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Spellcrafting in 2019? Sadly, no.

Ertosi
Ertosi
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Jan 15th - Final Update: No Spellcrafting for 2019.

240_F_157601068_Fkirc0fYLdnAIWytiJTk5W7o2tHvEwbK.jpg

Rich's own words during the after show stream: "It's something that we're not planning to do any time soon. [...] It's not on our road map now."


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Please notice this thread was originally a speculation thread concerning the possibility of spell crafting coming some time this year, given all of the potential clues seen in the early Elsweyr teasers. When Rich Lambert later stated in a Q&A on Jan 15th that spell crafting was "not on [their] road map now", the thread title was changed from it's speculative question to a firm no to help late-comers to this conversation avoid confusion.

I'll leave the previous pre-Jan 15th information below for future reference:
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This is meant to be a comprehensive list of all of the evidence seen for and against Spellcrafting being added to ESO soon.

Please note I'm aware there have been other recent posts concerning Spellcrafting and if it might be coming soon. A few other players have asked that I post this information separately so that we can dig into it further and include any information others might bring to our attention. If you have any new information on this topic, please join in and share.

Evidence For:
  • Much of the groundwork for a Spellcrafting System has been done for a long time. A teaser on how it worked was first released during ESO presentation at Quakecon in 2014.
    QuakeCon 2014: ESO Future of The Elder Scrolls Online: Spellcrafting
    https://youtu.be/3LkeMacg-b0?t=3183
  • ESO - The Year Ahead 2016 put Spellcrafting on the "back burner" but said they really liked it and would bring it to the game in the future.
    Spellcrafting is on the back burner for now. It is a fun and interesting system, but it is not in our current plans to bring it to you in the coming year. We really like the design and what it contributes to the game, though, so we will do what we can in the future to make it happen and do it right. -Matt
  • August 2016 Matt Firor stated in an interview "[Spellcrafting] will come eventually, it’s just further out."
    Same thing. With spell crafting we actually got in enough to start seeing how it worked, we didn’t like the design so much and it was going to be more work than we thought to get it to launch so we kind of put it aside to do Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, One Tamriel, housing etc.

    But it will come eventually, it’s just further out.

    -Matt

    Source: Elder Scrolls Online Interview with Matt Firor
  • Late 2016 players compiled a comprehensive list of all datamined Future Content and Zones. Only two items on that list have yet to be added, one of which is Spellcrafting.
    All datamined Future Systems and Zones from 2016 have already been added to ESO including: Warden, Battlegrounds, Jewelrycrafting, Murkmire, Mephala's Realm (not released as a zone, but its assets were heavily used in Summerset), Vvardfenfell, Clockwork City.

    Spellcrafting and Horse Racing were the only old datamined Future Contents left that have not yet been added to ESO.

    Note that just like Spellcrafting, many said we'd never see Jewelrycrafting either, but we finally got it last year with Summerset.

    Source: All Known Future Content
  • 20 Spellcrafting Spells were datamined in late 2016.
    • Bound Weapon
    • Burden
    • Charm
    • Conjure Dremora Lord
    • Conjure Familiar
    • Conjure Flame Atronach
    • Courage (Conjuration)
    • Drain Life
    • Fire Storm
    • Frenzy
    • Frostbite
    • Ice Cloak (Destruction)
    • Heal Other
    • Lightning Bolt
    • Magicka Resistence
    • Muffle (Illusion)
    • Oak Flesh
    • Paralyze
    • Restore Stamina
    • Ward Self

    Source: All Known Future Content
  • On twitter in 2017, when asked about spell crafting ZOS replied "It's not dead yet!"
  • Many new Spellcrafting files have since been datamined.
    For example:

    2cxz5s9.jpg
    These particular files were added with the Clockwork City update. (source)
  • The last unofficial news on spellcrafting were new assets added early 2018 in one of the Dragon Bone patches. They indicate the UI for Spellcrafting was being worked on again.
    https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/comments/83aau2/datamining_there_appears_to_be_some_new/

    The following art assets were found while looking through the game files, but they are hidden from the live game. They read as UI elements for a spellbook:
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_base_left.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_base_right.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_highest_base_left.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_highest_base_right.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_showall_base_left.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_showall_base_right.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_alteration.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_alterationhealer.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_block.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_conjuration.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_destruction.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_general.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_heavyarmor.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_illusion.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_mysticism.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_mysticismhealer.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_onehanded.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_restoration.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/spellbook_tabicon_twohanded.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/ui-spellbookleft.dds
    /esoui/art/spellbook/ui-spellbookright.dds
  • November 2018, ZOS stated there is an upcoming Racial Passive balance pass. The timing would be perfect if there were new game systems also coming that could be worked in. (Update: This speculation has since been proven as false.)
    I’m guessing many of you will be interested to know more about the racial balance changes. While we aren’t ready to share specific details yet, here’s a peek at the goals driving the team’s effort:
    • When selecting a race, players should have multiple effective options for any given gameplay role.
    • The combat power provided by each race should be more equalized.
    • Players should feel a stronger sense of power progression through racial passives as they level up.
    • The unique feeling and flavor each race provides should be retained and enhanced where possible, and remain faithful to established lore.
    -Rob Garret
    Source: Combat Update in U21 - A New Approach


    Most likely unrelated, but a big addition like Spellcrafting would open many opportunities to help better align ESO's racial passives with past TES games. Many of Tamriel's races excel at the various schools of magic. Doing so would certainly help ESO remain faithful to established lore, as suggested by Rob Garret above.

