Strange Freeze at Final Mage Guild quest with Companions in tow (major

[Sonja]

Ack, I tried to Include this in the title, but I guess it was too long. MAJOR Spoilers for the Mage's Guild below:






















I have run into something very strange. I turned in my "final" quest to Traven, and as soon as he incinerates himself my game freezes. This happens repeatedly. When I dismiss my companions, everything goes fine.... until I have them join me again, at which point the game freezes once more. Said companions are Vilja, Sher-Ja, and Wolfgang (the wolf from the Vilja mod)

I have tried the SetStage command, to get past that part of the quest chain, and it is exactly the same; the game freezes if my companions are present during or after Traven's self immolation. So, whatever the problem is, it seems to be hard-coded or something. Luckily I've been able to Ctrl, Alt, Del my way out of it.

Suffice to say, I am entirely stumped. If I have to just leave the final Guild quest and not become Arch Mage, then so be it. But it is the niggly, little sort of thing that will bug me....

 

I have my mods installed with OBMM, ordered with BOSS, and I use Bash for the usual merging suggested by BOSS (as well as adjusting dates when there is a conflict with that). My Mod list in Wrye is a nice, healthy green, and my Save games are a pretty purple. I use TES4Edit when BOSS tells me a mod is dirty, obviously leaving alone anything like OOO which expressly instructs against cleaning.

Here is my load order if it makes a difference:

Active Mod Files:

• 00 Oblivion.esm [CRC: 2FF840C5]

• 01 All Natural Base.esm [Version 1.34] [CRC: 38F3699D]

• 02 Cobl Main.esm [Version 1.72] [CRC: 8284D0E6]

• 03 Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.esm [Version 1.35Beta] [CRC: 40BB6CDE]

• 04 RealisticLeveling.esm [CRC: 5CA1A2DB]

• 05 Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp [Version 3.4.4] [CRC: 70E1582A]

• 06 UOPS Additional Changes.esp [CRC: F222ED75]

• 07 DLCShiveringIsles.esp [CRC: 2BB84977]

• 08 Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch.esp [Version 1.5.2] [CRC: 54C8A01C]

• ++ USIPS Additional Changes.esp [CRC: D01D3257]

• 09 Natural_Habitat_by_Max_Tael.esp [CRC: 48A6FB2A]

• 0A All Natural.esp [Version 1.34] [CRC: AEC2C9AE]

• 0B All Natural - SI.esp [Version 1.34] [CRC: 3CF889F4]

• 0C Skyrimized Water HD BLUE eng.esp [Version 1.8.] [CRC: 51820BBE]

• ++ Skyrimized Waters HD BLUE - SI Addon.esp [CRC: 763EB2E5]

• 0D Sounds of Cyrodiil.esp [Version 1.1] [CRC: 5A11E6F3]

• 0E All Natural - Real Lights.esp [Version 1.34] [CRC: A6BE9F29]

• 0F WindowLightingSystem.esp [CRC: E7050887]

• 10 All normal clothes buyable.esp [CRC: F5507434]

• 11 Luchaire's Neck Seam Concealer.esp [CRC: A774B887]

• 12 DarNifiedUI Config Addon.esp [CRC: 6F14751D]

• 13 AlternativeLightArmors12.esp [CRC: B2A97E2C]

• 14 ClassyClothingCompendium.esp [CRC: 7B75EEDB]

• ++ Darkgreen Glass Armour.esp [CRC: EEDEAC86]

• 15 Neck Seam Concealers Expanded.esp [Version 1.1-SI] [CRC: B6D68AEE]

• 16 Neck Seam Concealers Expanded DD.esp [Version 1.1] [CRC: C037AFC5]

• 17 Neck Seam Concealers Expanded LL.esp [Version 1.1-SI-A] [CRC: 54C65DFE]

• 18 RavenWearClothing.esp [Version 1.5] [CRC: A970D56C]

• 19 Shdw_Armor Set_Sotonhorian.esp [CRC: A4FAF27E]

• 1A SSA.esp [Version 2.0] [CRC: CC5A1518]

