Companionship in Oblivion

[Cashews]

A few weeks ago I had the rare pleasure of being able to update my computer. Nothing fancy, just some extra RAM and a new vid card. With this new visual power at my disposal however, I decided to go back to an old favorite of mine: Oblivion, thus giving my BG CDs a much needed rest.

 

Now, since I can no longer play an unmodded game, I've spent the last two weeks reviewing, downloading and installing various mods and tools for this great game. I won't bore you with the details of such an install, but since I'm pretty sure there's a few Oblivion players lurking around, I'll ask your help in finding the missing components: a good NPC mod.

 

The things is, Baldur's Gate and Oblivion are two very different beasts. While BG is defined by party dynamics and character interations, Oblivion is all about immersion. Whereas texture, equipment and housing mods are common, good companion mods are few and far between. Now I know of CM Partners, but the standard NPCs are a little bland and I seem to remember that there's a few conflicts between this mod and the kind of install I'm using (a FCOM based extended-install). There's always Ruined Tail, arguably the best NPC mod available for Oblivion, but I would honestly prefer a human-looking female instead. Blame BG for my thirst for romance...

 

...that and the fact that there's a Chain Mail bikini armor available through OOO.

 

Anyway, let me know if you think of something. Thanks.

[Miloch]

You'll probably have better luck over at SHS - they've acquired a pretty big Oblivion modding community. I'm still trying to figure out BG1.

[Cashews]

You'll probably have better luck over at SHS - they've acquired a pretty big Oblivion modding community. I'm still trying to figure out BG1.

 

True, but I don't think they have any Companion/NPC mods out. As a matter of fact, I don't even think they have a forum for this kind of mod.

 

The best place would technically be TES Nexus, but getting an answer on their boards is like hoping for rain in the desert.

[Kulyok]

Please, post here if/when you find something interesting. I've got a full collection of Elder Scrolls games, and this is exactly the reason I need to play it: companions.

[Cashews]

Please, post here if/when you find something interesting. I've got a full collection of Elder Scrolls games, and this is exactly the reason I need to play it: companions.

 

I'm afraid I don't have much to propose Kulyok.

 

If you're only looking for fighting companions, CM Partners is probably the best option available, with a nice basic package and numerous optional companions available for download from various other mods. The mod however is not RP oriented and the companions don't have much to say. Another issue is also the fact that many of the extra companions, available from various CM Partners expansion mods are unbalanced, having some unique and often very powerful abilities. They're often kewl, but we all know that kewl usually doesn't make for good roleplay. Other interesting options include Companion Sonia and Red Sonia, which makes available as a companion a character named Sonia, loosely based on the famed Red Sonja. Like the companions from CM Partners however, Sonia is basically a simple fighting partner. She's a nicely balanced character however, with a unique feel to her.

 

Honestly, as far as fighting partners are concerned, my favorite is a fairly simple one. Fenrir is a noble mountain wolf which act as a loyal animal companion. It's simple and effective and the big wolf doesn't try to be anything else than what he is: a loyal, silent friend.

 

If what you're looking for is a RP-centric companion, the only real option available is Ruined Tail. And a great option it is. I won't get into details here, but I'll just say that it's a -very- nice companion mod. That being said, it's also far from perfect and (unfortunately) is no longer being supported by the author.

 

And that's about it. Like I said, not much. I really find it surprising that there's not more companion or romance mods available for Oblivion. Considering the immersive potential of the platform and the numerous options available, I though I was gonna find dozens NPC or romance mods available when I got back to the game a few weeks ago. I was sorely disappointed.

 

...soooooo Kulyok, I guess you'll have to start modding for Oblivion.

 

Anyway, i'll keep looking. If I find anything, i'll let you know.

[cmorgan]

(I would love someone to start a similar discussion for Morrowind, becuase I am still putting off my computer upgrade...)

[Cashews]

(I would love someone to start a similar discussion for Morrowind, becuase I am still putting off my computer upgrade...)

 

Morrowind huh?

 

Well, you still have CM Partners as an option. Its pretty much the same thing as CM Partners for Oblivion, although the basic package is not as stable and effective. There's also less companions available from other CM Partners expansion-mods.

 

As far as RP-oriented companion mods are concerned they're almost non-existent, BUT! there's the amazing Romance mod available. This thing allows you to:

- Start a romance with any NPC of Morrowind

- Get married to them

- Make love with them

- Break up at any time

- Become pregnant (for female characters)

- Take care of your baby

- Prostitute yourself

- Visit prostitutes

- Adopt a lost child

 

Obviously it's an adult mod. RP-wise, it's probably not as effective as some NPC mods available for Baldur's Gate. However, much like everything in The Elder Scrolls serie, it's all about immersion. Probably one of the best mod available for Morrowind.

[Kulyok]

- Break up at any time

- Become pregnant (for female characters)

- Take care of your baby

- Prostitute yourself

- Visit prostitutes

- Adopt a lost child

 

Eww. But what about character development? Dialogues, are they any good?

[Cashews]

- Break up at any time

- Become pregnant (for female characters)

- Take care of your baby

- Prostitute yourself

- Visit prostitutes

- Adopt a lost child

 

Eww. But what about character development? Dialogues, are they any good?

 

As I said, Morrowind and Oblivion are all about immersion, not roleplay. The Elder Scrolls serie is like watching a good movie, while the Baldur's Gate serie is like reading a good book. IMHO, the Romance mod is more a relationship mod than a true romance mod. It's not about dialogues, it's more about finding someone, getting married and having kids. It's still a very good mod, but again, immersion is the keyword here, not roleplay.

