Skyrim

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Avenger 404

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avenger404

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About this mod

A massive overhaul of all Skyrim's bosses, DLC's included!

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V2.0.7




I personally have found that the adventure and challenge aspects of Skyrim die out once higher levels are reached. I've been looking all over the Nexus to find an appropriate difficulty increase, but haven't found anything I particularly was looking for, so I've made this boss overhaul!

Other mods have done a fantastic job on their specific attempts to make fights tougher: some increase spawns, while others have gone as far as to rework the core combat mechanics!  However, none of them did what I wanted, specifically.  With that in mind, I made this mod which should hopefully be neutral and compliment what has been done already.


For those interested, I'm also working on a new mod.  The updates will be incredibly slow, but I will be adding my own custom bosses to the game, meant to exist solely for challenge, should you desire a challenge greater than what this mod supplies.




This mod adds a plethora of incredibly tough battles to truly test your Skyrim characters of all levels with!  It will now challenge seasoned players, along with those on their first playthrough!  Low level characters should be warned that these encounters are EXTREMELY challenging, and the difficulty of the game at low levels is still being tweaked!  The mod now tailors the difficulty of bosses to scale with how far along they are in a questline.  For example, the first few bosses will comparatively not require much to beat, but the bosses near the endgame of a quest series will be extremely challenging, and make you feel like you had the fight of your life to bring a quest to a conclusion.

This mod also introduces a mini-boss system of sorts.  In quest-related battles, I have hand-placed mini-boss units, which are made at a set level, and will bolster the ranks of most quest-related dungeons.  The player will have to decide whether to clear the common enemies before dispatching the mini-boss, or try to defeat the boss first while dodging the common swarm.  I have not tinkered with the radiant system, and as such those bosses remain untouched and scale with level and/or difficulty.  This adds completely new, hand-placed NPCs.  Tread carefully!

Be warned, that some extremely powerful enemies have been added to the levelled lists, so generic bosses everywhere will be incredibly tough at higher levels! (50+)


-Those worried about performance loss from scripts will be happy to know that NO new scripts have been added to this mod!

-Mods that change the characteristics of combat (Deadly Combat, Action Combat, etc...) are currently untested, but should be compatible.  All I can say is be prepared for some completely devastating attacks from my bosses, as their damage values are far higher than standard NPCs.  (Would appreciate feedback on this)

-USE WITH CAUTION ON MODS THAT HAVE A SIMILAR PURPOSE TO ASIS OR OTHER SPAWN MULTIPLIERS!

-Not compatible with mods changing Dragon Priest stats
-Reported to be incompatible with the Requiem mod
-It is NOT recommended to put hostile NPC spawn multiplying mods after my mod in the load order.  This may cause my bosses and mini-bosses to be multiplied as well, making some fights nearly impossible to beat!


Load order tweaking will most likely resolve compatibility issues.  None of the changes I have made have been very severe.  If there is a modification on any of the previous NPCs you prefer, simply load it after my mod in your load order, and my changes should be overwritten.  Bear in mind, however, that these types of changes could make some bosses much easier to fight, or nearly impossible to defeat, depending on what files are overwritten.



Major Bugfixes will be listed here!  For now the mod is deemed complete for the foreseeable future!

BUG WARNING!  For now if you side with the Imperials during the Civil War - the battle for Whiterun will be nearly impossible to complete!  Due to the way the enemies spawn when the city is being attacked it makes the fight pretty much impossible without cheating!  You have been warned!!!


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List of All Bosses:

GREEN = Easy -> Minorly Challenging Encounters (Difficulty 1-3)
These foes will be slightly more challenging than Skyrim's average enemies, but will not require much more skill than that required to kill standard enemies.

YELLOW = Moderately Difficult -> Quite Difficult Encounters (Difficulty 4-6)
These enemies will prove to be a significant challenge, often possessing a hidden mechanic or far-above average stats making average game-breaking techniques (blind hacking and slashing, block spamming) not applicable.  Generally some level of conscious thought and a small amount of strategy will be required to beat these bosses.  Be prepared to possibly die!

