Basic PvP Advice Needed

Sarrge

Lvl 36 DK

Over the weekend I spent some quality hours getting schooled in how not to PvP. Actually, the first half of the session was an absolute blast, good group, good raids that seemed to conquer one after another. fantastic. As the afternoon wore on, the quality of the group waned and we got beat back a LOT more than we won.

Needless to say, I bought the farm in the second half of the day countless times. I thought I was in good positions, but I seemed to be targeted more than once - singled out for group attacks in a crowd.

So ANY advice for preening my skills are welcome. Some BASIC questions follow:

I stocked up on Lvl 50 Soul Gems... Apparently, when you're killed in pvp, they don't work? World Skill > Soul Magic > Soul Summons not available. Is there any way to self-rez in pvp?

We breached the outer walls and the Crown declared, "Get off the Porch" - at first I thought he meant the front porch of the inner keep. I was then kicked out of the group for apparently pissing him off for retreating to the outer wall porch to regain health after a short foray in the yard.

Sooo.... the "Porch" is the outer wall ramparts? and why were we told to stay off them?
I get that if everyone takes refuge, we're just sitting ducks, but it seems like a good health regen place for temporary refuge...

Short of investing in Nirn gear (not happening at lvl 36, lol) how can I avoid the numerous and devastating stuns I experienced?

As the day went on, I bought some siege weapons and repair items. Each time I set up the siege, I was killed within seconds. but others around me seemed to run their engines more effectively - what's the difference? how are they holding up?

Sarrge

Oh, one more question... is there "Friendly Fire?" Can my arrows or siege armaments damage my allies?

Kobaal

There is no friendly fire.

puffy99

lots of good info on the web/you tube and in forums on PVP, but mainly suited for your class/ability

never heard of the porch before, I would assume that is inner keep stairs/wall area to where you are sieging.
probably people getting oil bombed or something like that, if it is outside maybe enemy was trying to sandwhich your siege team..

level 50 soul gems should rez anyone up to level 50, you can't do a self rez in Cyroldill. You have to rez at the nearest active keep/shrine.

siege takes time to learn. fire ballista/coldfire for people, stone trebs for walls, usually only ones I use. Oil for dropping from ramparts. some people can actively manage two sieges but the key for me is to not be on the end of the line, fire than move away for a few seconds, check your surroundings, if you are not being attacked go back and hit the fire button again.

always get ready to pickup or move especially when you are about to be overrun. always cool when you have a healer or shield available for you.

enjoy up to level 50 because Vet pvp is a totally different animal. non vet is a blast. extra points for siege wall repair so always do that after you take a keep. Join Groups to get the Kill X orders to finish a lot quicker. Do Cyroldill dungeons/quests when you have a lull/-pickup the Kill x quests/orders from the guy in the tavern. Use food to boost stats, have trebs/health on quickslot. Optimize your build and learn two bars.

GL!

driosketch

Sarrge wrote: »

I stocked up on Lvl 50 Soul Gems... Apparently, when you're killed in pvp, they don't work? World Skill > Soul Magic > Soul Summons not available. Is there any way to self-rez in pvp?

You can not self rez on the spot in PvP if killed by a player or the npc guards around keeps and resources. You can choose to rez at the base or any of your alliance owned keeps if they are not undr attack. Other players can revive you, which of course will require a grand soul gem in pvp regardless of level. If you die to one of the PvE enemies in orher parts of Cyrodiil, you'll still be able to self rez as normal.

Sarrge wrote: »

We breached the outer walls and the Crown declared, "Get off the Porch" - at first I thought he meant the front porch of the inner keep. I was then kicked out of the group for apparently pissing him off for retreating to the outer wall porch to regain health after a short foray in the yard.

Sooo.... the "Porch" is the outer wall ramparts? and why were we told to stay off them?
I get that if everyone takes refuge, we're just sitting ducks, but it seems like a good health regen place for temporary refuge...

I'm guessing they meant the stairs outside the breach. See right there, you have oil dropping, the guards aggroing, enemy aoe, and possibly other seige. So you don't want to just stand there, as that will get you killed. What they wanted was force people to not hesitate, and push into the keep. Usually this will mean quickly rushing up the stairs. Retreating then is the opposite of what was wanted.

Sarrge wrote: »

Short of investing in Nirn gear (not happening at lvl 36, lol) how can I avoid the numerous and devastating stuns I experienced?

Nirn won't stop CC. You're going to want to block, or roll out of their path when they come. As a DK, reflective scales will also help you out a lot. Finally, maybe use immovable potions or the heavy armor skill.

Sarrge wrote: »

As the day went on, I bought some siege weapons and repair items. Each time I set up the siege, I was killed within seconds. but others around me seemed to run their engines more effectively - what's the difference? how are they holding up?

Seige takes practice to get good at. If you're dying while setting up, most likely your issue is positioning. If you are alone on the end of the siege line, chances are higher you will get ganked. Same applies if you set up too close to the wall. You will have attacks rain down on you. Watch the enemy counter siege. If you see a red circle under your feet, disengage your siege engine and roll out of the circle. Heal up if need to, then run back on.

gilbegger

Read the forums and join a friendly /active pvp guild.

That way azzhat / self absorbed leaders "teach you" instead of kick you when you need guidance. Pvp is a blast with the right group.