East Empire Company

Lore & Background

The island of Solstheim is administered by the Empire from Fort Frostmoth, but most of the land remains uninhabited wilderness occupied by indigenous Nord tribes like the Skaal. On the south end lies Raven Rock, the site where the East Empire Company attempts to develop a prospective ebony mining colony. The faction is led on-site by Carnius Magius, the Factor of the expedition, who works alongside his deputy, Falco Galenus. Their plans often clash, creating a dynamic environment for player interaction. The setting reflects a blend of Norse mythology and Imperial expansionism, with the company attempting to impose order on a land filled with snow goblins, bears, and werewolves.

In Their Own Story

Players initiate the East Empire Company questline by speaking directly with Carnius Magius in Raven Rock. Throughout the campaign, players can choose to side with either Carnius or Falco Galenus to undertake tasks that build the colony. These duties include establishing the mine, selecting which types of shops to construct, and resolving various problems such as missing shipments, thieves, and disturbances from local natives and monsters. The narrative branches significantly based on these choices. In one outcome, the player aids Carnius in staging a fake attack on the colony, only for Carnius to turn on the player, deeming them a liability. Alternatively, players can assist Falco in defending the colony against Carnius' treachery. Both paths converge at a final confrontation where the player must defeat Carnius Magius. Upon his defeat, the player is rewarded with a promotion as the new Factor of the colony and gains the ability to construct a player-owned estate within Raven Rock.

Reader's Guide

To engage with this faction, players must travel to Solstheim, either by asking non-player characters about 'latest rumors' or locating the ship themselves. The expansion is designed for characters at level 20 or higher due to difficult enemies like snow goblins and Spriggans that require three hits to defeat. When playing as a werewolf, be aware that you cannot use weapons, armor, or spells, though you gain increased strength, agility, and speed. If NPCs witness your transformation, they will attack on sight permanently. The East Empire Company questline offers a more open-ended experience than previous expansions, reflecting player choices through branching storylines. Players should prioritize resolving colony issues to build rapport with either Carnius or Falco before the final confrontation.

Did You Know?

• The East Empire Company questline was specifically praised by critics for its branching design that reflects player choices.
• Raven Rock is located on the south end of Solstheim and serves as the site of a prospective ebony mining colony.
• Players can construct a player-owned estate in Raven Rock after defeating Carnius Magius.
• The expansion was developed over six months with the specific objective of creating a more open-ended experience compared to Tribunal.