tv tropes the elder scrolls online

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the expansive world of The Elder Scrolls. Like any long-running franchise, ESO is packed with tropesstorytelling devices, character archetypes, and gameplay conventionsthat TV Tropes catalogs extensively. Here are some notable tropes associated with ESO: Gameplay & Setting Tropes MMO Tropes: As an MMORPG, ESO features standard mechanics like quest hubs, level scaling, dungeons, raids (Trials), and gear progression. Open World: Like other Elder Scrolls games, ESO emphasizes exploration, but with MMO-style shared zones. Phlebotinum: Magical artifacts (e.g., the Amulet of Kings, Soul Shriven abilities) drive the plot and mechanics. The Chosen One: Despite being an MMO where everyone is theoretically the hero, your character is often treated as uniquely important in quests. Faction-Based Storytelling: The Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, and Ebonheart Pact each have their own storylines before merging in later expansions. Character Tropes The Lancer: Many NPC companions (like Lyris Titanborn or Razum-dar) fill this roleloyal but distinct from the protagonist. The Mentor: Figures like the Prophet (Varen Aquilarios) or Sai Sahan guide the player. Villain of the Week: Each expansion introduces a new major antagonist (e.g., Molag Bal, Daedric Princes, the Three Banners War leaders). The Dragon: Secondary villains who serve the main antagonist (e.g., Mannimarco for Molag Bal). The Stoic: Many Nord and Dunmer characters fit this archetype. Narrative & Worldbuilding Tropes Elder Scrolls Standard Lore Tropes: - Aurbic Time: The metaphysical concept of time being nonlinear. - CHIM & Godhead: References to deeper lore about reality being a dream. - Daedric Shenanigans: Princes like Sheogorath and Hermaeus Mora meddle in mortal affairs. War Is Hell: The Three Banners War and other conflicts are portrayed with moral ambiguity. Recycled Plot: Some storylines mirror past Elder Scrolls games (e.g., stopping a Daedric invasion). Timey-Wimey Ball: The ESO timeline is set centuries before Skyrim but sometimes contradicts lore. Cultural & Faction Tropes Proud Warrior Race Guy: Nords, Orcs, and Redguards embody this. High Culture: Altmer and Dunmer societies emphasize tradition and hierarchy. Barbarian Tribe: Reachmen and some Nord clans fit this trope. The Empire: The remnants of the Cyrodiilic Empire are a shadow of their former glory. Meta & Community Tropes Fan Nickname: Players often refer to zones or mechanics with shorthand (e.g., "Murkmire" for the Black Marsh DLC). Memetic Mutation: Certain NPCs (like Razum-dar or Sheogorath) become fan favorites. Game-Breaker: Certain builds (e.g., Sorcerer pets, Nightblade gankers) dominate PvP or PvE. Would you like a deeper dive into any specific trope or aspect of ESO? TV Tropes has a comprehensive page on it here.