LE Revamp of the Skyrim Thane system

[TheWanderingWizard]

So in my last few playthroughs, I really got the feeling that the system of becoming a Thane(s) is 1) way too simple, and 2) not really worth it (I mean, no benefits, pathetic unique weapons, the list goes on...)

 

I also found it super unimmersive that one person can be the Thane, a title usually bestowed for great loyalty to a leader, of all nine Holds. Realistically, one should only be able to become Thane once, and with it should come excellent perks and benefits, as well as an unique weapon (not some generic steel battleaxe of soul snares)

 

My query, is for someone, or people, to create a mod which makes the Thane system more realistic (i.e. You can only serve one jarl, and they might call you into court once and a while), add new perks or benefits (my suggestions will follow shortly), and make each weapon unique, and worth taking the time to try and get.

 

The most important thing for me is the weapons. Including the Dawnguard dlc, we have nine generic weapon types (broad sword, war axe, mace, great sword, battle axe, warhammer, dagger, bow and crossbow) I therefore suggest that a weapon type gets assigned to a Hold, like a (pair of) dagger(s) for Riften (for obvious reasons), or a greatsword for Windhelm (Talos' sword is basically a greatsword...) That way, players with different playstyles would prefer to become a Thane to a certain Hold, etc (like a Thief to Riften...)

Each weapon should also capture the essence of that Hold (thus the Reach will have a Dwemer-like weapon, maybe with a silver or barbaric part in there too, or a more colder, glass-like weapon for Winterhold) and have buffs or enchantments that are unique to each weapon.

 

Now, the other part is the more tricky part- the system itself. If someone could make it to restrict you to one Hold it would be superb, but that might be difficult. Also, being the Thane must add more perks, like a ability to make merchants in example Whiterun charge less, or that you can have a guard(s) as followers. The possibilities are endless. It could even be brought in that you have to attend court occasionally (maybe some randomized non-essential events could be added just for immersion, like a dispute between farmers, or a giant problem, etc), otherwise you may lose esteem in the Hold and your perks decrease.

 

Some of you might say that Whiterun's Thaneship is forced on you after you kill the dragon, but that is where I come in. For the past four months I have been working on nine, Hold related quests from the jarls (excluding each Hold's quest, like the nightmares or vampires...) to test your skills. I allocated two skills per Hold (like Sneak and Lockpicking to Riften; and Smithing and Heavy Armour to the Reach, and so on) thus further challenging you to embrace new playstyles to experience all these quests.

So far I have finished writing the main quest for Winterhold and Whiterun, and I'm nearly done with the Reach, the Rift and Falkreath. These quests need to be completed before you can become a Thane, so Balgruuf won't automatically make you Thane anymore... (Also, they add a few new locations, but nothing oversized)

 

Please tell me what you think about the idea, and whether or not you want to take it on. I'll of course be more than happy to help. Also post suggestions or improvements to my idea please.