Hi all

I know there are many threads like this one, but I never know what the etiquette/policy is about necroing them so I'm starting a new one, but please, try to bear with me.

I've been playing ESO since the closed Beta and had very rarely set foot in the group dungeons, that is until recently. I think a combination of the Companions system, better understanding of sets, etc etc has given me a little more confidence and this week I've dared to try the Undaunted daily random Normal and even tried some Vets (with great apologies to those kind players who patiently helped me through.)

There are LOADS of dungeons I've never seen the inside of, and I always start these runs with an apology and heads up that I'm new to them and so don't know what to expect. This works fine, and most people don't say anything at all, but some people are just sweet as anything and even stay grouped so I can explore when we're done. But these people are rare. Quite understandably, given the nature of the dailies, most people want to get through them and get on with their day, and I don't begrudge them that for one minute.

But, I am a little sad that I very rarely get to even *understand* what's going on with the storyline, let alone speak to the various npcs properly. The kick timer at the end means if there isn't a kind soul to stay grouped with me, I have a few brief seconds to run about before I'm removed from the area. All those little pots and cupboards I didn't get to loot!! My heart!!

I would love a Story Mode allowing me to see the inside of a dungeon, experience the story and explore. And look, if you are twitchy about the loot thing, why not have the overland sets from the appropriate zones as the loot table? That way no one is losing out, the run feels meaningful and no one feels people are getting stuff they don't 'deserve'. Although this last bit makes me do a frowny face but moving on...

I also think if you give people the chance to have a go at some of the mechanics on their own, they may have more confidence and be more willing to try those dungeons...*gasps*...with OTHER PEOPLE. That's what we want right? (I guess...although why people can't just play the way they like without harrassment is beyond me.)

Case in point, I've just had my first ever run of Falkreath Hold. It was fine, the people were silent but not horrible, we did the thing, I got the loot and my Undaunted cache, but I have NO FLIPPING IDEA what the story was really about, and my word it's an interesting place! And all the urns!!

So please, this is from someone who wants to run dungeons properly, doesn't want to waste people's time and 'wants to get better at the game' *eyeroll* but I really really want to enjoy the fab stories and fab places ZOS has made and explore them at my own pace. I honestly don't see how a Story Mode hurts the game or players, and can only make more people invested in the game.

Thanks for reading to here. o/

P.S. Another reason for my new found confidence is that access to public dungeons, dolmen, world bosses etc because of companions in the world makes finding better and interesting sets easier. As a primarily solo player, I no longer feel like a second class scrub, and in turn I feel I can join in group content. Believe me, the filthy casual solo player label does make one feel alienated from those who feel comfortable in groups and guilds.

You want people to dip their toe in group content? Make it easier, attractive and less initmidating for them to get on the first rung of the ladder, without demanding that they 'get gud'. I also have a sneaking suspicion that many solo players are much better at the game than they realise. Let them find out how good they are on their own terms.