I like this mod because it works so great visually with the twist in Revelations quest and its aftermath. Until the quest, I had bearded Blackwall but after he disappears, I applied the beardless, unhealthy mod. This meant that when he dramatically appeared during the would-be execution, he looked so different because this was him shedding the disguise as part of his confession. After the Judgement and everything, he lives openly as Thom Rainier without the disguise/attempt to hide (and in Trespasser, he's going to be looking healthy because he's finally found peace)
Basically, this mod's great and I heartily recommend it, especially for its storytelling enhancement potential.
Fun fact: if you bring Blackwall to the Winter Palace, it's implied in a conversation between him and a noble that he actually didn't have a beard as Thom Rainier. I found it amusing because it means this mod is likely an accurate depiction of what Thom Rainier actually looked like.
He had that look for a reason. I'm pretty sure you already know the reason, but it seems too many people ignore it. It's a shame, that they (BioWare) didn't add another look for him after the resolution of his personal quest. Sure your Inky had fallen in love with the man (provided you walked that path) and doesn't really mind, how he looks, but for the sake of the Inquisition's appearance, it would be wise for Thom to shave his ugly beard and put on a better looks to represent. They probably didn't do that, because in his judgement you still have the option to go on with the lie (how is that possible, when too many people in Val Royeaux did see his public confession, goes beyond me, oh they probably didn't care, I guess?). Makes me wonder, if it still was possible or not. After all, even if you pardon him, or forward him to the Wardens as Thom Rainier (after beating the crap out of Corypheus), he's still referred to as Blackwall in most cases. Some party chat and his codex entry reflect the change to Thomas Rainier (and I guess Tresspasser, but I'm not that far yet), but other than that, he's still Blackwall.
So my point here is that his better looks in this mod makes sense only after his quest was resolved (and for Tresspasser), not before. Yes, he would look better this way when you first meet him, but remember, he's a criminal in hiding, living a lonely life. His original looks reflects that. It's also shown with Mornay, when Blackwall talks and Mornay recognizes him after some time passes and some things are said. Mornay obviously remembers his captain with another look, which is, why his lie and disguise worked for so long. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad mod, but it isn't that much lore friendly, it kinda breaks immersion. This man hides, he grew that beard for that only purpose. Getting rid of it too early beats the very purpose of his hiding. Everyone would recognize him instantly.
Thanks for the Man of the Woods version! I'll be switching to that one post Revelations and then using the original healthy version during Trespasser. :)
Just loaded up an old save for a quick Tresspasser check and it does appear to be compatible! I'm so excited, since I'm romancing Blackwall for the first time with my current Inquisitor and love the idea of him changing his look and getting healthier as he works toward self-acceptance.
Out of curiosity, would it be possible to make a version of this that keeps the stubble, but is closer to his original complexion? It would be neat to have a transition in his appearance throughout the game. Regardless, thank you for the lovely mod!
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Basically, this mod's great and I heartily recommend it, especially for its storytelling enhancement potential.
Fun fact: if you bring Blackwall to the Winter Palace, it's implied in a conversation between him and a noble that he actually didn't have a beard as Thom Rainier. I found it amusing because it means this mod is likely an accurate depiction of what Thom Rainier actually looked like.
So my point here is that his better looks in this mod makes sense only after his quest was resolved (and for Tresspasser), not before. Yes, he would look better this way when you first meet him, but remember, he's a criminal in hiding, living a lonely life. His original looks reflects that. It's also shown with Mornay, when Blackwall talks and Mornay recognizes him after some time passes and some things are said. Mornay obviously remembers his captain with another look, which is, why his lie and disguise worked for so long.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad mod, but it isn't that much lore friendly, it kinda breaks immersion. This man hides, he grew that beard for that only purpose. Getting rid of it too early beats the very purpose of his hiding. Everyone would recognize him instantly.