 

It could provide a very strong foundation for a true roleplayable romance mod though, but the same could be said about some of the other mods I mentionned before. As far as I know however, it's never been done. Quoting myself:

 

Considering the immersive potential of the platform and the numerous options available, I though I was gonna find dozens NPC or romance mods available (...)

 

I still don't get it.

[Choo Choo]

People who want a good companion mod for Morrowind need to check out Kateri's Julan. Do it. NOW.

 

For Oblivion.. gods, I wish there was a Julan for Oblivion, too. (And not to forget Shani, who had me chase around Mournhold buying scribs, drinking my head off, insulting King Helseth and picking up a fight with an Ordinator.)

 

Both Julan and Shani are romanceable. Both are elves (that's your cue to start chasing them, Kulyok ). Both are adorable. Go get 'em!

[Cashews]

Just found this, for those interested:

 

Red Sonia as a romantic interest

 

Basically the modder involved in this project is working on a Flirt Pack-like expansion mod to the popular Red Sonia mod. The basic package would feature various flirt options using an Actor in Charge-like platform for character interations. According to Sulteric Drums, he would eventually like to add a complete romance to the basic flirt pack, with quests, full-voice acting and various relationship elements based on the Romance mod from Morrowind.

 

The basic flirt pack should be available in january. A -very- nice project.

 

Makes me wish I completed my studies in cumputer sciences. ::Slaps forehead::

[Caelellowynn]

If I knew how to put links up I could put them here for you. I found some really good sights with a lot of mods, most I never played but they are there. Now that I think about it I'm not actually sure whether that's okay for me to do or not being new and all.

 

The one I was liking the most before I gave up, mostly because I came across all these BG mods I had no idea existed (I've led a sheltered life) is a romance with the maid in Skingrad and even revamps the house to add a pool in the basement.

 

Anyway if someone gives me the go ahead and/or tells how to do a link in the first place the info I've found since discovering technology is yours.

[theacefes]

Click "Reply" and on the top of the text entry box there will be a button to add a hyperlink.

[Noctalys]

Sorry I'm so late for the party, but if you like, I can add my two cents in regarding Morrowind companion mods.

 

First off...LISTEN TO CHOO CHOO! Choo Choo is very wise in the ways of the awesome companion mod. The Julan Ashlander Companion mod is extremely well-written, well-programmed, and just all around well-polished. (Whole lot of dashes going on, here) And, if you're like me and have terrible luck with mods and stuff does mess up, the author is very accessible and willing to help you out should you encounter troubles. I've had to contact Kateri multiple times regarding things futzing up in my mod, and she was very patient with me and helped me out. I love this mod so very, very much.

 

For those of you with a darker bent who would like a very unique, interesting, and gothic mod that adds a HUGE amount of content and quests (twice as large as the main quest!) You should check out The Underground by the ever-talented Qarl. There is both a male and female romance, depending on what gender you start off as, and it's with a rather charming vampire. I heard there was going to be a huge revamp of the mod, but as far as I know the project is on hold indefinitely. Still, an awesome mod to check out. If you have problems with it, you can pm me with them if you like, I've had some experience fixing errors my run generated. (Note: This mod is best experienced in conjunction with the Vampire Embrace mod, the Vampiric Hunger mod, the Vampire Realism mod, and, well....just check out the mods on this portion of a very useful list. ) (Second note: This mod has some adult content in it...I wouldn't suggest playing parts of it around the squeamish)

 

For those of you who want to bust out their copy of Bloodmoon for a little northern adventuring, there's always the White Wolf Of The Lokken Mountain mod by Emma. Once again, it has both male and female romances. This mod is less npc intensive than the first two, but still rather grand. It even has a nice little surprise at the end of the quest, should you choose to pursue romance.

 

I hear the Laura Craft mod is very well done, but I've never played it so I cannot give you an honest review of its worth.

 

The Witchgirl Adventure is a fun little romp, and has some good content to go right along with it. I'd suggest giving it a go.

 

And of course, one that I am eagerly anticipating is the Indwell romance; I linked you to its WIP.

 

There are actually MORE romances available, but unfortunately I can't remember the links off the top of my head so you'll have to give me some time to search through my cds to find the particular mods I'm looking for.

 

Also, if you want suggestions for mods in general, feel free to pm me whenever you wish. I've tried out quite a few and I think I can give an educated opinion on many of them, as well as tip you off on mods you may lack knowledge of involving whatever area of improvement you are looking for. You won't bug me. XD

 

I hope that helped!

[Caelellowynn]

Okay let's see if this works then. Thanks theacefes.

These are the sites where I found the different mods. I may be saying something you already know but check the readme's first. A lot of the mods I favored anyway had a list in there of others mods that needed to be installed in order to work (clothes, body type, etc.).

 

 

This is the best all-in-one resource I have found:Tes.Nexus

 

You all probably don't need this one but on the off chance there are others like me out there:Tweakguides

 

Good romance/companion:The Romancing of Eyja and it comes with a pool to swim in

 

Some general ones here:

Planet Elder Scrolls

Canadian Ice & Howndog's Place

Nexus Forums

 

 

WARNING: Now you can find Adult Content through any of those other sites but if you worked that hard them you didn't need my help in the first place. These next ones however will take you there more or less directly. So if you are offended,disturbed,bothered,bored, "add your discriptor here" then may I suggest you not visit them. NOTE: If you are underage I'm going to use reverse phsycology on you and tell you TO go so that you DON'T go. Right then

 

Bab Body Mod Project I never got around to trying this one but it looked good to me

 

Tessmage.com a bit on the out there side to me but the work looks good and it has some body mods for Vampire Bloodlines as well some game fixes for it which I have used

 

Well hopefully people will find that useful. LOL now that I think of it I did not put in Spellhold Studios which is how I found this place in the first place. Sorry guys didn't mean to take it for granted. Spellhold Studios