Orc tribes are fiercely competitive, and when they meet it is likely that they will fight unless a strong leader with sufficient force behind him or her is on hand to control the orcs. Known tribes include the Vile Rune, Bloody Head, Death Moon, Broken Bone, Evil Eye, and Dripping Blade.

Being bullies, the stronger will always intimidate and dominate the weaker. Orcs vary in coloration from brown to a bluish green. They have bristly brown or black hair covering their bodies, occasionally having tan spots. Their snout and ears are highlighted by their pinkness compared to the rest of the orc's flesh. Orcs carry pig-like features, particularly their snout, ears, and body hair.

Orcs typically live in subterranean environments, occupying abandoned mines, crypts, strongholds, or whatever is mildly defensible. When they live above ground, they form rude little villages with huts made of wood, surrounded by log palisade, a ditch and ramparts.