    For example:
    Races and Magic School Aptitude in Skyrim:
    • Altmer excel at Illusion and are great in all the other schools.
    • Argonians are great at Restoration and Alteration magic.
    • Nords have no magic aptitude.
    • Bosmer and Khajiit have no magic aptitude but are great with Alchemy (which is sometimes considered a school of magic despite not having spells attached).
    • Orsimer have no magic aptitude but are great with Enchanting (which is often considered a school of magic despite not having spells attached).
    • Bretons excel at Conjuration and are great with most other schools of magic.
    • Dunmer excel at Destruction and are great with Illusion and Alteration.
    • Redguard are great at Destruction and Alteration.
    • Imperials excel at Restoration and are great at Destruction.
    Source: Races_(Skyrim)
  • Creative Director's Letter: That's a Wrap on 2018! said little but might have hid a clue. (Update: This speculation has since been proven as false.)
    Its a huge stretch, but there could be a clue in the recently posted Creative Director's Letter:
    2019 is almost upon us, and it’s going to be a huge year for The Elder Scrolls Online. I can’t say too much just yet, and it is incredibly difficult to have to hold back details, but ESO will be 5 years old next year - a huge milestone for us and the community! As such, next year’s story and adventure will be something truly special for all Elder Scrolls Online players. We are so excited to be able to share it with you soon, and we can’t wait to see how you all put all the pieces together starting early next year. -Rich

    If meant as a literal clue, being able to put all the pieces together sounds an awful lot like how they described their Spellcrafting system which they mentioned way back in 2014 at QuakeCon, but then shelved. Like glyph enchanting, spellcrafting entails collecting the various pieces and putting them together to make the custom spell of your choosing.

    If I were on the team and had been working on Spellcrafting, but was not yet allowed to say so, I'd be looking forward to seeing all of the different ways players were going to put their spell pieces together and would have worded it exactly the same. As tiny as this clue is, and as much of a strech as it probably is, the moment I first read it I instantly wondered if it was slyly referring to spellcrafting. The only other alternative to what he might have meant if it they were going to be dropping clues for us for other features that would be coming in 2019.
  • The Wrathstone Tablets sent to the Twitch stream team are very reminiscent of the old Spellcrafting Tablets. The first one was reported by @ClassyKatie on Jan 4 via Twitter. (Update: This speculation has since been proven as false.)
    rH0Ocf7.jpg
    • The Spellcrafting tablets were described as often being fragmented which requires the pieces to be placed back together
    • The Spellcrafting tablets were said to vary in appearance, but note how both use basic geometric shapes like circles, dots and triangles.
    • The name "Wrathstone" might itself be a hint towards Spellcrafting. Crafted spell tablets come in all levels, like other crafted materials. Their material theme is Stone, with "Marble and Runestone" being the two named in the 2014 Spellcrafting preview.
    • Note: While the Wrathstone tablets sent to the streamers have a very 3D dragon skull, the same tablet can be seen in the 7 sec Elsweyr teaser clip as still having a dragon skull image but was very flat, much more like the Spellcrafting tablet shown here.

    Counterpoint: These tablets just as easily could be a simple item used to introduce the next story. Perhaps the tablet is an ancient key that has kept sleeping dragons imprisoned and once it was whole again, it allowed for their release.
  • Abnur Tharn's letter mentioned knowledge that will help him "end the misguided Three Banners War." Could Spellcrafting be that knowledge? (Update: This speculation has since been proven as false.)
    Adventurer,

    I have followed your progress with interest and deemed you
    worthy of rendering assistance. Knowledge has come to my
    possession that will help me end the misguided Three Banners
    War and restore peace to Tamriel
    . You shall accompany me.
    Be ready to answer my summons. And answer it quickly...
    I hate to be kept waiting.

    High Chancellor
    Abnur Tharn

    What could be this knowledge he is referring to? Perhaps he's found a new way of crafting spells, not seen before in ESO's current age (Spellcrafting). Perhaps he's referring to the Dragons, hoping to harness their power to help him end the war (which could mean Dragons would be introduced as a new "siege" weapon allowing you to effectively "nuke" your enemies). Either way, I doubt they plan on truly ending the Three Banners War (Cyrodiil PvP), rather that is just their flavorful way of having him introduce a new mechanic which will be used in said war.

    Why Abnur Tharn? He is a very powerful spellcaster, ever hungry for powerful knoweldge, and an Imperial Battlemage would be a great NPC to introduce a new type of magic to players of all factions, unencumbered by oversight from the various guilds.
  • ESO's "Interactive" live Twitch stream on Jan 9th had a background that was reminiscent of a spellcrafting tablet. (Update: This speculation has since been proven as false.)
    hK5Mzhp.jpg
    (edit: Image isn't showing for me. Here's a direct link: https://i.imgur.com/hK5Mzhp.jpg )

    The pattern matches the Wrathstone tablet pattern exactly, but it is unknown if they both are Spellcrafting Tablets or something else. As viewers clicked, sparkles of energy moved from the middle of the screen to the glowing lines, although it also appeared that it was a timed event and that doing so didn't actually help the energy lines progress forward. It still gave the impression of infusing the tablet with magical energy. Also note the information icon at the bottom middle is an icon of a flame.

    If they aren't spellcrafting tablets, then their appearance is a massive troll on the part of ZOS as they well know many fans have been eagerly awaiting ESO's introduction of Spellcrafting.
  • The special voice message from Abnur Tharn could hold another hint. (Update: This speculation has since been proven as false.)
    Abnur Tharn voiceover:


    source:

    "Yes, yes, I see what you did. Do you want a sweet biscuit?...
    Collect the tile and let's be on our way."

    This wouldn't have been the teaser if it wasn't meant as a big clue. The "tiles" being collected sound like the spell tablet fragments players will need to collect before being able to craft spells.

