Orcs have tough skin – leathery or even scaly, blackish or greenish in color. Many have very keen noses, allowing them to track by scent. Their blood runs black, and the nails on their hands are as strong as claws. They have great endurance and can run swiftly for long distances if they must. Most are lazy, preferring the easiest method of accomplishing any task.

Orcs favor heavy blades and axes, preferring to chop at their enemies, and the bigger orcs relish in the use of heavy weapons. Their blades are black and often poisoned. Orc arrows are short and black, with black fletching. Orcs often fashion their own weapons and armor, although they prefer to loot them off the corpses of others.

Orcs despise the sun and its painful bright light. Because of this, they have adapted well to living in dark caves and tunnels, and can see as well in the dark as a man could see in daylight. In game terms, orcs are considered to be in dim lighting when exposed to bright light or sunlight.

Many breeds of orcs exist, but the one described here is the most common.