Get us a PVE Cyrodiil

THEDKEXPERIENCE · February 2021

B0SSzombie wrote: »

Funny how the only reason PVP players would want to keep PVE content in Cyrodiil is so they have players to prey on, and not to actually have legitimate PVP engagements with.

I am predominantly a PVPer but sometimes I want to PVE for a few minutes. When that happens I go and attack a resource which is basically a 1 on 7 fight against NPCs ranging from weak to really strong.

This is why you cannot take PVE out of Cyrodiil. You’d essentially have zero defenses for many locations.

As for this event, sure, it’s been fun seeing some low level characters and if they are foolish enough to stand in between me and my objective that’s not my fault. Mostly I’m just happy to see an influx of new players with mostly weird tactics.

Araneae6537 · February 2021

B0SSzombie wrote: »

Funny how the only reason PVP players would want to keep PVE content in Cyrodiil is so they have players to prey on, and not to actually have legitimate PVP engagements with.

I went to Cyrodill originally for non-PvP reasons — really wanted the Sorcerer King’s Blade, actually! But when my fears of players leaping out from any and everywhere to kill me weren’t realized (good thing I didn’t try IC first, lol), I tried a bit more, did some actual PvP with a guild group, and started to enjoy it!

jaws343 · February 2021

B0SSzombie wrote: »

Funny how the only reason PVP players would want to keep PVE content in Cyrodiil is so they have players to prey on, and not to actually have legitimate PVP engagements with.

It isn't really that though. The problem is, PVE players are usually requesting massive changes to PVP zones to accommodate them. Massive changes that aren't needed if they just tried a little bit. No one wants PVE players to prey on, they want the zone to remain as is because there is literally nothing wrong with it in regards to this topic. That and, the rewards in PVP zones are there with the express intent that PVP is a risk needed to take in order to gain those rewards. If you are not willing to take that risk, that is on you, not a problem with the game mode.

starkerealm · February 2021

kargen27 wrote: »

I think I have a solution that will make everybody happy.

Get rid of all events.

I'd be disappointed by that. I actually like the Christmas quests, even if I've rerun them to the point where they've ground to paste at this point.

I'm not a huge fan of the Jester's Festival quests, but they're novel and fit the feel of the event.

The Dragon Rising event was actually really cool.

There are ways to make really good events, but the key is to make them actual, you know, events, and not just, "oh, grind this subset of content this week." The key is, when the events feel like there's an actual event, it tends to be pretty cool. The problem is that the vast majority of the time it's just doing the same thing you could do any other time, but this time with cosmetics to bait you in.

worrallj · February 2021

B0SSzombie wrote: »

Funny how the only reason PVP players would want to keep PVE content in Cyrodiil is so they have players to prey on, and not to actually have legitimate PVP engagements with.

Funny how you just made that up about pvp players.

CSose wrote: »

Give us a PvP everywhere except cyrodiil then.

Well played sir, indeed.

Cadbury · February 2021

I only like Jesters Festival for meme reasons, but the rest are pretty good. For someone like me who doesn't PvP as often anymore, MYM has grown to become rather endearing. I'm sad this event draws as much ire as it does.

milllaurie · February 2021

I would say give us PVP overland or PVP dungeons. I would love instead of bloodspawn to face a person with crimson and vateshran weaps.

kargen27 · February 2021

B0SSzombie wrote: »

Funny how the only reason PVP players would want to keep PVE content in Cyrodiil is so they have players to prey on, and not to actually have legitimate PVP engagements with.

You shouldn't characterize like that. I went into Cyrodiil the first time to finish my fishing achievements. I got invited into a group joined out of curiosity and found I liked PvP. I would have never visited if it were not for the accomplishments. These events do that same thing. THey bring players who otherwise might never try PvP into the PvP world. The hope of many who PvP is they will like what they experience and decide to come back.

And I am certain, extremely so, that most of the players causing grief are not regular PvP'rs. They are PvE'rs that dabble a bit and being unable to get kills the rest of the year are doing so now.

Sure there are a few players that resent having to PvE for gear so they take it upon themselves to see the PvE'rs have a bad time during this event. Not much you can do about those types other than ask for some help in zone chat to rid yourself of the problem. These types of players usually lurk in the lower populated campaigns knowing that is where the PvE players will be.

