PvE/PvP etiquette in Cyrodiil

PrinceShroob

Generally I leave singular players alone unless they attack me first. Since I'm usually questing alone, I'll also flee if I get attacked, rather than fighting back. Usually, that works well enough to keep me alive. Playing during off-hours and in smaller campaigns helps, too.

The only real hard part about questing in Cyrodiil is doing the town quests, because if an enemy alliance owns it, the guards will attack you and if you fight back, you'll flag the town as being captured and draw further fire.

The towns that can't be captured -- Chorrol and Cheydinhal -- are usually fine, because there's nothing there but quests. They're deep in Covenant and Pact areas, respectively, though, which may make it difficult if you aren't one of those alliances.

I'd recommend starting with quest hubs that are closer to your alliance's gates, then questing at other locations when you alliance controls them.

Biro123

vometia wrote: »

Biro123 wrote: »

Hm, so killing players in a game mode where you're meant to kill players is toxic?

Ever wonder that you might be the one with the wrong attitude?

How do you play chess? Do you just move stuff around trying not to take any pieces and then yell 'Toxic' when they take one of yours?

Get a grip. It's a game and the goal is to best your opponent.

I think the trouble is that the game does sometimes seem to be bringing players with different requirements and expectations together which is unsurprisingly going to cause conflict. I'm not interested in PvP and though my inclination to explore might be seen as "misadventure", actually being given a quest in my PvE game that involves traipsing across Cyrodiil seems to be potentially inciting trouble. Trying to bring together one person who's playing chess with another who's playing solitaire is at best going to end with some degree of disappointment for at least one side.

The response about "my quest is to kill enemy players" is an awkward one when the two players in question have entirely different outlooks.

The question is though, which board are the chess and solitaire players playing on? If they're on a chessboard, then the solitaire guy is the one that is doing it wrong.

Mazbt

People on flags and seiging keeps are fair game for me. Otherwise, I'm not usually the first to engage.

Karivaa

Theignson wrote: »

As others have said, it is hard to tell that you are a PVEr.
One way to do this is get a set of Jailbreakers and a set of Night Silence. Then you can run around Cyrodil in sneak to your heart's content with little risk as long as you avoid battle areas.
Another approach is to join the zerg (ie follow the larger hoardes of players of your alliance). You will get AP, learn some basic PVP technique, and get your skill lines.

Lol!!! Those of us who never leave cyrodiil can spot PVE players a mile away.

Morgul667

We usually kill PVE questers because there is no way to know if this is a PVP player in disguise or not

Once you left a guy alive and he comes back to kill you with his friends, then you start to spare noone

vometia

Biro123 wrote: »

The question is though, which board are the chess and solitaire players playing on? If they're on a chessboard, then the solitaire guy is the one that is doing it wrong.

Well that's the gnarly problem in that it seems it's being sold as being whatever you want it to be. Hence this topic, which has clarified that as a player who really doesn't enjoy PvP I should stay out of Cyrodiil: though some have indicated I should be okay out of active combat areas others have said that I'd be considered fair game and as someone not interested in getting involved pretty much relegated to prey, which isn't quite my idea of a good time.

I guess the fact that the second time I was attacked was right next to the Weye IC entrance which strikes me as arguably rather malicious but if Cyrodiil is expected to be essentially lawless I guess that's the way of things.

Morgul667

vometia wrote: »

Biro123 wrote: »

The question is though, which board are the chess and solitaire players playing on? If they're on a chessboard, then the solitaire guy is the one that is doing it wrong.

Well that's the gnarly problem in that it seems it's being sold as being whatever you want it to be. Hence this topic, which has clarified that as a player who really doesn't enjoy PvP I should stay out of Cyrodiil: though some have indicated I should be okay out of active combat areas others have said that I'd be considered fair game and as someone not interested in getting involved pretty much relegated to prey, which isn't quite my idea of a good time.

I guess the fact that the second time I was attacked was right next to the Weye IC entrance which strikes me as arguably rather malicious but if Cyrodiil is expected to be essentially lawless I guess that's the way of things.

It truely is a lawless place

Too often we can see people hiding at a bridge and jumping on the first guy that crosses it to go help his friends on the other side

Everybody is considered an ennemy that wants to kill you so it s kill or be killed

Biro123

Morgul667 wrote: »

vometia wrote: »

Biro123 wrote: »

The question is though, which board are the chess and solitaire players playing on? If they're on a chessboard, then the solitaire guy is the one that is doing it wrong.

Well that's the gnarly problem in that it seems it's being sold as being whatever you want it to be. Hence this topic, which has clarified that as a player who really doesn't enjoy PvP I should stay out of Cyrodiil: though some have indicated I should be okay out of active combat areas others have said that I'd be considered fair game and as someone not interested in getting involved pretty much relegated to prey, which isn't quite my idea of a good time.

