[WIP] 1-Handed Crossbows

[StormWalker183]

Now that I know that this project actually is possible (and that trying to do it all myself is practically suicide), I'm setting up this thread looking for an animator(s) and scripter(s) to help me add lore-friendly one handed crossbows to the game as standalone, partially-separate-weapon-class weapons. Any ideas and other input is welcome as well, of course (especially since this is my first time modding).

So far, I've set up one animated mid-poly model (to work with as the base) and one high poly model (not textured yet). I'm able to cover modelling, texturing, and animating of the weapons themselves, but need assistance with character animation and whatever scripting will be required. I know that there are 1-handed crossbow mods out there already based on the staff animation; however, I'm hoping to build this mod in the same structure as Oblivion's Deadly Reflex 6: basically using all idle animations (so they will all be custom) and applying damage, etc through scripts. All that being said, if interested, please reply/pm me, etc. I'll continually update this thread with pictures of finished pieces and the like.

 

Mod Details:

- will add lore-friendly crossbows across a range of materials

- crossbows will have limited damage, making them more friendly to rogue-type characters

- crossbows will have their own set of bolts apart from the 2-handed crossbows'

- crossbows will be able to utilize multiple types of bolts, much like the vanilla exploding bolts

- all crossbows will be craftable, provided you have the respective blueprints

- will add new custom animations tailored for 1-handed crossbows

- will add new crossbows to leveled lists of specific NPCs (they will be difficult to obtain, keeping them more lore friendly)

- (I personally want to go around shooting everything like Diablo III's demon hunter, so also I'll add a separate version with full damage and faster rate of fire)

 

Current Backstory:

Many adventurers have fallen to ancient dwemer constructs and traps, and even when there are survivors, they must be sure to thoroughly destroy construct remains, as it has been known for parties to move on, only to be struck from behind by foes believed to be vanquished. Thus it is no surprise that it has taken so long for an intact set of dwarven sphere weapons to be brought back to the surface. The crossbow, in particular, was studied by the greatest minds of the Winterhold College until the Thalmor learned of its existence and confiscated the remains. And so the possibility of a hand crossbow withered. Years later, in a raid on a thieves' den, Imperial soldiers were surprised to discover a working replica of the dwarven crossbow, complete with a set of basic blueprints. These were immediately transported to the capitol in secrecy, where the weapon was reconstructed by craftsmen of the highest caliber. However, the project was found to be too cost prohibitive, requiring large amounts of time and skill for little gain in the way of combat. From there, the blueprints exchanged hands through bribery, theft, blackmail, and assassination, resulting in several variations as owners added their own modifications. As with the Imperials, most found the weapon too weak to perform effectively in conventional combat. Its ease of use and near silence, however, has brought the hand crossbow to the forefront among thieves and assassins, who often tip their bolts in poison or explosive oils.