Most the PvP population doesn't care about the influx of players to this event other than it causes population lock in their home campaigns. They will ignore you because you are no threat to them or the map. A couple of PvP guilds I was in would threaten to remove you from group for the night if you chased lone players and especially so during this event. It is a bit harsh but you just don't matter to them.

This event is good as is because it gives players incentive to try things they otherwise would not. It is disheartening that a few players like to cause grief because that can cause people who may enjoy PvP to not try beyond this event.

THEDKEXPERIENCE · February 2021

@kargen27 is right.

Almost all regular PVPers are battling towards the inner 6 keeps. The outside keeps are mostly just taken for travel reasons. Regular PVPers aren’t camping outposts looking for CP261 players to turn in quests. There’s no value in it.

Regular PVPers want AP. If I hit you with an ice comet you don’t expect it’s not because I was hunting or chasing you. It’s because you decided to slowly ride your horse alone in between two active battle points almost always on the inner circle. If I chase you it’s because you ran the same way I was already going.

Frankly I will admit to having some of the worst PVP ethics on this forum. I don’t care if you’re a CP810 or a no CP level 10. If you’re in my way I’m probably going to hit you with an ice comet because, well, you’re in my way.

But no, I’m not and very few other regulars are camping things like Chorral mission givers. I’m not even certain if Chorral has mission givers or even if I spelled it right. I don’t even know which side of the map it’s on because I’m living at BRK and the rest all evening.

hafgood · February 2021

In my guild we had a confirmed PvEr. He had no interest in PvP, none whatsoever, it wasn't for him.

Against his better judgement he joined some of his friends in the 7 day campaign as they went on an Emp push.

4 days later he went on his own Emp push, he has come over to the dark side and now understands why we PvP.

Today we (AD) won in Blackreach on PS4 EU. This morning any of the alliances could have won it but we prevailed in the end.

Thays why we PvP, because its like player chess with 500 pieces and moving them around an ever changing board.

Give it a go.You may enjoy it, but please stop trying to change Cyrodiil, Midyear Mayhem is a good time for people to give PvP a go, take advantage, whats the worse that can happen? Oh and we die as well, we die a lot, we die multiple times during s battle. Other than in Imperial City where you can lose TelVar the only thing you can lose is seige weaponry you have put down.

So its a total no risk experience.

xinvidiousx · February 2021

honestly cant believe there are people that feel entitled to immunity in a pvp zone..... you're pve'ers you literally grind the content that gives the gear for pvp... this is like pvp'ers asking for immunity in dungeon/trials... how often do you hear pve'ers complain about the random pvp player joining with pvp gear and doing no dmg....
that said, i agree with whats been said for the most part on pulling pve content from cyrodiil but then thered still be nonsense like this post because then you truly are forced to engage in pvp.
regardless if you do the work (grinding gear) then cyrodiil is a little less undaunting. everyone dies at some point, gear helps you combat that just as the right gear in a dungeon helps pve.
if you cant be arsed with making an actual pvp setup and are being farmed, stay out of cyrodiil. no ones forcing you to participate. theres also the ticket selling in store as an option.
also, left tip on other post but will repeat it here for those that missed, if you pick up the scoutng quest in cyrodiil it generally picks the closest area your aliance doesnt own, hop into a gated campaign to get quest then go to a campaign that your aliance owns the are for your quest and easy peezy you'e done, just gotta be willing to look for these shortcuts instead of complaining.

markulrich1966 · February 2021

not willing to read all 5 pages, so just in case nobody mentioned it (stopped after reading the first page):

this mode already exists, and is called Blackreach.

Empty campaign (just somewhat populated during MYM). At least on xbox.
There are even more deserted ones, like a no-cp campaign I never join as I don't like to solo cyro completely.

Note: this is not an ironic post. I play PVE 95% of the time. Simply veryify it after the event - I just cannot guarante that PC is that deserted, too.

Vanya · February 2021

Vevvev wrote: »

Trust me when I say this, but you're not missing out on much when it comes to PVE in Cyrodiil. The quests might have a twist or two, like the one where you're delivering the news a woman is pregnant to her lover, but they're just basic go from point A to point B. There is no overarching story like the Imperial City has.

And Imperial City is the Heart of Cyrodil and IC is even worse. I yet have to complete first chapter of Story DLC within Imperial city but I am unable because of how overcrowded and messed it's. No wonder why it went free, even before you pay for IC DLC you cannot get pass gate because of PVPer's with combination of unlimited forces of Deadra with lag spikes and difficulty navigating.

