Ember X Isobel

TaSheen · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

I do not like Isobel. I do not like this VA that everyone is going on about. Her voice is high and grating to me.

She has an established fanbase among Elder Scrolls players mainly due to her role in Skyrim as Serana. I never got it; her voice is very frustrating to me in everything I've heard her in. I admittedly rolled my eyes a bit when I heard they hired her for Isobel. I'm sure she's a lovely women but I do not like her voice acting. I gave her a try in game but couldn't cope with it. I prefer lower more calm sounding voices which is one of the reasons cannot give these new companions my time.

Yes - Serana is SO annoying overall, I've managed to do practically the entire questline with her dismissed (there are a few times she has to be present of course) but I turn voices off so that's not really an issue. I just don't much care for obnoxious sidekicks.

What is required to level Ember? Is it the whole Undaunted daily thing? Not a fun sort of grind for me.

NotaDaedraWorshipper · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

so they are also wrong about that

Something I come across a lot with complaints about Bastian. There's a lot of misinformation meant to back up their vision of him as 'the worst'. I've seen the accusation of 'whining' about a whole host of things he doesn't actually do. Someone up thread compared him to Sebastian in DA 2 which is so wrong I don't know where to start.

Yup. Used to see a lot of that he was a hypocrit for disliking alcohol but then wanting to hit the inn. Which likely came from his dislike for cheese but people thought it was alcohol because they made that at the same time for writs.

And yeah, the Sebastian comparison is bizzare.

Caupo · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

I do not like Isobel. I do not like this VA that everyone is going on about. Her voice is high and grating to me.

She has an established fanbase among Elder Scrolls players mainly due to her role in Skyrim as Serana. I never got it; her voice is very frustrating to me in everything I've heard her in. I admittedly rolled my eyes a bit when I heard they hired her for Isobel. I'm sure she's a lovely women but I do not like her voice acting. I gave her a try in game but couldn't cope with it. I prefer lower more calm sounding voices which is one of the reasons cannot give these new companions my time.

It is a personal preference, I do like her voice, and overall her story is great as well.

James-Wayne wrote: »

Isobel just makes you feel good about playing the game, she compliments you on everything you do in a really nice way...

If only real life was like Isobel.

If only real wife was like Isobel.

Caupo · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

so they are also wrong about that

Something I come across a lot with complaints about Bastian. There's a lot of misinformation meant to back up their vision of him as 'the worst'. I've seen the accusation of 'whining' about a whole host of things he doesn't actually do. Someone up thread compared him to Sebastian in DA 2 which is so wrong I don't know where to start.

Yes, I did that comparison. And I still stand by it. I didnt say that Sebastian or in fact Bastian, are bad as companions or complain about them at all, I just dont like the preachy high morale type of people in general. There is nothing wrong that they are the way they are, just not for my companion

Khenarthi · June 2022

TaSheen wrote: »

Treselegant wrote: »

I do not like Isobel. I do not like this VA that everyone is going on about. Her voice is high and grating to me.

She has an established fanbase among Elder Scrolls players mainly due to her role in Skyrim as Serana. I never got it; her voice is very frustrating to me in everything I've heard her in. I admittedly rolled my eyes a bit when I heard they hired her for Isobel. I'm sure she's a lovely women but I do not like her voice acting. I gave her a try in game but couldn't cope with it. I prefer lower more calm sounding voices which is one of the reasons cannot give these new companions my time.

Yes - Serana is SO annoying overall, I've managed to do practically the entire questline with her dismissed (there are a few times she has to be present of course) but I turn voices off so that's not really an issue. I just don't much care for obnoxious sidekicks.

What is required to level Ember? Is it the whole Undaunted daily thing? Not a fun sort of grind for me.

I did the same in Skyrim, only summoned Serena when strickly necessary, and then unsummoned her back as soon as possible.

Ember levels via 3 main sources

Thieves guild imperfect heist, Mages guild daily quest, High Isle daily delve

Isobel has only 2 main sources

Undaunted daily delve, High Isle daily World Boss

Lysette · June 2022

As my characters simply refuse to dismiss Mirri, I guess I am stuck with her and don't get to know Ember or Isobel.

