MUME offers playable races on both sides of the conflict. Free Peoples characters start in Bree or other white-side towns, while Shadow characters — Orcs, Trolls, and Black Númenóreans — begin in dark-side territory. Each race has distinct stat bonuses, racial abilities, and roleplaying traditions.
Free Peoples races
- Man — Versatile all-rounders with access to all classes.
- Hobbit — Small and stealthy; excellent thieves, poor fighters.
- Elf — Long-lived, magically gifted, excellent ranged combatants.
- Dwarf — Hardy and resilient; natural warriors with a bonus in melee.
Shadow races
- Orc — Aggressive fighters with night vision; enemies of the Free Peoples.
- Troll — Enormous and powerful but vulnerable to sunlight; begin in the Warrens.
- Black Númenórean — Dark-side Men with access to the full class range.
| Classes & Races | |
|---|---|
| Classes | Warrior · Mage · Cleric · Thief · Ranger |
| Free Peoples | Man · Elf · Half-Elf · Dwarf · Hobbit · Beorning |
| Shadow | Orc · Troll · Black Númenórean |