Better Courier is a mod that seeks to make the in-game courier more immersive. It does this by creating a home office for the courier outside of Whiterun. When finished delivering mail, the courier will return to his home office. The courier is now no longer essential. If killed, the courier will be replaced by a new courier.
Requirements
This mod does not have any known dependencies other than the base game.
Hard requirement, main file will not work without it.
Permissions and credits
Credits and distribution permission
Other user's assetsAll the assets in this file belong to the author, or are from free-to-use modder's resources
Upload permissionYou are not allowed to upload this file to other sites under any circumstances
Modification permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to modify my files to improve it
Conversion permissionYou are not allowed to convert this file to work on other games under any circumstances
Asset use permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to use any of the assets in this file
Asset use permission in mods/files that are being soldYou are not allowed to use assets from this file in any mods/files that are being sold, for money, on Steam Workshop or other platforms
Asset use permission in mods/files that earn donation pointsYou are not allowed to earn Donation Points for your mods if they use my assets
Author notes
This author has not provided any additional notes regarding file permissions
File credits
Brumbek for creating the Static Mesh Improvement Mod, some assets were included for those missing textures for my customized mesh based on Brumbek's work.
Removed old non-existent function reference from courier NPC deliveries that could have caused issues.
Changed courier NPC delivery to NONE value for alias... This will no longer spawn in random leveled list couriers who likely werent getting cleaned up properly. A courier is assigned as needed for the NPC delivery from the existing courier group.
Version 2.1
Removed leveledlist courier and instead templated non-trait data to all other varied courier appearances while moving them to a formlist. This may help with perceived persistence, as it was possible the leveledlist implementation wasnt keeping a consistent appearance. Kill existing couriers to generate new ones.
Version 2.0.9
I still see reports about issues with script-filled alias persistence. I now suspect the method they were spawned in needs to set them as persistent in WICourierTrackerScript as opposed to assuming they will stay persistent because they are in use by an Alias. Will need end user feedback to verify issues have been addressed. Existing couriers (who were spawned in via script in v2.0.8 or lower) likely will still have the issue, but the next time they are created it should stay persistent.
Version 2.0.8
People reported still seeing nakeds, but I tried hard and couldn't reproduce. Reviewed packaging of files to ensure all matched what I am using, found .esp was from 11 March 2023, but I packaged BSA's on 19 March 2023. I suspect this may be the cause. The esp had to be updated to include the script fix for naked NPCs... Hopefully this fixed it for good.
Version 2.0.7
I was able to somehow cause the naked courier issue and found that a preset actor (used as a template to create variation in courier appearance) had spawned. These are not referenced ANYWHERE that this should be a possible. Some save game persistence or engine level bug is occurring beyond my skillset to resolve. However, I did come up with a workaround that will delete ALL instances of these actors should they ever come into existence.
An additional measure to ensure courier persistence has been implemented. Aside from being assigned to a quest alias, instanced couriers will also be added to a formlist.
Fixed issue where debug text was not displayed when using the debug test mail button in wicouriercell.
Packaged some files intentionally as duplicate, loose file copies. These are edited vanilla scripts so you can more easily identify file conflicts from other mods. If this is problematic for you, you can delete the loose copy.
Version 2.0.6
Generated seq file to help with game start enabled quest WICourierTracker. Added a debug control to cell WICourierCell which generates test mail and enables debug messages for that delivery. If you use this, please remember deliveries are set to once a day and not on Sundays.
I seem to be getting consistent behavior now in script-filled alias persistence. It may be some options within the alias and within the quest regarding instance data. Will need end user feedback to verify issues have been addressed.
As part of plans to create additional content for this mod (when I do this, it will be a separate/optional plugin) and for the sake of realism, I've added a stable next to the Divines Courier office.
Cleaned mod in SSEEdit. Unintentional edits appeared which may have resulted in ILS for some users in v2.0.5.
Version 2.0.5
Determined that multiple courier issue is being caused by a failure in Skyrim to retain persistency in script-filled aliases. I am working hard to figure out why Skyrim is behaving this way.
Changed code structure to use ReferenceAlias objects in the WICourierTracker quest. This will allow us to track couriers AND diversify their AI packages with ease.
Corrected incorrectly labeled voice file for maleelfhaughty as reported by Fyntastic. Reviewed ALL other dialogue to ensure this was the only mistake.
Version 2.0.4
Added more missing voice files
Attempted to use less nested functions in the script to possibly address naked courier issue. Reviewed the scripts and plugin many times, it seems to be designed correctly. Will continue to try to troubleshoot on my end to see if I can reproduce.
Version 2.0.3
Add missing texture due to packaging issue.
Version 2.0.2
Created my own Outfit object "BCoutfit" in case other mods are editing the outfit in a negative way. This is still using vanilla randomized farm clothes.
Removed unintended object left in under the courier desk in the office.
Packaged in some customized SMIM jail assets for those who were using SMIM and missing textures.
Added in a script to add a courier at game startup to the courier office. There should now be a courier in or around the office. Couriers are replaced at random with 3 slots max.
Version 2.0.1
Fixed mod packaging mistake, voice files were missing in the 2.0 release.
Version 2.0
Confirmed that the mod "Couriers Stay in Skyrim" is incompatible.
Overhauled the courier home base.
Changed name from "Skyrim Courier Services" to "Divines Courier Service"
Overhauled the WICourier quest to support multiple couriers.
Optimized some scripting to keep more processing local to the script they are in.