But maybe they are right - Mirri is a good companion, I like her a lot. Would I like a Khajiit?- yeah, if it would be an adult Khajiit, but I'm not taking one with the mind of a kitten. And so far I read here, that Ember is childish, I don't need that around. I don't know what to think about Isobel from what you describe - she sounds like the type of woman, I would suggest to a male friend, because he might need someone headstrong with morals, but I certainly don't want that for myself. So I guess my characters are quite right to stick with Mirri.

Ilsabet · June 2022

I thought this was going to be a shipping thread, and I'm not sure whether to be disappointed or not.

ElvenOverlord · June 2022

Easy. You can kill, steal, use blade of woe or enter dark brotherhood sanctuary and Ember is fine. Her rapport only goes down when you act like a noob amateur and get caught.

Also add in that I think Khajiit are a more popular race than Bretons plus people generally prefer the "bad girl" archetype who came up on the streets, is independent and make her own choices even if it goes against the status quo or what the older generation or society would approve of. That seems more popular than the morally upstanding character who always try to do the right thing like what Isobel represents.

ElvenOverlord · June 2022

Btw I keep seeing this but Mirri doesn't really "insult" you out of malice. Its all playful fun or like a "dig". I can tell she's joking around like a playful brother or sister who's always poking fun at you.

Lysette · June 2022

ElvenOverlord wrote: »

Btw I keep seeing this but Mirri doesn't really "insult" you out of malice. Its all playful fun or like a "dig". I can tell she's joking around like a playful brother or sister who's always poking fun at you.

This, I find her remarks as well just as a kind of mocking, not an insult, like when she tells me that I can never have enough of what I'm currently picking up (whilst having thousands of those in my crafting bag already). She is right with that, I shouldn't waste time on that, but I just can't help it. She has to deal with that and I have to accept her mocking me for it. All good.

The only thing which bothers me is that she is always hungry, famished even, and I cannot quench her very needs by buying her a meal. Why are NPCs mentioning things we cannot react to - as well with those beggars, why can't I give them a few coins or offer them food. I don't expect anything in return, it does not have to be a boon like in TES:Skyrim - just that I feel better about it, instead to let them starve.

Treselegant · June 2022

Yes, I did that comparison. And I still stand by it

Not to wander off track too much here but:

Sabastian in DA 2 - Very religious, driven by vengence and willing to whield political power to serve his goals. Quite happy to kill to further his personal goals. Threatens to level a city with his armies when his will is denied. So religious he wants to enter a 'chaste' marriage if persued by the player.

Bastian in ESO - Trying to be a good person in response to his fathers betrayal of King Emeric and the emotional neglect of his foster family. Outwardly confident but underneath feels that what he wants doesn't really matter. Striking out with the Vestige is the first thing he's really done for himself. Has idle dialogue which suggest he had a casual relationship with a girl back in Daggerfall but considers himself single and is happy to flirt tentively with the Vestige.

You - these are the same. lol. I know not everyone is great with understanding character but...

Caupo · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

Yes, I did that comparison. And I still stand by it

Not to wander off track too much here but:

Sabastian in DA 2 - Very religious, driven by vengence and willing to whield political power to serve his goals. Quite happy to kill to further his personal goals. Threatens to level a city with his armies when his will is denied. So religious he wants to enter a 'chaste' marriage if persued by the player.

Bastian in ESO - Trying to be a good person in response to his fathers betrayal of King Emeric and the emotional neglect of his foster family. Outwardly confident but underneath feels that what he wants doesn't really matter. Striking out with the Vestige is the first thing he's really done for himself. Has idle dialogue which suggest he had a casual relationship with a girl back in Daggerfall but considers himself single and is happy to flirt tentively with the Vestige.

You - these are the same. lol. I know not everyone is great with understanding character but...

First of all, Sebastian becomes the way you guide him, so your version is only one possibility of him.

Secondly, if we do direct comparison - Both of them where separated from families at young age. Both of their parents were killed by third party. Both of them are kinda lost in their world, guided by player, and shaped by players actions and dialogue (more in DA2 ofc). Both of them want to do "good" actions and redeem themselves in their own eyes, although the concept of "good" is a little bit different for them, still the means are similar. They both are somewhat religious, Sebastian more ofc. Both are kinda trusting, especially to player. To summarize they are both just whiny preachy do-gooders.

