Is There an Orc Follower in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, there are Orc followers in Skyrim. In fact, you’ll find several, each with their unique personalities, skills, and backstories. These stalwart warriors can be invaluable assets on your adventures across the frozen lands of Skyrim. Understanding who these followers are, how to recruit them, and what makes them unique can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. Let’s delve into the world of Orc followers and explore everything you need to know!

Finding and Recruiting Orc Followers

Discovering Potential Companions

Skyrim offers a diverse roster of potential followers, and the Orcs are no exception. They can be found in various locations, from remote strongholds to bustling cities. Here’s a breakdown of some notable Orc followers:

• Borgakh the Steel Heart: Found within the orc stronghold of Mor Khazgur, she’s willing to leave her tribal life behind and join you on your adventures, often provided you convince her or complete a quest.

• Ghorbash the Iron Hand: Residing in the orc stronghold of Dushnikh Yal, Ghorbash can be recruited either by persuading him or defeating him in a brawl.

• Ugor: Found in the orc stronghold of Largashbur, if the player helps the orcs, she can be recruited after the Cursed Tribe quest is completed.

• Yazakh: While not part of the base game, this mod-added Orc follower can be found in the Winking Skeever. She comes with over 1000 lines of dialogue and voiced lines.

Becoming Blood-Kin

A crucial aspect of interacting with Orcs in Skyrim is the concept of Blood-Kin. Non-Orc characters need to become Blood-Kin to be freely welcomed into Orc strongholds. This can usually be achieved by completing a quest for an Orc stronghold. Once you’re Blood-Kin, you’ll be treated as an ally within the strongholds.

Meeting the Requirements

Each follower has specific requirements for recruitment. These might involve:

• Completing a quest: Many followers require you to finish a specific task before they’ll join you.
• Passing a skill check: Persuading a potential follower might require a Speech skill check.
• Paying a fee: Some followers, especially mercenaries, require payment for their services.

Why Choose an Orc Follower?

Strength and Combat Prowess

Orcs are renowned for their strength and combat abilities. Their racial skill, Berserker Rage, allows them to deal double damage and take half damage for a limited time, making them formidable in battle. This makes them excellent choices for players who favor a melee-focused playstyle.

Unique Dialogue and Personalities

Each Orc follower has their own unique dialogue and personality. Some might be stoic and honorable warriors, while others might have a more humorous or cynical outlook on life. These interactions add depth and immersion to the game. For example, Yazakh’s extensive custom dialogue provides a more engaging and personalized experience.

Complementary Skills

Orc followers often excel in combat-related skills, such as:

• One-handed or Two-handed weapons: They are proficient with swords, axes, and other melee weapons.
• Heavy Armor: Orcs typically wear heavy armor, providing excellent protection in battle.
• Archery: While not their primary focus, some Orcs can also be skilled archers.

Maximizing Your Orc Follower’s Potential

Equipping Your Follower

Providing your Orc follower with the best possible equipment is essential. This includes:

• Weapons: Give them weapons that match their skill set. An Orc proficient in two-handed weapons should be equipped with a powerful greatsword or warhammer.

• Armor: Equip them with high-quality heavy armor to maximize their survivability. Consider enchanting their armor to provide additional benefits, such as increased health or resistance to magic.

• Accessories: Amulets and rings can provide valuable stat boosts. Look for items that increase their health, stamina, or weapon damage.

Utilizing Their Strengths

Understanding your Orc follower’s strengths is crucial for effective combat. Position them strategically in battles, allowing them to engage enemies in melee while you provide support from a distance or focus on ranged attacks. Their Berserker Rage ability can be a game-changer in tough fights, so encourage them to use it wisely.

Exploring Their Backstories

Take the time to engage in conversation with your Orc follower and learn about their backstory. This not only adds depth to the game but can also unlock new quests or insights. For example, understanding Borgakh the Steel Heart’s desire to leave her stronghold can make her a more compelling and relatable companion.

FAQs about Orcs in Skyrim

1. Can you play as an Orc in Skyrim?

Yes, you can play as an Orc (Orsimer) in Skyrim. They are one of the ten playable races, known for their strength, combat prowess, and the Berserker Rage ability.

2. Where can I find Orc strongholds in Skyrim?

There are four Orc strongholds in Skyrim: Dushnikh Yal (near Riften), Largashbur (south of Riften), Mor Khazgur (west of Solitude), and Narzulbur (east of Windhelm).

3. How do I become Blood-Kin to the Orcs?

You can become Blood-Kin by completing a quest for one of the Orc strongholds. This usually involves helping them with a specific problem or threat.

4. Can I marry an Orc in Skyrim?

Yes, you can marry an Orc in Skyrim, regardless of your character’s race or gender. Notable Orc marriage candidates include Ghorza gra-Bagol and Borgakh the Steel Heart.

5. What are the best skills for an Orc character in Skyrim?

Orcs excel in combat-related skills, such as Two-Handed, One-Handed, Heavy Armor, and Smithing. They are also decent in Archery but are better suited to melee combat.

6. What is the Berserker Rage ability?

Berserker Rage is the Orc’s racial ability, which allows them to deal double damage and take half damage for 60 seconds. It’s a powerful tool for any Orc character, especially in tough battles.

7. Can an Orc be a werewolf in Skyrim?

Yes, an Orc can become a werewolf in Skyrim. Their Berserker Rage ability can complement the werewolf form, making them even more formidable.

8. What faction would an Orc typically join in Skyrim?

Orcs are more likely to side with the Imperials, as they are one of the races that still support the Empire. However, individual Orcs may have their own preferences.

9. Are there any modded Orc followers with custom dialogue?

Yes, there are several modded Orc followers available for Skyrim. One notable example is Yazakh, who has over 1000 lines of custom dialogue, many of which are voiced.

10. Can Orcs and humans have children in Skyrim?

Yes, Orcs and humans can interbreed in the Elder Scrolls universe. The child typically inherits the mother’s race but may have some traits from the father.

11. What is the best weapon for an Orc character in Skyrim?

The best weapon for an Orc character depends on their skill specialization. Generally, Orcs excel with two-handed weapons like greatswords and warhammers, or one-handed weapons like Orcish War Axe.

12. Are female Orcs available as followers or marriage options?

Yes, there are several female Orcs available as followers or marriage options, including Borgakh the Steel Heart and Ghorza gra-Bagol.

13. Can an Orc be the Dragonborn in Skyrim?

Yes, any race can be the Dragonborn in Skyrim, including Orcs. The Dragonborn is chosen by Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time, regardless of their race.

14. Is there a level cap for followers in Skyrim?

Yes, some followers in Skyrim have level caps, meaning they will stop leveling up after a certain point. However, some followers, including certain Orcs, do not have level caps and will continue to level up with you.

15. What makes Orcs unique compared to other races in Skyrim?

Orcs are unique due to their strength, combat prowess, Berserker Rage ability, and their tribal culture centered around strongholds. They are also one of the few races with a clear affiliation with the Imperials.

The Enduring Appeal of Orcs

The Orcs of Skyrim offer a compelling and unique gameplay experience. Whether you’re playing as an Orc yourself or recruiting one as a follower, their strength, combat skills, and rich cultural background add depth and immersion to the game. Take the time to explore their strongholds, learn their stories, and harness their power to conquer the challenges of Skyrim. You might even find that you enjoy learning through gaming! Consider exploring resources at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into educational gaming.