I guess the fact that the second time I was attacked was right next to the Weye IC entrance which strikes me as arguably rather malicious but if Cyrodiil is expected to be essentially lawless I guess that's the way of things.

It truely is a lawless place

Too often we can see people hiding at a bridge and jumping on the first guy that crosses it to go help his friends on the other side

Everybody is considered an ennemy that wants to kill you so it s kill or be killed

Yup. And as long as everyone accepts that, accepts that they will die, and accepts that the other guy is just playing the game and not being malicious/toxic etc. Then there's gonna be less drama.

NBrookus

vometia wrote: »

Biro123 wrote: »

The question is though, which board are the chess and solitaire players playing on? If they're on a chessboard, then the solitaire guy is the one that is doing it wrong.

Well that's the gnarly problem in that it seems it's being sold as being whatever you want it to be. Hence this topic, which has clarified that as a player who really doesn't enjoy PvP I should stay out of Cyrodiil: though some have indicated I should be okay out of active combat areas others have said that I'd be considered fair game and as someone not interested in getting involved pretty much relegated to prey, which isn't quite my idea of a good time.

I guess the fact that the second time I was attacked was right next to the Weye IC entrance which strikes me as arguably rather malicious but if Cyrodiil is expected to be essentially lawless I guess that's the way of things.

If it helps, the quests in Cyrodiil are pretty poor and you aren't missing anything there. There's lot of cool ruins and stuff to explore if you have the urge, just bring a big stack of invis speed pots with you.

UnseenCat

I primarily play PvE, and only relatively recently decided to go to Cyrodiil... In no particular order, here's my take and thoughts on it:

As much as the game initially exhorts you to go into Cyrodiil as soon as you hit level 10, don't feel pressured. Build up your stats, skills and gear and go in when you don't feel quite so vulnerable.

Start out deep in friendly territory. You're far less likely to run into enemy alliance players.

Use the map - check it often. It will show you where combat is around major objectives. Avoid these areas if you want to stay out of the crossfire. Pay attention and watch how combat may push closer to where you are or retreat away.

Use the terrain to your advantage, and be aware of how it affects you. If you're in a valley, enemies higher up on the terrain can spot you. If you're riding up on a ridge, you might spot enemies before they see you. In big open spaces, you'll both see each other in the distance and can react. In places with lots of trees, rocks and obstructions, use more caution. Scout the area rather than rush through if you suspect there might be enemy players in the area. Be aware that some like to troll bridges and buildings.

Stay out of deep water -- slaughterfish are *everywhere*.

Dedicated PvPers don't bother with the delves much other than clearing them once to get skyshards and experience. They're not as dangerous for PvP encounters as you might think. However, you might encounter gankers nearby outside. There are usually enough NPC mobs near the entrances to discourage camping and ganking at the door.

Enjoy the element of random danger. Just be cautious until you're comfortable with it. Cyrodiil is huge and fun to explore. And ducking behind enemy lines is its own kind of excitement. Get in, get a skyshard or quest, and get out -- unnoticed. Recon is fun!

Be daring - dive into a battle where your alliance is winning. Stay out of the thick of combat; watch and get a feel for it. If you die, *laugh* and respawn somewhere. Cyrodiil is full of randomness -- have fun with it!

THEDKEXPERIENCE

Karivaa wrote: »

Theignson wrote: »

As others have said, it is hard to tell that you are a PVEr.
One way to do this is get a set of Jailbreakers and a set of Night Silence. Then you can run around Cyrodil in sneak to your heart's content with little risk as long as you avoid battle areas.
Another approach is to join the zerg (ie follow the larger hoardes of players of your alliance). You will get AP, learn some basic PVP technique, and get your skill lines.

Lol!!! Those of us who never leave cyrodiil can spot PVE players a mile away.

True.

What @Karivaa said is spot on but it’s not like there is a big glowing sign above someone if you don’t know what to look for. The main trait I see in PvErs is being too timid. I’ve killed whole groups 3 on 20 many times because they simply stood in place. No lateral movement at all. Just timid standing. Usually when this happens I’ll literally yell “but we just want Vigor” which at this point is essentially just push and wipe these people who have no idea what they are doing.

You can’t use someone’s character level for a guide though. A PVPer on a level 22 is much more dangerous than a non-PVPer on a level 50 because you have to assume everyone has 700+ CP.

THEDKEXPERIENCE

UnseenCat wrote: »

I primarily play PvE, and only relatively recently decided to go to Cyrodiil... In no particular order, here's my take and thoughts on it:

As much as the game initially exhorts you to go into Cyrodiil as soon as you hit level 10, don't feel pressured. Build up your stats, skills and gear and go in when you don't feel quite so vulnerable.

Start out deep in friendly territory. You're far less likely to run into enemy alliance players.

