General:Conflict in Cyrodiil, Part 1

Originally published March 28, 2013. The original article can be found here.
500px|centre|thumb|War between the Alliances rages across Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, and the province of Cyrodiil is the site of the fiercest battles. Control of the Imperial City could turn the tides of the conflict, and each Alliance is keenly aware of its importance. Find out how you’ll be able to aid your Alliance as it vies for the Ruby Throne.

You'll be able to help push your Alliance towards victory in Cyrodiil in a variety of ways (not just through defeating other players), and we want to shed some more light on the details in this two-part article. In this first installment, we’ll discuss the various activities you can participate in while in Cyrodiil, Campaigns and how they work, and the kinds of rewards you’ll earn. Let’s get started!

Exploring Cyrodiil
No matter what you enjoy the most, you’ll find something to do in Cyrodiil as you support your Alliance in the war. You don’t have to wait to participate, either—you can jump in and experience all the province has to offer starting at level 10. If you enjoy fighting against players in the other Alliances, you’ll find no shortage of PvP combat in Cyrodiil, but there’s much more. 

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Towns
Several towns in Cyrodiil, like Cheydinhal and Bruma, are home to citizens eager for protection and assistance as the war threatens to destroy their homes and ravage their land. Desperate, they’ll accept help from any Alliance, and they’re willing to pay. The citizens of towns in Cyrodiil are neutral towards player characters, but guards from the Alliance that holds nearby keeps will patrol the streets.

You’ll be able to complete repeatable quests for all the towns in Cyrodiil. Each town faces its own challenges; for example, Imperial forces still occupy the northern portions of Cheydinhal, and the citizens need your help to drive them out. Help the townspeople, and you’ll be rewarded with gold and experience.

Crafting Resources
The vast province of Cyrodiil, from its fertile farmland to snowy mountains, is rich in resources prized by craftsmen. As you explore the diverse landscape, you’ll discover sought-after resources and materials to use in crafting. There are valuable materials that can only be obtained in Cyrodiil, and players of any level will be able to forage for them. Keep in mind that Cyrodiil is very large—if you prefer to avoid battles with other players, it will be easy to find materials far from keeps and other large conflicts. Crafting tables will be available in safe areas near the entrances to Cyrodiil.

Guild Quests
Both the Mages Guild and the Fighters Guild have interests in Cyrodiil. Assisting them in their efforts by braving the volatile area will allow you to increase your standing in each guild. You can advance in the Mages Guild and Fighters Guild in your home Alliance or in Cyrodiil.

Molag Bal is attempting to pull Tamriel into his Oblivion plane of Coldharbour using diabolical constructs called Dark Anchors. If you can defeat his minions and find a way to banish the Anchors clawing into Cyrodiil's soil, the Fighters Guild will reward you.

Long-lost books of lore are at risk as war cuts a fiery swath across Cyrodiil. The Mages Guild is determined to recover and protect as many of these tomes as possible, and you will gain their favor if you can return the priceless books.

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Ruins and Caves
Caves, crumbling towers, and Ayleid ruins dot the landscape in Cyrodiil. Locations like these are known to contain valuable treasures, but they’re often protected by brigands (or much worse). If you choose to delve into the depths in the pursuit of gold or glory, be prepared! Even if you can defeat the inhabitants and their dangerous leaders, you’ll always have to be on your guard for explorers from the other Alliances who seek the same treasures. Though it’s possible to tackle these challenges on your own, it’s always a good idea to bring two or more allies, especially with the threat of attacks by enemy players. 

Campaigns
A Campaign consists of a group of players battling for control of Cyrodiil for a set period of time—think months, not days or weeks. Multiple Campaigns in Cyrodiil occur at the same time. You’ll be assigned to a Campaign based on several factors, like your Alliance, Campaign populations, and your guild(s). However, you’ll be able to visit Campaigns in order to join your friends for an evening, or join a new one (but at a cost of Alliance Points or gold).

During a Campaign, your Alliance’s performance will affect bonuses players can receive across the game (not just in Cyrodiil). Campaign scores, which you’ll be able to view, are evaluated constantly in order to encourage competition all the way down to the last seconds. Campaigns can last for a month or longer, giving everyone a chance to pitch in for the war effort.

Rewards
If you choose to participate in the ongoing battle in Cyrodiil, you’ll be awarded with Alliance Points, experience, and gold. You can use Alliance Points to purchase armor and weapons or to advance in several skill lines specific to Cyrodiil. These skill lines will allow you to become a more powerful fighter, a greater leader, or an expert in warfare.

Even though your allies can always use more troops on the battlefield, you don’t have to participate in Cyrodiil to reap its rewards. Your Alliance’s performance in a Campaign can earn the whole Alliance bonuses to gold and experience, boosts in combat, Alliance Points, and more.

Make sure to check back for Part II, where we’ll take a closer look at securing and defending keeps and resource objectives and the siege weapons you’ll use in these battles.