Backpacker: Postcards from Grahtwood

I’m still chugging along in Elder Scrolls Online and having a great time. This game offers so much in terms of story, lore, atmosphere as well as gameplay experience and interesting mechanics.

What gets me more and more are, in fact, the “little stories” in side quests and sometimes the bigger ecperiences while playing. It can actually take 1 or 2 sessions for me just to finish one quest.

The Elder Root Temple – this thing is huge! You can see a person standing at the bottom.

Right now, i’m finishing up “Fit For Rule” and it’s been my active quest for 2 sessions- but there are always distractions in Elder Scrolls Online. Sometimes, it’s looking for a dog and husband for someone you meet at one impressive wayshrine/temple. Or sometimes, i’ll just wander off, because i saw something in the distance (or a new icon popped up on the map).

I can’t remember which ruin this is- but it’s beautiful. Also, slowly Grahtwood gets my vote for most beautiful wood zone.

Returning to those stories- it’s interesting, i’m pretty sure many MMORPGs deliver small tidbits of similar quality in terms of storytelling (TSW, Lotro), but somehow, they don’t seem to make an impact. Here, well, i have to use the word “weight” again- well, it does feel as if my character accomplished something. I guess sometimes it’s simply because of the heavy use of phasing in ESO- you’ll save someones husband and he won’t lie on the same spot afterwards. And sometimes, it’s because not everything story-related is told, you have to figure it out by yourself or read books, journals or notes to understand what happened.

Yes, it’s him again…creepy story

ESO is also pretty good at giving me shivers accompanied by curiosity. Like that poor Bard above, but also when you go into one of these public dungeons (i love those!) and meet a Daedra who’s got one sick interpretation of gardening as a hobby.

Reliquary of Stars – i think Flesh Garden is the name of this area.

The most interesting thing was when i met some “Watchers” in a tree house- they’ve built a lookout to watch over Laeloria, waiting for a beacon to turn red to destroy a crystal. That’s one interesting part – the other is that in this quest, i’ll need to rescue someone from Coldharbour. I really, really like the mystery behind that quest and am looking forward to do it.

In the meantime, i’m waiting for that beacon to turn red