The Trolltooth Wars (book)

Fighting Fantasy Novels
Outline
Location:	Allansia, Titan
Publication details
Author(s):	Steve Jackson
Illustrator:	Russ Nicholson
Cover illustrator:	Christos Achilleos
First published:	April 6 1989
Previous Book:	none
Next Book:	Demonstealer
ISBN:	ISBN 0-14-032482-8

For other uses of The Trolltooth Wars, see The Trolltooth Wars

The Trolltooth Wars is a fantasy novel written by Steve Jackson, illustrated by Russ Nicholson and published by Puffin Books (ISBN 0-14-032482-8).

Creation

Steve Jackson has said that his only regret with this book was the vast number of pages culled from the book by Puffin to cut both the length and the more bloodthirsty descriptions. He had wanted to reveal the solution to The Warlock of Firetop Mountain in the adventure, but this was lopped.^[1]

Background

“ "Goblins! Goblins! ... We are attacked! Take guard! ... Ambush!"

It started with an ambush. When Balthus Dire's bloodlusting Hill Goblins mount their raid of the Strongarm caravan, little do they realize what dramatic consequences their actions will have. For that caravan carries Cunnelwort, a mystical herb from Eastern Allansia, destined for none other than the evil sorcerer, Zharradan Marr! War - between two forces well-matched for evil - is soon to ensue ...

As the war escalates, the Kingdom of Salamonis comes under threat, and a champion of the court, Chadda Darkmane, is summoned to undertake a perilous mission. Somehow, he must turn the war to the advantage of Salamonis. Somehow, he must prevent the bloodshed and chaos of a victorious army's invasion on the Vale of Willow.

Will Darkmane succeed in his quest? And will Balthus Dire's chaotics or Zharradan Marr's undead prove victorious? The answer is here, in The Trolltooth Wars, the first Fighting Fantasy novel.^[2] ”

The story revolves around the war between two Evil sorcerers from Western Allansia: Balthus Dire (from The Citadel of Chaos) and Zharradan Marr (from Creature of Havoc). Marr, who controls the Trolltooth Pass (which gives the novel its title) is expecting a caravan with a shipment of the rare herb Cunnelwort. This powerful herb gives a sorcerer access to alien planes of existence. However, Dire orders his Goblins to ambush the caravan and steal the herb shipment for himself. The plan fails when one member of the caravan manages to survive the ambush and tell Zharradan of the attack, which allows him to discover who was behind it.

And so the Trolltooth Wars begin, with Zharradan Marr attempting to take back the Cunnelwort and getting revenge on Balthus Dire, while Dire remains on the defensive and tries to use the herb to his advantage.

The Kingdom of Salamonis is under threat due to the war, because if one victor emerges he'll be too powerful, and in a position to conquer the neighbouring kingdoms. Therefore, a champion of the court, Chadda Darkmane is entrusted with the mission to somehow turn the war to Salamonis' benefit. This leads to extensive travels through the continent of Allansia, including a trip to the Firetop Mountain, where Zagor (from The Warlock of Firetop Mountain) resides.