Alliance, which to be, or not to be? That's my question.

Pentegarn

Hello All.

I just purchased the Explorer's Edition on Amazon, and have been doing a little research on the game. I haven't played since the betas. And I was surprised while "rolling" my character when I saw that I could choose my alliance no matter what race I choose. I suppose I could have found this out by reading the specifics of the edition, but I just proceeded to checkout on the cheapest version of the game Amazon had to offer.

So far my first character is still in the research and development phase. Looking through various sources, including these forums, it seems apparent that EP is over-popped, and zergs the other factions on a regular basis. And DC seems to be the major underdog. I haven't seen much on AD so far, so I'm assuming they lay somewhere in between.

I'm just trying to figure out which faction to play what I've decided to be a High Elf Templar in. My instincts are to just stick with AD. For one reason, I'm afraid I might miss out on an ultra cool High Elf, or personal storyline??? But, I've always loved PvP and have participated heavily in it throughout all the MMOs I've played since EQ. My favorite PvP, and PvP setup, being the experiences I had in Dark Age of Camelot and Warhammer Online. Age of Conan was pretty fun too.

I like a challenge, but I don't like to get rick-rolled constantly due to having either no help or an overabundance of incompetence on my faction. So based on what I've been reading, I am loathe to play EP because I hate just running around in a zerg of easy-mode gamers, who neither like nor want a challenge, gaining victory through sheer numbers rather than through skill or tactics, and who fight one another to get a hit in on an enemy more than actually fighting the enemy.

I like typical medieval, gothic style settings and would most likely choose DC since they appear to need help, but I've read a lot of comments to the effect that a lot of NA DC players don't participate or care about PvP. Taken with the complaints about being underpopulated to the point of it being difficult to even attain decent gear, it's sounding almost hopeless. I've also read quite a few comments that boil down to DC having a bad community on the NA server.

But all this is based off what I could find on the subject, mostly coming from forums. So take that for what it is (I'm no stranger to game forums, so I put an appropriate amount of faith in them based on the subject matter). I'm just looking for a little truth and some honest advice from experienced players on what they might do in my position with the information I've provided about myself. I know that's not much, but it's the boiled down version. If I have gotten something wrong, or have gotten my information from a bad source, by all means, set me straight. As of right now it's looking like AD for me.

TL;DR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25fauJh53Ro

DezIsDead

AD is cool man, but the whole wood elf crap got old to me. Sick of a queen who lives in a giant tree. Currently leveling a DC toon and I must say I love the architecture in the beginner zones. Story line is ok. Either way, AD or DC is your better choice as far as balance go. Hope you enjoy the game and don't mind the zone trolls too much. Heads up you can be in 5 guilds. So don't be like super nervous to try out a few.

KBKB

EP is wayyyy over populated, So if you enjoy zerg trains @14fps and long queues pick EP

DC needs players the most, Bretons are also good people lore wise.

Would be a bro move to go DC.

Grim13

Well, most of EP are pure cheese... one key wonders, really. Maybe, just maybe, if they're feeling plucky they'll use a 2nd skill... but it's rare.

Especially the Emp group, lol. I honestly don't know how they can even call themselves "players". Pvdooring there way to massive AP gain...

Step1- Hide outside of the battle spamming healing springs and other AoE.
Step2- Run into any group or keep while spamming one skill.
Step3- Remember to push ult button with group.

Effective? Without doubt. Skillful? Pretty damn far from it.

It's too bad the game rewards cheese over any other style of play.

---

Then there's us AD... we're disorganised and we fight in zone too much. Like a Hydra with each head wanting to go in a different direction... we try to go everywhere and often end up nowhere.

While we do have skilled players on our side... we also have our fair share of cheese.

---

In all honesty, if you're a returning player or a newbie looking for a home... You should probably roll DC.

They need players the most... and there are some genuinely skilled players over there.

Nefrast

KBKB wrote: »

Bretons are also good people lore wise.

Well, I guess Orsimer who remember the Breton's partake in the annihilation of Orsinium in the first era would vigorously disagree.

