Ebonheart Chateau needs serious rework

SerasWhip

The only reason I'm buying the house is that it's the only notable ''Pact home'' with Dunmer architecture.

The funny thing is that this house literally offers nothing in comparison to other alliance homes, and although the difference is minuscule, it is the most expensive one. For what? ''Magnificent view to Ebonheart'' well I can't see far beyond the walls of Ebonheart because of the ash, and that's only if I climb the tower I can gaze upon the city (walls). I am well aware that this house is situated on an active volcano, but as someone who actually lives by an active volcano in real life, I can assure you that it doesn't spray ash 24/7 and make ww2 frontline noises every five seconds. It would be better if we had the ashy weather sometimes besides the normal weather, and much better if that eruption sound effect didn't fire so frequently... In my opinion this house should have swapped places with the one at Mournhold...

Anyways, compare this to the view of the Daggerfall house, or the gardens, the pool, the general atmosphere of the Dominion house... It is interesting that this house is situated by a volcano but the idea could have been executed better, currently it just feels suffocating and not worth 4.000.000 gold. This house definitely needs more appeal, either by additional unique features, bigger yard, or just getting rid of the things that make it less appealing in the first place like the static weather and jumpscares.

Thanks.

phaneub17_ESO

The constant sound of the volcano turned me away from it.

spartaxoxo

I don't think they should make cosmetic changes to any house that's been on sale so long.

ArchMikem

I was just thinking about that sound the other day while I was getting Stonefalls Angler. That Volcano makes that sounds like every twenty seconds, buy really, that's the sound of an explosive eruption. Every time it happens there should be Magma ejecting from the crater in an explosion. Frankly given how active this Volcano is and Ebonheart's proximity, that town should not be there anymore. The ash alone would be burying it, it's inhabitants dying from their lungs cementing from Ash inhalation...

SilverBride

phaneub17_ESO wrote: »

The constant sound of the volcano turned me away from it.

That is the main reason I didn't buy it, too.

It would be really nice if we had a way to turn off, or at least turn way down, the ambient sounds just inside our houses separately from the rest of the world.

SerasWhip

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I don't think they should make cosmetic changes to any house that's been on sale so long.

Why not? If there are no alternatives to some specific houses like the alliance homes, they should make improvements on the already existing ones. Or again, make alternate houses, like a secondary "Ebonheart Chateau-like" building somewhere around Morrowind.

spartaxoxo

SerasWhip wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I don't think they should make cosmetic changes to any house that's been on sale so long.

Why not? If there are no alternatives to some specific houses like the alliance homes, they should make improvements on the already existing ones. Or again, make alternate houses, like a secondary "Ebonheart Chateau-like" building somewhere around Morrowind.

I am down with alternative houses. They could definitely do more of those. They shouldn't change things though because a lot of houses are big purchases. People decided to make those purchases based off what they saw in the house. What one person thinks is an annoying flaw, another will love. And built the theme in their head around, spending a lot of time, money, and effort to get it just right, so that should be respected

SerasWhip

spartaxoxo wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I don't think they should make cosmetic changes to any house that's been on sale so long.

Why not? If there are no alternatives to some specific houses like the alliance homes, they should make improvements on the already existing ones. Or again, make alternate houses, like a secondary "Ebonheart Chateau-like" building somewhere around Morrowind.

I am down with alternative houses. They could definitely do more of those. They shouldn't change things though because a lot of houses are big purchases. People decided to make those purchases based off what they saw in the house. What one person thinks is an annoying flaw, another will love. And built the theme in their head around, spending a lot of time, money, and effort to get it just right, so that should be respected

Idk man, in this case it's not like 50% of the community loves the volcanic sound effects and 50% dislike it. It's more like a big portion of the community finds it and other aspects of the house annoying/lacking, not only talking about this thread but I have also read threads on this all the way from 2016 to 2020 and none defend the weather and the sounds, and all find the house underwhelming for the money they paid or plan on paying. The common ground here would be everyone to be able to personally edit the weather and the sound effects around the house but I'm pretty sure this is never ever going to happen. Also, maybe a deadric shrine, a cave that delves into the volcano, something exciting could be added. I doubt such a change would upset or disrespect anyone that already bought the house.

colossalvoids

I mean, should we come here defending it's current state against couple of peeps on a forum? Pretty sure it's not going away (not bugged, just a sound design preference) so i personally see no reason to interfere.

