[WIP] Snow and Shadows: SPO

[Kriegersson]

Snow and Shadows: Skyrim Politics Overhaul

 

I present my current WIP. Please note that it is an adult mod, but not sex-centric or about sexualising things. I will probably make two versions, one with adult content and one without. If you object to overt displays of sex for the sake of it, that's not the goal of this mod.

 

OUTLINE

Snow and Shadows aims to add new depth to the frosty lands of Skyrim, through the addition of a system of court intrigue. The Elder Scrolls presents a rich world of jarls, kings and civil war, but the player serves only as muscle, with no ability to partake in court intrigue and mystery.

 

FEATURES

This mod will add a variety of features, eventually overhauling the political system of Skyrim completely. The player will be able to:

-- A whole new quest line, with a ranked Court system (respect, status, etc)

-- Four new 'great houses' of nobility and four new forts

-- Many new unique npcs (10-20)

-- Commit information theft through a range of means (thievery, bribery, intimidation, blackmail, seduction)

-- Use information to get out of bounties

-- Use information to rise through the ranks of the court

-- Blackmail for 'special' services (possibly including sexual)

-- Depose/assassinate jarls and thanes

-- Gain income through position and blackmail

-- Ruin people by damaging their Status

-- Recruit spies and informers (radiant-based)

-- Integrate the Dark Brotherhood, Companions and Thieves Guild to gain position and for quests (should not interfere too much)

-- Take part in court affairs (face decisions like the Dark Elf problem in Windhelm)

-- Gain and loose respect in the nine holds through questing and politcal maneuvering

 

PLOT

The quest line covers the rise and fall of four (new) houses in Skyrim. They will begin on fairly even footing, but your choices will see some ascend and others crumble.

 

This shouldn't replace, or greatly interfere with, the civil war. Rather, it will provide greater depth to the politics of Skyrim, making it live up to its history of intrigue, plots and treachery.

 

PROGRESS

Two quests are near completion, one with some voice acting complete. Basic mechanics for respect and faction power has been implemented. Still working on making have any influence on anything... :-(

 

THE GREAT HOUSES

It is likely, but not certain, that each fort will be in a separate worldspace. This is because Skyrim isn't so big you can easily find four large spots of empty land. Each fort will maintain troops, which will be either neutral guards, Imperials or Stormcloaks depending on your choices and how the quest line plays out.

 

House Karhäsfel

Based in Fort Kralburg, near Solitude

The epitome of militarism, House Karhasfel maintains a large force of troops. They are dedicated Imperials.

House Wirdolf

Based in Fort Wirdolf, near Falkreath

Wirdolf have been aloof so far, joining neither the Imperials nor the Stormcloaks. They are led by the capable Irvin the Elder, and his son, Brandon.

House Verrati

Based in Fort Haalbork, near Windhelm

House Verrati are devout Stormcloaks, led by Wilhelm. They are famous for their archery and Fort Haalbork is the home to many trophies.

House Arnjolf

Based in Castle Rothstaad, near Morthal

House Arnjolf have fallen from the glory of old, and are now one of the poorer houses. However, the young Rindir is ambitious, and very capable.

 

QUEST OUTLINES

A Matter of Pride

On a visit to the Blue Palace, you meet Ferdinand, the heir to House Karhasfel.

 

(IF MALE)

Path A: You get into fisticuffs as a matter of pride. If you win, he respects your martial prowess and invites you to join him at the Winking Skeever. After some drinks, he tells you that he is to be wed to Betilda Frostheart of House Arnjolf, but he is concerned that their House is not loyal to the Empire. He wants you to travel to their fort and determine their allegiance. You find that the wedding will bring House Arnjolf to the Imperial side, but if it is cancelled they will join the Stormcloaks. (This can then lead to Path B). You tell Ferdinand not to worry.

Result: Increased faction respect Karhasfel and Arnjolf // Arnjolf becomes Imperial

 

Path B: You take a disliking to the arrogant Ferdinand, and decide to investigate him. You find that he committed various indiscretions as an adolescent, and that he has two bastards in Dragons Bridge. You then go to Fort Rothstaad and tell Rindir. The wedding is cancelled, and the two Houses become rivals.

Result: Increase faction respect Arnjolf // Decrease faction respect Karhasfel // Arnjolf becomes rivals of Karhasfel // Arnjolf becomes Stormcloak

 

Path C: You seduce Betilda and then blackmail her for wealth/other.

Result: Decrease faction respect Arnjolf // Arnjolf becomes Imperial // Gold reward

 

(IF FEMALE)

Path A: He invites you to join him at the Winking Skeever. After some drinks, he tells you that he is to be wed to Betilda Frostheart of House Arnjolf, but he is concerned that their House is not loyal to the Empire. He wants you to travel to their fort and determine their allegiance. You find that the wedding will bring House Arnjolf to the Imperial side, but if it is cancelled they will join the Stormcloaks. (This can then lead to Path B). You tell Ferdinand not to worry.

Result: Increased faction respect Karhasfel and Arnjolf // Arnjolf becomes Imperial

 

Path B: You seduce Ferdinand and then blackmail him for wealth/other. After two successful blackmails, he weds Betilda. You can then choose to reveal his faithlessness for the result of Path B above, or stay silent.

Result (stay silent): Arnjolf becomes Imperial // Decrease faction respect Karhasfel // Gold reward

Winter Wolf

Path A: You are contacted by House Karhasfel to steal the famous Bow of the Winter Wolf from House Verrati. You agree to do it. You leave no evidence of your crime.

Result: Increase faction respect Karhasfel // Decrease faction power Verrati

 

Path B: You are contacted by House Karhasfel to steal the famous Bow of the Winter Wolf from House Verrati. You do it and frame House Wirdolf.

Result: Increase faction respect Karhasfel // Wirdolf becomes more likely to support Imperial // Wirdolf and Verrati become rivals

 

CONCLUSION

The above quests illustrate the freedom I want for the player, but will, of course, take considerable time to create. The former, a Matter of Pride, is currently being developed.

 

If anyone wants to help out with this mod, or has any suggestions, feel free to comment.

[Kriegersson]

Oh if anyone can help (perhaps this needs to be a new topic? or perhaps I am being retarded), all my male nord characters, which appear fine in the creation kit, have very deathly grey faces in the actual game. Anyone know why? I am guessing it may be a texture mod or something which I haven't loaded in the creation kit which has been loaded in the actual game. Hmm.... I will test this theory.