Also spelt ork. In basic terms, orcs are generally depicted as humanoid monsters. They weren't explicitly seen in Knightmare, but weren't without mention either.

Having asked a question to Team 9 of Series 3 concerning The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the wall monster Golgarach then asked what goblins are called in that "same legend". The team gave the answer "trolls", but the truth Golgarach sought was "orcs". Thus, while many post-Tolkien fantasy works draw a distinction between goblins and orcs, perhaps Knightmare is one that doesn't.

Orcs are not mentioned again until the Knightmare VR pilot, when Lissard speaks of unleashing some upon dungeoneer Arthur, implying that Lord Fear has orcs at his service. KMVR's narrator, initially named as 'Goblin' and codenamed as Beveryafraid by Tim Child, speaks of a widespread distrust of elves among orcs, and has been considered an orc himself by some fans. Indeed, the character has since appeared on the interMedialab website [link defunct] with the name Garstang, where he jokes about being part of "an orcward moment".

So it's not altogether certain whether KMVR perpetuated Knightmare's lack of distinction between goblins and orcs, or whether it was set to depict orcs as different from goblins. Eitherway, referring to orcs rather than goblins could be construed as a concession by KMVR to the popularity of the Lord Of The Rings film trilogy.

[Earlier version: 2005-12-03 02:27:45]

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