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Part of the May Modathon Month
Introduction
Have you ever been captivated by the pre-release screenshots of Morrowind? One such image featured Shulki Ashunbabi, a merchant in Gnisis, captured in a uniquely detailed environment. This early portrayal, interestingly, utilized assets from Redguard as placeholders, which added a rich, albeit temporary visual narrative to the character's setting. These were not meant to be final but served to fill out the scene before Morrowind’s own assets were completed.
The Mystery of Shulki Ashunbabi
The development narrative of Shulki Ashunbabi seems quite intricate. Annotated official concept art by Michael Kirkbride instructed: "Change to interior, lose mask." Additionally, and curiously, the gender of Shulki Ashunbabi was altered in the final game release. This shift from the initial concept to what we encounter in the game resulted in a character that lacks the distinctiveness once envisioned. For a hardcore fan like me, Shulki was not merely a trader; he was the embodiment of the quintessential Morrowind merchant—clad in chitin armor, adorned with Ashlander trinkets, and possessing the brisk, efficient demeanor typical of a seasoned street vendor. The final rendition—a generic trader—was a disappointment, failing to capture the essence that had initially intrigued and excited many fans.
Mod Features
- Visual Restoration: Returns Shulki Ashunbabi to his iconic pre-release appearance.
- New Interior: Places Shulki indoors, following Michael Kirkbride's original vision, complete with custom furnishings that recall those seen in the pre-release screenshot.
- Authentic Artifacts: Implements flavor items like a golden compass, a locket, and a decorative plate—crafted by the talented DimNussens—to blend seamlessly with Morrowind's aesthetic.
- Expanded Lore and Gameplay: We've added a quest and flavour dialogue that further develop Shulki’s character and explore the theme of Ashlanders integrating into larger town communities—an aspect that's underdeveloped in the base game.
Conclusion
This mod is born from a desire to restore and expand upon the fascinating glimpses offered by Morrowind's pre-release materials. It’s a tribute to the game's rich potential and to the community's ability to reshape and enrich its world. Join us in rediscovering Shulki Ashunbabi and experiencing Morrowind as it might have been.
Compatibility
BCoM patch available.
