Daggerfall or Ebonheart

Delta1038

I am making a new character tomorrow with the release of Morrowind and I plan to play the game through more akin to a single player game. I enjoy roleplaying a lot and I am finally able to devote some serious time to the game. I am playing as a Breton Sorcerer with the RP focus of a scholar. My biggest issue is I can not quite make up my mind whether to join the Daggerfall Covenant of the Ebonheart Pact. I know that as a Breton there is an obvious and simple choice with the DC but I find the lore of both factions as well as their cultures to be fascinating. Ideally I would not really be in any faction and prefer to be a Mages Guild scholar first and foremost but for the sake of the game I must choose. And while eventually I will try to do a large chunk of the other factions quests, I do want to have a 'home' of sorts. I was hoping that some other RP minded players might offer their opinions for someone who is more interested in lore, study, magic, and history than politics.

starkerealm

Dominion. Seeing a human looking character with a yellow PvP icon confuses the snot out of a handful of people. Completely worth the time and effort to blow their minds for six seconds. If you roll pact, everyone just assumes you're a Nord.

Minno

You can't go wrong with the single player quests in either DC or EP. They both have interesting locations, characters, questlines, and lore.

Avoid AD at all costs, unless you like jungles for 4 zones and a kitty-litter box for a 5th zone with a lag enduced city.

Dread_Guy

In before the Thalmor declare AD is the best.

I would choose DC for your role playing purposes. From what I remember, Nords aren't really that fond of Magic, but that was 1000 years in the future during ESV: Skyrim. Since 1T, factions dont really matter unless you are PvPing. You have the freedom to quest wherever you want. I personally loved the DC questline so my recommendation goes there

MLGProPlayer

DC has the most interesting story line in my opinion.

MLGProPlayer

Dread_Knight_N7 wrote: »

In before the Thalmor declare AD is the best.

I would choose DC for your role playing purposes. From what I remember, Nords aren't really that fond of Magic, but that was 1000 years in the future during ESV: Skyrim. Since 1T, factions dont really matter unless you are PvPing. You have the freedom to quest wherever you want. I personally loved the DC questline so my recommendation goes there

Our alliance is run so perfectly that we don't have anything interesting going on. Our glorious queen would never let her lands become soiled by the troubles facing the weak rulers in DC/EP.

Tyrobag

EP all the way. They are the only ones that aren't a bunch of N'wahs! Plus it makes more sense if you are starting in Vvardenfell. And on the mainland they have the best questlines and locations by far.

Bonzodog01

DC has by far the most interesting storylines, but EP has the most varied landscapes, and if you play as a Dark Elf in EP, there are quests that will single you out as a Dark Elf. Dark Elves do make very effective sorcs, and can be min/maxed and pull decent DPS.

Also, its little known that you can actually be a very effective Orc Sorceror (although I wouldn't advise trying to run it through Trials or some vet dungeons unless you can get a free carry), and likewise, there is racial recognition of Orcs in various areas of the questing system, especially in Orsinium. Even in DC they are treated with deep suspicion, and you can almost completely get away with being more or less a mercenary for hire. I am actually running a new Orc Magicka Templar, and I am seeing entirely new questing dialogue that is very race specific.

Overland quests really don't require min/max for racials, and I would think outside the idea of a Breton.

Delta1038

Well I only ever played once before and got about halfway through the AD on a Breton Templar, honestly I just got bored with the AD so I did not consider it seriously. I have played around with test characters in both and I loved the feel of both but found it a bit easier to understand the people in the DC. But the EP has some of my favorite ruins, dwemer in particular and I heard they have a mini magea guild in Deshaan, Shad something I think. I do not care really about PvP and do not plan to go there. More of the wandering scholar who helps those he can along the way sort of thing.

I will say the constant tension in the EP does seem like it could get a bit exhausting at times. Also I prefer a Breton not for stats but because I have always enjoyed their sort of magical human ancestry thing. It is part of my RP build more than a stat build, I plan to use Resto staves rather than Destro staves again for RP reasons.

IcyDeadPeople

I enjoyed the EP story and environments the most out of the three factions. Plus it is a good fit with the new expansion.

However, if you are planning to do PVE only, I wouldn't worry about the choice of faction at all. Since the One Tamriel update, you can go anywhere in the world at any level and do whatever quests you want. Makes no difference whether you are AD, DC or EP.

PlagueSD

Doesn't really matter now as you can do all three at any time.

Shanjijri

Khajiit.

disintegr8

As said already, for PVE it doesn't really matter now that you can go anywhere at any time.