SerasWhip

colossalvoids wrote: »

I mean, should we come here defending it's current state against couple of peeps on a forum? Pretty sure it's not going away (not bugged, just a sound design preference) so i personally see no reason to interfere.

well yes, you just did.

Dojohoda

I finally bought it and the other 3 big homes with gold a while back for the achievement. I wasn't interested otherwise because long ago it was revealed that the Ebonheart Chateau is not as interesting as described:

A magnificent castle keep, complete with walls, watchtowers, well, fountain, and stable, all dramatically sited on the slopes of an active volcano! It just needs a murder, and then it will be haunted as well.

But to the topic, it is a dark home which makes it different from the other two. I am currently using mine as a storage house. The inside is filled with plants that emit light and even with all that brightness, it remains a creepy dark house. If I ever want to decorate a creepy house on purpose, this one would work for that.

dcam86b14_ESO

I don't understand the logic behind some of you at all. There's a preview option for a reason...to preview the home in its entirety before purchase. There's even the option to test it on the PTS. Yet you still buy it full price with all its flaws and then complain about it.

Next time take the proper steps to assure you're making the right purchase for you.

SerasWhip

dcam86b14_ESO wrote: »

I don't understand the logic behind some of you at all. There's a preview option for a reason...to preview the home in its entirety before purchase. There's even the option to test it on the PTS. Yet you still buy it full price with all its flaws and then complain about it.

Next time take the proper steps to assure you're making the right purchase for you.

I have not bought it. Some people that bought it and then complain probably bought it because of the same reasons, there isn't any other notable pact house that replaces this disappointment. Just because someone bought it doesn't mean they think the house is perfect. If there isn't going to be an alternative I will also buy it, but not really like it still.

Araneae6537

spartaxoxo wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I don't think they should make cosmetic changes to any house that's been on sale so long.

Why not? If there are no alternatives to some specific houses like the alliance homes, they should make improvements on the already existing ones. Or again, make alternate houses, like a secondary "Ebonheart Chateau-like" building somewhere around Morrowind.

I am down with alternative houses. They could definitely do more of those. They shouldn't change things though because a lot of houses are big purchases. People decided to make those purchases based off what they saw in the house. What one person thinks is an annoying flaw, another will love. And built the theme in their head around, spending a lot of time, money, and effort to get it just right, so that should be respected

Very true! I don’t think any changes should be made to houses except to fix obvious bugs/glitches and to finally fix the invisible walls that prevent building to the ceiling in many or building onto the roof of one of the Redguard homes, etc. Any other changes could be added as options to the benefit of all, such as leaving default time of day and weather or setting these in permanent state. I know I would welcome such an option as I would keep the default for houses that I envision as homes for my characters but would love to set time of day and weather where I am seeking to create a particular scene and mood, as with a spooky builds for Witches Festival for example.

BahometZ

I agree personally that it is the least striking of the three alliance achievement manors. The Dominion home has quite a serene outside vibe, with the creek and bridge, and the Covenant home feels like a real medieval castle with courtyard. The Ebonheart Cheateau is dour and grim, but much like the Dunmer themselves, I feel it is fitting.

If it just doesn't butter your eggroll, there are other Dunmer themed homes, like Velothi Reverie and Quondam Indorilia, that don't have a volcano adjacent.

I would be cautious with making changes that aren't purely fixes, as a lot of people have made purchases based on the current design, who may be quietly satisfied, far away from these forums.

SerasWhip

BahometZ wrote: »

I agree personally that it is the least striking of the three alliance achievement manors. The Dominion home has quite a serene outside vibe, with the creek and bridge, and the Covenant home feels like a real medieval castle with courtyard. The Ebonheart Cheateau is dour and grim, but much like the Dunmer themselves, I feel it is fitting.

If it just doesn't butter your eggroll, there are other Dunmer themed homes, like Velothi Reverie and Quondam Indorilia, that don't have a volcano adjacent.

I would be cautious with making changes that aren't purely fixes, as a lot of people have made purchases based on the current design, who may be quietly satisfied, far away from these forums.

