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The Elder Scrollsgames take place in a generally fantastical setting, with elves, orcs, dragons, and all sorts of incredible things to see and do! The player need only navigate this incredible world for themselves and seek out their favorite adventures. To do that, though,you’ll need to be able to defend yourself.
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Orcs inSkyrim, officially called the Orsimer,are a race of people that are generally distant from others. Orcs live in strongholds, separate communities from the other races where they live in peace. There are strict rules about who can enter and leave. If you play as an orc character, though, you’ll get in right away. It’s a popular race choice at the beginning, so why not get an understanding about what kind of things your character might excell at?
Orc Character Creation
Every race starts with different skill bonuses, special abilities, and spells.Orcs are talented fighters and crafters.
Take half damage and do double damage for 60 seconds.
Werewolf
Orcs serve as excellent werewolves thanks to their racial skill!Unlike Khajiit, whose unarmed bonus doesn’t stackwith the werewolf form,Orcs can use their Berserker Rage ability while playing as a werewolf,and wreak havoc on everything around them. It requires the Dawnguard DLC to use fully, since that will give you access to the Werewolf skill tree (just don’t side with the vampires).
In combat, you’llcast a few spells that will protect you and/or make your enemies docilebefore transforming into your beast form.
Gear
You’ll wantthe Ring of Hircine, which allows you to transform into a werewolf an unlimited number of times. You can receive it during the quest “Ill Met by Moonlight.” As a werewolf you’re considered ‘unarmored,’ sothe Alteration spell ‘Dragonhide’should be cast before you transform. You should alsocraft potionsthat will give you a boost to damage!
100 point bonus to health and stamina in beast form.
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Savage Feeding
Able to feed off most dead creatures (not undead, daedra, or automatons). Feeding off creatures instead of people only provides half the extended time.
Alchemy
Benefactor
Potions you mix with beneficial effects have an additional 25% greater magnitude.
30
Purity
All negative effects are removed from created potions while all positive effects are removed from created poisons.
100
Master of the Mind
Illusion spells work on undead, daedra and automatons.
90
70
50
Caster ignores 80% of all physical damage for 30 seconds.
Mass Paralysis (Alteration)
All targets in the area that fail to resist are paralyzed for 15 seconds.
Hysteria (Illusion)
Creatures and people up to level 25 flee from combat for 60 seconds.
Mayhem (Illusion)
Creatures and people up to level 25 will attack anyone nearby for 60 seconds.
Harmony (Illusion)
Creatures and people up to level 25 nearby won’t fight for 60 seconds.
Key Shouts
Dragon Aspect
Once a day, take on the mighty aspect of a dragon, delivering colossal blows, with an armored hide, and more powerful shouts.
Marked for Death
Speak, and let your Voice herald doom, as an opponent’s armor and lifeforce are weakened.
Slow Time
Shout at time, and command it to obey, as the world around you stands still.
Dual-Wielding Flash
Orcs are a powerful choice for any kind of warrior build! The dual-wielder is a particularly underappreciated one that we’d like to suggest you try. It focuses onusing two melee weapons as fast as you can.It pairs particularly well withBerserker Rage,since that allows you to go into fights less afraid of the repercussions. The perks, shouts, and gear you use should all serve this single goal.
The only shame of using an orc for a dual-wielder build is that it won’t take advantage of their natural inclination to use heavy armor.Equip light armor to keep you quickon your toes! If done right, you won’t be getting hit much, anyways. You canuse whichever dual-wielded weapon you prefer:swords, axes, or daggers. We make note of the Smithing skill below, which Orcs do have an advantage in, because you’ll probably benefit from making your own epic gear.
Power attacks with one-handed weapons cost 25% less stamina
20
Dual wielding attacks are 20% faster
Savage Strike
Standing power attacks do 25% bonus damage with a chance to decapitate your enemies
Critical Charge
Can do a one-handed power attack while sprinting that does double critical damage
Dual wielding power attacks do 50% bonus damage
Light Armor
Custom Fit
25% armor bonus if wearing all Light Armor: head, chest, hands, feet
Unhindered
Light Armor weighs nothing and doesn’t slow you down when worn
Wind Walker
Stamina regenerates 50% faster in all Light Armor: head, chest, hands, feet
60
Deft Movement
10% chance of avoiding all damage from a melee attack while wearing all Light Armor: head, chest, hands, feet
Magical weapons and armor can now be improved.
Elemental Fury
The Thu’um imbues your arms with the speed of wind, allowing for faster weapon strikes.
Marked For Death
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Sword & Board
Sword and Board builds are exactly as simple as they sound:they use a sword and shield and do it well.Like many of the other builds we’ve highlighted here, Berserker’s Rage is an asset, as well as the skills that orcs are naturally talented in! You may also find yourself enchanting and smithing a lot of your own equipment.
Equip a sword, shield, and heavy armor.Your armor, at the highest level, should be giving you the Fortify One-Handed enchantment. Use the best sword and shield you can lay your hands on; Health Absorb is a great enchantment for your shield, and Soul Trap for your sword to sustain your gear.
Heavy Armor
Well Fitted
25% Armor bonus if wearing all Heavy Armor: head, chest, hands, feet.
Conditioning
Heavy Armor weighs nothing and doesn’t slow you down when worn.
Reflect Blows
10% chance to reflect melee damage back to the enemy while wearing all Heavy Armor: head, chest, hands, feet.
Block
Quick Reflexes
Time slows down if you are blocking during an enemy’s power attack
Able to do a power bash
Able to move faster with a shield or weapon raised
Chance to disarm when power bashing (50% chance)
Coax both magical and mortal energies from your hapless opponent.
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