Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-4092092-20130801070333/@comment-26893431-20170602112354

Busiao No Laughs wrote: Altmer, Bosmer, Dunmer, Dwemer and Orsimer are Elven Language. Skyrim doesn't go by Elven Language.

Altmer are shown up as High Elves on character creation

Read carefully, I said "Orsimer seems to MEAN Pariah Folk" to expand on that, it seems to mean Pariah folk in Elven Language. Being called Mer in Elven language is kind of a giveaway they are a type of Elf that other elves are ashamed of. "Also known as "Altmer" in their homeland of Summerset Isle, the high elves are the most strongly gifted in the arcane arts of all the races. They can call upon their Highborn power to regenerate Magicka quickly."

"The clanfolk of the Western Valenwood forests, also known as "Bosmer." Wood elves make good scouts and thieves, and there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel. They have natural resistances to both poisons and diseases. They can Command Animals to fight for them."

"Also known as "Dunmer" in their homeland of Morrowind, dark elves are noted for their stealth and magic skills. They are naturally resistant to fire and can call upon their Ancestor's Wrath to surround themselves in fire."

And for Orcs it's just, "The people of the Wrothgarian and Dragontail Mountains, Orcish smiths are prized for their craftsmanship. Orc troops in Heavy Armor are among the finest in the Empire, and are fearsome when using their Berserker Rage." -Skyrim

Why are the Orcs not labeled as "Orsimer" in the character creation? Most likely explanation: Orcs aren't a race of Mer, and the name "Orsimer" was made up by Orcs themselves in an attempt to be accepted by the races of Tamriel. Hell, in every other racial description, the races of Mer are described as Elf.

Orcs on the other hand: Arena: "Orcs are a larger version of goblins. Indeed, scholars have often speculated that these two creatures are somehow related. Nevertheless, they are stronger than their cousins, and very dangerous, often equipping themselves with weapons found on their opponents. They are not overly intelligent, but are cunning enough to stalk their prey and set up ambushes."

Daggerfall: "From a distance, an orc may resemble a large, squat, muscular man - before the tusks become evident, and the green skin and the piggish eyes are seen. Usually, when the viewer is that close to an Orc, he or she is not taking notes about the details. Orcs are among the most common encounters around Iliac Bay, particularly around the southern half of the Wrothgarian Mountains. They are a consistently savage group, ready for a fight no matter the odds. Some rather eccentric researchers have suggested that the Orcs have a culture as ancient and sophisticated as ours, and that their seeming mindless barbarity is somehow related to rites of passage or tests of courage. It is highly likely that these researchers have never felt the sting of an orc captain's barbed axe."

Morrowind: "These sophisticated barbarian beast peoples of the Wrothgarian and Dragontail Mountains are noted for their unshakeable courage in war and their unflinching endurance of hardships. In the past, Orcs have been widely feared and hated by the other nations and races of Tamriel, but they have slowly won acceptance in the Empire, in particular for their distinguished service in the Emperor's Legions. Orcish armorers are prized for their craftsmanship, and Orc warriors in heavy armor are among the finest front-line troops in the Empire. Most Imperial citizens regard Orc society as rough and cruel, but there is much to admire in their fierce tribal loyalties and generous equality of rank and respect among the sexes."

And the one in Oblivion is nearly equal to the one in Skyrim.

Why then, if they were a true race of Mer -- true elves -- isn't it stated in character creation? In their ingame description?