Falmer, Bandits, Dawnguard, Vampires, Draugr, and Forsworn all now have high level bosses that spawn all around the world when your character is high enough level!  There is also a chance these new bosses will spawn in the place of standard enemies in any dungeon, so be on your toes!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Encounter Level = 40+


Generic Dragon Priest Rework - All dragon priests are now level 80, and are
capable of using some shouts!  Be warned, these shouts can hit hard, and
these beings should no longer be taken lightly!
Overall Difficulty = 4-5
Recommended Level = 25+

Masked Dragon Priest Rework - All dragon priests with masks are now
extra-tough!  They are now level 100-120, and each can use multiple shouts. 
Depending on where they are in the world, they can call storms to their
aid, summon tornadoes, drain your very life force, and even have a
chance at freezing you solid!  Recommended to not approach these fights
without backup of some sort!
Overall Difficulty = 5-6
Recommended Level = 30+

RED = Very Challenging -> Extremely Difficult Encounters (Difficulty 7-10)

These bosses are meant to be very challenging, and on the high end of the scale, be damn near impossible to kill.  These bosses will usually be optional encounters, to be sought out by those desiring a challenge far beyond what the standard game can offer.  These enemies will test the very limits of the game (and hopefully the player!)  I plan for the vast majority of the fights in this category to be beyond difficult, and in some cases even unfair.  As they exist solely for the challenge, it will mostly attain bragging rights if these bosses are beaten fairly, although I will consider adding some rewards in the future.

Vahlok the Jailer - The Dragon Priest Vahlok is now incredibly tough, set to level 200.  Since he apparently beat Miraak in combat, he now is strong enough to feel like the battle between himself and Miraak was truly an epic one.
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 30+
Dawnguard Named NPCs - All of the Dawnguard have received a significant buff.  Be warned, if you have sided with the Vampires they are going to be much more challenging to kill!

Modified Boss Fights Sorted by Quest


Main Story
Draugr Minibosses - Draugr Warriors and Bowmen have been added to Ustengrav.
Overall Difficulty = 4
Recommended Level = 15+
Falmer Minibosses - Falmer Shadowstalkers have been added to most of the portions of Blackreach and Alftand (Incomplete)
Overall Difficulty = 4
Recommended Level = 15+
Thalmor Minibosses - Thalmor Battlemages, Enforcers, and Sharpshooters now patrol the Thalmor Embassy.  They are each level 50, equipped with relevant perks.  Beware challenging at lower levels!
Overall Difficulty = 5
Recommended Level = 20+
Sulla and Umana - The warriors found deep within Blackreach quarreling will now be a bit more challenging.  They are both level 50, and can pack a bit of a punch for the unprepared!
Overall Difficulty = 5
Recommended Level = 18+
Nahkriin - The Dragon Priest atop Skuldafn is now quite challenging to fight.  The toughest Dragon Priest wielding a mask is Alduin's last line of defense to Sovngarde, and will fight valiantly to defend his post, using several devastating shouts!  Be prepared, Dragonborn!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Recommended Level = 25-30+
Jurgon's Ward - In ancient times, a powerful ward was placed on Jurgon's tomb.  Whomever was there ahead of you was able to escape before it could deal with them, but your sacrifice will sate the ward for now.  Prepare to be engaged in a battle of the Thu'um!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 20+
Thalmor Sadist - An especially sadistic Altmer, he enjoys torturing prisoners in the basement of the embassy, and will happily continue to do so, unless he is stopped!  At a respectable level 65, he may prove a challenging duel on your quest.
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 20+
Konahrik's Minions - In ancient times, Six mighty Nord brothers came together to confront
and defeat the mighty Konahrik.  It is little known that they
succeeded.  However, Konahrik laid a curse on their souls to serve him
after death.  And now they stand outside SkyHaven Temple, corrupted
wights of their former selves, waiting to slay any adventurers calling
themselves DragonBorn...  The brothers are fought in pairs, and each
pair will be especially strong against one type of attack, so be sure to
adapt your strategy accordingly!

Thorkir & Akavir - This duo is the first of the brothers you'll face.  They are highly
resiliant to magic attacks, and are capable of draining large amounts of
magicka with their weapons.  With Thorkir approaching you in berserk
melee and Akavir standing afar with a longbow, the fight will surely be a
challenge for mages!


