Homebrew Orsimer (Orc TES) Species Details
The Orsimer (Aldmeris for Cursed Folkor Pariah Folk), commonly known as Orcs, are considered to be barbarian people by most of the other races on Nirn and are from the mountainous regions of western Tamriel. They are centrally located in Orsinium, the City of Orcs, but are common in other locations in Tamriel.
Orsimer are of Elven blood, but this heritage is either not recognized or is forgotten by many in Tamriel. Whereas some sources state that their name means "cursed folk," other sources state that the closest to the translation of their name is "Pariah Folk."
Religion and culture
Most orcs hold Malacath as their chief deity, as he is believed to be involved in the creation of the race. As such, most orcs uphold the "Code of Malacath," which is a religious doctrine as well as a code of law used in the orc strongholds.
However, there is, or was, a religious conflict brewing which showed signs of becoming a major problem. The Orsimer have always worshipped the Daedra lord Malacath as their main deity. Orsinium's leader, Gortwog, however, has controversially claimed that Malacath is, in fact, a fake and has set up a priesthood dedicated to the worship of the ancient Aedric hero, Trinimac. This has caused controversy, as Trinimac was said to have been devoured by Boethiah, afterwards becoming Malacath. Gortwog's belief that Trinimac still lives and that Malacath is a mere demon is currently the official view taken by the majority of the leading priests in Orsinium. A handful of Orcs within and the vast majority of Orcs outside of Orsinium view Gortwog's beliefs as heresy.
Relations with other races
"They call us barbarians because we are brave in war and we laugh at hardship. But we have earned our citizenship by service in the legions, and we are as civilized as any race. We make the finest weapons and armor in the world, and our warriors are the bravest and toughest in Tamriel."
―Optio Bologra
The translation of Orsimer is "Pariah Folk," as they are considered the social outcasts of the Tamrielic races. Due to this, many other Tamrielic cultures have scorned the Orcs, and treated them as no more than callous brutes. Their only redeeming quality in the eyes of the public over the past few eras has been their venerable combat skills when serving in the Imperial Legion. The other races of Mer do not consider Orcs to be their kin.
Physiology
With skin tones ranging from light green to dark brown, a heavily muscular frame, and considerable stature the Orsimer stand apart amongst Mer and Men. They also are the only race to display tusks. Born without the magical affinity of their Mer cousins, and following in the footsteps of their revered Trinimac, the Orcs have developed a strong warrior culture that makes them highly valuable in hand-to-hand combat. They often excel as adventurers and legionnaires in the Imperial Legion. This is not to say that they cannot wield magic, however. Certain Orsimer, such as Urag gro-Shub, have gone on to be successful mages, finding employment at such places as the College of Winterhold.
Orsimer (Orc TES) Traits
Your orc character has the following racial traits.Berserker Rage
As a bonus action at the start of your turn, all creatures hit with your weapon attacks do one extra damage die, you can re-roll 1s and 2s on damage die, and you are resistant to all damage until the start of your next turn. You regain this ability after a long rest.
Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2, your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age
Orcs reach adulthood at age 12 and live up to 80 years.
Alignment
Orcs are vicious warrios, who believe that every orc must be strong to stand on his own. They also respect strength above all else and believe the strongest among them is the only one fit to lead. They are usually chaotic neutral.
Size
Orcs are usually over 6 feet tall and weigh between 230 and 280 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision
You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Relentless Endurance
When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.
Menacing
You are trained in the Intimidation skill.
Powerful Build
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Orc.