from March’s Creatures Beyond the Walle

Although ogres, orcs, and trolls appear similar, never misidentify them—that is frequently a deadly mistake. All three creatures are much larger than humans and are often aggressive. Here is a brief guide to recognize ogres, orcs, and trolls.

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Ogres

Ogres are two to three times the size of humans with vivid coloring like vermillion or chartreuse, abundant hair but only on their disproportionately large head, and meaty bodies capable of grinding bones. Ogres possess voracious appetites, but they cannot consume flesh and only eat trees, rocks, and fruit. Ogres live in large, nomadic clans that decimate the area they inhabit. (Signs of ogre habitation are evident decades later.) Although not stupid, ogres have a simplistic, immediate view of the world and will kill creatures interfering with their pursuit of food or mates. However, ogres care little about killing and forget their victim once they achieve their goal.

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Orcs

Orcs are half again the size of humans with grotesque features, prominent lower fangs, and no fur or hair. Their skin is a shade of green, gray, black, or brown. Orcs are violent and can only consume flesh and bone. They eat their enemies after battle and particularly delight when consuming a superior foe (including their own kind.) Orcs live in warrior clans with strict rules to prevent bloodshed. Ferocious fighters, orcs during times of peace focus on honing their battle skills, mating copiously, and developing culinary delights. (Those who have risked an orc’s dubious taste in meat often say that the dish was the finest food they have ever eaten.)

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Trolls

Trolls are roughly twice the size of tall humans with brutish features, sinewy muscles, and wild hair. Trolls live in mountainous regions of the far north, often in caves either alone or in small families. Their coloring usually resembles the caves they inhabit. Trolls have developed thick hides consisting of dense fat, tough skin, and short fur to handle the cold. Trolls thrive in arctic temperatures, and days cool to humans are extremely hot to trolls, while summer days are deadly to them because they cannot sweat or remove their insulating hides. Do not be deceived by their brutish appearance, trolls are swift and cunning, and their language is second only to the elves’ in complexity.