Worth noting, there's some errors in that first transcription block. At least, I think there are.

Basically, there's at least three versions of that dialog. One of them is no longer available, but it doesn't include anything the other versions do not.

There is:

The new character dialog (without Morrowind), which is basically what you posted there. This is your first experience after getting dumped out of Coldharbour if you're playing without the Morrowind DLC.

The Silver/Gold dialog. This is only accessible to a member of another alliance who has completed God of Schemes and is working on Cadwell's Silver or Gold, and Rana has a few lines that acknowledge that you're already geared up and good to go. Specifically her, "you've seen combat," line comes from Cadwell's version of the quest.

There is non-new character dialog for someone who ports in after character creation while neither on Silver/Gold nor having just run Wailing Prison. I think this is the severely truncated dialog you posted. It was added with One Tamriel (though, it may have existed as a failsafe before that.)

There may be post-wailing prison dialog, if your character was created on Vvardenfell. I'm not 100% certain, but this may be a mix of new character, and silver/gold dialog.

Incidentally, all three alliances have distinct Silver/Gold dialog. With Raz, you even have the option to be honest, and tell him that Meridia has sent you back, instead of explaining about Molag Bal's invasion, if you're in Silver/Gold.

ZOS let us choose starting zone!

We did have a few weeks when we could choose how our characters started - I'd like that back if possible.

Turelus wrote: »

Beardimus wrote: »

Mind you the explanation of OneTamriel is also pretty poor, we have AD and DC scum all over Devons watch.

This is why I keep saying they should remove alliance choice from character creation and instead make it a choice when you join a campaign. Only changeable with AP/end of campaign.

This fixes both the issue of weird story (and let's people see every factions views before making a commitment) and the issue of faction bouncing constantly within campaigns.

I had to read twice to ensure this isn't something I had written (verifiable by looking at some of my older posts). This REALLY need to happen... fixes sooo many problems.

Nestor wrote: »

This is one quest I never ever do anymore. Never go near Captain Rana.

Reason,

the town is peaceful and prosperous, has a great crafting area, bank, lots of containers to steal from. As soon as you talk to Rana, it sets events in motion that bring war to the town. I go and rescue the outlying people, but leave the town alone.

Its one of two places I wish theyd quest back into existence. I really love the crafting stations setup under the main open roof.
This and Arenthia, because if Arenthia was complete it would be one of the prettier cities.