Every Warhammer model has a profile that lists the value of its different characteristics. The examples below show the profiles for an Orc, a Man, an Elf and a Skaven.
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orc Boy | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Empire Halberdier | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| High Elf Spearman | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| Skaven Clanrat | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
As you can see, an Orc and a Man are similar in many respects. They both move at the same speed (4"), and they both have the same Weapon Skill and Ballistic Skill values, which means they are very evenly matched in combat. Both have the same Strength value, so they can deliver blows with equal potency. When it comes to Toughness, however, the Orc wins over the Man – the Orc’s value is 4 compared to 3. This is not a vast difference, but it does make the Orc better able to withstand blows and gives it the edge in any hand-to-hand fighting.
Both creatures have 1 Wound, which is the normal value for man-sized creatures. The Orc loses out, however, when it comes to Initiative. This is not a terrible disadvantage, but it does mean that the Man will get to strike his blows before the Orc does when they get stuck into hand-to-hand fighting. Both races have the same Leadership of 7, which is average.
The Skaven is noticeably quicker than a Man or an Orc, with both Movement and Initiative values higher. However, the Skaven ratmen are distinctly cowardly, with their Leadership of 5. The Elf meanwhile is clearly superior, with above-average Movement, Weapon Skill, Ballistic Skill, Initiative and Leadership characteristics. Only Strength and Toughness remain at a normal level for these elite warriors.