• 1B Slof's Horses Base.esp [CRC: F51AD87B]

• 1C Slof's Extra Horses.esp [CRC: F7BC77FF]

• 1D Cobl Glue.esp [Version 1.72] [CRC: 055AFC51]

• 1E Cobl Si.esp [Version 1.63] [CRC: F7ADF908]

• ++ Cobl Tweaks.esp [Version 1.44] [CRC: 905EBDCE]

• 1F Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.esp [Version 1.35Beta] [CRC: B266D9AC]

• 20 Alluring Potion Bottles v3.esp [CRC: A506F25E]

• 21 OOO 1.32-Cobl.esp [Version 1.72] [CRC: 23312D99]

• 22 Cyrodiil transportation network 1.3.esp [CRC: E80ECB14]

• 23 Gianna.esp [CRC: 91C39729]

• 24 Highwood.esp [CRC: 60F910C2]

• 25 Highwood-Cobl-Support.esp [CRC: DBF918BF]

• 26 Highwood-OOO-Patch.esp [CRC: 7B505755]

• 27 ImperialCityApartment.esp [CRC: 1C3D881E]

• 28 Zira's Clydesdale Horses.esp [CRC: C59A9D6D]

• 29 Knights.esp [CRC: 8ED86755]

• ++ Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul - Knights of Nine.esp [CRC: E62CA5C3]

• 2A The Lost Spires.esp [CRC: 07E695EF]

• 2B xuldarkforest.esp [Version 1.0.5] [CRC: B948EAE3]

• 2C LostSpires-DarkForest patch.esp [CRC: 039926B5]

• 2D xulStendarrValley.esp [Version 1.2.2] [CRC: FEC083A9]

• 2E xulTheHeath.esp [CRC: ADDF5F66]

• 2F XulEntiusGorge.esp [Version 1.2.1] [CRC: A5315F57]

• 30 xulFallenleafEverglade.esp [Version 1.3.1] [CRC: EF98D162]

• 31 LostSpires-Everglade patch.esp [CRC: 060DF603]

• 32 xulColovianHighlands_EV.esp [Version 1.2.2] [CRC: D44BB972]

• 33 xulChorrolHinterland.esp [Version 1.2.3] [CRC: 23CB46F7]

• 34 xulBeachesOfCyrodiilLostCoast.esp [Version 1.6.5] [CRC: AF9B96E4]

• 35 xulBravilBarrowfields.esp [Version 1.3.5] [CRC: E20011F1]

• 36 xulLushWoodlands.esp [Version 1.3.3] [CRC: 527C605E]

• 37 xulAncientYews.esp [Version 1.4.4] [CRC: 943366CC]

• 38 xulAncientRedwoods.esp [Version 1.6] [CRC: E541D578]

• 39 xulCloudtopMountains.esp [Version 1.0.3] [CRC: 75E2FD36]

• 3A xulArriusCreek.esp [Version 1.1.4] [CRC: B4255E26]

• 3B xulPatch_AY_AC.esp [Version 1.1] [CRC: FAEC8265]

• 3C xulRollingHills_EV_withoutWheat.esp [Version 1.3.3] [CRC: C5BB3148]

• 3D xulPantherRiver.esp [CRC: AD0A3B5E]

• 3E xulRiverEthe.esp [Version 1.0.2] [CRC: 52A9819F]

• 3F xulBrenaRiverRavine.esp [Version 1.1.1] [CRC: 57F5CE44]

• 40 xulImperialIsle.esp [Version 1.6.8] [CRC: 2F8835D3]

• 41 xulBlackwoodForest.esp [Version 1.1.1] [CRC: 957DF538]

• 42 xulCheydinhalFalls.esp [Version 1.0.1] [CRC: 5FAB540B]

• 43 xulAspenWood.esp [Version 1.0.3] [CRC: F745CB95]

• 44 xulSkingradOutskirts.esp [Version 1.0.2] [CRC: 2FC2AE95]

• 45 xulSnowdale.esp [Version 1.0.5] [CRC: 218AD648]

