Orsimer

The Orsimer, more commonly known (even to their own kind) as Orcs, are a proud and resilient race in Tamriel. Unlike the other more common races in Tamriel the Orcs don't currently have a permanant home. Orsinium, the orcish homeland has been founded and destoryed many times throught history meaning most Orcs live in nomadic strongholds in other nation's territory. They are descendants of the Aldmeri god Trinimac, who was transformed into the Daedric Prince Malacath. This transformation shaped the Orsimer’s identity, culture, and way of life. Known for their strength, craftsmanship, and warrior ethos, the Orcs are a formidable and integral part of Tamriel's history and society.

Physical Characteristics

Orcs are distinguished by their powerful and muscular physiques, which reflect their warrior culture. They are typically taller and more robust than humans and other mer, with green or brown skin, broad faces, and prominent tusks protruding from their lower jaws. Their hair is usually dark, ranging from black to deep brown, and their eyes are often shades of yellow, green, or red. These features, combined with their formidable presence, make Orcs easily recognizable and results in them often being ostracized from non-Orc societies.

Cultural and Societal Traits

Governance and Politics

Orcish society is traditionally organized around stronghold communities, each led by a chieftain. The chieftain holds absolute authority and is supported by his wives, who manage the household and stronghold affairs. Inheritance of the chieftaincy typically follows a patrilineal line, but strength and ability are crucial factors in leadership. The Code of Malacath, a set of principles emphasizing honor, strength, and loyalty, governs Orcish life and underpins their societal structure.
The Code of Malacath is an unwritten set of rules:

• Do not steal.
• Do not kill.
• Do not attack without reason.
• Fight with honor.
• Protect your tribe.
• Those who break these rules must pay the Blood Price.

Orcs in the stronghold don't have jails for their criminals however. They have Blood Price. Blood Price states "you either pay enough in goods for your crimes, or you bleed enough that the victim is satisfied".
The Code also sets up who runs the stronghold. The toughest male is usually the Chief and makes decisions and decides when the Code of Malacath has been satisfied. All the women are either the Chief's wives or his daughters, with the exception of the wise woman, who handles all the spiritual matters and healing needs.
Matters of grave dispute are handled with short but violent fights, and those who don't get along with the Chief are usually forced out of the stronghold. An Orc grows up being told to fight for everything, that if something is not worth fighting for it is beneath the Code.

An Orcish Stronghold in Skyrim

Craftsmanship and Blacksmithing

The Orsimer are renowned across Tamriel for their exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in blacksmithing and metallurgy. Orcish smiths produce some of the finest weapons and armor, prized for their durability and quality. The strongholds often have a central forge, where master blacksmiths pass down their skills through generations. This tradition of superior craftsmanship has earned Orcish smiths great respect and demand throughout the continent.

Orcish Armor

Religion and Beliefs

The Orcs worship Malacath, whom they revere as their patron and protector. Malacath embodies the values of endurance, strength, and resilience, which are central to Orcish culture. Orcs believe that Malacath watches over them, guiding their actions and ensuring their honor is maintained. Rituals and ceremonies often involve offerings to Malacath and invocations of his blessing for strength in battle and protection of the stronghold.
Warrior Culture Orcish culture is deeply rooted in martial prowess and the warrior ethos. From a young age, Orcs are trained in combat, emphasizing the importance of strength, discipline, and honor. Warfare and personal combat are seen as means to prove one's worth and achieve glory. This warrior tradition is not only a way of life but also a spiritual practice, with battles and feats of strength seen as offerings to Malacath.

Notable Historical Events

The Creation of the Orcs

The creation of the Orcs is a pivotal event in their history, deeply rooted in the transformation of the Aldmeri god Trinimac. Trinimac was a powerful warrior god revered by many elves. According to legend, during the events leading to the formation of the Daedric Prince Boethiah's cult, Trinimac attempted to stop Boethiah from spreading their influence.
Boethiah, however, outmaneuvered Trinimac, consuming him and corrupting his essence. From this transformation, Trinimac was reborn as Malacath, the Daedric Prince of Outcasts. His followers, who were transformed along with him, became the Orsimer, or Orcs. This event not only shaped the physical and cultural identity of the Orcs but also established their deep connection to Malacath, who became their patron and protector, embodying their values of endurance, strength, and resilience.

The Creation of Orsinium

Orsinium, the Orcish homeland, has been founded and destroyed multiple times throughout history. The first Orsinium was established in the early First Era by Torug gro-Igron, who sought to create a unified and recognized kingdom for the Orcs. However, the city faced repeated invasions and was ultimately razed by a coalition of https://www.worldanvil.com/w/the-elder-scrolls-guillaumer/a/bretons-Bretons and Redguards. Despite these setbacks, the Orcs have repeatedly rebuilt Orsinium, demonstrating their resilience and determination to secure a homeland.

Orsinium

The Sieges of Orsinium

Orsinium has endured numerous sieges throughout its turbulent history. The first and most famous siege occurred in the First Era, lasting thirty years, led by a coalition of Breton, Redguard, and Imperial forces. Despite the fierce resistance of the Orcs, Orsinium was eventually overrun and destroyed, scattering the Orcs across Tamriel.
In the Second Era, Orsinium was rebuilt, only to be destroyed again during the chaos of the Interregnum between the fall of the Second Empire and the start of the Septim Empire. The Second Orsinium fell to relentless attacks from neighboring kingdoms, unable to withstand the combined forces arrayed against it.
The Third Era saw another attempt to establish Orsinium, but it too faced destruction during the Oblivion Crisis. Despite these repeated devastations, the Orcs’ determination to reclaim their homeland never wavered.

The Rise of Gortwog gro-Nagorm

In the early Fourth Era, Gortwog gro-Nagorm emerged as a pivotal figure in Orcish history. Gortwog managed to reclaim and rebuild Orsinium, establishing it as a recognized kingdom. His diplomatic skills and martial prowess earned Orsinium greater respect and autonomy within Tamriel. Gortwog's reign marked a period of relative stability and prosperity for the Orcs, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Orsimer leaders.

Attributes

Orcs are renowned for their physical strength, endurance, and combat skills. Their innate toughness makes them formidable warriors, capable of enduring and delivering significant damage in battle. In addition to their martial prowess, Orcs possess a natural affinity for smithing and craftsmanship, creating some of the most durable and effective weapons and armor in Tamriel. Their adherence to the Code of Malacath instills a strong sense of honor, loyalty, and resilience.

Conclusion

The Orsimer, or Orcs, are a resilient and proud race with a rich cultural heritage centered on strength, honor, and craftsmanship. From their ancestral homeland of Orsinium to their widespread influence across Tamriel, the Orcs have continually demonstrated their determination and resilience. Their warrior spirit, exceptional skills in blacksmithing, and adherence to the Code of Malacath make them a unique and formidable presence in the world of Tamriel.

Orc Man

Orc Woman

• Singular: Orc (Orsimer)
• Plural: Orcs (Orsimer)
• Adjective: Orcish