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Unraveling the Threads: Diving into the First ESO Storyline

The first major storyline in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is comprised of what is known as The Alliance Story. This storyline encompasses the original base game quests and sets the stage for the entire ESO experience. It unfolds during the tumultuous period of the Planemeld, intertwining with the overarching Main Quest to deliver a narrative packed with political intrigue, daedric threats, and heroic endeavors.

The Alliance War and the Planemeld: Setting the Stage

The narrative plunges players into the Second Era, specifically the year 582, a time of immense instability following the collapse of the Second Empire. This era, known as the Interregnum, is characterized by the absence of a true emperor on the Ruby Throne, the symbol of imperial power in Cyrodiil. Ambitious factions vie for control, leading to the outbreak of the Alliance War.

Three formidable alliances rise to challenge each other for dominion over Tamriel:

The Ebonheart Pact: An unlikely alliance between the Nords, Dark Elves (Dunmer), and Argonians, forged out of necessity and a shared desire to protect their homelands.
The Aldmeri Dominion: Led by the High Elves (Altmer) and bolstered by the Wood Elves (Bosmer) and Khajiit, this alliance seeks to restore Elven dominance to Tamriel.
The Daggerfall Covenant: Composed of Bretons, Redguards, and Orcs, the Daggerfall Covenant aims to restore order and justice to Tamriel under Breton rule.

While these alliances clash in Cyrodiil, vying for control of the Ruby Throne, a far greater threat looms: the Planemeld. This sinister plot, orchestrated by the Daedric Prince Molag Bal, seeks to merge Nirn (the mortal realm) with Coldharbour, his own realm of Oblivion. This would bring about the enslavement of all mortals and the utter destruction of Tamriel as we know it.

The Main Quest and Your Role

The Main Quest line in ESO centers around stopping Molag Bal’s Planemeld. As a soulless one, you have a unique connection to the events unfolding around you. You work with The Prophet to collect the Amulet of Kings and defeat Molag Bal in order to regain your soul. The Alliance War and the Planemeld storyline are intertwined, as the chaos and destruction caused by the war weakens Tamriel’s defenses against the daedric invasion. Your actions in the Alliance zones directly impact your ability to combat Molag Bal and his forces.

Getting Started: The Beginning of Your Adventure

Your adventure begins, regardless of your chosen alliance, in one of three starter cities:

Vulkhel Guard (Auridon): The Aldmeri Dominion starting city, offering sun-drenched shores and Elven architecture.
Daggerfall (Glenumbra): The Daggerfall Covenant starting city, showcasing Breton craftsmanship and medieval aesthetics.
Davon’s Watch (Stonefalls): The Ebonheart Pact starting city, presenting a volcanic landscape and Dark Elf ingenuity.

Upon arriving in one of these cities, you will be approached by the Hooded Figure, who initiates the main questline. This encounter will take you through the base game tutorial, introducing you to the mechanics of the game and setting you on the path to becoming a hero of Tamriel.

The Interconnected Nature of Storytelling

While you choose an alliance at the start of your journey, the beauty of ESO’s storytelling is that you are not restricted to playing only within your chosen alliance’s territories. The game encourages exploration and allows you to experience the stories of all three alliances. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and the motivations driving each faction. It’s a way to get players to think critically and consider the many different facets of each zone’s cultural and economic landscape. These different zones can also show the different social and cultural changes that took place as a result of the Planemeld and the Interregnum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is ESO a prequel to Skyrim?

Yes, ESO is set roughly 1,000 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This means that locations and factions you may be familiar with from Skyrim will be presented in a different context, often with drastically altered power structures and cultural norms.

2. Is ESO lore canon?

Absolutely! The developers at ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS) take the lore of The Elder Scrolls very seriously. All content in ESO is considered canon, meaning it expands upon and enriches the existing lore of the franchise.

3. In what order should I play the Elder Scrolls games for lore?

For the best chronological experience of the lore, the order would be: ESO, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

4. What is the first game in the Elder Scrolls series?

The first game in the series is The Elder Scrolls: Arena, released in 1994.

5. Which quest should I do first in ESO?

Start with the Main Quest, initiated by the Hooded Figure in one of the three starter cities: Vulkhel Guard, Daggerfall, or Davon’s Watch.

6. How do I start an ESO campaign?

To participate in the Alliance War in Cyrodiil, open the Alliance War menu, select “Campaigns,” choose a campaign, and join the queue.

7. What are the three starting areas in ESO?

The three starting areas for the base game are: Bleakrock Isle (Ebonheart Pact), Stros M’kai (Daggerfall Covenant), and Khenarthi’s Roost (Aldmeri Dominion).

8. Does ESO have a compelling storyline?

Yes, ESO features a rich and engaging storyline connected to the broader Elder Scrolls universe. The intertwining of the Alliance War, the Planemeld, and the Main Quest creates a dynamic and captivating experience. It’s also a great way to learn more about the Elder Scrolls universe and the different factions that exist within it. The GamesLearningSociety.org can also provide different perspectives and scholarly articles on gaming.

9. What should I do at the start of ESO?

Focus on completing the tutorial, exploring your starting zone, picking up quests, experimenting with different skills, and gathering resources. The main thing is to be curious and to explore the world around you. You can also join a guild to meet other players and get help with quests. This can make the game much more fun and social.

10. What is the best starting race in Elder Scrolls Online?

The best starting race is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, Dark Elves are a versatile choice, offering bonuses to both stamina and magicka builds.

11. Do I need to play other Elder Scrolls games before ESO?

No, ESO’s storyline is self-contained, so you don’t need prior knowledge of the Elder Scrolls universe to enjoy it. However, playing other games in the series can enrich your understanding of the lore and history.

12. What is the best class to start with in ESO?

The Warden class is a solid choice for beginners, offering a balance of damage, healing, and support abilities.

13. Is the map bigger in ESO than in Skyrim?

Yes, Elder Scrolls Online’s map is significantly larger than the map in Skyrim, offering a vast and diverse world to explore.

14. Is it too late to start playing ESO?

Absolutely not! ESO has a vast amount of content and scales to your level, so you can jump in at any time and enjoy the experience. Each year, new content is released, so there’s always something new to discover.

15. Does ESO break the Elder Scrolls lore?

No, ESO is committed to upholding and expanding the established lore of the Elder Scrolls universe.

The initial ESO storyline, encompassing the Alliance War and the Planemeld, provides a compelling entry point into the world of Tamriel. It’s a story of conflict, intrigue, and heroism that sets the stage for countless adventures to come. If you’re looking for a deep and engaging MMORPG experience, ESO is definitely worth exploring.

Here at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, we believe that games are a new way to learn and collaborate.

What is the first ESO storyline?