourmand intrinsic allows them to make the most of [[corpse]]s while still giving them full access to every permafood you come across. So long as you take the time to tear apart anything edible, you can spend the majority of your game at Engorged with no actual fear of starvation. If you can find a source of [[poison]] resistance, the menu gets even broader and staying well-fed even easier. By the time you reach those [[branch]]es where corpses are a rarity, you'll likely have enough permafood to keep you very safely in the clear. To be safe, though, there's nothing wrong with carrying a bunch of rations around with you.
 
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The largest obstacle trolls have to success lies in their peculiar approach to defense; that being to take a tremendous amount of damage and bounce back remarkably fast. Their large size prevents them from wearing any gloves or boots, and the only body armour they can wear initially are robes and animal hides, so getting a decent [[AC]] can be tricky. [[Ev]]asion is hard to come by, too; they have a lousy aptitude for it (-2), and their large size and low [[dexterity]] both reduce their EV significantly.
 
  
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Instead of negating enemy attacks through AC and EV, trolls rely on their tremendous health pool and regenerative properties to keep them going. Few single opponents in the early game can kill them fast enough to survive a troll's claws. The real threat lies in overconfidence; taking on multiple opponents at once (a band of [[list of orcs|orcs]] or halberd-wielding [[list of gnolls|gnolls]], for example) is an easy way to lose an otherwise promising troll. Until you've established some sort of solid defense, cautious play and intelligent use of [[potion]]s and [[scroll]]s is vital.
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Trolls are one of the strongest species in the early game, due to the Claws and high HP. But, as the game progresses, their low [[AC]] (unable to wear most body armour) and [[EV]] (large size, poor aptitude) can become a big issue. So, despite having +30% HP, Trolls can feel flimsy by the mid game. [[Shield]]s are recommended to mitigate this.
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Eventually, however, trolls can couple their vitality with excellent defense. Finding an early [[dragon armour]] is a godsend, but it's entirely possible to survive long enough to find a [[list of dragons|dragon]] and make your own gear from it. Trollish strength and size make it easy to operate in even heavy dragon armours, and although it does slow your unarmed attacks somewhat, the added durability is well worth it. Alternatively, [[shields]] are an excellent way to add durability early on. A troll's low Shields skill aptitude is less of an issue because they can negate shield penalties at lower skill levels than medium sized creatures, and the penalty to damage output is tolerable. So long as they make the effort to avoid fighting multiple opponents at once, a shield can make your troll significantly less of a glass cannon.
 
  
 
{{species_aptitudes|Troll}}
 
{{species_aptitudes|Troll}}
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
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Trollish [[intelligence]] and magic aptitudes are some of the worst in the game. While this doesn't rule out magic entirely, it takes intense effort to get higher level spells available for them, and is generally not an efficient use of experience. Some 1st and 2nd level spells, however, are perfectly viable for trolls: [[Confusing Touch]] and [[Beastly Appendage]] are decent 1st level combat enhancers, [[Sting]] is excellent for softening up approaching opponents, and [[Swiftness]], [[Shroud of Golubria]], and [[Repel Missiles]] are all useful buffs well within the reach of trolls. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but you should definitely try to have your physical offense and defense in order before more than dabbling in magic.
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Beyond Unarmed Combat, Trolls have a couple of options:
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*Their [[Maces & Flails]] is at -1 aptitude, and Trolls are one of a few species that can wield [[giant club]]s. Unarmed is generally ''more practical'', since Claws are stronger early game, and it allows use of shield. But weapon use isn't out of the question, namely if you find an amazing [[artefact]].
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[[Evocations]] is one of a troll's better aptitudes (at least compared to their magic skills), and it offers a much less uphill battle for magical support. Finding a useful [[rod]] can immediately give a troll access to high-level spells they'd normally have to devote massive amounts of training for, and a troll's capacity for eating makes it much easier to deal with the hunger costs involved (just be careful when exploring corpse-free branches). Rods, unfortunately, are by no means guaranteed to generate, so consider this a tactic to take up if the opportunity presents itself, and not something to rely on.
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*[[Throwing]], as mentioned, is a great support skill. Even at 0 skill, large rocks can pack a punch (but are very slow to throw).
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*With poor [[intelligence]] and magical aptitudes, their casting isn't great. However, it doesn't mean it's impossible. Low-level support spells like [[Blink]], [[Swiftness]], and [[Mephitic Cloud]] can prove to be useful, especially if you're stuck in light armour.
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*Like with other species, [[Evocations]] can be a great resource. Trolls don't get any special bonus, but they don't get much of a penalty, either.
  