Valnas

roll dc!

xMovingTarget

DC needs players. On NA and EU likewise. So you should consider Going DC

sirston

If you want to come over to Ebonheart Pack with us and do a fun story-line come on over, we also accept anyone into army's in PVP everyone is useful; our zone chat is extremely nice, but eh you're choice.
EP- Organized Guilds working together in PVP, Zone chat is fun.
AD- 3 Big guilds that only work with each because they have to, they are very negative to everyone else.
DC- 2 Guilds maybe that Don't PVP on a populated server's but have the numbers they say they don't.
Of course Im talking about one campaign. [Thornblade]
there are other PVP servers and it will only get better when next update hits this month so choose wisely. Would recommend to stay away from the forums at the given moment until you are a higher level due to the negative attitude of it.

KBKB

Nefrast wrote: »

KBKB wrote: »

Bretons are also good people lore wise.

Well, I guess Orsimer who remember the Breton's partake in the annihilation of Orsinium in the first era would vigorously disagree.

Those scrubby Orcs had it coming you should feel privileged to be apart of DC. We aren't a scratch on the Atlmer/Dunmer/Nords.

KBKB

sirston wrote: »

If you want to come over to Ebonheart Pack with us and do a fun story-line come on over, we also accept anyone into army's in PVP everyone is useful; our zone chat is extremely nice, but eh you're choice.
EP- Organized Guilds working together in PVP, Zone chat is fun.
AD- 3 Big guilds that only work with each because they have to, they are very negative to everyone else.
DC- 2 Guilds maybe that Don't PVP on a populated server's but have the numbers they say they don't.
Of course Im talking about one campaign. [Thornblade]
there are other PVP servers and it will only get better when next update hits this month so choose wisely. Would recommend to stay away from the forums at the given moment until you are a higher level due to the negative attitude of it.

STFU

What this *** meant to say was;

EP- We get lowbies to all spam the same skill over and over to lag out the server during keep battles, we out number DC 4:1, we wake up at 3am to cap the map because we prefer to verse doors and wall over players, we think we are amazingly skillful but really most of the time we are in a group of 60 all spamming impulse, our zone chat is just as bad as everyone else's, we are all avid followers of ICP and get us 1v1 we have no idea what to do and will run to our zerg train with our tail between our legs then trash whisper the enemy.

@Pentegarn‌

In all seriousness OP, EP is by far the trashiest and least sporting faction of the three, they regularly use exploits when things aren't going their way and the only real reason they win is due to numbers and lagging out the server while using play that isn't really hindered by it.

Roechacca

Roll AD . DC is hard mode .

RedTalon

EP = Essy mode
AD= Normal Mode
DC = Hard Mode.

AD and DC need the people, DC more so then AD,

sirston

KBKB wrote: »

sirston wrote: »

If you want to come over to Ebonheart Pack with us and do a fun story-line come on over, we also accept anyone into army's in PVP everyone is useful; our zone chat is extremely nice, but eh you're choice.
EP- Organized Guilds working together in PVP, Zone chat is fun.
AD- 3 Big guilds that only work with each because they have to, they are very negative to everyone else.
DC- 2 Guilds maybe that Don't PVP on a populated server's but have the numbers they say they don't.
Of course Im talking about one campaign. [Thornblade]
there are other PVP servers and it will only get better when next update hits this month so choose wisely. Would recommend to stay away from the forums at the given moment until you are a higher level due to the negative attitude of it.

STFU

What this *** meant to say was;

EP- We get lowbies to all spam the same skill over and over to lag out the server during keep battles, we out number DC 4:1, we wake up at 3am to cap the map because we prefer to verse doors and wall over players, we think we are amazingly skillful but really most of the time we are in a group of 60 all spamming impulse, our zone chat is just as bad as everyone else's, we are all avid followers of ICP and get us 1v1 we have no idea what to do and will run to our zerg train with our tail between our legs then trash whisper the enemy.

@Pentegarn‌

In all seriousness OP, EP is by far the trashiest and least sporting faction of the three, they regularly use exploits when things aren't going their way and the only real reason they win is due to numbers and lagging out the server while using play that isn't really hindered by it.