    Counterpoints: The tiles could just as easily be used for unlocking Necromancy, the dragons, or merely be for a one time puzzle. There's also the possibility the sound bite isn't referencing a scene the player has with Abnur; rather it could be a sound bite from the scene where he discovers the two pieces of the Wrathstone shown in the teasers with the khajiit companion of his.
  • Could TESOnline's tweet for the Jan. 15th Announcement Stream Rewards hold another hint for Spellcrafting hidden in the thumbnail for the next Chapter's concept art? (Update: This speculation has since been proven as false.)
    et7LK8e.jpg

    On the edge of what we're shown in the thumbnail, there seems to be the outline of a magical doorway similar to those leading to ancient rooms where the Spellcrafting tablet fragments are held.
  • Fact: We know this year is bringing us Elsweyr, Necromancers, and Dragons, but there has been no mention of any new game systems or new crafting. A new game system and new craftings will both need to be added to avoid this year falling short content-wise when compared to either of the last two years.
    2017 brought us:
    • The Player Housing System, furniture crafting, and the Master Writs system all released with the Homestead free update.
    • Battlegrounds PvP Mode with the Morrowind chapter.
    • The Transmutation System with the Clockwork City DLC.
    2018 brought us:
    • The Outfitting System and Player Housing Storage with the Dragon Bones DLC.
    • The Jewelrycrafting System and Psijic Skill Line with the Summerset chapter.


    Dragon's are just bosses and Elsweyr is just a new region. Necromancers as a new class is big, but is still dwarfed by 2017 when we got Wardens as a new class, a new PvP mode, the transmutation system and Housing system. So far, 2019 only amounts to lots of big name dropping without any real substance.

    Please note that I'm only including new content that can be used by any toon/class as the "systems" listed above. Zones are also excluded as they are released at a regular rate.

    For an objective comparison, here is the full list of new features brought to the game by the first two quarters of each recent year, organized by similar features:
    rn5G2fU.jpg

    2019 is almost upon us, and it’s going to be a huge year for The Elder Scrolls Online. I can’t say too much just yet, and it is incredibly difficult to have to hold back details, but ESO will be 5 years old next year - a huge milestone for us and the community! As such, next year’s story and adventure will be something truly special for all Elder Scrolls Online players. -Rich
    Source: Creative Director's Letter: That's a Wrap on 2018!

    For this year to truly be something special, its going to need a huge new game mechanic. Without one, it will certainly fall short of previous years, turning this year into the year of hype and little else. An overarching storyline between all of this year's content is a cool idea, but in no way compares to a new game mechanic. If you really want to go big, go with the mechanic that has been asked for more often than any other - Spellcrafting.

Evidence Against:
  • During the Jan 15th Season of the Dragon twitch stream, Rich Lambert said spell crafting was "something that we're not planning to do any time soon." It was this answer which finally ended our speculation and allowed us to close this thread with a solid answer of "No".
    When asked about the possibility of spell crafting being part of this year's releases, this was Rich Lambert's reply:
    It comes up from time to time. It's something that we're not planning to do any time soon. It's kind of on the back burner for now. You know, we have other bigger fish to fry so-to-speak with the necromancer. We have balance issues.

    Well... Yeah, you never know. It's not on our road map now, but it's something that is a really cool idea and is something we're interested in.
    (source: Bethesda's Jan 15th Season of the Dragon Twitch stream; approx. at 42:30.)

    Notice this quote is nearly identical to what Matt Firor said about spell crafting in various 2016 interviews, only then it was said to have been set aside for such things as Thieves Guild, One Tamriel, etc.
  • August 2018: A class rep posted to one of the ESO Discords that Rob Garrett (ZeniMax Lead Gameplay Designer) had told him Spellcrafting was scrapped.
    Post is one of the class reps talking about a discussion they had with Rob Garrett
    F67480-BA-E3-AF-4-F49-8713-48-B43-E85-AA58.jpg

    Counterpoints: This could very easily be misinformation, either intentionally or unintentionally. Plans also change; what might have been true then might no longer be true now.
  • Dragons - Are they just bosses, or are they going to be introduced as some new mechanic?
    We won't know any more details on how dragons are going to be included until the big reveal on the 15th. If they are going to be included as just another type of boss, then 2019 will still need some sort of big new game mechanic to compare to what was added in the previous two years.

    This is the only tidbit we have so far concerning the dragons:
    Venture to the land of the Khajiit in The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr, our newest chapter, an epic story in an all-new zone. Face dread creatures from the past—Dragons!—and discover the dark skills of a new character class, the Necromancer, as you join with new friends and old enemies to save Elsweyr from war and devastation.

    ESO reaches new heights of storytelling with a war against the Dragons that unfolds and builds over four quarterly releases to an unexpected climax.
    Source: Datamined Chapter III ESO: Elsweyr

    Joining forces with new friends and old enemies to fight a "war against the Dragons" sounds huge but it'll need to be more than just a story to truly be a new mechanic. If they are going to be introduced in a way that makes then a true new mechanic, that will likely mean Spellcrafting will be pushed back again.
  • Opinion: "We haven't gotten it yet, so it's never going to come."
    That's what many kept saying for years about Transmutation, but we got it Q4 2017 with Clockwork City.

    That's what many kept saying for years about Jewelrycrafting, but we got that last year with Summerset.

    That's what many kept saying for years about Necromancers but we're getting those later this year with Elsweyr.

    Noticing the pattern yet?
  • Opinion: "It would be overpowered."
    Not true, if it was well designed. As shown in the original 2014 Spellcrafting preview, all crafted spells are within certain bounds. You can't just add everything you want and make an all-powerful spell.
  • Opinion: "It would be impossible to balance."
    Not true. Again, it would be within a bounded system. Yes, there are lots of variables to worry about, and surely it will require lots of tweaking on the PTS, but it is very possible to introduce it in a balanced manner.

    Additionally the exact same logic of "something would be impossible to balance" could be used against any new mechanic, so why bother adding anything new ever?
  • Opinion: "It would overshadow all other skills."
    Not if well designed. Spellcrafting should be used to help round out all builds. It should be brought with the perspective of supplementing Class and Weapon skills; it should never outshine Class and Weapon skills.