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A vital resource that ''is'' guaranteed to present itself are gods. Trollish [[Invocations]] has an astounding aptitude of -1, and there are a number of excellent gods to complement their limited skill set:
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Trolls should not use Unarmed Combat against [[hydra]]s - claws count as edged weapons, so they will cut and re-grow their heads. Viable options include large rocks, [[potion of lignification]] (which meld claws), [[Ice Form]], powerful attack [[wand]]s, or [[god]] abilities. Simply retreating can also work.
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*[[Okawaru]]'s Heroism buffs Unarmed Combat performance tremendously, as does Finesse, and his armour gifts occasionally include early dragon armour.
 
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*[[Trog]]'s abilities require no skill training to activate, and provide free [[berserk]]ing, [[magic resistance]], even greater health regeneration, and very abusable summons. Just mind your hunger.
 
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*[[Elyvilon]]'s normal hunger restraints are less of a concern for the voracious troll, who benefits immensely from excellent panic buttons and the ability to pacify most opponents with smite targeting.
 
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*Likewise, [[Makhleb]]'s HP costs for spells are of little concern when you regenerate them back almost immediately, and having powerful ranged attacks and high-level summons let you handle anything you're afraid to get into clawing range for. The healing-on-kills helps trolls recover from fights even faster than normal.
 
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*[[Kikubaaqudgha]]'s corpse deliveries can provide you with dragon hides after enough uses in the later portions of the dungeon, and provides snacks at the same time. Also, trolls aren't ''entirely'' useless with [[Necromancy]] if you should choose to dabble in that, and the ability to invoke torment (which you'll partially resist) on powerful foes goes well with the fact that you regenerate faster than them.
 
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*[[Nemelex Xobeh]]'s [[deck]] gifts are a more reliable way to make use of Evocations than hoping for a rod, and if you ''really'' want to turn your troll into a spell caster, drawing a [[Shuffle card]] is a means of acquiring a phenomenal boost to intelligence.
 
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*[[Jiyva]]'s random mutations don't get in the way of your equipment slots, as most of them are already off-limits, and the various resistances it grants you can fill slots you otherwise have difficulty with. Slimify is a very effective method for disabling dangerous opponents, and his [[list of jellies|jellies]] will help keep you well-fed as they devour every item in sight. Just be prepared to occasionally lose a lot of your strength when Jiyva decides to shuffle you.
 
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*[[Cheibriados]]' stat boosts are extremely useful for unarmed combat fighters, especially if they intend to use [[Blade Hands]], and Step From Time can get you directly into melee range rather than getting peppered with ranged attacks as you crawl toward your foes. Unfortunately, the loss of movement speed makes it difficult to choose your battles; don't be afraid to Step From Time when things look bad.
 
  
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The only god that really doesn't mesh well with trolls is [[Zin]]. While his abilities are just as useful to trolls, his dietary restrictions cut your corpse access quite harshly. Worshiping Zin as a troll is one of the easiest ways to find yourself actually starving to death.
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Due to their large size, Trolls get a penalty to EV and the [[Dodging]] skill. Poor [[dexterity]] doesn't help. Nonetheless, it may be necessary to train Dodging to shore up your defenses.
  