My first character was DC so I may be biased but I agree with some others that think DC has the best areas and seemed to me to be the most logical to follow in order. I have never really liked the AD areas but that may be because they were the last ones I ever storylined through on a new character and I may have been bored.

If up for a challenge and you have not already done so, have a go at the PVE story in order - principal alliance areas and full story line, followed by Cadwells Silver and Gold (the other 2 alliance area story lines from start to finish). Once upon a time it was the only way to get one character through all alliance areas but I doubt many people would actually bother these days.

I took one character through this, receiving the 'Hero' achievement for all 3 alliances. This was my first character to reach veteran ranks, so no champion points, and she reached Vet 16 (= to CP160) right at the end of gold. I still think this is an achievement to be proud of and it would test the patience of many players today.

Ultimately, whatever path you choose, just enjoy yourself.

Shardan4968

Blood for the Pact! We are forged by war and we are strong! But I still blame dunmers for enslaving my argonions...
Choose anything, except Aldmeri Dominion, those arrogant mers with their naive cats are the worst plague Tamriel ever seen.

ArchMikem

As a Breton Sorc for RP purposes, I'd honestly go with the Covenant. What with all five of my characters being Pact I'm pretty much an honorary fan boy, but the Alliance Questline has just become SO INCREDIBLY TIRING...well actually at least to me. But still the Covenant quest zones and story are pretty interesting, especially the Alik'r and Bangkorai, I love those locales.

hmsdragonfly

As a Thalmor Justiciar, I hereby declare the glorious Aldmeri Dominion as the greatest Alliance in Tamriel.

Delta1038

Yeah, I am certainly leaning DC as it stands. I will absolutely head to the other factions and do quests there as part of the RP build, chasing down history and ruins full of magic stuff. Honestly I can't help but wonder if the biggest part of this debate is due to the Morrowind release and my nostalgia for it. Skyrim was good and all but I started with Morrowind way back in the day. It was the first game I ever really cared to explore every inch of the map and read up books on lore and study the ruins in-game. So there is a part of me that wants to join EP if only for that nostalgia.

Magıc

Best looking map in the game: Auridon = AD
Best leader of an alliance: Kate Beckinsale = AD

There is your answer.

LadyNalcarya

AD or DC, EP questline is the most boring imo and vanilla locations are quite dull.
And I'm not a fan of nords being walking stereotypes >.< Ysgramor wouldnt be proud of ESO nords.

Nord_Templar

Daggerfall, I think, is more diverse and better developed. At least that's how it is now. The Pact has very small locations. Personally, I like the Dominion most, in the beauty of locations.

Megabear

EP is the most interesting out of the three while Dominion has the most beautiful locations. Daggerfall feels like the least departure from real world (medieval basically) if that's what you prefer.

CMFan1966

To be honest, I love both EP and DC about the same. If you are going for nostalgia, I'd recommend the Pact. I'm playing through the Pact right now myself going for Cadwell's Gold and also trying to build a master crafter. My favorite race to play is a Bosmer...part of the Aldmeri Dominion. Other than Auridon, the scenery bored me to tears. I did the minimum I could just in order to say I'd completed the storyline.

MLGProPlayer

Delta1038 wrote: »

Well I only ever played once before and got about halfway through the AD on a Breton Templar, honestly I just got bored with the AD so I did not consider it seriously. I have played around with test characters in both and I loved the feel of both but found it a bit easier to understand the people in the DC. But the EP has some of my favorite ruins, dwemer in particular and I heard they have a mini magea guild in Deshaan, Shad something I think. I do not care really about PvP and do not plan to go there. More of the wandering scholar who helps those he can along the way sort of thing.

I will say the constant tension in the EP does seem like it could get a bit exhausting at times. Also I prefer a Breton not for stats but because I have always enjoyed their sort of magical human ancestry thing. It is part of my RP build more than a stat build, I plan to use Resto staves rather than Destro staves again for RP reasons.

AD is incredibly boring, and I'm saying this as an AD main. There are a few great quest chains (Wilderking) and characters (Razum-Dar, Kate Beckinsale), but for the most part, the zone is very uneventful. There is just way too much of a focus on the wood elves and their insignificant problems. You're stuck helping them over 3.5 zones.

