Achol is tall (190 cm) and lithe, a magnificent ebony sculpture that moves with all the grace of a gazelle. Her weight rests by habit on the balls of her feet; she seems constantly ready to spring into motion. Even untrained observers can often guess she is a dancer. Many find her beautiful, some find her frightening, but few can look away. Her habitual expression is a lazy smile of predatory boredom, but when she dances, every part of her moves in synchrony. (This is just as true when she dances the Swaying Grass and her steps break bones.) When weather permits (as it so typically does in the South), she dresses in clothes that fit tight against her trunk and leave her long limbs exposed or but loosely draped. Achol keeps her hair cropped close and wears no jewelry. Discerning eyes may, on occasion, spot a knife or two concealed about her person, but she bears no other weapons.

When it suits her, Achol becomes Akur, a somewhat taller youth who could pass for Achol's younger brother.

Few notice it, but whatever her shape, Achol’s left eye remains a canine amber.