IC needs overhaul to accomodate to PVE players and PVP can slaughter each other as much as they want in separate realm, by Sacred swords and saints of Yokuda.

Vanya · February 2021

The simplest fix would be to leave current PVP IC as it is and create casual version to players seeking less intense and oppressive version of IC THAT wont be spoiled by other players with someone powerless to do anything.

I literally care not what interner warriors will say i wont come there and end frustrated or being swarmed constantly interrupted plus that monster re-spawn rate in IC insanely fast.

There are two complaints i have with ESO currently, Cyrodirl overhaul , Crown crate madness , extra:Brining back Eveli was a mistake too, of all characters you had to bring her

Cyrodil/IC is one of the most iconic regions of Dawn's Beauty and you spolied it with PvP , there is a bit redemption with Blackwood, you still have chance to create full PVE version of region and should be way way smaller as well.

kargen27 · February 2021

Vanya wrote: »

The simplest fix would be to leave current PVP IC as it is and create casual version to players seeking less intense and oppressive version of IC THAT wont be spoiled by other players with someone powerless to do anything.

That still takes away from the variety aspect. An MMO survives in part on players trying a variety of activities. They create events, gear and skills based on getting us to branch out into other things. A casual Imperial City takes away from their goal of getting players to try more types of game play.

It might be simple to do but it wouldn't be good for the game.

Sylvermynx · February 2021

I don't think a pve Cyro/IC is a good idea. I don't do pvp, and it's not a problem. I DO fish - so yeah, I'm "risking" death when I have to get the Cyro fish.

*shrug* The first four Master Fishers I got, I saw a total of TWO other players (op fac at that), and neither of them bothered me, nor did I bother them (as if I would have....)

One of them helped me fish out a hole so I got my blue salt water fish, and was done on the 4th character. I waved and suicided to the slaughterfish. She probably laughed.

JKorr · February 2021

Erissime wrote: »

JKorr wrote: »

Erissime wrote: »

A game is a challenge. Zos unites very well (with the ever possibility of improvement) both pve and pvp aspects in their game, and people who complain about it simply fail to see the bigger picture. These differences between pve and pvp are made and supported by people - they should not exist in a game, and a true lover of it will eventually try all. Failure should only make one wonder how to be better at it ( you are ganked? Crouch more/ you need that super hard trial boss? learn its mechanics and appreciate those who will join you - etc etc) - while simply enjoying the beautiful imagery ALL game provides. In short, less negativity and more work is the way.

My main issue remains. Why? Why bother? If the only story in the game was the war, I'd have never looked at the game in the first place. Killing/getting killed over and over is pointless. No matter how many times I get killed, no matter how many players I kill, nothing game related will change. The only reason to bother with PvP is to be better than other players. Personally, me only, I don't care. Your character can kill mine by blinking in her general direction. Congrats on your build and your skill. I have no burning need to "gitgud" and kill you for revenge. Without competition as a motivating factor, why should I be trying to kill you?

There is competition. You seem utterly annoyed by the idea of "being killed" - that IS the competition - what can you do to avoid that? How can you better if not your built at least the way you move about the world ?( I already gave you a hint there - as a pve player myself with dips into pvp). As for reasons to pvp game wise? There are plenty of rewards to gain from it - from armours to emotes and polymoprhs (for them pure visuals and rp), not to mention the team effort rewarding of a whole alliance. If anything pve lacks the kind of unity pvp has - so really your point is not valid, but merely denoting both lack of knowledge as well as unwillingness to research. It is a challenge and a beautiful one at that. And I like how taking a shard in Cyro is way harder than in pve - it's how it should be - tis war after all, why should we be allowed to wonder like a little flower in the breeze without a care in the world in war-land? THAT is what makes no sense. And if your story-wise character cannot stand war, don't go there ( As an rp-er also I only sport one char of my 5 full story built in there). But there are stories and challenges and beauty everywhere - so long as you WISH to see them. As for the unfairness of it all? Well isn't there a saying that goes - "everything is permitted in love and war?" - would much rather admire that constant level of uncertainty vs the secure and predictable ( also needed) state of pve. Both are important, and both should be treated with equal seriosity. Undermining one over another is just - being lazy. And this comes from a person much like yourself - killed more times then one can count in pvp, for the mere attempt of doing pve achievements in there ( Skyshards, fishing, pve quests) - but I laughed and tried harder and it never occurred to me this is an issue. Once more - tis war - land! And now I wish to learn and understand it more - because it is an aspect of the game I love - and cannot but recommend it further. So to finish your points - while it is not the main story of the game it is A story - and if you were a true lover of such, you would know that EVERYTHING can be made into a story - and I dare say pvp rewarded me with quite a few! (not from pve quests) !