Delta1038

MLGProPlayer wrote: »

Delta1038 wrote: »

Well I only ever played once before and got about halfway through the AD on a Breton Templar, honestly I just got bored with the AD so I did not consider it seriously. I have played around with test characters in both and I loved the feel of both but found it a bit easier to understand the people in the DC. But the EP has some of my favorite ruins, dwemer in particular and I heard they have a mini magea guild in Deshaan, Shad something I think. I do not care really about PvP and do not plan to go there. More of the wandering scholar who helps those he can along the way sort of thing.

I will say the constant tension in the EP does seem like it could get a bit exhausting at times. Also I prefer a Breton not for stats but because I have always enjoyed their sort of magical human ancestry thing. It is part of my RP build more than a stat build, I plan to use Resto staves rather than Destro staves again for RP reasons.

AD is incredibly boring, and I'm saying this as an AD main. There are a few great quest chains (Wilderking) and characters (Razum-Dar, Kate Beckinsale), but for the most part, the zone is very uneventful. There is just way too much of a focus on the wood elves and their insignificant problems. You're stuck helping them over 3.5 zones.

Yeah, I remember that being one of the biggest reasons I got bored. Hooray, more friggin jungle and greenpact nonsense...my brain is melting! I did really like Raz and Ayrenn a lot though. EP starting area also kinda hits my heart a bit because I am a sucker for helping the little guy and the island under attack then when you get to Stonefalls the dunmer couple under the bridge...but I suppose that is also part of the point. When in a given faction the people tend to seem decent and you can feel for their problems and why they are angry with the other alliances but in the end they all do crappy things and all have decent people just trying to live.

Serjustin19

I'm unsure if I'm unable to help, methinks. (I will be speaking in PvP sense. It's what I do.) Honestly both choice is really good. I originally became DC and grow accustomed to them. However at same time, I been helping reds. I like the EP chat more. Since AD not listed, I will ignore (but served longest)

But in honestly, You can't go wrong with both. Especially since I served all 3 alliances, it's hard to say on where to go. Both has strong suits and flaws. Both treat each other equal, both are strong and wise, 1 can roar, 1 can fly a griffin in all.... (Wait no that would have ad elements to, my bad)

Just listen with your gut, do what thinks it's right. But, my best advice make 2 different characters on both factions. Because, who knows good chance you really wanted to join the other alliance instead later on in future. It's better to do it now then to late. Sorry can't help speaking in PvP since. I don't do PvE no offense. But do PvE quests on each alliance to.

phairdon

EP.

QUEZ420

DC.

QUEZ420

Y u no make a poll!?

Delta1038

QUEZ420 wrote: »

Y u no make a poll!?

I did not do a poll because it did not really feel like a poll question, it is more a general feeling about the ability to RP in either of the two factions. I am not really interested in a majority statistic but rather the individuals opinions.

Serjustin19 wrote: »

I'm unsure if I'm unable to help, methinks. (I will be speaking in PvP sense. It's what I do.) Honestly both choice is really good. I originally became DC and grow accustomed to them. However at same time, I been helping reds. I like the EP chat more. Since AD not listed, I will ignore (but served longest)

But in honestly, You can't go wrong with both. Especially since I served all 3 alliances, it's hard to say on where to go. Both has strong suits and flaws. Both treat each other equal, both are strong and wise, 1 can roar, 1 can fly a griffin in all.... (Wait no that would have ad elements to, my bad)

Just listen with your gut, do what thinks it's right. But, my best advice make 2 different characters on both factions. Because, who knows good chance you really wanted to join the other alliance instead later on in future. It's better to do it now then to late. Sorry can't help speaking in PvP since. I don't do PvE no offense. But do PvE quests on each alliance to.

I tend to only run a single character, though I may make another one later. More likely I will run through one entire faction and then quest hunt in the other 2 alliances as to what feels right for the RP. And no worries, not everyone is PvE focused, still interesting to hear your thoughts. While I am not much into PvP it does still somewhat impact my RP build as to which side in the war I tend to agree with more overall. So while I will not likely be on the front lines in Cyrodiil I do like to understand the people I am allied with overall.

Aliyavana

Tyrobag wrote: »

EP all the way. They are the only ones that aren't a bunch of N'wahs! Plus it makes more sense if you are starting in Vvardenfell. And on the mainland they have the best questlines and locations by far.

Your faction freed the scaled n'wahs... only house telvanni is a good great house atm

Aliyavana

Nord_Templar wrote: »

Daggerfall, I think, is more diverse and better developed. At least that's how it is now. The Pact has very small locations. Personally, I like the Dominion most, in the beauty of locations.

Idk mate, dc has that generic midevil fantasy look for most of its zones and eps zones I dislike shadowfen and the rift