You're just proving my point sadly...

Columba

if you enjoy clowncar amoeba mind exploting easy mode, join EP.

jnjdun_ESO

Judging by the zone chat in videos posted by DC players I would say if you enjoy humorous and fun chat go DC. They just seem more entertaining than AD...and this is advice from an AD only player.

If I could go back I would have bought the explorer pack and just rolled my Khajiit as a Swaggerfall character.

Not saying everyone in AD are buttholes, but it can get pretty toxic at times. Actually, the buttholes are the exception, but you know what they say about one rotten apple spoiling the bunch.

Good luck whatever side you choose

DisgracefulMind

EP is extremely overpopulated. What my main concern would be for someone interested in PvP is that you will have extremely long queue times to get into Cyrodiil on the more active PvP servers. And I could never have too much fun over on EP because it seems a giant zerg is behind you at all times. It's hard to roam around and find fun fights and defenses when there's 50+ EP rolling in and clearing out the place before you can put down an oil pot. Personally, I don't like that playstyle. The PvE storylines, though, are actually quite fun in EP, so if you're leaning more towards that, go for it.

AD has many skilled groups who run, and I have always come across really nice players, even those I kill on a constant basis. The sportsmanship of AD players towards me has been awesome. So AD isn't really a bad choice at all. I also started on AD at launch (didn't really ever PvP there though sadly as I quit that toon when I hit level 46), and also came across friendly people in the PvE zones. The landscape is also lovely there.

Now we come to DC. Oh DC how I love thee. However, we have very low population (even though there are people who will disagree with this, etc. etc., it's really the truth). We also don't have too much organization here in DC, but this is a work in progress. That's the negative. The positive is that many DC players are extremely skilled due to the overwhelming disadvantage we've had to face for so long. You will learn a lot, and I mean a lot, of valuable skills playing for DC and watching DC players. DC needs organization, yes, but DC is also powerful. Imagine when we do get organized. It will be glorious.

Really, you should just go where you feel you're going to be happy. I was originally AD when the game launched, but rolled over to EP for awhile, and have settled in in DC as my final home. Don't be afraid to hop around until you feel comfortable. (:

JDar

Honestly? If I knew then what I know today, and also had explorer pack (which I purchased later on after launch)...I would probably be a DC khajiit NB. Seems cozy over there and I always root for the underdog

But I started out without that option. My khajiit fights for the State of Elsweyr. And AD is my family now. I can count on one hand the number of AD players that I truly hate, with like 2 fingers left over.

JDar

KBKB wrote: »

we are all avid followers of ICP

wat

Is this really a thing? I have heard juggalo a few times but I thought it was typical internet non sequitur humor. Not that I'm shaming anyone for being an ICP or whatever you call it. Just want to know wtf

hammayolettuce

Do you think you can handle DC? Loads of people have left crying for other factions because they couldn't hack it. It breaks people. Only the strong will survive.

Also, our zone chat is *** hilarious.

RedTalon

hammayolettuce wrote: »

Do you think you can handle DC? Loads of people have left crying for other factions because they couldn't hack it. It breaks people. Only the strong will survive.

Also, our zone chat is *** hilarious.

And not safe for work if the topic of panties comes up to be mild about it

DisgracefulMind

RedTalon wrote: »

EP = Essy mode
AD= Normal Mode
DC = Hard Mode.

AD and DC need the people, DC more so then AD,

Erryone using this now haha.

It's so true though!

Pentegarn

Looks like I'll be rolling DC. It seems as though AD might give EP at least some challenge if they could work together, but from what I've been reading, AD seems to be full of solo players and guilds that won't work together. And though I do like that EP do have better organization and do work together, I just wouldn't be happy running around the map zerging enemies at 4+:1 odds. It just wouldn't be fun to me, as I want at least some challenge in PvP. And it's a shame. Sounds like EP has their act together, but there's too many players that flock to the winning side and sponge off those players who do have the skill and organization to be competitive. So DC sounds the best to me. At least that's where I'm going to start and see how it goes.