Nahkiir & Orgrimm - These two brothers will be a nightmare to fight up
close.  Nahkiir is a hybrid melee and ranged fighter, and his crossbow
is capable of sapping large amounts of stamina on a successful hit. 
Orgrimm's mighty sword possesses a chance to sap a very large amount of
health on every swing, so the less you get hit, the better!

Hokrim & Durheim - These last two brothers are easily the hardest
challenge of the three sets.  Hokrim is a powerful mage, and is able to
reflect melee damage back to the inflicter!  Be extra cautious to dodge
his massive fireballs!  Durheim's gigantic axe swings very slowly, and
is somewhat easy to dodge.  And dodge it you should!  Because the lower
his health gets, the more damage he inflicts on a successful hit!
Overall Difficulty = 7-8
Recommended Level = 25-30+
Konahrik - a brand new boss, Konahrik and his captured minions now inhabit SkyHaven
Temple.  For your first visit, it's recommended to enter from outside,
rather than fast travel to the area.  Konahrik himself exists inside the
temple, and will prove to be a terrifyingly difficult challenge.  You'd
better have assistance, and you'll need to be good at dodging!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 3
5-40
+
Corrupted Souls - Corrupted Souls now accompany Alduin wherever he may fight.  They are easy to dispatch individually, and should be dispatched quickly, because they are capable of harming the player greatly with powerful magical attacks!
Tormented Souls - Along with their counterparts, Tormented Souls also accompany Alduin.  Conversely, these do very little damage, and move slowly.  They are best off avoided and dispatched from a distance, as their swords are enchanted with many extremely debilitating effects!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 30+
Draugr Minibosses - Draugr Warrior Lords and Bowmasters now bolster the ranks in Skuldafn, be prepared to withstand an extremely powerful Draugr assault both outside the dungeon, and within!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 30+
Draugr Warlord - A Draugr Warlord also exists within the walls of Skuldafn.  Be prepared to do battle with easily the toughest variant of Draugr you'll see!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 40+
Tsun - As a Divine figure of sorts, Tsun has been overhauled to fight with much more vigor.  Boosted to an incredible level 1500, a duel with him is not to be taken lightly, as he now uses more shouts along with packing much more devastating blows!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 50+
Alduin's Army - If you can imagine how difficult Dragon Priests, Corrupted Souls,Tormented Souls, Legendary Dragons, and Konahrik with his minions are on their own, you probably don't want to experience how difficult they all would be at the same time!  Throw all these heavy hitters together along with Alduin (however difficult he may or may not be via other mods), and you have the perfect recipe for a desperate all-out war in Sovngarde!  This miniature war is going to take everything the Dovahkiin has to survive it!  Hold nothing back, Dragonborn.  You're now going to need everything you have to bring down the mighty World-Eater!
Overall Difficulty = 9
Recommended Level = 50+

College of Winterhold
Jyrik Gauldurson - The first true boss of this quest series has been buffed significantly.  He now has a static combat level of 30, and is slightly tougher than a standard Draugr Deathlord.  He will prove to be difficult if fought at too low a level, however!
Overall Difficulty = 3
Recommended Level = 15+
The Caller - The Caller has seen an increase in combat proficiency as well.  She now spawns at a static level of 45, and has been given a vast array of Magic perks to make fighting her much more challenging and intense.  If you intend to challenge her, make sure you're prepared!
Overall Difficulty = 4
Recommended Level = 20+
Falmer Shadowstalker - Deep in the Dwemer ruins exists a new Falmer miniboss unit, capable of both magic and melee attacks.  Spawning in at level 50, these enemies will prove very dangerous, and possibly even fatal to the unprepared!
Overall Difficulty = 5
Recommended Level = 25+
Morokei - The Dragon Priest at the heart of Labyrinthian has received an upgrade in combat proficiency, as an array of functioning shouts are now at his disposal!  Be prepared, as he is also capable of healing and has a large number of magic related perks, and weighs in at an imposing level 100!
Overall Difficulty = 5-6
Recommended Level = 35+
Estormo - Estormo has also been made more intimidating, spawning in at level 60 with a large repertoire of spells and perks to attack you with.  He will still be relatively little trouble after your trials beforehand, but will be slightly more memorable than he was in the standard game.
Overall Difficulty = 5
Recommended Level = 30+