Increased diversity among the couriers. There are now female couriers and beast races.
Removed war paints from the couriers faces.
Version 1.8.2
Forwarded and adapted script changes for WICourier from USSEP v4.2.8. Please note that these changes are at the script level; USSEP was not added as a master. You can continue to use Better Courier without having USSEP.
Version 1.8.1
Adjusted courier spawning logic to make it more realistic.
Courier will attempt deliveries once a day to help reduce courier spam.
Added new FormList BCSpecialCouriers. This will enable mod compatibility with other courier mods. These take priority for next courier spawn. If this specially added courier is not essential, the courier will die and be replaced either by another queued special courier, or if there are no other special couriers, it will use a generic courier.
Version 1.8
Corrected courier appearance logic that was prevent Redguards from being selected in WICourierTrackerScript
Implemented fix for unfreezing menus as suggested by Glanzer, documented on the Skyrim Souls mod page.
Version 1.7.2
Updated delivery conditions to be more realistic. Courier delivers during the day, 6am to 6pm, Morndas to Loredas. Thanks to neonprime for the suggestion.
Version 1.7.1
Updated delivery conditions so the courier is less annoying: Player is not trespassing. Player is not in combat. Player is not sneaking. Player is not invisible. Player is not swimming. Player is not restrained.
Added new file into Optional Files that will prevent delivery is player has fishing rod equipped. This file also includes the updated delivery conditions of Better Courier 1.7.1.
Version 1.7
Added more emotional reaction to courier dialogue.
Added more animation to NPC deliveries.
Version 1.6
Added time delay before moving items from courier to player after showing of deliverables. In my game, it started showing blank deliveries even though items were added - this fixed the issue for me.
Version 1.5
Removal of USSEP dependency.
Removed blank scene entry that caused NPC deliveries not to complete (where the courier would stare lovingly into the recipients eyes with awkward and infinite silence).
Added additional conditions to prevent delivering to children.
Small edits to the courier's house that should help prevent grass placement when using No Grass in Objects
Corrected crime faction script for courier. When performing NPC deliveries the courier will now correctly be assigned that locations crime faction.
Version 1.4
Added vanilla voice requirement for the 'target' alias for NPC deliveries. This condition was already used for voice lines, but I believe not having this for the target is what lead to the weird silent standing there behavior post-delivery.
Version 1.3
Integrated "Courier Delivers to NPCs" by Pickysaurus.
Added some gestures to make the transaction of receiving mail be more animated.
Corrected the implementation of the courier death script. At some point I added the courier to a LChar, this actually removed the script and may have prevented you from being able to loot your mail off of a dead courier in previous versions. I have thoroughly tested the reimplementation and can confirm this is working in v1.3.
Version 1.2
Moved courier home/office towards Whitewatch Tower to increase compatibility.
Added loot table for courier, because he works for other people too and may occasionally have cool stuff worth stealing/killing for.
Corrected courier home/office interior door orientation to match exterior door.
Version 1.1
Mail received from the courier no longer is added with each sentence. Instead, the courier will provide mail after all dialogue has concluded in an inventory window. The inventory window will allow you to read your mail and see what you are receiving, whatever you dont take will still be added for your inventory.
This mod has one simple goal, which is to make the courier more immersive.
It accomplishes this by:
Making the courier no longer essential
Adding multiple couriers; the courier is no longer just one person
Expanding the races and sexes available that the courier can be
Expanding the existing dialog to feel less repetitive (planned)
Replacing the courier if killed with a new courier
Allowing you to loot the courier to collect your parcels
Creating a home office for the courier to return to after making a delivery
Allowing you to receive all letters in an inventory menu to easily see what you have received and read letters without digging through your inventory.
Having the courier deliver mail to NPCs (you aren't the only person who receives mail)
Making delivery conditions to be more realistic.
How are deliver conditions made to be more realistic? The courier will only approach you if...
It is between the hours of 6am and 6pm.
It is not Sundas.
You are in an area with the "LocTypeHabitation" keyword
You are in Raven Rock (if on Solstheim)
The courier has items to deliver
You are not in an orc stronghold.
You are not at the College of Winterhold.
You are not in unusual places, other dimensions, or other plains of existence; Sovngarde, Forgotten Vale, Soul Cairn, or Apocrypha.
You are not in an interior
You are not trespassing
You are not in combat
You are not sneaking
You are not using a spell with the "MagicInvisibility" keyword
You are not restrained
In addition to the above, when the courier is ready to make deliveries, it will be limited to once per day.
Better Courier was made to be compatible with Skald's Mail by AlistairRodryk. Skald's Mail is optional, but recommended; in Skald Mail MCM, choose courier for important deliveries. Skald's Mail expands upon the in-game mail system. For those who do not want the inventory menu pop up for quick access to their delivered item(s), you will want to use Informed Mail Delivery by Glanzer and download the Better Courier patch provided on that mod page.
Better Courier was also inspired by Providential Courier Service by Arthmoor and Courier Shows Delivery by stradivuckos. Since this mod's scripts modified the WICourier quest this would be in direct conflict with the changes made by Arthmoor; these mods are not compatible. I also used the same location for the home office to reduce conflicts with other mods. Courier Stays In Skyrim by UltimateGaymer is also incompatible; Better Courier already has restrictive delivery logic.
Thanks to the (generously) open permissions of Courier Delivers to NPCs by Pickysaurus, this feature has been fully integrated into Better Courier. Be sure to endorse his original work.
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