Tales of Tamriel
Orsimer
"Do not steal.
Do not kill your kin.
Do not attack without cause.
Those who break these rules must pay the Blood Price."
Orcs, also called Orsimer or "Pariah Folk" by followers of Trinimac, and Ornim in their native tongue, are the elves of the Wrothgarian Mountains, Dragontail Mountains, Valenwood, Skyrim, and Orsinium (literally translated as "Orc-Town").
They are noted for their unshakable courage in war and their unflinching endurance of hardships. Orcs have Elven blood but are usually considered to be both Beastfolk and Goblin-ken.
To effectively roleplay as an Orsimer (Orc) in an Elder Scrolls setting, embrace their fierce and honorable warrior culture.
Portray strength, endurance, and battle prowess, channeling their natural physicality and combat skills. Emphasize their rugged and intimidating appearance, incorporating their distinctive grayish-green or grayish-brown skin, tusks, and coarse hair.
Showcase their deep sense of honor and loyalty, reflecting their strong connection to the Orcish tribes and traditions. Explore their spiritual beliefs, reverence for Malacath, and the Code of Malacath, incorporating them into your character's actions and decisions.
Engage in quests and activities that highlight their resilience, perseverance, and dedication to protecting their people and lands. By immersing yourself in the essence of the Orsimer, you can bring forth a captivating and authentic roleplaying experience as an Orc in the Elder Scrolls universe.
HEIGHT LIMIT: 178-193 (Female), 180-195 (Male)
LANGUAGES: Tamrielic, Orsimeris
Racial Traits
Berserker
Once per every days, Orsimer may go into a frenzy. This increases their HP equal to half of their level. They also gain a +2 to martial damage for 1 hour following this activation.
Orsimers are allowed to move up to a half step towards an enemy of their choice.
Shock Resistance
Orsimer have a natural resistance to shock
City Orc
Resistance
City Orc's have gained a natural +2 resistance to magic.
Street Smarts
City Orcs have had time to sit down, relax and read a book. They have gained a natural +1 to their mental aptitude.
Wild Orc
Mean Face
Wild Orcs, known for their savage ways have a natural +2 to their intimidation rolls.
Strong Arm
Wild Orcs have a +1 to their Martial Damage
Wood Orc
Heightened Sense of Smell
Wood Orcs have been out in the wilds honing their senses. Their most prominent sense being their smell which has a natural +2
Raw Strength
Wood Orcs have a natural +2 to their physical aptitude.
Description
Orsimer, commonly known as Orcs, possess a distinct and formidable appearance in The Elder Scrolls universe. Let us explore their physical traits in detail, including their heights, skin tones, hair, and body types, unraveling the captivating aspects of their appearance.
Orsimer heights typically range from around 180-195 cm for males and 178-193 cm for females. This places them on the taller end of the spectrum, imbuing them with a strong and imposing presence. The muscularity of their build is a testament to their formidable strength and endurance, reflecting their origins as fierce warriors.
The skin tones of Orsimer can vary, ranging from shades of grayish-green to grayish-brown or even a dark ochre. Their complexions often have a rugged and weathered appearance, evoking a sense of resilience. It is believed that their unique skin coloration may be attributed to a combination of genetic factors and exposure to the harsh environments in which they dwell.
Orc hair is typically coarse and thick, with colors ranging from shades of black and brown to reddish hues. They often have a wild and untamed appearance, mirroring the untethered spirit of the Orcish people. Some Orsimer may choose to style their hair in braids or adorn it with beads and ornaments, reflecting cultural traditions or personal preferences.
In addition to their distinctive physical features, Orsimer possess prominent facial characteristics. They have pronounced, tusk-like lower canines that protrude from their mouths, adding to their intimidating and fierce countenance. These tusks serve both practical purposes, aiding in feeding and combat, as well as cultural significance within Orcish society.
Orsimer body types are known for their muscular and robust nature. They exhibit powerful physiques, developed through their warrior culture and physical prowess. This strength enables them to excel in combat and endure challenging conditions. However, there can be variations in body types among Orsimer, with some individuals leaning towards a more lean and agile build, while others possess a more heavily muscled and imposing stature.
In summary, the appearance of Orsimer is marked by their tall stature, distinctive skin tones, rugged hair, and formidable physiques. Their heights range from average to tall, reflecting their imposing presence on the battlefield. Orsimer skin tones vary, encompassing shades of green, grayish-brown, or dark ochre. Their coarse and thick hair adds to their wild and untamed aesthetic. The prominent lower canines and muscular bodies further contribute to their fierce and indomitable appearance. Through their physical features, Orsimer embody the spirit of Orcish culture and their reputation as formidable warriors in The Elder Scrolls universe.
L O R E
History
According to most accounts, the Orcish race was created when their patron god Trinimac was transformed by Boethiah. He became Malacath, and his faithful became the cursed folk, or 'Orsimer', and were henceforth known as Orcs.
The Orcs say that Trinimac was enraged by Veloth and his cult trespassing on Tamriel during their exodus and challenged his patron Boethiah to a duel. Just as Trinimac was about to succeed, a second Prince, Mephala, interfered and stabbed Trinimac in the back. Boethiah used the opportunity to curse Trinimac, transforming both him and his followers as well as casting him into a place of choking air and ash. There, Trinimac was reborn in his blood and rage and became Malacath, the God of Curses. The Dunmeri account of events begins much the same, but Boethiah instead triumphs over Trinimac alone and devours him whole. He proceeds to take Trinimac's form and speak with his voice, and together with Mephala showed the Chimer the rules of the Psijic Endeavor. Once he finished, he relieved himself of Trinimac there on the spot. That excrement became Malacath, and his followers became the Orcs. A disguised Malacath, when told one of these accounts, derided the story as being too "literal-minded".