    Yes, it will give every class access to abilities they never had access to before, but those abilities should come with a higher resource cost than required by classes which naturally have access to those abilities.
  • Pareidolia - In short, many of us could just be seeing what we want to see.
    Pareidolia: the tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern The scientific explanation for some people is pareidolia, or the human ability to see shapes or make pictures out of randomness.

    While it's true that so many of us could just be seeing what we hope is coming, the fact that so many have begged for this feature and anxiously awaited it's addition to ESO only highlights how badly it needs to be added. Sooner rather than later.

    Counterpoint: If the Wrathstone tablets happen to not have anything to do with spellcrafting, I would find it hard to believe the ESO team wouldn't have realized many would interpret them as being spellcrafting tablets. In such a case, their addition would be a deliberate red herring and could easily be considered trolling a portion of their fan base.



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Please notice this thread was originally a speculation thread concerning the possibility of spell crafting coming some time this year, given all of the potential clues seen in the early Elsweyr teasers. When Rich Lambert later stated in a Q&A on Jan 15th that spell crafting was "not on [their] road map now", the thread title was changed from it's speculative question to a firm no to help late-comers to this conversation avoid confusion.

The pre-Jan 15th information above was left for future reference:


Additional notes on why the likelihood of finally seeing spell crafting added increases each year:

(1) Here's a unique argument for why spell crafting has been left "on the back burner" for so long which I haven't seen before... There haven't been enough Skill Points in the game to fully support it.

This is based off of spell crafting in ESO including 6 new skill lines - 1 crafting skill line and 5 skill lines for each of the five schools of magic (source). Considering the five skill lines based off of the schools of magic would each be similar to weapon skill lines, but with only the passives, that means they're likely to need 10 skill points each. Crafting skill lines usually require 20-24 skill points each. That adds up to about 70 skill points in total needed to make full use of a spell crafting system.

As a counterpoint, you wouldn't really need to spend that many skill points, as to do so would be the equivalent of spending all skill points in all weapon skill lines... few players would actually be likely to have need or desire to do so; you'd only add points to the lines you wish to actively use. Even then, we're still talking about quite a few skill points being needed to actively use a new spell crafting system. Given how tight many players, especially newer ones with less fleshed out characters, feel skill points already are for their characters, it actually becomes quite understandable that ZOS would want to postpone this system for a few years. Looking at past player behavior, should this system have been released I expected this might very well have gotten even more player backlash than any perceived "balance" issues.

However, every passing year sees many more skill points added to the game, with the amounts increasing every year. For exact numbers: 2015 +19, 2016 +20, 2017 +23, and 2018 +24. That's 86 new skill points added in the last 4 years! And the only recent additions to the game that we could spend them on were last year's jewelry crafting and psijic skill lines. Honestly, why keep adding skill points at such a high rate unless you're planning for the long term and wish to bring a large set of related skills to the game in the future? It should also be pointed out that there's no reason for any player to have to purchase every single skill point; there's never been enough points for that and it is in no way unreasonable for all players to have to continue to pick and choose which skills are more important to have and purchase for their characters.

In summary, spell crafting is going to cost lots of skill points. Each year that passes, more skill points are added to the game which increases ESO's ability to support such a robust new system.

(2) It's the only remaining major system which players have been begging to have added since ESO first came out. Since ESO first came out, players have been begging for spell crafting, necromancers, jewelry crafting, transmutation, small scale PvP (battlegrounds and dueling), and player housing. One by one, each of these systems were finally added to the game except for this final one. Sure, there are lots of other random systems they might come up with to add, but nothing else would be of the same scope as these major systems.

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Edited by Ertosi on February 20, 2019 8:06AM
PC NA @Ertosi
♠♦ My Team ♥♣
GoanJabsplar [Grand Master Crafter, Master Angler, Tamriel Hero, Explorer]
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MayaStamblade Speedster
AhmedMagblade Bomber
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TanksStamDK Tank
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DawnHPDK
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IvanaMagden Ice Mage

CP 950+
♌ DC Loyalist ♌
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No new crafting or game systems for 2019? "Season of the Dragon" would be better named "The Year of no New Major Features"
https://i.imgur.com/TPscgS9.jpg to see major features of the last few years compared.
https://i.imgur.com/X8qY0gP.jpg to see a detailed comparison of this year's Q1 to the last two Q1s.
https://i.imgur.com/4z71cK8.jpg to see a detailed comparison of each years' first two quarters combined.
https://i.imgur.com/jrHe5h8.jpg to see a projected comparison of the full years and what 2019's Q4 will need to catch up.
Unsubbed January 15th, 2019 due to the lack of any new substantial features shown to be coming in 2019.
  • Seraphayel
    Seraphayel
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    Thanks for this thread, very much appreciated!

    There are so many "official hints" this time... let's just hope it's coming. I don't care if it's DLC or Chapter related. Just let it be part of 2019s update cycle.

    Oh and guys please don't turn this into a pro or contra Spellcrafting thread. Let's discuss the hints and the possibility of an implementation, not purely based on the "balancing" argument.
    PS5
    EU
    Aldmeri Dominion
    - Khajiit Arcanist -
  • Waffennacht
    Waffennacht
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    I believe all PvP players shutter at the idea
    Gamer tag: DasPanzerKat NA Xbox One
    1300+ CP
    Battleground PvP'er

    Waffennacht' Builds
  • THE_BIG_BOSS
    THE_BIG_BOSS
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    Spellcrafting will come sooner or later.
  • GiantFruitFly
    GiantFruitFly
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    As much as I want spellcrafting, it has proven to be very elusive in implementation. We know that the developers have looked at the concept and reshelved it several times.

