Originally published April 26, 2022. The original article can be found here.
Arriving this June, The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle will allow you to visit a land never seen before in the Elder Scrolls series. In the new Chapter zone, High Isle features two distinct areas and includes a host of delves and public dungeons to discover, world bosses to defeat, compelling side quests to complete, unique rewards (item sets, collectibles, etc.) to earn, and an array of spectacular locations to visit. In addition, this new Chapter gives you an opportunity to dive deep into the history and culture of the Breton people and uncover what truly makes them special.
The Systres ArchipelagoEdit
Far beyond Daggerfall's western coastline and across the Abecean Sea, the Systres Archipelago is a home away from home for the Breton elite, and it holds ancient and mystical importance.
"The archipelago is important to the Bretons because their ancestors, the Druids of Galen, settled the islands when they departed High Rock in ages past," explains Ed Stark, High Isle's Zone Lead. "It was also the planning and launching point for the legendary All Flags Navy and is currently a wealthy resort area."
When designing the new zone, the team wanted to create a colorful new environment that captured the medieval elements of the chivalric Bretons.
"We took inspiration from the beautiful sands and rolling hills of the Mediterranean coast," explains CJ Grebb, ESO's Art Director. "Eroded sandstone, bleached cliff faces, and stunning turquoise water accents were the starting point, but from there we folded in the nautical history of the island, all of it focused through the sharp lens of Breton culture, with their signature castle architecture and stonework."
(Embedded here is a kuula Virtual Tour of the High Isle)
While the Breton elites enjoy the favorable weather and safe harbor of High Isle, its neighbor Amenos is an island prison surrounded by rough seas.
"Long ago, undesirables and political prisoners found the harsh jungle environment of Amenos as a last destination before death," explains Stark. "Today, criminals of all stripes inhabit the bulk of the island, fighting against nature to survive. Only Amenos Station, a small settlement on the south side of the island is "safe," and even it is not someplace people like to visit without good reason."
"When tasked with creating a lush, overgrown biome for the prison Island of Amenos, we had to figure out the mysterious druids and their ancient ties to the entire archipelago," says Grebb. "We went with a lot of broad-leaf flora for this area, concentrating on lush ferns and overgrown ivy and moss as much as could be afforded."
Both areas provide very different experiences, and you'll have to learn how to navigate the chivalric courts of the Breton nobles in High Isle and the lawless jungles of Amenos.
Courtly Politics & IntrigueEdit
When you dive into the High Isle Chapter, you'll encounter a Breton chivalric society that stands apart from that found on mainland Tamriel—one that has its own customs and culture.
"Technically, this is Breton territory, but it's also established neutral ground," explains Stark. "One Breton family rules High Isle, and Amenos is under another family's control. However, as far as the Daggerfall Alliance goes, this is somewhere the Three Banners War isn't happening. It's one of the few places in Tamriel where members of all three Alliances can come in safety."
As a result, High Isle prides itself on its neutrality, and many of the great houses and groups that call the archipelago home have made their fortunes on its neutrality in the conflict.
"House Dufort makes money selling respite to the wealthy who want to flee Tamriel, and they're famous shipbuilders—they sell vessels to anyone," says Stark. "While House Mornard makes their coin from trade as well as profiting off the war economy surrounding the Three Banners War. The Society of the Steadfast, a neutral organization trying to find a peaceful resolution to the Three Banners War, have established an enclave here from which they can focus their efforts."
(A link to a You Tube video is embedded here.)
Conflict Smolders from WithinEdit
Despite its reputation as a safe haven, you'll quickly discover that beyond the politicking of the noble houses and sinister organizations, the land itself holds its own dangers, too.
"If you're travelling along the coasts, you should definitely beware of the reptilian Ornaugs," warns Grebb. "These odd aquatic predators travel in packs and like to stalk drunken sailors as they stumble along the beaches. Also watch out for the crustaceous monsters known as Hadolids. Multi-armed and deadly, these "lobster-people" can be lurking in any dark, wet cave you come across. Despite looking like mere monsters, they forge their own weapons and practice deadly magic as well."
"While High Isle is portrayed as an idyllic, resort-like island where people can come to rest and recuperate, it is on shaky ground—literally," says Stark. "All the islands of the Systres Archipelago are volcanic by nature. By tampering with the islands' nature magic, certain forces have caused tectonic shifts, destabilizing the semi-dormant volcano of Y'ffelon, just off the northern coast of High Isle."
As a result of these shifts, volcanoes on all the islands have begun to rumble. Even worse, fiery creatures accompany these eruptions, and if they are not stopped, the archipelago itself may even sink beneath the waves. Clearly, the Systres hold its own dangers and intrigues that you'll need to overcome if you are to get to the heart of what threatens this idyllic setting.
Explore a New LegacyEdit
With new sights, challenges, stories, and rewards, the High Isle Chapter has something for every kind of ESO adventurer. Are you excited to continue your Legacy of the Bretons adventure in the Systres Archipelago? What part of this new world are you most looking forward to seeing? Let us know via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is coming for PC/Mac and Stadia* on June 6, and for Xbox and PlayStation consoles on June 21. Pre-purchase High Isle now to receive unique bonus rewards and gain immediate access to the Palefrost Elk mount.
- Available only in limited territories.