Thirdly, I cannot comment on their romantic options as I do not engage in such with male characters.

Treselegant · June 2022

Both of them are kinda lost in their world, guided by player, and shaped by players actions and dialogue

No, this doesn't happen in ESO. The only way you can influence them is whether they hate you or not which is not remotely the same mechanic. If Sebastian in DA 2 can be any type of personality guided by the player, how on earth is that anyway relevent to Bastian in ESO? The only thing they have in common is that they are noble orphans who prefer moral actions.

It's a massive stretch. Like, to the moon level stretch. I can only assume you have never played through either characters personal quests to come to this conclusion. Or the themes passed you by, I have no idea.

Caupo · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

Both of them are kinda lost in their world, guided by player, and shaped by players actions and dialogue

No, this doesn't happen in ESO. The only way you can influence them is whether they hate you or not which is not remotely the same mechanic. If Sebastian in DA 2 can be any type of personality guided by the player, how on earth is that anyway relevent to Bastian in ESO? The only thing they have in common is that they are noble orphans who prefer moral actions.

It's a massive stretch. Like, to the moon level stretch. I can only assume you have never played through either characters personal quests to come to this conclusion. Or the themes passed you by, I have no idea.

I did play their personal quests of course, in fact Bastians final quest was more similar to Alistairs from DA:O, albeit with better outcome.
And still their personalities are very similar and (re)actions as well. Anyways, lets agree to disagree since definitely we wont change each others mind

NotaDaedraWorshipper · June 2022

ElvenOverlord wrote: »

Btw I keep seeing this but Mirri doesn't really "insult" you out of malice. Its all playful fun or like a "dig". I can tell she's joking around like a playful brother or sister who's always poking fun at you.

Yeah no, to me she comes across as passively aggresive, snippy and rude. If you think she's joking then you do you. My orc and argonian do not like her casual racism in their face either.

Treselegant · June 2022

definitely we wont change each others mind

No, not so much.

I think there's this spit between players who prefer their companions to be female and compliment them and make them feel good and those of us who might find it a bit much. It's not so much that Bastian is 'whiny' its that he is unacceptable for those who prefer the more perky complimentary support and well, he's not a hot girl. Obviously Bastian isn't going to be every lady gamer's type either which is why we needed another male companion to even things out.

When Bastian ribs me for being 'excessive' by calling down a comet on a boss, I just laugh, I'd expect it from a friend so it doesn't bother me. Seems more realistic to me, more human and less game-y. I find it more bareable than what they've done with the two new companions.

NotaDaedraWorshipper · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

I think there's this spit between players who prefer their companions to be female and compliment them and make them feel good and those of us who might find it a bit much. It's not so much that Bastian is 'whiny' its that he is unacceptable for those who prefer the more perky complimentary support and well, he's not a hot girl. Obviously Bastian isn't going to be every lady gamer's type either which is why we needed another male companion to even things out.

and that he's not cool with stealing and murder. Which is a very sensible and common thing to be.

Treselegant · June 2022

and that he's not cool with stealing and murder. Which is a very sensible and common thing to be.

Ha! Yes, quite right. It makes sense in the context of the world. You might expect a citizen of Tamriel to be at least a little put out by the unstoppable immortal psychopath that is the murderhobo player.

TaSheen · June 2022

Khenarthi wrote: »

Ember levels via 3 main sources
Thieves guild imperfect heist, Mages guild daily quest, High Isle daily delve

Isobel has only 2 main sources
Undaunted daily delve, High Isle daily World Boss

Thanks! I don't do TG or DB, but the others are fine - so Ember will just level a bit slower for me.

SilverBride · June 2022

ElvenOverlord wrote: »

Btw I keep seeing this but Mirri doesn't really "insult" you out of malice. Its all playful fun or like a "dig". I can tell she's joking around like a playful brother or sister who's always poking fun at you.

I absolutely hate Mirri. I don't find her passive aggressive insults fun or playful.

I had a "playful" sister when I was growing up who thought saying mean things and pulling pranks was funny. It isn't.

I didn't put up with it in real life and I am not going to put up with it from an NPC in a game.