• 46 OOO-Snowdale patch.esp [Version 1.1] [CRC: C58C9FBC]

• 47 xulCliffsOfAnvil.esp [Version 1.1.3] [CRC: 7B627686]

• 48 OOO-CliffsOfAnvil patch.esp [Version 1.2] [CRC: B255629F]

• 49 xulSilverfishRiverValley.esp [Version 1.0.4] [CRC: 8C65AFB9]

• 4A xulJerallGlacier.esp [Version 1.0.2] [CRC: 532CBAE9]

• 4B OOO-JerallGlacier patch.esp [Version 1.0] [CRC: 93EC8B15]

• 4C xulTheEasternPeaks.esp [Version 1.1.4] [CRC: A190E6F7]

• 4D Auto Update Leveled Items And Spells.esp [Version 1.2.5] [CRC: 04967F21]

• 4E Live at Gweden Farm.esp [CRC: FDB3F8F0]

• ++ Short Grass V3.esp [CRC: B2CF5093]

• 4F Recharge Spell.esp [CRC: 1F112250]

• 50 1em_Vilja.esp [Version 4.04] [CRC: 7D9D9B53]

• 51 ViljaOCO.esp [CRC: 51B93B0B]

• 52 1em_Vilja_Neck_Seam_Concealer.esp [CRC: EAECCC89]

• ++ 1em_Vilja_Bruse_as_Slofs_horse_by_Xtudo.esp [CRC: 92D61E2C]

• 53 Saerileth.esp [CRC: 5D8B0B5C]

• 54 Sher Ja Lion Companion.esp [CRC: 0BE1C63F]

• 55 Oblivion_Character_Overhaul.esp [Version 2.0] [CRC: 1AFEBDD6]

• 56 GPQ_Lindai Armour.esp [CRC: A58B7D8E]

• 57 BethFancyShirt07.esp [CRC: 545429FF]

• • • All Natural - Indoor Weather Filter For Mods.esp [Version 1.34] [CRC: 71B744A6]

• 58 Bashed Patch, 0.esp [CRC: 3DB76036]

 

 

OBSE Plugins

Blockhead

Conscribe

FastExit2

obse_jail_fix

obse_training_fix.dll

Oblivion Stutter Remover

 

non-ESP Graphics Replacers

Beaming Sunglare by Sonic Ether

Night Eye Shader Replacement

Skyrimized waters

Really Textured Normal Maps for Vanilla


I have the weirdest issues with the ES games... *sigh*
Anyway, if somebody out there can offer any insights I'd certainly be grateful.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Sonja

[Striker879]

What happens if you put the ViljaOCO.esp after the Oblivion_Character_Overhaul.esp?

[Sonja]

What happens if you put the ViljaOCO.esp after the Oblivion_Character_Overhaul.esp?

That was one of the first things I tried...

Though, it also happens with Sher Ja the mountain lion, and he has no relationship to the Vilja mod at all.... So I would have actually been surprised if putting the Vilja OCO esp after the OCO esp. would have made a difference. However, while I have decent layperson's knowledge of this kind of stuff, I'm certainly no techie; maybe it would somehow have a bearing.

 

Maybe I'll try it with Saerileth, see what happens then. Might as well iron out the possibilities.

 

 

EDIT

Yep, happens with Saerileth as well. So it seems to be something specific to any companion.

I have also tried disabling Vilja OCO, no difference there either. So... I don't think that esp is the issue. Of course, I have no way of knowing that for sure.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Sonja

[Striker879]

I once had trouble entering a cave with Vilja in tow (but I needed to enter that cave to complete the Wolfgang quest if I remember correctly). Even when I left Vilja behind at a nearby Inn I'd crash. Finally got through it by using the "coc center wait 72 hours" trick.

 

If you want to give that a try take all your companions to an interior cell and tell them to wait. I left that cell first, but can't say if that's needed, and then opened the console using the tilde (~) key. At the console prompt type "coc center" without the quote marks and then hit Enter. You'll be transported to and open plain with some trees in the distance. Using the game wait menu (default t key) wait three full 24 hour days and then a bit more for good measure. Open the console again and "coc weye" (or another location if you know the correct location code ... UESP Wiki is handy for that). Then see if you can complete the quest.

