User blog comment:G0LD3NF1RE/Which Faction do you like best in the new Elder Scrolls Online?/@comment-8235119-20140201092408/@comment-107.221.249.114-20140214060152

Not only could you play as an imperial, but you can play as ANY race in ANY alliance with the explorers pack. You get a bunch of cool gear, a horse, pets, rings of Mara that add a bonus to experience gained. All that gear goes to any of your characters (a good thing if you're a fan of making multiple characters). So much more stuff are included, and if you're going for the physical copy of ESO, the statue and guidebook filled with art and information, treasure maps nontheless is worth it for the price.