So, without any disrespect to those who have legitimate reasons for going Ebonheart, it's very clear that a large amount of people on these forums, for whatever reason, are going to avoid the Pact. That much is a given at this point. What's surprised me recently is, within this group, how many people are torn between Daggerfall and Aldmeri. For myself, I've always been almost exclusively a magic user, so while I'm pretty set on Breton, I can't deny the appeal of rolling some boss elfage.

As such, and since we've got precious little else to talk about right now, I figured a thread to debate the comparative merits of the two factions would be worth a shot. Since we've got basically nothing regarding gameplay distinctions, I guess this can only be about their respective philosophies, as below:

Emeric:

CALL TO ARMS

"Our supplies dwindle. Our trade routes are shut down. Our people suffer.
Why? Because a pretender sits upon the Ruby Throne.
Let us take up arms! Let the fields of Cyrodiil run red with the blood of our fallen enemies!
But let us spare the lives of a few, so that they may return to their homelands to tell their fellows the fate they met at the hands of the Daggerfall Covenant.
One land! One Emperor!
Who among you will stand with me?


***************

Ayrenn:

YOUR QUEEN COMMANDS


I have no hatred for the races of Man, but they are young. Like all children, they are driven by emotion. They lack the wisdom that comes with age. I would sooner place an Altmer infant on the Ruby Throne than surrender Tamriel to their capricious whims.
The Altmer, the Bosmer and the Khajiit share the common traits of intelligence, patience and reason. We do not seek riches or plunder. Domination is not our goal, nor is the acclamation of power for its own sake.
Today we make our stand. Today we take back the Ruby Throne, which is ours by ancient right and the blessings of the Divines.
Stand with us.



***************


I have to admit, the Covenant has more than its fair share of blood on its hands. Both the Bretons and Redguards have attempted what amounts to genocide against the Orcs in the past, and Emeric's speech does sound a tad bloodthirsty (well, more than a tad actually. Try 15 tads and 3 smidgens...), kind of validating Ayrenn's position that an empire led by men will only lead to bloodshed. I do recognise however that whatever Ayrenn says about not wanting power, the mer have a proven history of subjugating other races that they deem inferior.

Long story short, I think that the Covenant is (or would have been, given that we're talking about ancient history here) the best chance of a lasting peace for Tamriel, with equality for every race.

Isn't Ayrenn pretty much a child herself? (at least in the eyes of the other high elves)

Also the DC fighting a way for a better economy only partially makes sense. By preserving resources and letting AD and EP fighting it out, they could easily let their forces burn out and then attack. I know for the sake of the MMO that is stupid, but fighting a war for a better trade routes is a stretch. The only people they could be trading with are their enemies, which they just as easily sit back and wait for one of them to be defeated to reestablish trade routes. I don't really know what's vital to the DC's economy though, so there could be a product or two the DC provinces depend on from others.

Like I've stated before, my love of Morrowind and of Dark Elves really makes me want to stick with EP, but not if there's a huge population inbalance. DC is certainly my next best choice, I have no problem with Bretons or Redguards, and have frequently made characters of those races. With AD I can only recall one character out of the hundreds being a High Elf, which was in Morrowind. I play Khajiit frequently in Skyrim, and infrequently Bosmer. For me picking between DC and AD is pretty simple, it's DC and EP that I personally have problems with.

if someone is torn between Aldmeri Dominion and DC then he simply does not deserve to be a part of AD --------> band of simpletons welcome you to the DC, enjoy your stay

AD FOR LIFE!! Rar!

Hail the Daggerfall Covenant!
DEATH TO THE ALDMERI DOMINION!

LIES!!!

Lol, apart from Archie, all I'm seeing is "my alliance iz da best". Let's try and come up with something constructive, shall we?

The Daggerfall Covenant has been kicking ass in the polls recently.
They definitely seem better than the AD at the moment, from my pov anyway.

what is there to discuss, it is widely known that Aldmeri Dominion is ruled by infinite in their wisdom Altmeri: the most advanced civilisation with the richest culture and the strongest army made of the most intelligent and powerful mages ( + Bosmeri + Khajiit allies )

Ohh Surinen, still as crazy as ever..!

Was going DC anyway, but learning more about Emeric just further solidifies the choice. He's not just a Merchant and Diplomat, he's also a Battle tested War leader.

Interesting opinion, given your sig. What's made you change your mind?

DC has been growing in population = Better than AD. Very solid and insightful argument you've made there. Haha.

I think between the two it boils down to which races you like ad mainly the reasons for the faction being formed. They're polar opposites. Either you want to fight for the honor of mankind or for the pride of the elvish.

Yes, Ayrenn is a child and is in fact 28 years old, younger than both of the other leaders (can't find their age anywhere, but from the pictures I guess that she's younger). If she can lead, then so too can High King Emeric or the Skald King. Seems a tad hypocritical, no? "High Elves must rule because we're older and thus more experienced, but I'm an exception." In reality, they just want Elves to rule. Is it because they're racists or look down on other races? I don't know, but what I do know is that they're not doing this because Elves are wiser due to age.

As always, im loyal to my preferred race, not to their alliance. I will play khajiit, as I always have, and if they're destined to be part of the dominion then I will accept it without argument.

I do wish they had made ayren older, though. The dominion's entire moral stake in this conflict is that of their enemies being too young and foolish to make suitable leaders, but that ends up being countered by the fact that their own queen is even younger than most human captains or generals, and that she ran away from home like a spoiled girl to go on the tamriel world tour.

Despite her accomplishments for one so young, I do not think she gives the backing to the dominion's claims of elder superiority that the alliance needs.

her age is a detail - Altmeri are much more intelligent than man, her 28 means a little, she said it herself that she would prefer Altmeri children on throne than man. Altmeri are naturally intelectual giants in comparison to the rest of Tamriel - and this intellect + long lifespan ( years of consuming knowledge ) makes them superior race.

[img]http://t.qkme.me/35x3zp.jpg[/img]

Assumption much? I'm interested in his reasoning too, but all he's done is noted some poll results then stated his preference. Proximity does not imply causality.

I want to stay loyal to Redguard, but the forests of AD and Mountain Tops of Skyrim appeal much more massively to me than deserts.

"They definitely seem better than the AD at the moment, from my pov anyway." This following the comment that DC are kicking ass in the polls could only mean they are correlated. No reason to mention the polls if this statement isn't connected. This statement alone has no basis whatsoever. Saying "at the moment" further implies he's referring to the polls. Please don't start discussions like this. I thought his reasoning didn't make sense and assumed he'd reply with further insight.

Wow. I like graqes, and I am tired. So by your logic, my dietary preference *has* to be affecting my lethargy. And then you accuse me of starting something? I weep for humanity.

Anyways, moving on...