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Finally, don't use trollish unarmed combat against hydras. It's a very bad idea. Large rocks, powerful attack wands, and god abilities are your best bet here.
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===God Choice===
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[[God|Religion]] tends to be a major factor in rounding out one's character, and Trolls are no exception. A few recommendations are below; note that this list is by no means comprehensive or exhaustive.
 +
*[[Okawaru]]'s Heroism is obtained quickly, and the +5 skill levels help Unarmed Combat the most. Armour gifts are guaranteed to fit your large body, which helps in finding a heavy body armour.
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*[[Trog]]'s abilities require no skill training to activate, and provide [[berserk]], [[willpower]], even greater health regeneration, and very strong summons.
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*[[Ignis]] provides an even stronger 'guarantee' in the early game, but fizzles out at a time where a lack of armour starts to become noticeable.
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*[[Elyvilon]] offers strong panic buttons and the ability to pacify most dangerous opponents with smite-targeting.
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*[[Jiyva]] can be a powerful and interesting god choice for Trolls, as for many other characters. Early altars are very rare, but if you see one, consider giving Jiyva a spin. However, if you cannot access Jiyva in the early dungeon, passing up on any god choices until late Lair will dramatically hurt your chances to win the game.
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*[[Ru]] can be a tempting choice for trolls. By sacrificing skills that you were unlikely to train anyway, you gain access to powerful and useful abilities while your aura of power makes enemies less threatening. Gather the hydras and death yaks together and reveal the annihilating truth to them! Lair has never been easier.
  
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==Guides==
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==History==
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*[[Elynae's Troll Conjurer guide]] newbie-friendly, Chei, Oka, Makh, Veh
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*Prior to [[0.30]], [[size#Large|large]] species, including Trolls, could wield [[shield]]s more easily, received slightly less SH from [[kite shield]]s, and moved slowly in shallow water.
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*[[Buddy23Lee's Troll monk of Jiyva ("slime troll") guide]] (0.12)
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*Prior to [[0.29]], Trolls had a -2 [[Shields]] aptitude. This was buffed due to the nerf to large-size shield wearing in 0.28.
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*Prior to [[0.28]], Trolls had +1 HP/turn regeneration.
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*Prior to [[0.27]], Trolls had [[Shaggy Fur]] 1 and two levels of [[Tough Skin]] (for net 2 AC), but Regeneration only gave +0.4 HP/turn.
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*Prior to the removal of the [[hunger]] system in [[0.26]], trolls had an innate [[gourmand]] intrinsic, which helped offset their incredibly fast metabolism (+3 from [[Fast Metabolism]] 3, as well as an additional +3 for being a troll). They started with an extra [[ration]] to compensate.
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*Prior to [[0.17]], only races with innate Claws mutation had the extra +2 [[to-hit]] bonus. That bonus now applies to anyone with the mutation.
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*Prior to [[0.16]], Trolls started with the [[Saprovore]] 2 mutation.
  
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[[Category:Species]]
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{{species}}
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[[Category:Troll]]
 

Latest revision as of 00:50, 14 January 2024

Version 0.30: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

This page is about the player species. For the monster, see Troll (monster). If you were looking for monstrous trolls in general, see List of trolls.

Trolls are monstrous creatures with powerful claws. They have thick, knobbly skins of any colour from putrid green to mucky brown, which are covered in patches of thick fur.

They are incredibly strong, and regenerate rapidly from even the most terrible wounds. However, they are hopeless at spellcasting and learn most skills very slowly.

Innate Abilities

Trolls have a base Strength of 15, Intelligence of 4 and Dexterity of 5 (before Background modifiers) and one less base magic point than normal.

Preferred Backgrounds

Level Bonuses

Starting Skills and Equipment

Trolls start with the skills and equipment listed for their background, with these exceptions:

Difficulty of Play

Simple • Intermediate • Advanced

Troll is a simple, generally easy, species to play. With great HP, fast regeneration, high strength, and powerful Claws, Trolls are great at being Unarmed Combat bruisers. With terrible aptitudes in most other skills, they aren't good at much else. As one of the two species big enough for large rocks, Throwing is a viable secondary skill.

Trolls are one of the strongest species in the early game, due to the Claws and high HP. But, as the game progresses, their low AC (unable to wear most body armour) and EV (large size, poor aptitude) can become a big issue. So, despite having +30% HP, Trolls can feel flimsy by the mid game. Shields are recommended to mitigate this.

Skill aptitudes

The higher the value, the better the aptitude.