I would honestly like to see a poll on the dislike and like ratio of the Ebonheart Chateau, I am pretty sure the people who like its current state are just a smaller bunch based on how many threads were opened on this subject and the reaction to them. They have already made non-fix changes like adding a tower lookout which made it a little bit better. But definitely need more of those upgrades.

Velothi Riviere and Indorilia are just too small for a trade-off, if they were fitting alternatives to the Ebonheart Chateau I would get one of them instantly, and probably never open this thread. In my personal view the Ebonheart Chateau should have been something like the southern Morrowind gate alliance base, still Dunmer, still exotic, but with open areas and make you feel like your money is well spent.

freespirit

Personally I am one of the supposed "few" who love Ebonheart, mine is fully decorated and styled as my slightly suspect Vampire's home.

It fits macabre and strange perfectly, I've placed suitable music boxes inside to reduce the impact of the explosion noise. I wouldn't be overly happy if any structural changes were made by ZoS but I'd get over it!

Some one mentioned Quondam Indorilia as an alternative much prettier option, I would have to agree, it still has 300/600 slots and is only just over a million to buy. 😃

Araneae6537

I don’t think it matters how many or few like Ebonheart Chateau as it is or not. The house is previewable and has been purchased, presumably primarily by those that like it as it is, and making a not optional change to the look and atmosphere of the place would not be fair to them.

I haven’t bought the house and might personally prefer some of the changes proposed. So it is not for myself that I object but imagining how I would feel if I bought the place in part for the atmosphere it currently has. Again, adding OPTIONS to adjust weather, atmosphere and/or time in existing houses could be a win-win for all.

SilverBride

I love this house and the only reason I haven't purchased it is the constant volcano sounds. But that could be fixed by giving us separate sound settings for housing.

I agree that it would not be fair to those who own this house to now change it.

SkaraMinoc

dcam86b14_ESO wrote: »

I don't understand the logic behind some of you at all. There's a preview option for a reason...to preview the home in its entirety before purchase. There's even the option to test it on the PTS. Yet you still buy it full price with all its flaws and then complain about it.

Next time take the proper steps to assure you're making the right purchase for you.

Sometimes players don't realize certain flaws exist in the game until after their purchase. For example, I bought a Notable home for 15k crowns and was happy with it until someone pointed out that the exterior windows did not match the interior. It's basically a cursed home with windows leading to nowhere.

Had I known some ESO houses have windows like that, I would have checked first.

Sheezabeast

I love the courtyard and tower, and the expansive basement.

If you are only buying it for the title for owning all 3 alliance Notable homes, then consider the title worth it.

I honestly think the title from the EP Choteau is one of the best titles in game, Councilor.

Dunmer architecture is beautiful if you like it, I love that the home is in Stonefalls.

Like as been said, preview homes first, PTS test them, then decide if you want them. ZOS only fixes broken textures or issues with collision or actual flaws, not your personal opinions.

Northwold

I have to say, while criticising a house is fine, I'd be wary of asking for a rework because people will already have furnished the area and a rework will mess that up.

They made minor changes to Earthtear Cavern to plug some gaps that completely messed up what some people had built in there, and what you're asking for isn't minor.

If they ever changed the out of bounds areas of Thieves Oasis, as another example, I would lose a good 50% of what I have built there over the course of several years and would be pretty crushed.

Ilumia

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I don't think they should make cosmetic changes to any house that's been on sale so long.

ZOS has also said that rhey won't change cosmetics and houses (or designs including furnishings and so on). Except of course for glitches.

So they won't change the house. They might make another on dark elf style if enough players voice an interest I suppose.

KitLightning

It have built-in heating from the surrounding volcano, hence the higher price. And most of the houses are copy/paste structures from the zones, it is merely the added furniture's and structures that differs...

SerasWhip

Sheezabeast wrote: »

I love the courtyard and tower, and the expansive basement.

If you are only buying it for the title for owning all 3 alliance Notable homes, then consider the title worth it.

I honestly think the title from the EP Choteau is one of the best titles in game, Councilor.

Dunmer architecture is beautiful if you like it, I love that the home is in Stonefalls.

Like as been said, preview homes first, PTS test them, then decide if you want them. ZOS only fixes broken textures or issues with collision or actual flaws, not your personal opinions.

Ahh, edgy. Might as well not share my personal opinions if it's not going to make any difference. Is that what you suggest?