There are several unexplained inconsistencies in these accounts. While some stories claim that Trinimac's duel with Boethiah occurred in the Dawn Era, Saint Veloth's exodus to Morrowind, which preempted it, was safely within the Merethic Era. Several accounts also exist that seem to imply certain tribes of orcs were present in Tamriel before Aldmeri explorers ever set foot on the province, and thus before the Orcs' supposed creation. Orcs claim they have lived in Skyrim since before the Nords came, and that Malacath blessed the lands solely for them.
While there is speculation that the 'Orcs' discovered by Topal the Pilot may have been a wholly different kind of Cursed Folk, oral traditions within both the Wrothgarian Orcs and Wood Orc societies claim that they have lived in that land since the Dawn Era, long before the Altmer or Bosmer settled there. Whether or not they were always there, they have eternally felt compelled to return "home" to the Wrothgarian Mountains. Some Orcs have even gone so far as to claim that Malacath has been lying to them and that Trinimac still lives, including notable figures like Gortwog who very briefly made this the official doctrine of Third Orsinium. The conflicting nature of these stories, alongside the diaspora of Orcish culture, has made finding a single agreed-upon origin for the Orsimer an exceedingly difficult task.
SOCIETY
Even though Orsinium is considered the home of the Orcs, they are known to have settlements all around Tamriel. During Kurog's rule, the whole of Wrothgar was dotted with Orc strongholds. The Seamount Orcs inhabited the isle of Betony in the mid-Second Era. Orcs also settled in Skyrim, establishing strongholds like Dushnikh Yal, Largashbur, Narzulbur, Mor Khazgur, Cradlecrush, and Grezogbur. The peak of Orcish power in Skyrim was during the mid-Second Era when Yashnag gro-Yazgu established a chiefdom in Falkreath before his death. Many tribes of Orcs reside in Valenwood, known as the Wood Orcs, while the Iron Orcs inhabit the Dragontail Mountains, particularly in the region known as Upper Craglorn. In the northern hills of Morrowind, there are the Malahk-Orcs.
The Orcs consider themselves outcasts like their deity Malacath, and this is reflected in their culture. For example, their tradition is to have weddings take place at midnight, which is different from other races. Traditional Orcish society revolves around stronghold settlements, each striving for complete independence in all matters. Orc society is based on polygyny, where a chieftain, the literal alpha male, controls a stronghold's tribe. No other males are allowed to take wives or father children. The chieftain is replaced by whichever one of his sons grows strong enough to challenge and kill him. The strength of a tribe, as well as the favor granted by Malacath, depends heavily on the personal strength of the chieftain.
The law of the Orcs is based on the Code of Malacath, an unwritten law. The Code prohibits things like theft and unwarranted violence but places great emphasis on honor and personal strength in resolving conflicts. Orcs do not use imprisonment as punishment. Those who violate the code must either pay material compensation or a "blood price", a debt that must be settled either through completing deeds for the Tribe, or a time of servitude until the debt is considered settled. Some Orcs use a scale to weigh out blood price amounts, with different gold weights labeled "Chief," "Wife," and "Warrior." In other cases, Orcs keep detailed records of the grievances and insults their family has suffered, with dates, specifics, and planned responses.
Orc women are expected to contribute to the strength of the stronghold just like men, serving as warriors, hunters, or herbalists. Traditionally, Orcish women are skilled in the art of smithing, and a chieftain's second wife is known as the forgewife for her role in smithing. The first wife, called the huntswife, is responsible for patrolling the stronghold and providing game. Other roles for wives include the hearthwife, who handles domestic duties, and shieldwives, who serve as bodyguards to the chieftain. A wise woman takes care of spiritual matters and healing needs. Some clans physically represent the bonds and memories of their stronghold through a "totem spirit" protected by the clan wise woman, who seeks advice from it when necessary. However, Orcish society remains predominantly patriarchal, with stronghold women being wives or daughters of chieftains, except for wise women who are typically the mothers of chieftains. Daughters of the chieftain are often traded to other strongholds to marry other chieftains.
However, many Orcs seek to escape traditional life in the strongholds. Orc women may desire to avoid being "just another wife" to the chieftain and leave to join the Imperial Legion, explore the world, or seek their fortune. Some eventually return to the strongholds, but many do not. Orcs who do not live in strongholds are derogatorily referred to as "city Orcs" by those who do, and they are considered outsiders similar to non-Orcs. Due to their history of displacement, military service, and demand for their craftsmanship, Orcs have traveled throughout Tamriel and are now commonly found in cities. However, Orcs living in cities with other races often face prejudice. Interbreeding between Orcs and other races is extremely rare, to the point where it is commonly believed to be impossible.
Orcs are renowned for their skill in smithing, particularly with the metal Orichalcum, which they use to forge armor and weapons. Orcish armaments are heavy and require great endurance to wield, but they offer exceptional strength and durability. Orcs also work with ebony and have a unique talent for tooling leather to achieve flexibility and toughness.
Vosh Ball, also known as "Courage" Ball, is a traditional sport played by the Orcs. It involves two teams of six armed with three balls each, throwing them at each other until only one side remains standing. While earlier versions of the sport used metal or wooden balls, they have since been replaced with leather ones. Orcs have their own holidays and traditions as well, such as Malacath's Vengeance Day and the annual New Life celebration called the Stonetooth Bash, organized by the Seamount Clan.
Vaia's Golden Ash is considered a symbol of unity, heritage, and strength among the Orc people.