    What concerns me is how no further spellcrafting assets were found in the most recent datamines and the possibility that the spellcrafting art assets could have been repurposed for something else entirely (wrathstone, edge of the concept art).
  • Aliyavana
    Aliyavana
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    Here is an awesome op for a nice list
  • Alaztor91
    Alaztor91
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    It wasn't in the Elsweyr datamine post with necro and ''dragons'' so it's pretty obvious that it's not coming, atleast not with this chapter.
  • Ertosi
    Ertosi
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    I added a few more possible hints towards Spellcrafting from recent teases related to Abnur Tharn that I have been pondering over to the OP.
    PC NA @Ertosi
    ♠♦ My Team ♥♣
    GoanJabsplar [Grand Master Crafter, Master Angler, Tamriel Hero, Explorer]
    DruStamplar
    TicklesHealplar
    DixieMagplar
    FigsStamblade Sneakthief [Master Thief]
    Sir PriceStamblade Bow Ganker [Daedric Lord Slayer]
    MayaStamblade Speedster
    AhmedMagblade Bomber
    BalzarStamSorc Blitzer
    WinniePetSorc Thunder Mage
    TanksStamDK Tank
    MonaMagDK Fire Mage
    DawnHPDK
    BearlyStamden Tank
    IvanaMagden Ice Mage

    CP 950+
    ♌ DC Loyalist ♌
    ✄ Grand Master Crafter
    No new crafting or game systems for 2019? "Season of the Dragon" would be better named "The Year of no New Major Features"
    https://i.imgur.com/TPscgS9.jpg to see major features of the last few years compared.
    https://i.imgur.com/X8qY0gP.jpg to see a detailed comparison of this year's Q1 to the last two Q1s.
    https://i.imgur.com/4z71cK8.jpg to see a detailed comparison of each years' first two quarters combined.
    https://i.imgur.com/jrHe5h8.jpg to see a projected comparison of the full years and what 2019's Q4 will need to catch up.
    Unsubbed January 15th, 2019 due to the lack of any new substantial features shown to be coming in 2019.
  • Ertosi
    Ertosi
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Alaztor91 wrote: »
    It wasn't in the Elsweyr datamine post with necro and ''dragons'' so it's pretty obvious that it's not coming, atleast not with this chapter.

    It's a fair point, but remember that most of the Spellcrafting assets have already been there for years. If it was coming, it would therefore be much less evident than completely new things like Necromancers and dragons. Also keep in mind that some of the previously datamined spellcrafting assets were in the files but purposely hidden from view in the live version; that might also affect the likelihood of finding newer assets related to it.
    PC NA @Ertosi
    ♠♦ My Team ♥♣
    GoanJabsplar [Grand Master Crafter, Master Angler, Tamriel Hero, Explorer]
    DruStamplar
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    DixieMagplar
    FigsStamblade Sneakthief [Master Thief]
    Sir PriceStamblade Bow Ganker [Daedric Lord Slayer]
    MayaStamblade Speedster
    AhmedMagblade Bomber
    BalzarStamSorc Blitzer
    WinniePetSorc Thunder Mage
    TanksStamDK Tank
    MonaMagDK Fire Mage
    DawnHPDK
    BearlyStamden Tank
    IvanaMagden Ice Mage

    CP 950+
    ♌ DC Loyalist ♌
    ✄ Grand Master Crafter
    No new crafting or game systems for 2019? "Season of the Dragon" would be better named "The Year of no New Major Features"
    https://i.imgur.com/TPscgS9.jpg to see major features of the last few years compared.
    https://i.imgur.com/X8qY0gP.jpg to see a detailed comparison of this year's Q1 to the last two Q1s.
    https://i.imgur.com/4z71cK8.jpg to see a detailed comparison of each years' first two quarters combined.
    https://i.imgur.com/jrHe5h8.jpg to see a projected comparison of the full years and what 2019's Q4 will need to catch up.
    Unsubbed January 15th, 2019 due to the lack of any new substantial features shown to be coming in 2019.
  • Seraphayel
    Seraphayel
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Alaztor91 wrote: »
    It wasn't in the Elsweyr datamine post with necro and ''dragons'' so it's pretty obvious that it's not coming, atleast not with this chapter.

    True. But there are so many hints this time, a lot more than last year. I mean can all of the hints be coincidence? I don't know. The wording of many ZOS posts totally fits Spellcrafting.

    That it wasn't datamined most likely means it won't come with Chapter III, this doesn't mean that it can't come with one of the DLCs though.
    PS5
    EU
    Aldmeri Dominion
    - Khajiit Arcanist -
  • Cireous
    Cireous
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Welp, I'm convinced. :relieved:

    Really great job on collecting all this information. That's a lot of research, there!

    It was the Abnur Tharn clip + the wallpaper you had pointed out showing what looks like one of those runic doors that did me in. It just seems undeniable now. Unless ZOS is an evil trollface. Though, you are not an evil trollface ...are you ZOS?
  • Alaztor91
    Alaztor91
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ertosi wrote: »
    It's a fair point, but remember that most of the Spellcrafting assets have already been there for years. If it was coming, it would therefore be much less evident than completely new things like Necromancers and dragons. Also keep in mind that some of the previously datamined spellcrafting assets were in the files but purposely hidden from view in the live version; that might also affect the likelihood of finding newer assets related to it.

    Yeah I know that spellcrafting assets have been found over the years, but if it were to come with this chapter(Elsweyr) there would atleast have been one of those runic symbols for it, like the one for necro or the one for jewelry crafing/warden/psijic order from past Chapters.

    Hopefully they just don't scrap it because it sounds like a really cool addition to the game if done right.
  • Ertosi
    Ertosi
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    I believe all PvP players shutter at the idea

    It's probably true because most of the push back against the idea of Spellcrafting being added seems to come from PvPers.

    Honestly I have no idea why as it would add so many amazing new options to PvP.

    The Muffle spell was already datamined... imagine how cool it would be to craft that with the AOE morph so you could make your entire scouting party grouped around you harder to detect.

    Many previous Elder Scrolls games had Banish spells... imagine crafting that as an AOE to be able to dispel all summoned pets around you.

