FOREST TROLLS

Classification: Extradimensional (Otherworld) dendriform humanoids

Location/Base of Operations: Otherworld

Known Members: None

Affiliations: Mordred the Evil

Enemies: Black Knight (Dane Whitman), Buckthorn, Jackdaw, Merlyn, Moondog, Sparrowhawk

First Appearance: Hulk Comic#26/2 (August 29th 1979)

Powers/Abilities: Forest Trolls are covered in thick bark that is resistant to normal weapons, and possess long, spindly fingers ending in claws (thorns?) They can control trees to make them move and entwine people, and can easily hide among normal trees. Their strength is superior to humans, though it is unrevealed to what degree. 

Traits: Forest trolls appear to be sentient trees rather than animals covered in bark that merely resemble trees; they lack obvious internal organs or bones, as evidenced when the Black Knight sliced off limbs and cut some in twain. It is unrevealed whether they are truly sentient or able to communicate in a spoken language.

Type: Bipedal
Eyes: Two
Fingers: Five
Toes: Five
Bark color: Brown
Average height: 7'

History:
(Hulk Comic#29/2 (fb) - BTS) - Forest trolls were fierce creatures that haunted the woods of Otherworld, preying on unwary travelers. When his enemies Merlyn, the Black Knight, and their elf entourage set up camp in Otherworld's forests so Merlyn could enter a trance to try and revive their slain comrade Captain Britain, the sorcerer Mordred the Evil summoned forest trolls to attack them.

(Hulk Comic#26/2) - When two of the elves, Moondog and Buckthorn, ventured away from camp into the trees to get firewood, the trolls snared them with growing vines that wrapped round the pair and lifted them into the air. The trolls waited a while to see if more elves would present themselves as easy targets, and when none did the trolls decided to target the Black Knight, who was sitting vigil over the entranced Merlyn. The trolls snuck up on the Knight, but at the last second he sensed their approach and swung round to see one of the hideous creatures almost upon him. Momentarily shocked, he was struck down by a savage blow from the troll, 

(Hulk Comic#27/2) - Wordlessly a trio of forest trolls advanced on the downed Knight, who scrambled backwards as he got up, until his back was against a nearby tree. Brandishing his sword, Excalibur, he prepared to battle them, but the trolls caused creepers to descend from the tree behind the Knight and wrap around his arms, forcing him to drop his weapon. They wrapped another creeper round his neck and began to squeeze the life out of him, but stopped on the orders of the newly arrived Mordred, who taunted his trapped foe and then set the meditating Merlyn's robes alight with a burning branch from the fire.

(Hulk Comic#28/2 - BTS) - The trolls continued to hold the Black Knight prisoner with vines from the trees, but Merlyn woke from his trance in time to save himself and levitate Excalibur back to the Knight, who used it to cut his way free and threaten Mordred. 

(Hulk Comic#29/2) - Retreating, Mordred ordered the trolls to attack the Knight, but the hero sliced the first horizontally in half with ease using his enchanted blade, instantly killing it. The second troll managed to strike the Knight a stunning blow to his head, but his helmet protected him somewhat and, spurred on by hearing Mordred beginning to chant a spell intended to slay him, the Knight swiftly sliced off the troll's right arm then bisected it from head to toe with his next swing, freeing him from distractions in time to stop Mordred.

Comments: Created by Steve Parkhouse, Paul Neary and John Stokes.

   It's mentioned below in the clarifications, but it's worth reiterating: There looks to be very little chance that these forest trolls are in any way related to the identically named Asgardian forest trolls. The Otherworld forest trolls resemble humanoid trees, while the Asgardian ones are so named only because they usually live in forests.

   This profile was completed 09/17/2021, but its publication was delayed as it was intended for the Appendix 20th anniversary's celebratory event.

Profile by Loki.

CLARIFICATIONS:
Forest Trolls of Otherworld have no known connections to:

images: (without ads)
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z#14 Otherworld entry p5, pan7, colored image originally from Hulk Comic#29/2, p1, pan8 (main image)
Hulk Comic#26/2, p3, pan1 (face close-up)
Hulk Comic#26/2, p3, pan7 (threatening Black Knight)
Hulk Comic#29/2, p3, pan4 (cut in two) 

Appearances:
Hulk Comic#26/2-29/2 (August 29th 1979-September 19th 1979) - Steve Parkhouse (writer), Paul Neary (pencils), John Stokes (inks), Dez Skinn (editor)

First Posted: 09/18/2021
Last updated: 09/17/2021

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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