suggested this in a pvp thread, wanted to put it here to.

preface: this is inspired by LOTRO monster play, it kept me playing that game (never got past 40 I think) but I was in monster play all the time, even as creeps (creature players) were at a constant stat and skill disadvantage it was just SO much fun to creep around as a Warg and scout enemy movements to report to other creeps so we could try and jump em. so much fun.

anyway

include "monster play" as another faction option.

this was my favorite thing about LOTRO and would be great in ESO

you get to choose from existing creatures such as various daedra, like dremora, spider daedra, daedroth, twilight, etc.

each has a base set of abilities based on what we see in game that kind of stick it in a classic archetype (twilight and spider daedra being more castery, daedroth being more tanky, dremora being more classic NB ish, etc. (note monsters would not have gear like weapons or armor, it would all come pre chosen as part of the monster "kit" these means you could have various types of the same monster and would allow for more to be added down the line, AND make it a lot more easy to balance monsters)

you get AP as now towards your account.

spawn locations could be the various bridge areas around IC, or even a few way out on the edge of the map to encourage more map use.

I would also like to include some form of faction balance to prevent something like DC is full so all DC log as monsters and still effectively play for DC, so instead how about a buff to monsters that gives them a combat edge (damage reduction and armor, etc.) based on both population caps, and whatever faction holds the most keeps. or the reverse, you have a loss in damage and armor against the factions in the losing state, this would also encourage you to avoid them as you would just feed them kills.

consider this the idea that molag bal does not want anyone winning and wants to keep the multi faction war going, so as one gains ground he would issue orders to attack that faction, etc.

if faction pop was cut a little bit, and added to monster faction pop, and monster were added as a 4th wild card faction, we would see much more random combats taking place through out the map, especially as monster could die and respawn anywhere around the IC meaning they can switch what faction they are attacking at a moments notice. as opposed to factions that spawn behind there line and are set up to hold a specific battle line.