    If they added Water Walking from the Alteration school, it would provide a new way to cross those slaughterfish-infested waters. Similarly, if they added Jump (also from the Alteration school), imagine if it was powerful enough to get over some walls.

    Honestly, though, I would image they would only start off with the "simpler" spells that wouldn't change up PvP too much with the initial release, then would consider adding some of the more interesting spells later with other DLCs.
    PC NA @Ertosi
    ♠♦ My Team ♥♣
    GoanJabsplar [Grand Master Crafter, Master Angler, Tamriel Hero, Explorer]
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    Sir PriceStamblade Bow Ganker [Daedric Lord Slayer]
    MayaStamblade Speedster
    AhmedMagblade Bomber
    BalzarStamSorc Blitzer
    WinniePetSorc Thunder Mage
    TanksStamDK Tank
    MonaMagDK Fire Mage
    DawnHPDK
    BearlyStamden Tank
    IvanaMagden Ice Mage

    CP 950+
    ♌ DC Loyalist ♌
    ✄ Grand Master Crafter
    No new crafting or game systems for 2019? "Season of the Dragon" would be better named "The Year of no New Major Features"
    https://i.imgur.com/TPscgS9.jpg to see major features of the last few years compared.
    https://i.imgur.com/X8qY0gP.jpg to see a detailed comparison of this year's Q1 to the last two Q1s.
    https://i.imgur.com/4z71cK8.jpg to see a detailed comparison of each years' first two quarters combined.
    https://i.imgur.com/jrHe5h8.jpg to see a projected comparison of the full years and what 2019's Q4 will need to catch up.
    Unsubbed January 15th, 2019 due to the lack of any new substantial features shown to be coming in 2019.
  • Ertosi
    Ertosi
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Cireous wrote: »
    Welp, I'm convinced. :relieved:

    Really great job on collecting all this information. That's a lot of research, there!

    It was the Abnur Tharn clip + the wallpaper you had pointed out showing what looks like one of those runic doors that did me in. It just seems undeniable now. Unless ZOS is an evil trollface. Though, you are not an evil trollface ...are you ZOS?

    And that's what scares me the most... We know that ZOS has been quite the evil trollface quite a few times recently having laughs at our expense. Like the recent "interactive" Twitch stream where they kept telling everyone to click and click some more despite it being a timed event. They could easily have placed those as red herrings and are lol'ing all over each other as they get our hopes up again, only to dash them later.

    That's why I made this meme a while back cause I know this is exactly what they're doing right now while watching us squirm:
    Cx4lutU.jpg
    PC NA @Ertosi
    ♠♦ My Team ♥♣
    GoanJabsplar [Grand Master Crafter, Master Angler, Tamriel Hero, Explorer]
    DruStamplar
    TicklesHealplar
    DixieMagplar
    FigsStamblade Sneakthief [Master Thief]
    Sir PriceStamblade Bow Ganker [Daedric Lord Slayer]
    MayaStamblade Speedster
    AhmedMagblade Bomber
    BalzarStamSorc Blitzer
    WinniePetSorc Thunder Mage
    TanksStamDK Tank
    MonaMagDK Fire Mage
    DawnHPDK
    BearlyStamden Tank
    IvanaMagden Ice Mage

    CP 950+
    ♌ DC Loyalist ♌
    ✄ Grand Master Crafter
    No new crafting or game systems for 2019? "Season of the Dragon" would be better named "The Year of no New Major Features"
    https://i.imgur.com/TPscgS9.jpg to see major features of the last few years compared.
    https://i.imgur.com/X8qY0gP.jpg to see a detailed comparison of this year's Q1 to the last two Q1s.
    https://i.imgur.com/4z71cK8.jpg to see a detailed comparison of each years' first two quarters combined.
    https://i.imgur.com/jrHe5h8.jpg to see a projected comparison of the full years and what 2019's Q4 will need to catch up.
    Unsubbed January 15th, 2019 due to the lack of any new substantial features shown to be coming in 2019.
  • JJBoomer
    JJBoomer
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    .
    Edited by JJBoomer on January 13, 2019 3:07AM
  • GiantFruitFly
    GiantFruitFly
    ✭✭✭
    Ertosi wrote: »
    It's a fair point, but remember that most of the Spellcrafting assets have already been there for years. If it was coming, it would therefore be much less evident than completely new things like Necromancers and dragons. Also keep in mind that some of the previously datamined spellcrafting assets were in the files but purposely hidden from view in the live version; that might also affect the likelihood of finding newer assets related to it.

    Unless they got it nearly done and implemented back then we should have seen more things going on in the background for spellcrafting. Visual effects for the spells, slottable icons, something of the sort.

    Maybe the devs are particularly good at hiding spellcrafting from dataminers. Maybe the dataminers were looking in the wrong place. Perhaps it is something else entirely. But ZOS is tricky, and it could all be a red herring.
  • Waffennacht
    Waffennacht
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ertosi wrote: »
    I believe all PvP players shutter at the idea

    It's probably true because most of the push back against the idea of Spellcrafting being added seems to come from PvPers.

    Honestly I have no idea why as it would add so many amazing new options to PvP.

    The Muffle spell was already datamined... imagine how cool it would be to craft that with the AOE morph so you could make your entire scouting party grouped around you harder to detect.

    Many previous Elder Scrolls games had Banish spells... imagine crafting that as an AOE to be able to dispel all summoned pets around you.

    If they added Water Walking from the Alteration school, it would provide a new way to cross those slaughterfish-infested waters. Similarly, if they added Jump (also from the Alteration school), imagine if it was powerful enough to get over some walls.

    Honestly, though, I would image they would only start off with the "simpler" spells that wouldn't change up PvP too much with the initial release, then would consider adding some of the more interesting spells later with other DLCs.

    The fear is one of two things happen: to prevent OP combinations they make most everything dull or they allow OP combinations.

