Hey guys, sorry there's been no new updates as of late, but I needed a bit of a break after working so hard on the first lot of monsters. Keep in mind that a): I'm also working on my actual mod-list while I'm updating this document, b): testing spawns in mods takes time, and c): I don't want to work on the SCMG so intensely I end up burning myself out, so expect progress to be a little slower from now on. However, since COVID-19 has us in lock-down where I live, I expect to have some time on my hands for quite a while ^_^; Also, I've decided to focus exclusively on the lore-aspect of mods, as judging balance and finding glitches is far beyond my skill level. I understand this is disappointing, but I'm just not hardcore enough of a modder I'm afraid :/ Anyway, I'll do my best to keep this updated as much as possible, and thanks for all your feedback!
I have to thank you for this in depth analysis on these mods though for Beasts of Tamriel there's one creature in the Non Canon section that is confirmed to be canon that I can see off the top of my head and that would be the Chimera, it's been mentioned in De Rerum Dirennis as an actual creature in the lore even if we haven't seen it in game or mentioned since. Relevant passage. "There were few much greater threats in Tyrigel in those peaceful days than disease or accidental poisonings. Yes, there were some dark forces in the wilderness, trolls, chimera, the occasional malevolent fairy folk and will-o'-the-wisp, but even the youngest, most foolish Altmer knew how to avoid them. There were, however, a few unusual threats which Asliel had a hand in defeating." Eitherway keep up the good work.
Hi MangaBottle! I am so glad you've made a list like this -- I personally appreciate the effort. Do you plan on going through mods that add new animals as well? For example, Animallica (https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20456) and Birds of Skyrim (https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3097)?
Also, do you know if D.E.R.P. has an MCM that lets you configure which daedra are included or not?
I'll have to take another look at D.E.R.P., but no mention of one is made on the mod page so I don't think it does. I have considered mods like Animallica, but I think I'll focus on the mods that add more 'fantastic' creatures first. Once I've finished with Monster Mod SE and Skyrim Immersive Creatures, I'll turn my attention to more mundane creatures.
Nice list. I personally use Beasts of Tamriel + The following from Mihail: Air Atronach, Giant Youngling, Golden Saints, House Cats, Ice Golem, Iron Atronach, Lich, Lurcher, Squirrel, Wraiths.
I'd use some of the others but they either have awkward bugs (enemy bats), are unbalanced with weird placement (watchers), are duplicates, or aren't mentioned anywhere in the Elder Scrolls bestiary.
The list is still an ongoing work-in-progress. I'm currently going through Beasts of Tamriel's test spawns to evaluate the creatures included, so keep an eye out for updates.
Nah, it's fine to be specific in the document. The point is to know what is lorefriendly, what can be, and what isn't and then decide what to install. Lore unfriendly doesn't mean bad mod, or viceversa
Thanks! You should also note performance/mod-compatibility issues in the mods you evaluate! Could be a one stop shop for creature mods both from a lore and practical (gameplay) perspective.
The idea is basically to make it a one-stop shop, yeah. My main focus is whether the creatures fit into the game, but I suppose I could look into stability and performance to help other modders.
A look at balance for the mods evaluated would be great, too (as if there isn't enough on your plate). It's great to know a creature mod is canon-friendly, but if the creatures it spawns have ten times the health that anything like them does, it's still a bit jarring, you know?
Could you remove that one n from "cannon" to get canon which I think you mean. It's just a small tidbit, but grammar is often seen as a sign of competence and that would probably be good for a guide
a pretty interesting guide, in my case I am more of Beast of Tamriel (I like Monster Mod and SIC but there is always something that generates a CTD).... As tips in the Beast of Tamriel I leave some that I deactivate and their reasons, in case they help your guide: Snakes: they are difficult to see and their venom is very strong for low levels Gnarl: the enemy looks good, but there are always between 3 and 5 and his attack system is similar to that of the snake Bone Skull: This is optional, since although when they appear they abound they are not very hard, but you have to run every one that dies Bone Lord: it has a very annoying paralysis spell, and the fact that you use it too fast doesn't help you
I like the comments below, but thanks for the work even as-is. The Nexus is often so inundated with MommyIssuesBody followers that it's easy to miss other (non-NPC) actor mods, some of which can really enrich a playthrough.
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Also, I've decided to focus exclusively on the lore-aspect of mods, as judging balance and finding glitches is far beyond my skill level. I understand this is disappointing, but I'm just not hardcore enough of a modder I'm afraid :/
Anyway, I'll do my best to keep this updated as much as possible, and thanks for all your feedback!
In case it wasn't on your radar, I just wanted to drop the link for the mod Giant Creatures:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/19986?tab=description
Was in my tracked mods list and thought it had some pretty cool monsters in there.
Also, do you know if D.E.R.P. has an MCM that lets you configure which daedra are included or not?
I have considered mods like Animallica, but I think I'll focus on the mods that add more 'fantastic' creatures first. Once I've finished with Monster Mod SE and Skyrim Immersive Creatures, I'll turn my attention to more mundane creatures.
I'd use some of the others but they either have awkward bugs (enemy bats), are unbalanced with weird placement (watchers), are duplicates, or aren't mentioned anywhere in the Elder Scrolls bestiary.
Aside from that this looks pretty nice!
1.- Daedric Entity Restoration Project - D.E.R.P: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3604
and
2.- TES V: Hunt of Hircine: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/16918
My main focus is whether the creatures fit into the game, but I suppose I could look into stability and performance to help other modders.
Snakes: they are difficult to see and their venom is very strong for low levels
Gnarl: the enemy looks good, but there are always between 3 and 5 and his attack system is similar to that of the snake
Bone Skull: This is optional, since although when they appear they abound they are not very hard, but you have to run every one that dies
Bone Lord: it has a very annoying paralysis spell, and the fact that you use it too fast doesn't help you
otherwise it is to the taste of the player