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How to Start a Quest Using Script Event in the Story Manager (Skyrim Creation Kit)

Starting a quest via the Story Manager using Script Events and Keywords is a powerful but poorly documented feature in Skyrim’s Creation Kit (CK). This guide explains how to start a quest (Quest B) from another quest (Quest A) using a Story Manager Script Event and Keywords.

Example Setup:

  • Quest A = DA01 (The Black Star)
  • Quest B = AZU_Quest_Main (Your custom Azura Star quest)
This method ensures that AZU_Quest_Main starts automatically when DA01 reaches Stage 100 or 110, without needing console commands or manual intervention.

Step 1: Create a Keyword for the Story Event

  • In Creation Kit, go to Miscellaneous → Keywords.
  • Right-click and select New.
  • Name it AzuStarTriggerKeyword.
  • Click OK to save.

This keyword acts as the trigger that the Story Manager will recognize when starting the quest.

Step 2: Modify DA01 to Send the Story Event

  • Open DA01 in the Quest Editor.
  • Go to Quest Stages and select Stage 100 (Azura’s Star) and Stage 110 (Black Star).
  • Add the following Papyrus Fragment to each stage
For DA01 Stage 100 (Azura’s Star chosen):
  • Send the Story Event using AzuStarTriggerKeyword
For DA01 Stage 110 (Black Star chosen):
  • Send the Story Event using AzuStarTriggerKeyword

The Story Event is sent to the Story Manager, which will then start AZU_Quest_Main.

Step 3: Set Up the Story Manager (SM Event Node)

  • Open Story Manager by navigating to Character → SM Event Node.
  • Create a New Event Node
    • Right-click "Script Event" → Select "New Stacked Event Node"
    • Right-click the new node → Select "New Quest Node"
    • Select AZU_Quest_Main as the quest
  • Set Conditions for the Node
    • Target: E (Event Data)
    • Function Name: GetEventData
    • Function Info: GetIsID, Keyword, Keyword: 'AzuStarTriggerKeyword'
    • Comparison: ==
    • Value: 1.0


This ensures that AZU_Quest_Main only starts when AzuStarTriggerKeyword is received. It also prevents the quest from running at the wrong time.

Step 4: Verify AZU_Quest_Main Settings

  • Open AZU_Quest_Main in the Quest Editor.
  • In the Quest Data tab, set the following options
  • Event Type: Script Event
  • Start Game Enabled: Unchecked (Story Manager will start it)
  • Run Once: Checked (if you want it to run only once)

This prevents the quest from starting on game load. The Story Manager will now control when it starts.

Step 5: Debugging & Testing

Check if DA01 Sends the Event
  • Run this in the console
    SetStage DA01 100
  • Add this debug line to DA01’s fragment
    Debug.Notification("Story Event Sent!")
    If you see "Story Event Sent!", the event fired.
Check if AZU_Quest_Main Starts
  • After setting DA01’s stage to 100 or 110, run
    sqv AZU_Quest_Main


    If it is running, the Story Manager worked. If not, check the SM Event Node conditions.

TL;DR (For Experienced Modders)

  • Create Keyword: AzuStarTriggerKeyword
  • Modify DA01 Stages
    • Call AzuStarTriggerKeyword.SendStoryEvent()
  • Set Up Story Manager (SM Event Node)
    • Create SM Event Node → Script Event → Add Quest Node
    • Condition: GetEventData -> GetIsID -> Keyword: 'AzuStarTriggerKeyword' (== 1.0)
  • AZU_Quest_Main Settings
    • Event Type: Script Event
    • Start Game Enabled: Unchecked
  • Test
    • SetStage DA01 100
    • sqv AZU_Quest_Main


Done! Quest now starts automatically via Story Manager!

Article information

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Written by

kojak747

1 comment

  1. megaman2k
    megaman2k
    • premium
    • 154 kudos
    Doesn't this edit vanilla, though?

    AFAIK the only way to do it without touching vanilla records or scripts is to use Papyrus Extender.

    https://github.com/powerof3/PapyrusExtenderSSE/wiki/Form#quest-startstop