ADarklore · June 2022

I dunno... I see Bastian as someone who is trying to 'make up for' all that his father did wrong; he's trying to gain back family honor for the sins of the father, so to speak. I haven't done his personal quests, but based on his initial quest and statements he's made, just seems like he feels an obligation to walk the honorable path.

Treselegant · June 2022

he's trying to gain back family honor for the sins of the father, so to speak

You are right. He carries the shame of his father's betrayal of King Emeric around with him, the disgrace hammered into him since he was a child. Everyone around him growing up tells him he's a bad seed, that he could never be a gentleman, but he's just so determined to prove them wrong. It's interesting writing.

It's a shame there's no intergration of Blackwood companions into High Isle, because it took me right out of the story to have Bastian stood next to me while I was talking to King Emeric without comment. It's revealed in his quests that Bastian looks very similar to his father - I imagine that would give Emeric pause at least.

Iselin · June 2022

I don't do a lot of safe box (except when they force it on me for leads) but I will not pass up a thieves trove when I run into one. Needing to dismiss companions temporarily so as not to lose a chunk of rapport is a PITA.

Besides, Ember's backstory just hits all the right notes for me.

Roxxsmom · June 2022

Ember is more flexible if you like to raid thief's caches and safeboxes when they pop up, and you can drop into the refuges to fence items. If you forget to dismiss Isobel before you do this, you lose rep.

Also, Ember is kind of fun.

I agree that her voice is a bit whiny and irritating, though. I guess she's the closest thing to a Khajiit child we've seen in an ESO game (and unlike Skyrim, all children seem to be completely absent from ESO). Not sure why she is the first Khajiit to have absolutely none of the speech patterns/accent/inflections of her race/culture, though. I thought maybe it was because she was raised on the streets with no contact at all with her own people growing up, but it turns out that this isn't even true. Maybe the developers thought a sidekick with that Khajiit accent would be irritating after a while, but the childish voice is also a bit irritating in a toon who appears adult.

Even if growing up away from Elsweyr is the reason for her lack of accent, I think it would be cool (and add an element of realism) to hear her code switch when she's talking to other Khajiit in game though, or if the player's character is a Khajiit.

Jusey1 · June 2022

phaneub17_ESO wrote: »

so you steal, open thieves troves,

Fun tip, it's only if you steal everything in the container. Unlocking thieves troves and only taking the gold won't cause any issues for example. (At least with your companion).

SammyKhajit · June 2022

The thing is, all four companions seem very childlike - always excited about adventures, eager to please the player by saying nice things - this one hopes the next companions will be a bit older, more worldly and just a little bit less enthused.

It’s hard to strike the balance, but someone similar to Elam Dres’ character (insouciant, casually cold blooded and fond of food) will be a refreshing change.

Treselegant · June 2022

this one hopes the next companions will be a bit older, more worldly and just a little bit less enthused.

I think a male companion character with this sort of attitude could be interesting and different. However, considering how sensitive some players are about having companions who don't validate their actions I can imagine such a character might have low interest. So I don't know.

SammyKhajit · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

this one hopes the next companions will be a bit older, more worldly and just a little bit less enthused.

I think a male companion character with this sort of attitude could be interesting and different. However, considering how sensitive some players are about having companions who don't validate their actions I can imagine such a character might have low interest. So I don't know.

We can only hope that more variety will be given

TaSheen · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

this one hopes the next companions will be a bit older, more worldly and just a little bit less enthused.

I think a male companion character with this sort of attitude could be interesting and different. However, considering how sensitive some players are about having companions who don't validate their actions I can imagine such a character might have low interest. So I don't know.

I'd love to have an Elam Drals type myself. As for needing "validation", uh. No thank you. In fact I'm still dithering about even getting Ember because I hate having "chatty cathies" around - the whole voice thing is a huge turn off for me.

AzuraFan · June 2022

Treselegant wrote: »

It's a shame there's no intergration of Blackwood companions into High Isle, because it took me right out of the story to have Bastian stood next to me while I was talking to King Emeric without comment. It's revealed in his quests that Bastian looks very similar to his father - I imagine that would give Emeric pause at least.

I agree. They should have given existing companions comments about the locales in High Isle, the storyline, etc.