Are orcs actually evil?

[Galadriel55]

First of all, Tolkien didn't write an RPG. I don't think it's really an appropriate comparisson. Especially about the points system. It's just not applicable to Tolkien's books.

Originally Posted by blantyr

There is a distinct differentiation between good and evil. Many characters are one or the other.

Like who? I've said this before, and Zil found a good quote written by JRRT himself - that no one is completely evil (and therefore it would make sense that no one is completely good).

That being said, in a conversation about Tolkien's orks, at least before the destruction of the Ring, they are pretty much pure black.

Even Morgoth isn't pure black. Orcs are "lesser evils", IMO.

I'm not saying that they aren't evil; they just aren't pure black. Plus, according to them, the Free Peoples are the evil ones.

[Ariel]

I think they can choose between good and evil, but because of peer pressure and the enviroment in which they are spawned virtually all become evil.