What Faction Is Wood Elf ESO? The Green Pact Explained
Wood Elves (Bosmer) in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) are members of the Aldmeri Dominion. This faction also includes High Elves (Altmer) and Khajiit. Joining the Aldmeri Dominion means that your Wood Elf character will begin their ESO journey in Auridon, the homeland of the High Elves.
The Allure of the Aldmeri Dominion
The Aldmeri Dominion, guided by the High Elf Queen Ayrenn, strives to restore Elven dominance to Tamriel and bring stability after the chaos of the Interregnum. While each race within the Dominion has its own unique culture and motivations, they are united by a shared belief in the superiority of Elven heritage and a desire to see a strong, unified Tamriel under Elven leadership. For Wood Elves, this means leveraging their unparalleled archery skills and knowledge of the forests to defend their allies and enforce the Dominion’s will.
Why Choose the Aldmeri Dominion as a Wood Elf?
Choosing the Aldmeri Dominion as a Wood Elf offers several compelling advantages:
- Story and Lore Alignment: It’s a lore-friendly choice. The Aldmeri Dominion’s goals resonate with certain aspects of Wood Elf culture, particularly those focused on protecting natural order.
- Starting Zone Advantage: Beginning in Auridon provides a smooth and well-crafted introduction to the game.
- Faction-Specific Quests: The Aldmeri Dominion questline explores complex political and ethical dilemmas, providing a richly immersive experience.
- Guild Interactions: Access to Dominion-specific guilds and player communities, offering valuable support and camaraderie.
- Alliance War Opportunities: Participating in the Alliance War as part of the Aldmeri Dominion allows you to fight alongside fellow Dominion players to control Cyrodiil and claim the Ruby Throne.
Understanding the Bosmer Culture within the Dominion
While the Aldmeri Dominion is primarily associated with the High Elves, the Wood Elves contribute a unique flavor to the alliance. Their Green Pact, a strict religious code that governs their relationship with the forest, shapes their culture and their interactions with the other races. They are fiercely independent and often view the world through a different lens than their High Elf allies. This contrast creates interesting dynamics and opportunities for roleplaying within the Dominion.
The Bosmer’s mastery of archery and woodcraft makes them invaluable assets on the battlefield and as scouts and rangers. Their agility and stealth are unmatched, allowing them to excel in guerrilla warfare and reconnaissance. They are also skilled hunters and providers, ensuring that the Dominion’s armies are well-supplied. Despite their differences, the Bosmer and Altmer share a respect for tradition and a commitment to preserving their cultural heritage, which forms the foundation of their alliance within the Dominion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wood Elves and the Aldmeri Dominion
1. Can I play a Wood Elf in any other alliance?
Yes. While the Aldmeri Dominion is the “default” faction for Wood Elves, you can play a Wood Elf in the Ebonheart Pact or the Daggerfall Covenant if you purchase the “Any Race, Any Alliance” upgrade from the Crown Store.
2. Does my alliance choice affect my character’s abilities?
No. Alliance choice only affects your starting location and your participation in the Alliance War. Your character’s abilities are determined by your race, class, skill lines, and equipment.
3. What are the racial skills of Wood Elves in ESO?
Wood Elves possess the following racial skills:
- Acrobat: Increases experience gain with the Bow skill line and reduces fall damage.
- Hunter’s Eye: Increases stealth detection radius and increases damage done to beasts.
- Y’ffre’s Endurance: Increases Stamina Recovery and Max Stamina.
- Resist Affliction: Increases Poison and Disease Resistance.
4. Is the Green Pact mandatory for all Wood Elf players?
No. You are not forced to adhere to the Green Pact as a player. It is primarily a cultural and religious aspect of the Bosmer lore. However, many players choose to roleplay their Wood Elves as followers of the Green Pact for added immersion.
5. How does the Green Pact influence Wood Elf gameplay?
Mechanically, it doesn’t. But roleplaying-wise, it can inform your decisions. You might avoid needlessly destroying plants, feel uncomfortable in cities dominated by stone architecture, or have unique dialogue options with other Bosmer characters.
6. Can I play through the questlines of other alliances as a Wood Elf in the Aldmeri Dominion?
Yes. After completing the main questline for your alliance, you can play through the questlines of the other alliances. This allows you to experience the full breadth of the game’s story.
7. What are the best classes for a Wood Elf in ESO?
Wood Elves are generally considered strong choices for Stamina-based builds due to their racial bonuses to Stamina Recovery and Max Stamina. Popular class choices include:
- Stamina Nightblade: Excels in stealth and single-target damage.
- Stamina Warden: A versatile class with strong sustain and support capabilities.
- Stamina Templar: Deals consistent damage and provides excellent healing and support.
8. Does my Wood Elf have unique dialogue options within the Aldmeri Dominion?
Yes. You will encounter dialogue options that are specific to your race and alliance, allowing you to express your Wood Elf heritage and your loyalty to the Aldmeri Dominion.
9. What is the capital city of the Aldmeri Dominion?
The capital city of the Aldmeri Dominion is Elden Root, located in Grahtwood.
10. Can I change my alliance after creating my Wood Elf character?
No, you cannot change your alliance after creating your character without using a rare and expensive Alliance Change Token available in the Crown Store. This is a one-time use item. Therefore, choose your alliance carefully!
11. Are there any Wood Elf-specific guilds in ESO?
While there aren’t official, developer-created Wood Elf-only guilds, many player-run guilds focus on Wood Elf lore and roleplaying. Look for these in the in-game Guild Finder.
12. How does the Aldmeri Dominion view the other alliances?
The Aldmeri Dominion views the Ebonheart Pact and the Daggerfall Covenant with suspicion and contempt. They see these alliances as composed of lesser races who threaten the stability and prosperity of Tamriel. The Dominion believes that only under Elven leadership can Tamriel be truly united and prosperous.
13. What is the overarching goal of the Aldmeri Dominion in the Alliance War?
The Aldmeri Dominion seeks to conquer Cyrodiil and claim the Ruby Throne, restoring Elven rule to the Empire. They believe that they are the rightful heirs to the throne and that only under their guidance can Tamriel be saved from destruction.
14. How do Wood Elves contribute to the military strength of the Aldmeri Dominion?
Wood Elves are renowned for their archery skills, scouting abilities, and knowledge of the forests. They serve as skilled archers, rangers, and spies, providing the Dominion armies with valuable reconnaissance and support. Their agility and stealth make them formidable guerilla fighters.
15. Are there any consequences for breaking the Green Pact in-game?
While there are no direct gameplay consequences, breaking the Green Pact can impact your roleplaying experience and your interactions with other Bosmer characters. You may face disapproval or scorn from those who adhere to the Pact. Consider it a moral and immersion-based choice rather than a mechanical one.