Lore: How do I "get" it?

Khazaad · April 2014

Story line has never been that important to me and I feel like I'm really missing out on a fantastic part of the game.

I'm totally envious of the people who take pleasure in actually READING the lorebooks and written documents throughout the game. I play pen & paper RP games and love to unleash my inner geek getting into character but perhaps it has something to do with the MMO environment that puts an impassable barrier around some of those elements.

What are some of the things about TES that really got you hooked on the story? What else keeps you thoroughly engaged? Feel free to geek-out as much as you want cause that stuff's awesome.

Ri_Dariit · April 2014

Lusty Argonian Maid!

kirnmalidus · April 2014

I'd recommend starting with the UESP's Lore pages.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Main_Page

In particular, the location content and general history content is pretty solid:

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:History
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Places

If you are specifically interested in reading the books, the Imperial Library has a good collection:

http://www.imperial-library.info/

This post in the Bethesda TES forums is a good starting point as well:

http://forums.bethsoft.com/topic/1112211-how-to-become-a-lore-buff/

Enjoy, and welcome.

Lord_Hev · April 2014

For the in-game books in dungeons. I just take quick snap-shots of them. Then read them as screenshots out-of-game for convenience.

Samriel · April 2014

If you don't want to take the time to read, check THIS out. This is easily the most thorough and complete compendium of Elder Scrolls lore in video format you will find anywhere.

The elder scrolls lore series is essentially a collection of all the lore from all of the previous elder scrolls games that has been condensed and put into catagories for easier consumption. I've played and beaten every elder scrolls title, and still missed more than half of what is presented in this series, it is a MUST for any lore fan or anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the games.

Americanzombie26 · April 2014

Ive always had a problem reading the books when playing TES games. So, Ive downloaded all the lore books onto my phone, and just read when ever Im on the go.

Personally, Im a huge fan of any books that involve Barenziah.

With that being said, what I LOVE about TES books, is that you might read one story and think you understand everything, but then yo read another story and find minor contradictions that sends the truth in a spiral of chaos.

Thats because each novel is written by a different person. Thus the views and opinions are different.

The more and more lore you learn makes TES game experience so much better. I can pick up on little hints and ideas that NPC say with out having to ask about it because Ive already read the book that contains the information.

The lore is what truly make TES such a beautiful and inspiring game.

But besides the print books, I find that taking my time and listening to everything the NPC has to say can help you learn bout this world so much more. And just the world creation is beautiful. I have played all TES games, but my first was Oblivion. I stumbled upon the shivering Isles, and I still remember seeing the explosion of butterfly as I entered the realm. I've never seen something so beautifully executed. It was that moment I became a Elder Scrolls fan. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Khazaad · April 2014

@kirnmalidus‌ thx bookmarked
@Samriel‌ I stumbled by one of these videos a while ago and was surprised how absorbed I got! thanks for pointing me to the source.

seanolan · April 2014

For me, it was the interplay between the mortals and the aedra/daedra/gods, and definitions of what gods and demons are. One culture's god is another's demon; benevolence and cruelty are often two sides of the same coin. I love stories like this.

Ooh, and Lord Sheogorath's deadly and macabre madness.

Khazaad · April 2014

Americanzombie26 wrote: »

... I have played all TES games but my first was Oblivion.

Likewise

Thunder · April 2014

Personally, I don't think there is anything to "get" lore wise. I'm a click through guy like the OP, and like the OP I wouldn't mind a little more immersion in the story, but frankly the few times I've tried to follow the story I was gravely disappointed.

I think the NPC's use too many words to convey too little information, and they talk way too slow as if they are trying to get an academy award in drama for telling me to go kill 10 chickens.

This is further compounded by the fact that the quest objective markers hold your hand all through the entire process so all you really need to know is follow the bouncing ball and kill anything it lands on.

Me and my ESO questing buddy were talking about this the other day. A lot of the really boring quests could be quite interesting and engrossing if there weren't any quest objective markers holding your hand through the entire process. If you had to search around for stuff, question people, and sometimes rely on dumb luck to find objectives. Let's say some chic asks you to find her stolen amulet that she suspects was stolen by Steals While Back Turned, and you ask around a bit here and there but really don't turn up any strong leads, but perhaps while your running in to a tavern in other town to vendor you spot Steals sitting over at a corner table and it's on!

I think there should be less lore or less hand holding, but if there was less hand holding they'd definitely have to rework the NPC dialogs to be less boring. I don't care about your dead uncle Phil, just tell me what you want done and give me any pertinent information and I'll be on my way. If I want an entertaining story I'll go watch Game of Thrones.

Louis · April 2014

things that get me hooked about the game? well if this were a Normal MMO i would of quit at level 5. but this game is different, i also hate games where you have to read the story/quest line because i get bored really easily with those and usually the long ones i just tend to skip. in ESO i dont, i actually listen and understand the story of the quest.

Plus, The Quests Require a certain point its not the usual, oh hey kill 20 thieves and youre done. it actually has those bits and pieces where you have to do things before killing the enemy or which require you to solve it.

all in all, I Love the Lore of Elder Scrolls. which is why i read them instead of just passing by