um...no. I am annoyed by being killed because it takes time away from playing. Having to respawn multiple times because someone's idea of fun is killing a player who isn't fighting back wastes playing time. I use crafted armor because I pve, so armor doesn't matter for me. I don't see the point of emotes, either. my personal opinion is that many of them look absolutely ridiculous. Ditto the polymorphs. That is my personal opinion only, no judgment on anyone who uses them, that is their concept of character. I've not managed to make a character that is interested in the war. It truly does not matter who is on the Ruby Throne. Their lives go on no matter who is in charge; none of the possible "winners" is actually suited to rule. The best that can be hoped is that the Skald King gets it; Ebonheart wants independence from the corrupt Empire. I do understand; I did do research; I just don't care who wins. There may be pvpers who want fair fights but I haven't met any on the few occasions I've gone to Cyrodiil. The "beautiful challenge" is somewhat dimmed by the fact that the times I did go to Cyrodiil to craft gear for a guildmate, the attacker waited until after I finished fights with npcs so my resources were low, then send wonderful whispers about what my Mom said and did last night, insults, and all the happy trash-talk because I didn't fight back. Guess I have unrealistic expectations of civil behavior from competitive people. I'm glad you found stories in pvp. I found a few interesting creative words I didn't know, suggestions for sexual positions that would be impossible, and an even firmer conviction that I will never understand the mindset of people who have to "win" and get pleasure out of annoying and insulting others. I think the best idea ZOS has come up with was the attunable crafting stations. Now I don't have to go to "war-land" anymore.

MakoRuu · February 2021

I like Cyrodiil, it's a beautiful and massive zone. I participate in vents and pvp stuff, just the norm.

But I'd love a PVE Campaign where I can get all the sky shards, do the delves, do the dolmens, et cetera, without getting ganked by a zerg of literally 18 people versus just me doing zone content.

It would be easy for Zos to do it, too. Just modify the already existing zone buffs to include some sort of passive immunity to player damage. This way, you could still do content and fight mobs without anyone bothering you. And it would be a separate Campaign, too. Not like people would take over the normal ones or anything.

cyberjanet · February 2021

Araneae6537 wrote: »

did some actual PvP with a guild group, and started to enjoy it!

If you think about it, PvP is a group activity just like a trial. You wouldn't solo a trial, you would get so ganked by the NPC characters you'd never do a trial again. Solo PvP is really not for beginners, but for people with enough experience to solo it. Just like dungeons are soloable by someone with plenty of experience.

It's very hard to get a group in Cyrodiil, people start LFG and never get invited, and keep repeating. It is possible to tag alongside a group and get some of the benefits of group play if you can read the map accurately, or if there is some leadership in guild chat, which you can't do in a dungeon or trial.

We had a guild group of mainly beginners going into IC, led by an experienced PvPer, and we all had a great time.

Erissime · February 2021

JKorr wrote: »

Erissime wrote: »

JKorr wrote: »

Erissime wrote: »

A game is a challenge. Zos unites very well (with the ever possibility of improvement) both pve and pvp aspects in their game, and people who complain about it simply fail to see the bigger picture. These differences between pve and pvp are made and supported by people - they should not exist in a game, and a true lover of it will eventually try all. Failure should only make one wonder how to be better at it ( you are ganked? Crouch more/ you need that super hard trial boss? learn its mechanics and appreciate those who will join you - etc etc) - while simply enjoying the beautiful imagery ALL game provides. In short, less negativity and more work is the way.

My main issue remains. Why? Why bother? If the only story in the game was the war, I'd have never looked at the game in the first place. Killing/getting killed over and over is pointless. No matter how many times I get killed, no matter how many players I kill, nothing game related will change. The only reason to bother with PvP is to be better than other players. Personally, me only, I don't care. Your character can kill mine by blinking in her general direction. Congrats on your build and your skill. I have no burning need to "gitgud" and kill you for revenge. Without competition as a motivating factor, why should I be trying to kill you?

