While the 'Dawnguard' DLC remains a hot topic for Bethesda as the first content expansion for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, it's that other big franchise game from the series that they brought to E3 2012 alongside Dishonored, their new IP.

The Elder Scrolls Online wasn't playable, but we did view a demo that showcased the world, factions and action combat of the game. But more on that later. While waiting for Bethesda's presentation we roamed around in an armory of replicas of weapons and armors from the game.

So, instead of talking about how The Elder Scrolls Online will be accessible to mass audiences or how its action-combat system works, or how vast and varied the provinces of Tamriel are, we're going to take a brief real-life look at the MMO's three factions and the weapons and armor players can utilize.

The Ouroboros logo of The Elder Scrolls Online symbolizes the game's three factions:

  • Aldmeri Dominion (Eagle) - Altmer, Bosmer, Khajiit
  • Daggerfall Covenant (Lion) - Bretons, Orcs, Reguards
  • Ebonheart Pact (Dragon) - Dunmer, Nords, Argonians

The logo and its explanation were on display at Bethesda's E3 booth:

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As were their respective logos, displayed on colored armor sets:

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The real fun stuff was the variety of weapons found on the inside walls of the booth, including a detailed bow and quiver of arrows, swords, daggers, a magic staff, a scary looking mace, along with a variety of armored sets and a beautiful Elven cloak.

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And of course, would would a game from The Elder Scrolls universe be without an actual Elder Scrolls. Don't try to read it.

The Elder Scrolls Online releases in 2013 for PC and Mac.

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