The Elder Scrolls Online allows players to explore the world of Tamriel however they choose. In this playthrough, I started with the Aldmeri Dominion faction as a Nightblade. This short exploration of the Greenshade zone will give an idea of what challenges players can encounter in the faction’s fourth area.
Greenshade
While there are a couple of cities within the region, Greenshade is the heart of Valenwood, steeped in mysterious magic that is under the control of some powerful forest spirit. Expect the typical forest life, but travelers also need to be on the lookout for more dangerous encounters. It is not unusual to hear reports of violent magical creatures such as Lurchers, Hollow Men, Wisps, and Spriggans.
I was greeted upon my arrival at the city of Marbruk in eastern Greenshade by Captain Sarandil, who had already received instructions that I was to secure the artifact known as the Staff of Magnus. I had planned to check in with the Fighters and Mages guilds to see if anything of interest was afoot, but serving the Queen takes precedence.
We made our way immediately to the vault only to learn that the staff was missing, and Vicereeve Pelidil was the last person to tour the area. It seems the Veiled Heritance was continuing to be a thorn in my side for the foreseeable future. While I had to leave Marbruk quickly in pursuit of the staff, others may wish to explore the city more thoroughly, as I have heard rumors of multiple thefts from the local Altmeri.
To the South of Marbruk lies the community of Bramblebreach. Upon arriving, I encountered the Khajiit Hazazi. He quickly informed me that in addition to searching for the staff, I also needed to address the grievances of the Bosmer in this part of Valenwood. It seems that the Wood Elves in Greenshade don’t follow King Camoran. Instead, they follow a mysterious forest spirit known as the Wilderking, which tends to Valenwood.
Anyone seeking an audience with the Wilderking will need to gain the trust of the local Bramblebreach clan. After speaking with Treethan Niriel, it seems the easiest way to help the locals is by driving off a Wood Orc tribe that recently arrived in the region. Adventurers looking to clear them out should make sure they not only clear the huts to the South but also the delve known as Gurzag’s Mine and investigate the strange sighting of Wood Elves near the Shrouded Hollow.
Continuing Southwest is advisable to uncover more of the forest’s secrets. Leaving Bramblebreach, I did notice more creatures known as Lurchers begin to appear the further I traveled into Greenshade, which supposedly embodies the raw energy of the forest. Near them, an unusual Labyrinth stands with a lonely cottage on a nearby rise. When I asked a local about the building, they identified it as the Spinner’s Cottage. Supposedly if one wanted to meet with a Bosmer Spinner who protects the story of Valenwood, then this cottage is the place to explore. But I found it empty. In a set of ruins known as Shadows Crawl, a contingent of Hollow Men also stand guard. Finally, even further to the Southwest, beyond the labyrinth, a path leads up to the seat of the Wilderking’s power, known to the locals as Greenheart. I am not at liberty to say what I found, but it is worth the trip if you can gain the Wilderking’s favor.
If you are the type of traveler that prefers to stay closer to the beaten path, there is a road that runs West to the city of Woodhearth. It will take you near a delve known as Naril Nagaia, an Ayleid Ruin, and the Shadmist Moors that have recently seen a rash of missing locals. When I finally arrived in Woodhearth, I was surprised to find Razum-dar already conducting an investigation concerning the Veiled Heritance. On the plus side, the plan he roped me into this time didn’t involve me getting captured.
As one leaves Woodhearth and begins to travel North, the direct influence of the Wilderking becomes less apparent. Perhaps this is due to more Ayleid ruins and Daedric influence in the area. Rulanyil’s Fall is reportedly an Ayleid crypt overseen by the Merethic Society and houses a collection of antiquities. While Rootwater Grove seems to be attracting Daedra and its protectors, that serve the Woodland Man, are on the verge of being overwhelmed.
I did manage to pass through the area and make my way to the Seaside Sanctuary on the Northwest coast, only to find Veiled Heritance had seized control of the island. I am not sure what their plans entail. But Major Cirenwe seems to be putting up a counter-offensive to take back the island and could use more help.
To the North of Marbruk, the forest becomes even more dangerous as followers of the Veiled Heritance have dug into the areas and have raised the dead. The Vinedusk Rangers are taking the lead to drive them back but are not having much success as the forest seems to be turning against them. Those that wish to lend a hand should head to Driladan Pass directly North of the city.
Between a reported blight in the Verrant Morass, forest orcs at the Falinesti Spring Site, and cursed dead of the Blackroot Clan sited around Dread Vullain. The entire Northern Greenshade sounds to be in a mess. I have also heard whispers about something powerful called the Heart of Valenwood within the Alyaid Ruins Hectahame. Unfortunately, the Veiled Heritance likely knows of this powerful local as well.
For those who have a few friends and are looking for a fight, I have heard reports of Whisper Grove being under attack by the followers of the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon while investigating other leads. The Vinedusk Rangers say the grove will be nothing but a City of Ash in Northeast Greenshade before much longer.
I have done what I can in Greenshade and succeeded with my primary mission. While there is still more to do, I have had enough of the Veiled Heritance and their undead. Word has come from the North that Velyn Harbor in Malabal Tor is under attack by Redguards and Wood Orcs. Maybe it is time for a change of pace and some fresh opponents.