There is competition. You seem utterly annoyed by the idea of "being killed" - that IS the competition - what can you do to avoid that? How can you better if not your built at least the way you move about the world ?( I already gave you a hint there - as a pve player myself with dips into pvp). As for reasons to pvp game wise? There are plenty of rewards to gain from it - from armours to emotes and polymoprhs (for them pure visuals and rp), not to mention the team effort rewarding of a whole alliance. If anything pve lacks the kind of unity pvp has - so really your point is not valid, but merely denoting both lack of knowledge as well as unwillingness to research. It is a challenge and a beautiful one at that. And I like how taking a shard in Cyro is way harder than in pve - it's how it should be - tis war after all, why should we be allowed to wonder like a little flower in the breeze without a care in the world in war-land? THAT is what makes no sense. And if your story-wise character cannot stand war, don't go there ( As an rp-er also I only sport one char of my 5 full story built in there). But there are stories and challenges and beauty everywhere - so long as you WISH to see them. As for the unfairness of it all? Well isn't there a saying that goes - "everything is permitted in love and war?" - would much rather admire that constant level of uncertainty vs the secure and predictable ( also needed) state of pve. Both are important, and both should be treated with equal seriosity. Undermining one over another is just - being lazy. And this comes from a person much like yourself - killed more times then one can count in pvp, for the mere attempt of doing pve achievements in there ( Skyshards, fishing, pve quests) - but I laughed and tried harder and it never occurred to me this is an issue. Once more - tis war - land! And now I wish to learn and understand it more - because it is an aspect of the game I love - and cannot but recommend it further. So to finish your points - while it is not the main story of the game it is A story - and if you were a true lover of such, you would know that EVERYTHING can be made into a story - and I dare say pvp rewarded me with quite a few! (not from pve quests) !

um...no. I am annoyed by being killed because it takes time away from playing. Having to respawn multiple times because someone's idea of fun is killing a player who isn't fighting back wastes playing time. I use crafted armor because I pve, so armor doesn't matter for me. I don't see the point of emotes, either. my personal opinion is that many of them look absolutely ridiculous. Ditto the polymorphs. That is my personal opinion only, no judgment on anyone who uses them, that is their concept of character. I've not managed to make a character that is interested in the war. It truly does not matter who is on the Ruby Throne. Their lives go on no matter who is in charge; none of the possible "winners" is actually suited to rule. The best that can be hoped is that the Skald King gets it; Ebonheart wants independence from the corrupt Empire. I do understand; I did do research; I just don't care who wins. There may be pvpers who want fair fights but I haven't met any on the few occasions I've gone to Cyrodiil. The "beautiful challenge" is somewhat dimmed by the fact that the times I did go to Cyrodiil to craft gear for a guildmate, the attacker waited until after I finished fights with npcs so my resources were low, then send wonderful whispers about what my Mom said and did last night, insults, and all the happy trash-talk because I didn't fight back. Guess I have unrealistic expectations of civil behavior from competitive people. I'm glad you found stories in pvp. I found a few interesting creative words I didn't know, suggestions for sexual positions that would be impossible, and an even firmer conviction that I will never understand the mindset of people who have to "win" and get pleasure out of annoying and insulting others. I think the best idea ZOS has come up with was the attunable crafting stations. Now I don't have to go to "war-land" anymore.

Rude and vulgar behaviour is a thing all over the place (was met with it in dungeons plenty) one does not need be in Cyrodil to experience it. Answering or even paying attention to insulting tells merely feeds it rather than help ignoring it. As for the story flow - that's as each does it for the self. Details are the answer to that, not the general idea given by the game - but that is another topic suitable for rp. Cyro is right as it is for a war-zone, and the only improvements it needs are of the mechanical sort already discussed in other forums with more realistic view of things. Players who refuse to understand the game and its requirements need not even bother write in forums or express any interest for what ultimately - does not interest them at all.

Goregrinder · February 2021

cyberjanet wrote: »

Araneae6537 wrote: »

did some actual PvP with a guild group, and started to enjoy it!

If you think about it, PvP is a group activity just like a trial. You wouldn't solo a trial, you would get so ganked by the NPC characters you'd never do a trial again. Solo PvP is really not for beginners, but for people with enough experience to solo it. Just like dungeons are soloable by someone with plenty of experience.

