FIRE TROLLS

Created by Eric N. Bennett
Art by Tavis Cardenas

HISTORY

When the god of Deception Aenyr sought to acquire the additional power he needed to conquer the mystic realm of Avalorr, he engaged in the forbidden practice of calling to the Elder Ones, gods who had inhabited the Otherworld in epochs past, long before recorded memory. And so he traveled to the outskirts of Avalorr, and there beseeched the aid of the ancient known as Esh-Kar (see Aenyr, Esh-Kar).

Much to Aenyr’s surprise, the old god heard his plea and granted him aid. Esh-Kar sent out a ball of pure mystic force deep into the forest, and there found a rogue band of Rock Trolls who had become lost in the wilds surrounding the city of Avalorr (see Kurzol the Troll). Esh-Kar’s magick struck this band and transformed them into creatures of living volcanic flame and magma. Aenyr dubbed them “Fire Trolls”, and, with them under his thrall, plotted the takeover of Avalorr, and the destruction of his hated rivals (see Gods of Avalorr, Taranis the Thunderlord, Dara of the Celts, Boden the Blind).

POWERS

Fire Trolls possess all the natural attributes of normal Rock Trolls (vast superhuman strength and durability, great longevity, and accelerated healing). Additionally, as a result of their transformation by Esh-Kar, they are also now beings composed of living flame and molten rock. As such, their bodies are constantly aflame and have a mean surface temperature of 780°F (415°C) at all times. However, they can consciously increase their body’s temperature into a near-plasma state for brief periods.
Fire Trolls’ bodies are covered in a molten, rocky shell, and offer them far greater protection than their previous thick skin. Combined with their body’s high surface temperature, most physical objects melt or vaporize before even coming into contact with them. And if they are struck, the molten shell blunts most of the damage.

As of this writing, Fire Trolls appear to have no independent will of their own and are completely under the thrall of the god Aenyr. As such, they’re not the most intelligent or creative adversaries and can be easily outmaneuvered.

First appearance: G-Men United #3 (Fall, 2023)