Unlocking Loyalty: A Deep Dive into High Isle’s Companions in Elder Scrolls Online

The sun-kissed shores and chivalrous tales of High Isle in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) introduced a breath of fresh air to Tamriel. Beyond the political intrigue and Breton nobility, the High Isle chapter offered players the chance to forge lasting bonds with two unique companions: Isobel Velois, the noble Breton knight, and Ember, the cunning Khajiit sorcerer. These aren’t just pack mules or silent observers; they are fully fleshed-out characters with their own backstories, skill lines, and quests, enriching the player experience in meaningful ways.

Ember: The Streetwise Sorcerer

Ember, the Khajiit, brings a dose of mischievous charm and potent magic to your adventures. Having spent her life navigating the back alleys and hidden corners of Tamriel, she possesses a sharp wit and an even sharper magical aptitude. Her past is shrouded in mystery, hinting at a life filled with both hardship and opportunity.

Gameplay and Role

Ember shines as a damage dealer (DPS), utilizing her sorcery to unleash devastating spells upon enemies. Her unique skill lines offer versatility, allowing players to customize her role based on their needs. Whether you prefer her to focus on single-target damage, area-of-effect attacks, or even a mix of both, Ember is a flexible and powerful ally. Beyond her offensive capabilities, Ember also brings a treasure trove of street smarts and knowledge, providing unique insights into the game world.

Unlocking Ember

Finding and recruiting Ember is an adventure in itself. She’s initially found near Tor Draioch in Eastern High Isle. To add Ember to your team, you must first own the High Isle Chapter for ESO. Then, you need to complete her introduction quest to unlock her as a companion. The quest takes you through a series of tasks that reveal snippets of her past, giving you a glimpse into the Khajiit’s character.

Isobel Velois: The Chivalrous Knight

Isobel Velois embodies the Breton ideals of honor, duty, and courage. A skilled knight with a strong moral compass, she is eager to prove herself and uphold the traditions of her order. Her unwavering dedication to justice makes her a reliable and inspiring companion.

Gameplay and Role

Isobel excels as a tank or healer, offering much-needed support to any group. Her knightly training has made her a strong defensive wall, capable of withstanding significant damage. Alternatively, her dedication to the Light allows her to mend wounds and bolster allies with potent healing spells. Her skill lines offer a range of options, allowing players to tailor her to their preferred playstyle. As a knight, she also appreciates acts of valor and justice, making her affinity system an interesting dynamic based on your choices.

Unlocking Isobel

You can add Isobel to your team by first completing her introductory quest. Visit the Castle Navire Wayshrine, which is located in the southeastern area of High Isle. There you will see two people having an animated conversation. As with previous companions, once you complete their introductory quest, she will join your list of allies. Completing this quest will unlock her as a companion.

Companions: More Than Just NPCs

Both Ember and Isobel, like all ESO companions, are far more than just extra muscle in combat. They offer a wealth of benefits that enhance the overall player experience:

• Combat Assistance: Companions can be customized with different gear and skills to fulfill various roles in combat, providing valuable support whether you’re soloing content or tackling challenging group dungeons.
• Personal Quests: Each companion has their own unique questline that delves into their past and motivations. These quests offer engaging storylines and provide opportunities to forge a deeper connection with your allies.
• Affinity System: Your choices and actions in the game can influence your relationship with your companions. Making decisions that align with their values will increase their affinity towards you, unlocking new dialogue options and bonuses.
• Collectibles and Rewards: As you progress through their quests and increase their affinity, you can unlock unique collectibles and rewards, such as costumes, emotes, and even furnishings for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about High Isle Companions

1. Do I need the High Isle chapter to get Ember and Isobel?

Yes, you need to own the High Isle Chapter to access the zones and quests necessary to unlock Ember and Isobel as companions.

2. Can I have both Ember and Isobel active at the same time?

No, you can only have one companion active at a time. You can switch between them through the Collections menu. The exception is if you are in a group with another player who has the other companion active.

3. What level should I be to start the High Isle quests for the companions?

There are no level requirements for exploring High Isle or starting the companion quests. You can start them with a brand-new character if you wish.

4. Can I romance Ember or Isobel?

No, Elder Scrolls Online currently does not offer romance options with companions. The focus is on building friendship and camaraderie. While you can marry other player characters, there are no options to romance any of the companions. The game emphasizes player-to-player interactions. At the Games Learning Society, you can discover more about the impact of game mechanics on social interactions and relationships within virtual worlds. You can find more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

5. What happens if my companion dies in combat?

If a companion dies in battle, you can revive them using a soul gem. However, they will automatically recover a few seconds after the battle concludes.

6. Can I customize my companion’s appearance?

Yes, you can customize your companion’s appearance using outfits and costumes. You can also change their hair style, adornments, and facial markings at any time.

7. Can companions craft or gather resources?

No, companions cannot perform crafting or gathering activities. Their primary function is to assist you in combat and provide companionship.

8. How do I improve my relationship with Ember or Isobel?

You can improve your relationship with them by making choices and completing actions that align with their values and beliefs. Completing their personal quests and using them during activities they enjoy will also increase their affinity.

9. What are the best builds for Ember and Isobel?

• Ember: A popular build for Ember focuses on maximizing her damage output using a combination of fire and shock spells.
• Isobel: Isobel can be a powerful healer with a build that focuses on healing over time effects and area heals, making her one of the best Companion Healers in ESO!

10. Can companions wear any armor type?

Yes, companions can wear any armor type (light, medium, or heavy). The type of armor you equip on them will affect their stats and survivability.

11. Do companions take up inventory space?

No, companions do not take up your personal inventory space. They have their own separate inventory for gear and consumables.

12. Are Ember and Isobel available in other ESO chapters?

No, Ember and Isobel are exclusive to the High Isle Chapter. If you want companions from other chapters, you will need to own those chapters as well, such as Blackwood (Mirri Elendis and Bastian Hallix) or Necrom (Azandar Al-Cybiades and Sharp-As-Night).

13. Can I use companions in PvP?

Yes, companions can be used in PvP zones like Cyrodiil and the Imperial City, however, they are often not as effective as player-controlled characters.

14. How many skills can a companion have?

Companions have multiple skill lines, and within those skill lines, they can have access to many skills, but the skills they can actively use at any given moment during combat are limited by the amount of slots on their action bar.

15. Can you gift High Isle to a friend?

Yes, if your friend has ESO on Steam, you can gift them the High Isle Chapter through Steam. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a code from a reseller and give them the code.

Ember and Isobel offer a compelling reason to dive into the High Isle Chapter. Their unique personalities, engaging storylines, and valuable combat support make them invaluable assets to any adventurer seeking to explore the wonders of Tamriel. So gather your courage, embark on your quest, and forge a lasting bond with these unforgettable companions.