It's very hard to get a group in Cyrodiil, people start LFG and never get invited, and keep repeating. It is possible to tag alongside a group and get some of the benefits of group play if you can read the map accurately, or if there is some leadership in guild chat, which you can't do in a dungeon or trial.

We had a guild group of mainly beginners going into IC, led by an experienced PvPer, and we all had a great time.

The_Lex · February 2021

Every MYM and IC it's the same thing...the forums fill with PvE rage.

This game was marketed with PvP. Cyrodiil was the end game. Trials did not exist until several weeks after launch.

worrallj · February 2021

Vanya wrote: »

The simplest fix would be to leave current PVP IC as it is and create casual version to players seeking less intense and oppressive version of IC THAT wont be spoiled by other players with someone powerless to do anything.

I literally care not what interner warriors will say i wont come there and end frustrated or being swarmed constantly interrupted plus that monster re-spawn rate in IC insanely fast.

There are two complaints i have with ESO currently, Cyrodirl overhaul , Crown crate madness , extra:Brining back Eveli was a mistake too, of all characters you had to bring her

Cyrodil/IC is one of the most iconic regions of Dawn's Beauty and you spolied it with PvP , there is a bit redemption with Blackwood, you still have chance to create full PVE version of region and should be way way smaller as well.

The simplest fix would be to not do anything, because nothing is broken. The fact that Cyrodiil and IC are pvp zones is a feature not a bug. People are just whining because they don't like coming face to face with their own potato-ness.

Massacre_Wurm · February 2021

The_Lex wrote: »

Every MYM and IC it's the same thing...the forums fill with PvE rage.

This game was marketed with PvP. Cyrodiil was the end game. Trials did not exist until several weeks after launch.

And ? Cyrodiil is no longer end game. We are getting new trials regulary but almost 0 pvp content.

Matchimus · February 2021

Another thread where someone wants the environment to be adapted to them rather than them learning to adapt to the environment.

I'm glad as a pve player there are pushes to go into pvp lands. I'm no good at it but it has brought some additional variety to my game. Without it I would have stayed behind the pve wall and missed out on some of my fav achievements.

Mik195 · February 2021

HoosierPappy wrote: »

The_Old_Goat wrote: »

Would you like a pve battleground too while we're at it?

Could you?

That wouuld be awesome!

Yes please! I'd like the opportunity to learn the maps and games without penalizing the 3 other players on my team. So can I have a tutorial bg with me and 11 NPCs?

SeaGtGruff · February 2021

The_Lex wrote: »

Every MYM and IC it's the same thing...the forums fill with PvE rage.

This game was marketed with PvP. Cyrodiil was the end game. Trials did not exist until several weeks after launch.

TBF, the rage and indignation and whining and mudslinging exists on both sides. And we the forumites don't need MYM and IC to have an excuse for all of that; any event or topic will do.

[whips out best Castor impression]

"The tediousness is... palpable."

Come on, everybody-- it's a frigging game, for goodness sakes! It's supposed to be fun and bring people together.

QuebraRegra · February 2021

B0SSzombie wrote: »

Funny how the only reason PVP players would want to keep PVE content in Cyrodiil is so they have players to prey on, and not to actually have legitimate PVP engagements with.

This has always been the way... They want more little fish.

QuebraRegra · February 2021

CSose wrote: »

Give us a PvP everywhere except cyrodiil then.

you already have it... dueling :P

garbage IMHO.

Florial · February 2021

MasterSpatula wrote: »

The event doesn't punish or lock out PVEers. it specifically exists to encourage PVEers to try something new. That's its point. To provide PVEers an opportunity to skip all PVP aspects defies the entire point of the event.

Yep, I actually tried a bit of PvP during the Midyear Mayhem a few years ago and ended up liking it. Joined a PvP guild and got one of my characters to Grand Overlord. Love playing as part of a team and although I'm not the best PvPer out there, I have lots of fun doing it. My PvP guild is my main guild at this point. Great group of people. This is my first MMO where I've really PvPed.

This discussion comes up every year. I agree about the quests in Cyrodill---not too much epic storytelling. I just finished taking one of my PvE characters through Bruma and the quests were mind-numbingly easy and boring. Didn't run into any PvP action. As far as getting skyshards, that can be a bit of a challenge. I just waited for gates to become open and ran like hell to collect those hard to get skyshards. It was actually quite a bit of fun. My suggestion is just to be patient with the event. You may have to deal with some PvP action but you can avoid much of it as well.