    It is possible to do, no one questions that, we question if it would be done correctly and past experiences make it doubtful
    Gamer tag: DasPanzerKat NA Xbox One
    1300+ CP
    Battleground PvP'er

    Waffennacht' Builds
  • Zorgon_The_Revenged
    Zorgon_The_Revenged
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    At the very least we could just end up running around Tamriel with Tharn, collecting tiles needed to level up Necromancy.

    If I remember the old Quakecon announcement right, they said that spellcrafted spells might be consumable items that you could put in your quick slot. A Necromancy "craft" with consumable spells, and a mats and research grind to rival the jewelry crafting one.
    Edited by Zorgon_The_Revenged on January 13, 2019 3:49AM
  • joaaocaampos
    joaaocaampos
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Summerset:
    • Psijic Order (Guild Skill Line)
    • Jewelry Crafting

    Elswyer
    • Necromancy/Necromancer (Class/Skill Line)
    • Spellcrafting?

    Or will it be postponed to "Skyrim/College of Winterhold Chapter"?
  • Faulgor
    Faulgor
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Pro: All these straws we're pulling
    Against: Rob Garrett saying it's not happening

    Just steeling myself against the inevitable disappointment. What just really disturbs me is their marketing campaign for Elsweyr has so many similarities to features they know we'd associate with spellcrafting, it feels downright malicious to mislead us like this.

    Unless it is true ... no, no, don't let the hope in.
    Alandrol Sul: He's making another Numidium?!?
    Vivec: Worse, buddy. They're buying it.
  • Seraphayel
    Seraphayel
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Again, only Chapter III has been datamined. We know absolutely nothing about the DLCs or base game updates yet.

    I don't remember that any of the huge DLC features have been datamined (like transformation system; was Housing datamined before they announced it? Don't remember - I know the dungeon DLCs had been datamined but base game features?). That's imho the only real hope for a 2019 release of Spellcrafting. We know that it won't be part of the upcoming Chapter.
    PS5
    EU
    Aldmeri Dominion
    - Khajiit Arcanist -
  • Thorvarg
    Thorvarg
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭
    And when it is implemented, there will be extremely powerfull Spell- and Abilitycombinations, so that the whining and crying will not stop! :D>:)
  • Seraphayel
    Seraphayel
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Oh and another point that could be made towards an addition of Spellcrafting this year: ESO hasn't had a new creative or fresh mechanic since Q3/Q4 2017 iirc. The Summerset features were very lazy in comparison to Morrowind's, even Jewelrycrafting. Last year we got absolutely nothing which could be called "innovative" or having a wider scope of developer engagement.

    I mean honestly, what are the ZOS devs working on? All we got were the usual things, lame dungeon DLCs (nice dungeons but in the end just more of the same) and a smaller new zone. And with the Chapter III datamining the feature list for ESO won't get that much bigger. A new class is nice but that's it? What are the ZOS creatives doing?

    Maybe you could add this to the first post, @Ertosi - sure could be grasping for straws but it's still a fair point that can be made.
    Edited by Seraphayel on January 13, 2019 8:23AM
    PS5
    EU
    Aldmeri Dominion
    - Khajiit Arcanist -
  • Faulgor
    Faulgor
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Seraphayel wrote: »
    I mean honestly, what are the ZOS devs working on?

    Heh, I asked the same question when Summerset released last year, cheaper and with less features than Morrowind, with no other bigger updates in sight. Of course now we know they're working on a new game, but I hope there are still enough devs left to squeeze something else out of ESO.
    Alandrol Sul: He's making another Numidium?!?
    Vivec: Worse, buddy. They're buying it.
  • Robo_Hobo
    Robo_Hobo
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    The interesting thing about the datamines done recently, is that while it may seem like it was a ton of new information this year...it's actually pretty lean on it. Sure, we immediately learned about the Elsweyr chapter, the Necromancer class, and that Dragon(s) would be involved, and a few crown items - but that's literally it. We don't have any maps, no dialogue, no prequel quest, no information whatsoever on whatever the Quarter 1 update is, no assets for buildings or items or architecture that wasn't datamined before (and was limited to basically a lamp that was then quickly removed the next PTS cycle, not even returning now)

    And it all came at the same time.

    I think that It was purposefully put in there as to be able to datamine, since they know people datamine everything, and kept everything they didn't want revealed held tight until they're ready to reveal it.

    It might be a bit tinfoily, but unless there's a different release strategy for this year, the most ominous point is just the fact that we don't know anything about the Quarter 1 update, when Dragon Bones was already starting it's PTS cycle week this time of last year.

    And if the Baandari crown crate season is for the Elsweyr Chapter, that means the Greatest Hit crates 1 and 2 must be for the Quarter 1 update. Do they just not care about this update, not mentioning it at all this far into the new year, nor doing any thematic crown crates for it? Or is it something worth keeping secret, and not something thematic for a crown crate season?

    Or it could just be, again, a different release schedule for the Chapter and it's split up in some way, with the first part coming with Quarter 1.
  • Ertosi
    Ertosi
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Seraphayel wrote: »
    Oh and another point that could be made towards an addition of Spellcrafting this year: ESO hasn't had a new creative or fresh mechanic since Q3/Q4 2017 iirc. The Summerset features were very lazy in comparison to Morrowind's, even Jewelrycrafting. Last year we got absolutely nothing which could be called "innovative" or having a wider scope of developer engagement.

    I mean honestly, what are the ZOS devs working on? All we got were the usual things, lame dungeon DLCs (nice dungeons but in the end just more of the same) and a smaller new zone. And with the Chapter III datamining the feature list for ESO won't get that much bigger. A new class is nice but that's it? What are the ZOS creatives doing?

    Maybe you could add this to the first post, @Ertosi - sure could be grasping for straws but it's still a fair point that can be made.

