Antiquities

Introduction to Antiquities

The Antiquities system is a unique feature in The Elder Scrolls Online that allows players to take on the role of an archaeologist and hunt for hidden treasures throughout the game world. Introduced in the Greymoor chapter, this system adds a new layer of depth and exploration to the game, offering players the chance to uncover powerful artifacts, unique furnishings, and interesting lore. To get started with Antiquities, players must first complete the introductory quest, which can be started by speaking to Verita Numida in the city of Solitude in Western Skyrim. This quest serves as a tutorial, introducing players to the basics of the Antiquities system and providing them with the necessary tools to start their archaeological adventures.

Scrying

Scrying is the first step in the Antiquities process. This involves using a tool called the Antiquarian’s Eye to locate the general area where an antiquity is buried. The scrying process is represented as a mini-game, where players must connect glyphs in a hexagonal grid to reveal the location of the antiquity. The Scrying skill line offers several passive abilities that can make the scrying process easier and more efficient. These abilities can reduce the number of glyphs that need to be connected, reveal more information about the location of the antiquity, and even allow players to scry for multiple antiquities at once. The effectiveness of scrying is determined by the player’s performance in the mini-game. The better the performance, the fewer potential dig sites will be revealed on the map, making it easier to locate the antiquity.

Excavating

Once the general location of an antiquity has been determined through scrying, players must then travel to the dig site and excavate the antiquity. This is also represented as a mini-game, where players must carefully remove layers of dirt and rock to uncover the antiquity. The Excavation skill line, like the Scrying skill line, offers several passive abilities that can aid in the excavation process. These abilities can increase the effectiveness of excavation tools, allow players to excavate faster, and even help to preserve the antiquity, preventing it from being damaged during the excavation process. As players progress in the Excavation skill line, they will unlock new tools that can be used during the excavation mini-game. These include the Hand Brush, which is used for carefully removing dirt, the Trowel, which is used for digging through rock, and the Heavy Shovel, which can be used to quickly remove large amounts of dirt.

Rewards

The rewards for successfully locating and excavating antiquities can be quite valuable. These include:

• Furnishings: Unique decorative items that can be used to customize player homes. These furnishings often have a historical or cultural theme, reflecting the lore of the Elder Scrolls world.
• Mythic Items: Powerful pieces of equipment that offer unique effects. These items can provide significant boosts to player abilities, making them highly sought after.
• Treasure: Gold and other valuable items that can be sold for profit.
• Lore: Many antiquities come with bits of lore, providing insights into the history and culture of the Elder Scrolls world. These lore fragments can be collected and read, offering players a deeper understanding of the game world.

Tips and Tricks

Take Your Time: The excavation mini-game can be challenging, and rushing can result in the antiquity being damaged. Take your time, use the right tool for the job, and carefully consider each move. Upgrade Your Skills: The passive skills in the Scrying and Excavation skill lines can make a significant difference in the Antiquities process. Be sure to invest skill points in these abilities as you level up. Use Maps: There are many maps and guides available online that can help you locate dig sites. These can be a valuable resource, especially when you’re just starting out with the Antiquities system. Practice Makes Perfect: The Antiquities system can be complex and challenging, but with practice, you’ll become more efficient and effective. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first - keep at it, and you’ll soon be uncovering valuable treasures with ease. The Antiquities system in The Elder Scrolls Online offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. Whether you’re interested in uncovering powerful artifacts, decorating your home with unique furnishings, delving into the lore of the Elder Scrolls world, or simply making a profit, the Antiquities system has something to offer. Happy hunting!