Use the map - check it often. It will show you where combat is around major objectives. Avoid these areas if you want to stay out of the crossfire. Pay attention and watch how combat may push closer to where you are or retreat away.

Use the terrain to your advantage, and be aware of how it affects you. If you're in a valley, enemies higher up on the terrain can spot you. If you're riding up on a ridge, you might spot enemies before they see you. In big open spaces, you'll both see each other in the distance and can react. In places with lots of trees, rocks and obstructions, use more caution. Scout the area rather than rush through if you suspect there might be enemy players in the area. Be aware that some like to troll bridges and buildings.

Stay out of deep water -- slaughterfish are *everywhere*.

Dedicated PvPers don't bother with the delves much other than clearing them once to get skyshards and experience. They're not as dangerous for PvP encounters as you might think. However, you might encounter gankers nearby outside. There are usually enough NPC mobs near the entrances to discourage camping and ganking at the door.

Enjoy the element of random danger. Just be cautious until you're comfortable with it. Cyrodiil is huge and fun to explore. And ducking behind enemy lines is its own kind of excitement. Get in, get a skyshard or quest, and get out -- unnoticed. Recon is fun!

Be daring - dive into a battle where your alliance is winning. Stay out of the thick of combat; watch and get a feel for it. If you die, *laugh* and respawn somewhere. Cyrodiil is full of randomness -- have fun with it!

Great post, spot on.

Karivaa

THEDKEXPERIENCE wrote: »

Karivaa wrote: »

Theignson wrote: »

As others have said, it is hard to tell that you are a PVEr.
One way to do this is get a set of Jailbreakers and a set of Night Silence. Then you can run around Cyrodil in sneak to your heart's content with little risk as long as you avoid battle areas.
Another approach is to join the zerg (ie follow the larger hoardes of players of your alliance). You will get AP, learn some basic PVP technique, and get your skill lines.

Lol!!! Those of us who never leave cyrodiil can spot PVE players a mile away.

True.

What @Karivaa said is spot on but it’s not like there is a big glowing sign above someone if you don’t know what to look for. The main trait I see in PvErs is being too timid. I’ve killed whole groups 3 on 20 many times because they simply stood in place. No lateral movement at all. Just timid standing. Usually when this happens I’ll literally yell “but we just want Vigor” which at this point is essentially just push and wipe these people who have no idea what they are doing.

You can’t use someone’s character level for a guide though. A PVPer on a level 22 is much more dangerous than a non-PVPer on a level 50 because you have to assume everyone has 700+ CP.

Last year I had so much fun laughing! It was fun to watch the pve ppl.

Brrrofski

Kill on sight

albesca

UnseenCat wrote: »

As much as the game initially exhorts you to go into Cyrodiil as soon as you hit level 10, don't feel pressured. Build up your stats, skills and gear and go in when you don't feel quite so vulnerable.

Yeah, at level 10 you're pretty much cannon fodder.

Devlzdaughter

I'm just curious where this idea of etiquette and honor on a battlefield has come from? It's pvp for a reason. Shall I stop and have a cup o' tea with you then? I've got some decent friends on the opposing faction and guess what, when I see them, it's kill on sight. No quarter given. I don't care if you're family. If you're not interested in player versus player then perhaps your best bet is to avoid pvp zones. Just saying...

vometia

Devlzdaughter wrote: »

I'm just curious where this idea of etiquette and honor on a battlefield has come from? It's pvp for a reason. Shall I stop and have a cup o' tea with you then? I've got some decent friends on the opposing faction and guess what, when I see them, it's kill on sight. No quarter given. I don't care if you're family. If you're not interested in player versus player then perhaps your best bet is to avoid pvp zones. Just saying...

The latter part is what I was trying to determine, and on balance, that's probably the best bet.

But RL battlefields often do have some code of honour, whether or not it's actually codified in a legal sense (which it certainly is nowadays). I wasn't sure what was the prevailing opinion, hence my question. It's hard to say if there even is a prevailing opinion as I've received quite a mix of responses, but enough are "kill on sight" that I think I'll stay away at least until such a time as I'm confident in my ability to remain invisible.

Devlzdaughter

Your best bet is to join a group and pick up shyshards as they run the map. Just another idea to toss out there. Good luck.

vometia

There is that possibility. A week ago I would've said "never!" to any suggestion of groups as I'm such a resolutely solo player but since then I discovered that mobbing the dolmens is quite fun so maybe there's something to be said for it...

UnseenCat

I'd offer up the caution that Cyrodiil during the Midyear Mayhem event is likely to be a lot more unpredictable than normal. There will no doubt be griefers, in groups of "gank mobs" out specifically to kill solo players, small groups and newbies. There will be zerg-vs-zerg battles where nobody's safe. Zone chat may be saltier than usual. (That might be an understatement...)

If that sounds a bit overwhelming, just wait until the event is over and things settle back down to the "normal" quirky chaos of Cyrodiil.