In its early stages, the other races of Tamriel deemed it a place ruled by savage law which raided its neighbors along the Bjoulsae River. At first, it was merely a small collection of huts, but as word spread to the other Orcs of Tamriel about this rising civilization high in the Wrothgarian Mountains, it soon grew to house more permanent structures. Įventually, the Orc chieftain Torug gro-Igron founded Orsinium. Many of these provinces were located in modern Skyrim and High Rock. Instead of claiming one area, they would instead settle in multiple provinces that suited their lives and needs, forming small, tightly knit villages. The early Orcish people followed a tribal and independent lifestyle. From the remains of Trinimac emerged the Daedric Prince Malacath, and as a result his followers, later known as the Orsimer, or 'Pariah Folk,' were also changed, becoming Orcs. The Daedric Prince Boethiah devoured Trinimac, corrupting his body and spirit. In the middle of the Merethic Era, a group of Aldmer and their leader Trinimac attempted to halt the movement of the prophet Veloth and the Chimer. Certain Orsimer, such as Urag gro-Shub, have gone on to be successful mages, finding employment at such places as the College of Winterhold.

This is not to say that they cannot wield magic, however. They often excel as adventurers and legionnaires in the Imperial Legion. 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 also are the only race to display tusks. 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. Unlike before, Orsinium was not rebuilt in the Wrothgarian mountains like the two previous incarnations of the Orc Kingdom, but re-established in the Western Reach mountains in between Skyrim and Hammerfell. Early in the 4th Era Orsinium was sacked for the second time (the exact date or by whom it was sacked is unknown). However, the relationship between the Orcs and the Bretons would prove troublesome. Orsinium was located inside the Breton province of High Rock in the west of Tamriel, and, as such, Orcs co-inhabited the region alongside Bretons. This changed when, in 3E 399, Emperor Uriel Septim VII sought to improve relationships between the Empire and Orsinium through diplomacy, increased trade, and confederacy. While technically being under the sovereignty of the Empire, Orsinium has in the past not been readily accepted by the other provinces of Tamriel. Orsinium, also called Nova Orsinium, is an Orcish city province located within Tamriel.

Orsimer card art from The Elder Scrolls: Legends.

Elder scrolls orc strongholds