Just so you know, that tower you love was added due to a personal opinion shared on these forums.

Starbridge84

I quite liked this house.

Though as a side note, if you bring things up like this, you should always pitch an array of things that you would suggest to improve it and hope something catches the dev's eye.
Simply saying its not worth it or its not good enough doesn't give them any direction and I actually quite like the volcano sounds that echo through the house regularly.

I had suggested a while back some housing control ideas that might give us options for the weather and sounds.
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/588258/housing-controls-idea#latest

Sheezabeast

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

I love the courtyard and tower, and the expansive basement.

If you are only buying it for the title for owning all 3 alliance Notable homes, then consider the title worth it.

I honestly think the title from the EP Choteau is one of the best titles in game, Councilor.

Dunmer architecture is beautiful if you like it, I love that the home is in Stonefalls.

Like as been said, preview homes first, PTS test them, then decide if you want them. ZOS only fixes broken textures or issues with collision or actual flaws, not your personal opinions.

Ahh, edgy. Might as well not share my personal opinions if it's not going to make any difference. Is that what you suggest?

Just so you know, that tower you love was added due to a personal opinion shared on these forums.

The volcano, which is very significant to Dunmer lore, is a view of Ash Mountain, and I hope never changes, as it is a staple in the rich history of the Dark Elves. If you don't appreciate this aspect of the lore, as opposed to other aspects of other houses, then simply accept this and move on. Dunmer are dour, moody, dark, their style of abode reflects this. Wanting something to change because you don't appreciate it isn't the right approach to enacting actual change. Give actual suggestions to changes, examples, screenshots, and people can give their opinions on your suggested changes.

The view of this home from the outside is really stunning...

SerasWhip

Sheezabeast wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

I love the courtyard and tower, and the expansive basement.

If you are only buying it for the title for owning all 3 alliance Notable homes, then consider the title worth it.

I honestly think the title from the EP Choteau is one of the best titles in game, Councilor.

Dunmer architecture is beautiful if you like it, I love that the home is in Stonefalls.

Like as been said, preview homes first, PTS test them, then decide if you want them. ZOS only fixes broken textures or issues with collision or actual flaws, not your personal opinions.

Ahh, edgy. Might as well not share my personal opinions if it's not going to make any difference. Is that what you suggest?

Just so you know, that tower you love was added due to a personal opinion shared on these forums.

The volcano, which is very significant to Dunmer lore, is a view of Ash Mountain, and I hope never changes, as it is a staple in the rich history of the Dark Elves. If you don't appreciate this aspect of the lore, as opposed to other aspects of other houses, then simply accept this and move on. Dunmer are dour, moody, dark, their style of abode reflects this. Wanting something to change because you don't appreciate it isn't the right approach to enacting actual change. Give actual suggestions to changes, examples, screenshots, and people can give their opinions on your suggested changes.

The view of this home from the outside is really stunning...

unfortunately we, the player live inside and not outside of the house, so if you could also share a picture from the inside of the house overlooking Ebonheart, I am sure that you will understand where I'm coming from with this whole issue.

Sheezabeast

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

I love the courtyard and tower, and the expansive basement.

If you are only buying it for the title for owning all 3 alliance Notable homes, then consider the title worth it.

I honestly think the title from the EP Choteau is one of the best titles in game, Councilor.

Dunmer architecture is beautiful if you like it, I love that the home is in Stonefalls.

Like as been said, preview homes first, PTS test them, then decide if you want them. ZOS only fixes broken textures or issues with collision or actual flaws, not your personal opinions.

Ahh, edgy. Might as well not share my personal opinions if it's not going to make any difference. Is that what you suggest?

Just so you know, that tower you love was added due to a personal opinion shared on these forums.

The volcano, which is very significant to Dunmer lore, is a view of Ash Mountain, and I hope never changes, as it is a staple in the rich history of the Dark Elves. If you don't appreciate this aspect of the lore, as opposed to other aspects of other houses, then simply accept this and move on. Dunmer are dour, moody, dark, their style of abode reflects this. Wanting something to change because you don't appreciate it isn't the right approach to enacting actual change. Give actual suggestions to changes, examples, screenshots, and people can give their opinions on your suggested changes.