Skill Aptitude Skill Aptitude Skill Aptitude
Attack Miscellaneous Magic
Fighting -2 Armour -2 Spellcasting -5
Dodging -2
Maces & Flails -1 Shields -1 Conjurations -3
Axes -2 Stealth -5 Hexes -4
Polearms -2 Summonings -3
Staves -2 Invocations -1 Necromancy -2
Unarmed Combat 0 Evocations -3 Translocations -3
Throwing -1 Shapeshifting -1 Alchemy -3
Fire Magic -3
Short Blades -2 Ice Magic -3
Long Blades -2 Air Magic -4
Ranged Weapons -4 Experience -1 Earth Magic -1

Strategy

Beyond Unarmed Combat, Trolls have a couple of options:

  • Their Maces & Flails is at -1 aptitude, and Trolls are one of a few species that can wield giant clubs. Unarmed is generally more practical, since Claws are stronger early game, and it allows use of shield. But weapon use isn't out of the question, namely if you find an amazing artefact.
  • Throwing, as mentioned, is a great support skill. Even at 0 skill, large rocks can pack a punch (but are very slow to throw).
  • With poor intelligence and magical aptitudes, their casting isn't great. However, it doesn't mean it's impossible. Low-level support spells like Blink, Swiftness, and Mephitic Cloud can prove to be useful, especially if you're stuck in light armour.
  • Like with other species, Evocations can be a great resource. Trolls don't get any special bonus, but they don't get much of a penalty, either.

Trolls should not use Unarmed Combat against hydras - claws count as edged weapons, so they will cut and re-grow their heads. Viable options include large rocks, potion of lignification (which meld claws), Ice Form, powerful attack wands, or god abilities. Simply retreating can also work.

Due to their large size, Trolls get a penalty to EV and the Dodging skill. Poor dexterity doesn't help. Nonetheless, it may be necessary to train Dodging to shore up your defenses.

God Choice

Religion tends to be a major factor in rounding out one's character, and Trolls are no exception. A few recommendations are below; note that this list is by no means comprehensive or exhaustive.

  • Okawaru's Heroism is obtained quickly, and the +5 skill levels help Unarmed Combat the most. Armour gifts are guaranteed to fit your large body, which helps in finding a heavy body armour.
  • Trog's abilities require no skill training to activate, and provide berserk, willpower, even greater health regeneration, and very strong summons.
  • Ignis provides an even stronger 'guarantee' in the early game, but fizzles out at a time where a lack of armour starts to become noticeable.
  • Elyvilon offers strong panic buttons and the ability to pacify most dangerous opponents with smite-targeting.
  • Jiyva can be a powerful and interesting god choice for Trolls, as for many other characters. Early altars are very rare, but if you see one, consider giving Jiyva a spin. However, if you cannot access Jiyva in the early dungeon, passing up on any god choices until late Lair will dramatically hurt your chances to win the game.
  • Ru can be a tempting choice for trolls. By sacrificing skills that you were unlikely to train anyway, you gain access to powerful and useful abilities while your aura of power makes enemies less threatening. Gather the hydras and death yaks together and reveal the annihilating truth to them! Lair has never been easier.

History

  • Prior to 0.30, large species, including Trolls, could wield shields more easily, received slightly less SH from kite shields, and moved slowly in shallow water.
  • Prior to 0.29, Trolls had a -2 Shields aptitude. This was buffed due to the nerf to large-size shield wearing in 0.28.
  • Prior to 0.28, Trolls had +1 HP/turn regeneration.
  • Prior to 0.27, Trolls had Shaggy Fur 1 and two levels of Tough Skin (for net 2 AC), but Regeneration only gave +0.4 HP/turn.
  • Prior to the removal of the hunger system in 0.26, trolls had an innate gourmand intrinsic, which helped offset their incredibly fast metabolism (+3 from Fast Metabolism 3, as well as an additional +3 for being a troll). They started with an extra ration to compensate.
  • Prior to 0.17, only races with innate Claws mutation had the extra +2 to-hit bonus. That bonus now applies to anyone with the mutation.
  • Prior to 0.16, Trolls started with the Saprovore 2 mutation.
Species
Simple Hill Orc • Minotaur • Merfolk • Gargoyle • Draconian • Troll • Deep Elf • Armataur • Gnoll
Intermediate Human • Kobold • Demonspawn • Djinni • Spriggan • Ghoul • Tengu • Oni • Barachi
Advanced Vine Stalker • Vampire • Demigod • Formicid • Naga • Octopode • Felid • Mummy
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