Draugr Minibosses - Draugr minibosses also inhabit Labyrinthian of varying levels.  They will get more deadly deeper in the heart of Labyrinthian than near the surface.  Be on the lookout for Draugr Bowmen, Draugr Warriors, Draugr Bowmasters, and Draugr Warrior Lords in conjunction with the pre-existing Draugr enemies!
Overall Difficulty = 5-7
Recommended Level = 25+
Ancano - Ancano is now a worthy opponent for the end-game boss of this quest.  Your duel with him will prove to be much more challenging, as he can take and deal far more damage, and the fact that you have no help will make the fight quite difficult!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 40+
Unbound Dremora - The Dremora fought to master the Conjuration skill is now a much more challenging fight, and shouldn't be taken lightly.  If attempted solo or at too low a level, death is a very real possibility!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 35+


The Companions
Draugr Minibosses - During the first few dungeons of the Companions quests, Draugr Bowmen and Draugr Warriors will attempt to hinder your progress, but will definitely be enough for your backup to handle.
Overall Difficulty = 4-5
Recommended Level = 15+
Silver Hand Minibosses - During the quests involving the Silver Hand, you will now find Silver Hand Exterminators and Silver Hand Pyrelords amongst the ranks.  They are significantly tougher than their standard counterparts, adept at Werewolf slaying, and will prove to be a notable added challenge to the questline!
Overall Difficulty = 5
Recommended Level = 25+
Krev The Skinner - Given the level he is attempted at, Krev the Skinner is now an extremely challenging fight!  You and Aela will most definitely have your work cut out for you!  Krev now weighs in at a staggering level 90, and will not go down easy!  You will have to work like a dog to earn your right to be a werewolf!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 35+

Glenmoril Witches - The witches fought during the Companions quests are now significantly more challenging, as they are now level 70, equipped with a large amount of spells and perks!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Recommended Level = 30+

Kodlak's Wolf Spirit - The hostile Beast Spirit you have to fight to free the Companions is now extremely hostile, and hits very hard!  Be prepared for a long and dangerous fight!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 45+

Civil War

The major battlefields of the Civil War quests in the cities of Whiterun, Solitude, and Windhelm have been overhauled to have minibosses.  Unfortunately it's not currently possible to add them to the other fights, but the major battles for these holds are now considerably more epic and challenging!
Imperial Snipers/Stormcloak Hunters - These minibosses now inhabit the major battlefields in the Civil War questline.  They prefer to hang back in the ranks, firing deadly arrows and using a large array of ranged perks.  If approached in close-combat they are able to defend themselves with one-handed weaponry.
Overall Difficulty = 4
Recommended Level = 30+
Imperial Frontlines/Stormcloak Berserkers - These types of minibosses now inhabit the major battlefields in the Civil War questline.  They approach with dual-wielded weapons and light armor.  Prepare to receive a lot of damage from them if you're not careful!
Overall Difficulty = 5
Recommended Level = 35+
Legate Rikke - The second-in-command of the Imperial Army of Skyrim is now considerably more durable.  Buffed with a respectable amount of perks and brought up to level 85, she will now take and deal much more damage on the battlefield!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Recommended Level = 40+
Galmar Stonefist - As with Rikke, Galmar has seen a noteable increase in combat proficiency.  He will now hit much harder if provoked!  He seems much more worthy to be second-in-command to Ulfric Stormcloak!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Recommended Level = 40+
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater - The jarl of Whiterun will now fight with a far greater ferocity than before.  If you side with the Stormcloaks you are in for a very challenging fight with him.  Come prepared when you arrive to take Whiterun from the Imperials!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 35+

