Ice Troll
Ístrúlen (EES.true.len, sing. Ístrúl), or "Ice Trolls" in Basic Imperial, form the bulk of the armies under the control of the Únðár Queen Ísje, with which she eternally wars on the human Wylden in an endless cycle of raids and ambushes. First seen during The Godswar long ago, they are found only on Icewall Glacier, in Hrafnawyld, where the Ice Queen is tethered.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Ístrúlen are constructs made of ice, earth, and stone, which are then given unnatural life by their goddess. The have a vaguely human shape, capable of walking on two legs, though they move over the ice and snow with equal ease on two legs or on all fours. Their bodies have numerous sharp and/or pointed surfaces, which they use as intrinsic weaponry to slash, deflect, and pierce. They themselves are unfazed by such attacks, instead exhibiting a vulnerability to smashing, crushing, and heat.
Genetics and Reproduction
As unnatural constructs, Ice Trolls have no innate means of reproduction. Instead, they are shaped by Ísje's will and left inanimate until human captives are taken. These captives are then sacrificed, allowed to slowly succumb to the freezing cold in the embrace of nascent Ístrúlen; upon the captive's death, the construct absorbs their soul and animates.
Additional Information
Social Structure
It is unknown if any kind of social structures exist among the Ístrúlen. They cannot be taken captive or questioned, and no significant indication of social organization has ever been observed, save that the creatures demonstrate an impressive level of coordination in their attacks. Whether this is the result of some unseen hierarchy, or a different guiding hand entirely, is a mystery.
Average Intelligence
Possessing human-like intelligence, Ice Trolls are cunning, known for setting ambushes and planning extensive raids. They coordinate well, despite any apparent organizational structures.
Ice Trolls are made of the very material of Icewall Glacier itself, making them very difficult to see or locate if they are not actively moving or fighting.
Do they have any memories or residual identity from the souls used to animate them? I wonder if it could be used as intelligence gathering, or maybe there might be an attempt to sway an ice troll be appealing to whatever humanity might linger within.
This is a very good, and very tough, question; I've been pondering back and forth on it for a long time. Typically, I view the human souls as being used almost like a fuel or spark that animates the Ice Troll, and is consumed by the process, but there are interesting possibilities either way. One theme that I am steering away from in this world, however, is the concept that having a human body makes one susceptible to all aspects of the human condition, so I'm not sure whether I will approach the soul differently.