[Sonja]

I once had trouble entering a cave with Vilja in tow (but I needed to enter that cave to complete the Wolfgang quest if I remember correctly). Even when I left Vilja behind at a nearby Inn I'd crash. Finally got through it by using the "coc center wait 72 hours" trick.

 

If you want to give that a try take all your companions to an interior cell and tell them to wait. I left that cell first, but can't say if that's needed, and then opened the console using the tilde (~) key. At the console prompt type "coc center" without the quote marks and then hit Enter. You'll be transported to and open plain with some trees in the distance. Using the game wait menu (default t key) wait three full 24 hour days and then a bit more for good measure. Open the console again and "coc weye" (or another location if you know the correct location code ... UESP Wiki is handy for that). Then see if you can complete the quest.

 

Thanks very much for the suggestions. :smile:

 

I tried this and the results were interesting...

With Saerileth and Sher Ja it seemed to work well. Then I had Vilja rejoin me after completing the quest with Traven. Bang.. same thing. The first time I tried, I just told her to wait, which resulted in the predictable freeze when I collected her again. Then I remembered that Vilja doesn't like being told to Wait, so I said we needed to separate for at least a week. However... same thing, freeze when I picked her back up. Two differences from before I tried the coc center trick:

This time it worked with everyone except Vilja

Instead of freezing hard and requiring a Ctrl, Alt Del, it froze for a few seconds and then simply CTD'ed.

 

I am guessing at this point that somewhere along the road there has been a script screw up, and of course, Vilja has the most complex scripting of all my companions... I have no idea what exactly happened and where the problem originated, though.

 

For the record, after looking through the posts on Vilja's Nexus DL page I saw Emma suggested the Start Combat/Vilja is acting strangely spell when somebody reported Vilja wandering aimlessly for two days while the PC was following her.. I figured that was worth a shot, but sadly, it didn't help either.

 

If I can't get this fixed, I've decided that what I will do is save the remainder of this quest for the very final parts of my current playthrough by dismissing Vilja (will have to see what happens with the others), just for the sake of completion. That way, if Vilja can't rejoin me afterwards, it's not really a big issue.

 

Alternatively, if I feel energetic, I'll make a dedicated save and try completing the quest without Vilja, not picking her back up until the entire Mage's guild questline is completed. Maybe that will kick whatever issue it is in the nether parts and all will return to regular scheduled programming. If not.. well, I'll just revert back to the save before the issues started. (hopefully I won't encounter any similar problems elsewhere, though I have finished up the Fighter's Guild without incident, so I can at least hope)

 

 

EDIT

OK, I may have a solution...

As an experiment I completed the part with Traven accompanied by Saerileth, Wolfgang and Sher Ja, after I had used the coc center method. Then, I used SetStage and pushed the whole thing forward to 100, thus completing the Mage Guild questline. After that I summoned Vilja... without incident, and everything seemed fine. Given that using the SetStage command to only get past the Traven bit had the same results as manually playing through his incineration, I'm going to conclude (hope) that there is something specifically up with that particular part of the quest being active while Vilja is in tow. So, with some luck, I should be able to deal with the King of worms followed by everyone except Vilja (I have OOO and am only lvl 11, not sure I can do it by myself unless I drop the difficulty way down).

Wow... what an odd bug.... or whatever it is.

 

EDIT 2

Tried the above idea and it seems to have worked! Phew! I would love to know what was causing that.... Oh well, at least it appears to be fixed. :)

Edited January 16, 2014 by Sonja

[Striker879]

I had a situation just last night that I needed to use the coc trick to get around. All my recent saves seemed to CTD, with the older ones taking a bit longer to crash than the most recent. Loaded up my newest save and coc'ed away. Shortly after I coc'ed back to Weye I found out what the culprit was ... my Imperial Dragon armor was ready (new guy finally got around to saving the world). Good thing Bethesda gave us a "safe room".