Imperial Legionnaires/Stormcloak Warbears - These minibosses now inhabit the major battlefields in the Civil War questline.  They fight as a tank class, using shields and are able to absorb a large amount of damage.  They are a deadly adversary alone, or with an accompanying horde!  Tread carefully on the battlefield!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 35+
Imperial Centurions/Stormcloak Field Commanders - These minibosses now inhabit the major battlefields in the Civil War questline.  They are at the top of their combat game, come equipped with healing potions, and lead their squads with devastating authority.  Comparable to the army leaders in combat proficiency, they are a force to be reckoned with on the field, able to decimate entire squads singlehandedly!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 40+
General Tullius - The leader of the Imperial Army is now a far more powerful combatant.  He and Rikke make up a formidable fighting force, not to be challenged lightly!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 50+
Ulfric Stormcloak - The leader of the Stormcloak Rebellion is now far more imposing in combat.  Now it appears the duel between him and High King Torryg would have been one worth watching!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 50+

Dawnguard
The major bosses on both sides of the Dawnguard quest have seen a significant increase in combat prowess.  Be prepared for almost every fight to be the fight of your life in this questline!

Dexion - Dexion will now defend himself with a bit more combat prowess than before.
Overall Difficulty = 3
Recommended Level = 25+

Dawnguard Elite - Dawnguard Elites now have a chance to spawn once you have attained a high enough level.  They will prove to be a serious challenge for any aspiring Vampire!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Recommended Level = 30+
Gargoyle Vanguard - Once you have levelled up high enough, there is a chance Gargoyle Vanguards can spawn anywhere in the Dawnguard expansion.  They are incredibly tough to kill - so be on your toes!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Recommended Level = 40+
Falmer Shadowstalker - High Level Falmer Shadowstalkers walk the lands of the Forgotten Vale - ready to hinder your progress - be prepared for a tough fight with them!
Overall Difficulty = 6
Recommended Level = 30+

Keepers - The Keepers of the Soul Cairn are now frighteningly difficult to kill.  Beware and stay out of range of their dragonbone equipment - or suffer the consequences!
Overall Difficulty = 7
Recommended Level = 35+
Falmer Voidwalker - A very high level variant of Falmer, this boss-type creature will be encountered several times in the Forgotten Vale, a very tough fight will ensue if one of these are discovered.  Be prepared for a serious fight!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 45+
Arch-Curate Vyrthur - Vyrthur has become much more powerful, and will prove to be a significant challenge when confronted for the mighty Auriel's Bow.  Be prepared for a much more tense duel with the mighty snow elf!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 50+
Dawnguard Main Characters - All the main characters of the force of the Dawnguard are now much more proficient at combat.  Siding against them will prove to be a very difficult challenge, even with your mighty Vampire prowess!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 50+
Harkon's Court - The vampires of Harkon's court are now as deadly as they say they are!  Many of them can kill the average adventurer with but a whim.  You will have your hands full when attacking them head-on!
Overall Difficulty = 8
Recommended Level = 50+
Harkon - The original vampire is now easily one of the deadliest fights you'll ever face on Skyrim.  Not only do you have to deal with this level 130 menace, you also have to deal with the Gargoyle Vanguards he is capable of summoning during your fight.  Be prepared for a very long, and merciless duel with the lord of the vampires!
Overall Difficulty = 9
Recommended Level = 60+


Dragonborn
The major bosses of the Dragonborn DLC have been revamped and have pulled all the stops.  Best of luck, Dragonborn!

Bonuses

(Having trouble with these fights?  These tips should help ease the pain a little)

Summoned Dragon Priests should now prove much more helpful in combat, easily being the strongest summonable creature in the game so far.

Delphine and Esbern have now been buffed to take the extra-hard hits your enemies will deliver during the quest.  The backup you require will be able to help you against your foes.

Even though the bosses of the Civil War questline are now more challenging, the backup you receive will also be far tougher, so this dampens the challenge somewhat.

All the teachers at the college have been revamped and will prove to be very effective backup if needed.

The Companions of Whiterun have also been buffed, and will prove to be very useful backup on quests where they tag along.

As the challenge of Alduin's last stand has been bolstered significantly, so have the 3 heroes that aid you.  Now the Call of Valor shout will bring forth a very powerful warrior to aid you in your trials!

Those getting started in Dawnguard will find their fellow Dawnguard bretheren will fight with much more prowess than previously.



CREDITS

Bethesda for the creation of this FANTASTIC game AND the Creation Kit

All developers and game creators whose talents have made amazing bossfights that have inspired my own creations

and last, but not least, the support of various players who have given me ideas via comments and playing my stuff! Thank you all!