LE Advanced Necromancy?

[Maho0o]

I'm no modder, I'm terrible with those things (I mean... like any kind of scripting or stuff), all I can do is write stories and design mechanics (ie make things work on paper... all of this thanks to many years hosting all sorts of pen and paper RPGs). So I'd like to make a suggestion, I'm not asking anyone to make it come true of course, just putting it here so some modder may happen to read it and think "MMmh I'd actualy want to do something like it", who knows?

 

I, as a RPG player (both on screen or paper) like to play a Necromancer... which is... not impossible, in theory, in the TES series. But anyone who has seriously tried will know how that made you into quite a lousy necromancer, not only did spells and other gameplay mechanics not allow you to really feel like a master of the dark arts, but, while there were many necromancers (in oblivion at least, didn't play enough morrowind to tell for sure) with several "guild" like associations and stuff, you weren't allowed to join any of those, to go over to the dark and prohibited side of sorcery (story wise).

What I liked in Oblivion was how I acted as the dark, secret, bad guy my character was supposed to be, but the only quests that allowed me to do so were those of the Dark Brotherhood (which were the best if you ask me). I'm sure Skyrim will let you be some brutal and evil individual (and will of course have it's share of Dark Brotherhood quests), but I have the feeling it won't really allow you to play as that evil mage, who is seeking power through forbidden means...

 

So what I suggest (or rather... what I'd love to see, to be honest xD ) is a Necromancer mod featuring altered mechanics (mostly regarding spells I guess) and some new quests, maybe even a faction for the role play side. Or it could be two different mods one of the gameplay, one for the story.

 

As for how to make good mechanics for Necromancy, I remember there was that very good oblivion mod (though it wasn't totaly complete) "Jpm's Miniature Necromancy", it needed a little nerf to it if you ask me (make it so that the black soulgems needed for necromancy would be fewer, hidden in the world, or something like that, and also that you can controll less creatures at the same time, maybe according to a Necromancy skill level or something).

 

Anway this is it... I'd really love to see something like this come true.

Also if any experienced modder is motivated in doing something like this and needs any kind of help I'd be actualy albe to provide (which really, wouldn't be much... I fear) feel free to ask at My email

[MichaelJep]

Excellent idea! We are of the same mind. I would also like to see a Necromancy and the dark arts mod. Here are some of my ramblings.

 

I must confess, I haven't bought Skyrim yet (too busy / want to get an ultra computer first), so please excuses my ignorance of Skyrim game mechanics.

 

I am assuming that Skyrim's conjuration system is similar to Oblivion's were one would simply cast a simple spell to conjure a skeleton which lasted for a few moments. Were is the immersion in that I ask you? I feel summoning an un-dead minion should be no small feat! These Zombies and Skeletons should be persistent companions, but require a portion of your total Magicka or decrease your Magicka regain. Higher Necromancy skills would lower the cost to maintain skeletons and increase the strength of the Necromancer's minions.

 

A much better summoning system would be one were you had to complete some sort of quest line to have access to these un-dead warriors. For example, to obtain a zombie, a fledgling necromancer would be required to rob a grave for a dead rotted body, collecting necessary reagents, and completing some sort of ritual. These rituals could be learned via books or quests. One such quest could be that you find the phylactery of a Lich. In exchange for not destroying the Lich's soul he/she will mentor and train you in the dark arts. I can envision a rich story line were from time to time you summon the Lich much like a jinni in a bottle for instruction. Indeed this Lich could instruct your entire career of dark dabbling.

 

Speaking of the dark arts, I found it rather odd that in Oblivion I was able to walk around in Necromancer robes along with a skeleton bodyguard and have the mage guild, those whom protect all cyrodiil from the evil necromancers, not even bat an eye. I would rather the very presence of zombies and skeletons be evidence for the crime of Necromancy. A proper necromancer should hide the fact that he/she practices the dark arts. Thus the necromancer character will require a place of refuge for his/her undead minions. The establishment of such a Lair would be both a home to the necromancer, a place to store your loot, and a hangout for your minions. Indeed, this lair could be come a target for wayward adventurers looking for loot (reverse the roles!) or actual assaults made by the imperial guard and the mage guild.

 

I think this could be quite a fun diversion for those who enjoy playing the bad guys.