    I tried to politely point this direction with my last bulleted point of evidence for Spellcrafting coming this year. I listed each of the new mechanics from the last two years available to all characters, which means Warden got left out of the 2017 because classes are inherently only available to themselves.

    That still leaves 2017 with a hefty list of new features. Morrowind itself was pretty light compared to Summerset as it only brought the new PvP mode battlegrounds but the year was bolstered by Transmutation being added with the Clockwork City DLC and Player Housing with the free Homestead update.

    Summerset brought Jewelrycrafting, a thing which many were begging to have since ESO came out, and the Psijic Skill Line. It should be noted it had been 3 long years since we had a new solo skill line added (Dark Brotherhood DLC 2015). The rest of 2018 was carried by the Dragon Bones DLC which brought the Outfitting System and introduced Player Housing Storage.

    Side by side, when looking at the full years, I would agree that 2017 was a stronger year for new features but 2018 still wasn't too shaby. I would however argue that standing alone, the Summerset Chapter brought more for all characters than Morrowind did. Honestly, it would depend on where one chooses to draw the line for themselves and if you personally include the Warden class (yes = looking for all new content available to the Player; no = looking for all new content available to all characters). Thus far, we've yet to see any features available for all characters for 2019 - just story elements of a new zone and dragons, and a new class (which itself is big, but only for Players, not characters).

    Like you, I'm worried over what the ZOS team has been working on. What we've seen so far indicates their highlight for this year is the overarching story line linking all of this year's content for their Season of the Dragon. Great story telling is exactly that... Great stories. But it's also very worrisome as more focus on story means less on features and actual development.
    Edited by Ertosi on January 13, 2019 4:51PM
    PC NA @Ertosi
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    Sir PriceStamblade Bow Ganker [Daedric Lord Slayer]
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    CP 950+
    ♌ DC Loyalist ♌
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    No new crafting or game systems for 2019? "Season of the Dragon" would be better named "The Year of no New Major Features"
    https://i.imgur.com/TPscgS9.jpg to see major features of the last few years compared.
    https://i.imgur.com/X8qY0gP.jpg to see a detailed comparison of this year's Q1 to the last two Q1s.
    https://i.imgur.com/4z71cK8.jpg to see a detailed comparison of each years' first two quarters combined.
    https://i.imgur.com/jrHe5h8.jpg to see a projected comparison of the full years and what 2019's Q4 will need to catch up.
    Unsubbed January 15th, 2019 due to the lack of any new substantial features shown to be coming in 2019.
  • boggo
    boggo
    ✭✭✭
    I‘m sure they haven‘t announced Q1 DLC so far, because they want to announce that DLC alongside the chapter on Tuesday. Here‘s hoping Q1 will surprise us!
  • Sheezabeast
    Sheezabeast
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Faulgor wrote: »
    Pro: All these straws we're pulling
    Against: Rob Garrett saying it's not happening

    Just steeling myself against the inevitable disappointment. What just really disturbs me is their marketing campaign for Elsweyr has so many similarities to features they know we'd associate with spellcrafting, it feels downright malicious to mislead us like this.

    Unless it is true ... no, no, don't let the hope in.

    After that Nuka Dark Rum bottle fiasco, Bethesda could use some good will. We can only hope Zenimax does right by us...
    Grand Master Crafter, Beta baby who grew with the game. PC/NA. @Sheezabeast if you have crafting needs!
  • Ertosi
    Ertosi
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Faulgor wrote: »
    Just steeling myself against the inevitable disappointment. What just really disturbs me is their marketing campaign for Elsweyr has so many similarities to features they know we'd associate with spellcrafting, it feels downright malicious to mislead us like this.

    Unless it is true ... no, no, don't let the hope in.

    Rich Lambert is packing for his trip...


    I'm trying to steel myself for the worst... yet stay hopeful
    giphy.gif

    But I know it's probably going to soon be...
    another year with no Spellcrafting.
    1550.gif
    PC NA @Ertosi
    ♠♦ My Team ♥♣
    GoanJabsplar [Grand Master Crafter, Master Angler, Tamriel Hero, Explorer]
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    Sir PriceStamblade Bow Ganker [Daedric Lord Slayer]
    MayaStamblade Speedster
    AhmedMagblade Bomber
    BalzarStamSorc Blitzer
    WinniePetSorc Thunder Mage
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    MonaMagDK Fire Mage
    DawnHPDK
    BearlyStamden Tank
    IvanaMagden Ice Mage

    CP 950+
    ♌ DC Loyalist ♌
    ✄ Grand Master Crafter
    No new crafting or game systems for 2019? "Season of the Dragon" would be better named "The Year of no New Major Features"
    https://i.imgur.com/TPscgS9.jpg to see major features of the last few years compared.
    https://i.imgur.com/X8qY0gP.jpg to see a detailed comparison of this year's Q1 to the last two Q1s.
    https://i.imgur.com/4z71cK8.jpg to see a detailed comparison of each years' first two quarters combined.
    https://i.imgur.com/jrHe5h8.jpg to see a projected comparison of the full years and what 2019's Q4 will need to catch up.
    Unsubbed January 15th, 2019 due to the lack of any new substantial features shown to be coming in 2019.
  • Oberstein
    Oberstein
    ✭✭✭
    What's next? Gun-crafting
    History, like a human being, is thirsty when it wakes from its slumber…History wants to drink up an enormous amount of blood. And even if history has tired of drinking blood, that’s only in regards to the amount. But what about quality? The larger the sacrifice is, the more delighted the cruel gods will be.
  • Seraphayel
    Seraphayel
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    boggo wrote: »
    I‘m sure they haven‘t announced Q1 DLC so far, because they want to announce that DLC alongside the chapter on Tuesday. Here‘s hoping Q1 will surprise us!

    I totally hope for this too and it really looks like that.
    PS5
    EU
    Aldmeri Dominion
    - Khajiit Arcanist -
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