Thanks everyone for all your input. Before this thread I would have probably just rolled the High Elf Templar I plan to play and left him in AD. So the input did make a difference.

See you in game!

KBKB

Pentegarn wrote: »

Looks like I'll be rolling DC. It seems as though AD might give EP at least some challenge if they could work together, but from what I've been reading, AD seems to be full of solo players and guilds that won't work together. And though I do like that EP do have better organization and do work together, I just wouldn't be happy running around the map zerging enemies at 4+:1 odds. It just wouldn't be fun to me, as I want at least some challenge in PvP. And it's a shame. Sounds like EP has their act together, but there's too many players that flock to the winning side and sponge off those players who do have the skill and organization to be competitive. So DC sounds the best to me. At least that's where I'm going to start and see how it goes.

Thanks everyone for all your input. Before this thread I would have probably just rolled the High Elf Templar I plan to play and left him in AD. So the input did make a difference.

See you in game!

You just rocked my socks sir.

Columba

let me know if i can help you.

Gooey

Pentegarn wrote: »

Looks like I'll be rolling DC. It seems as though AD might give EP at least some challenge if they could work together, but from what I've been reading, AD seems to be full of solo players and guilds that won't work together. And though I do like that EP do have better organization and do work together, I just wouldn't be happy running around the map zerging enemies at 4+:1 odds. It just wouldn't be fun to me, as I want at least some challenge in PvP. And it's a shame. Sounds like EP has their act together, but there's too many players that flock to the winning side and sponge off those players who do have the skill and organization to be competitive. So DC sounds the best to me. At least that's where I'm going to start and see how it goes.

Thanks everyone for all your input. Before this thread I would have probably just rolled the High Elf Templar I plan to play and left him in AD. So the input did make a difference.

See you in game!

Correction EP doesn't work together. They just happen to have multiple raids in the same place single targeting down small groups of DC.

Columba

A faction that lags together stays together.

KBKB

JDar wrote: »

KBKB wrote: »

we are all avid followers of ICP

wat

Is this really a thing? I have heard juggalo a few times but I thought it was typical internet non sequitur humor. Not that I'm shaming anyone for being an ICP or whatever you call it. Just want to know wtf

Yep legit the Teamspeak the EP leaders coordinate on just has a loop of some of their greatest hits, It's not my cup of tea but hey different strokes for different folks?

Muizer

Hello OP,

Bottom line, every faction has nice people as well as morons. People who come to the forum to either thrash or defend one faction over another most likely fall in the latter category. People who are offended by this statement certainly do.

tinythinker

Muizer wrote: »

Hello OP,

Bottom line, every faction has nice people as well as morons. People who come to the forum to either thrash or defend one faction over another most likely fall in the latter category. People who are offended by this statement certainly do.

Yeah and you can get gloating/rage whispers when you get are killed/get a kill as well as messages like "GF" (good fight). Some great PvPers are egotistical and petty, but many will respect and will even whisper you to joke around or get to know you if you fight well. Put one group on/ignore and add the other to your friends list.

Columba

An AD apologized for killing me with a Zerg last night...<3

DisgracefulMind

Pentegarn wrote: »

Looks like I'll be rolling DC. It seems as though AD might give EP at least some challenge if they could work together, but from what I've been reading, AD seems to be full of solo players and guilds that won't work together. And though I do like that EP do have better organization and do work together, I just wouldn't be happy running around the map zerging enemies at 4+:1 odds. It just wouldn't be fun to me, as I want at least some challenge in PvP. And it's a shame. Sounds like EP has their act together, but there's too many players that flock to the winning side and sponge off those players who do have the skill and organization to be competitive. So DC sounds the best to me. At least that's where I'm going to start and see how it goes.

Thanks everyone for all your input. Before this thread I would have probably just rolled the High Elf Templar I plan to play and left him in AD. So the input did make a difference.

See you in game!

Awesome! If you ever need anything, let me know! I play mainly on DC, and would be more than happy to help a new DC player!