The view of this home from the outside is really stunning...

unfortunately we, the player live inside and not outside of the house, so if you could also share a picture from the inside of the house overlooking Ebonheart, I am sure that you will understand where I'm coming from with this whole issue.

We feel a sense of ownership when we ride around a zone and see our homes entrance, and scenery surrounding it. We are purchasing the entire experience.

What would you like to see in my screenshot? And what stops you from previewing the home and posting the screenshot yourself?

SerasWhip

Sheezabeast wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

I love the courtyard and tower, and the expansive basement.

If you are only buying it for the title for owning all 3 alliance Notable homes, then consider the title worth it.

I honestly think the title from the EP Choteau is one of the best titles in game, Councilor.

Dunmer architecture is beautiful if you like it, I love that the home is in Stonefalls.

Like as been said, preview homes first, PTS test them, then decide if you want them. ZOS only fixes broken textures or issues with collision or actual flaws, not your personal opinions.

Ahh, edgy. Might as well not share my personal opinions if it's not going to make any difference. Is that what you suggest?

Just so you know, that tower you love was added due to a personal opinion shared on these forums.

The volcano, which is very significant to Dunmer lore, is a view of Ash Mountain, and I hope never changes, as it is a staple in the rich history of the Dark Elves. If you don't appreciate this aspect of the lore, as opposed to other aspects of other houses, then simply accept this and move on. Dunmer are dour, moody, dark, their style of abode reflects this. Wanting something to change because you don't appreciate it isn't the right approach to enacting actual change. Give actual suggestions to changes, examples, screenshots, and people can give their opinions on your suggested changes.

The view of this home from the outside is really stunning...

unfortunately we, the player live inside and not outside of the house, so if you could also share a picture from the inside of the house overlooking Ebonheart, I am sure that you will understand where I'm coming from with this whole issue.

We feel a sense of ownership when we ride around a zone and see our homes entrance, and scenery surrounding it. We are purchasing the entire experience.

What would you like to see in my screenshot? And what stops you from previewing the home and posting the screenshot yourself?

I have posted a screenshot from the ugly view from the tower to Ebonheart city, but zos removed it. I am basically telling you to check it out yourself, it looks like a vision from a 90's videogame.

Sheezabeast

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

SerasWhip wrote: »

Sheezabeast wrote: »

I love the courtyard and tower, and the expansive basement.

If you are only buying it for the title for owning all 3 alliance Notable homes, then consider the title worth it.

I honestly think the title from the EP Choteau is one of the best titles in game, Councilor.

Dunmer architecture is beautiful if you like it, I love that the home is in Stonefalls.

Like as been said, preview homes first, PTS test them, then decide if you want them. ZOS only fixes broken textures or issues with collision or actual flaws, not your personal opinions.

Ahh, edgy. Might as well not share my personal opinions if it's not going to make any difference. Is that what you suggest?

Just so you know, that tower you love was added due to a personal opinion shared on these forums.

The volcano, which is very significant to Dunmer lore, is a view of Ash Mountain, and I hope never changes, as it is a staple in the rich history of the Dark Elves. If you don't appreciate this aspect of the lore, as opposed to other aspects of other houses, then simply accept this and move on. Dunmer are dour, moody, dark, their style of abode reflects this. Wanting something to change because you don't appreciate it isn't the right approach to enacting actual change. Give actual suggestions to changes, examples, screenshots, and people can give their opinions on your suggested changes.

The view of this home from the outside is really stunning...

unfortunately we, the player live inside and not outside of the house, so if you could also share a picture from the inside of the house overlooking Ebonheart, I am sure that you will understand where I'm coming from with this whole issue.

We feel a sense of ownership when we ride around a zone and see our homes entrance, and scenery surrounding it. We are purchasing the entire experience.

What would you like to see in my screenshot? And what stops you from previewing the home and posting the screenshot yourself?

I have posted a screenshot from the ugly view from the tower to Ebonheart city, but zos removed it. I am basically telling you to check it out yourself, it looks like a vision from a 90's videogame.

I guess it wasn't clear, but I own this home. I do not share your sentiment that it is ugly. If you dislike the view from the tower, make walls to block out the view, hang tapestries, or don't use it. When asked what specifically you want to see, and you tell me you just wanted to rub it in how ugly it is /to you/, how is that helpful?