The Test Subject (WiP!)

 

((fancy image here))

 

Overview:

"This was not in the contract!"

 

The Test Subject is the epitome of a regular guy, at first: An Imperial nobody, basically, with no skill in combat, magic or stealth. Running around, doing odd jobs to eat. But how, then, will he become a hero worthy of being played? Well, it turns out our protagonist got a contract from a certain Dark Elf mage up in Winterhold...

 

This is a very unique build in many ways. First of all, it's very open-ended, playing with what can be defined as a build. For Brelyna's experiments, combined with a bit of console-fu on PC, results in our protagonist becoming completely transformed! The "showracemenu" command allows for re-customization, but since it's at the expense of all skill progress, it's rarely used. But this command forms the basis of this build; our Imperial becomes another race at the start of his journey, and loses no progess!

 

Mods and Setup:

Alternate Start - Live Another Life A majorly cool mod, that adds various roleplaying starts apart from Helgen. We'll be going with the College of Winterhold start.

 

Ordinator. Not strictly necessary, but come on, it's Ordinator.

 

Ok, to start off, use the default Imperial male, and choose the College start. You'll be plopped into College grounds in some snazzy robes. Open up the console, and type "startquest mgrappbrelyna01" to have Brelyna ask you for a favor without starting the College questline. Let her cast the first spell, wait for it to wear off, and then have her try the second spell. After you're done transforming into various animals, open the console again and type "showracemenu". Customize your character as you will, but make sure to change races! From here, the real fun starts...

 

Race:

I went with Imperial at first. We'll be playing into the races' strengths, so here's a list of different races for different playstyles:

Combat Races: Breton, Khajiit, Nord, Orc, Redguard

Magic Races: Argonian, Breton, Dark Elf, High Elf, Wood Elf

Stealth Races: Argonian, Dark Elf, Khajiit, Redguard, Wood Elf

 

Appearance:

The default apperance for Imperial males at first, then whatever you like afterwards. I went with a nice Orc gal.

 

Standing Stones:

TBA

 

Equipment (Combat race):

TBA

 

Eqipment (Magic race):

TBA

 

Equipment (Thief Race):

TBA

 

Skills:

One combat, one armor, and one misc. skill. That's it! For example, combat could be One-Handed, Heavy Armor and Smithing, magic could be Destruction, Alteration and Alchemy, and stealth could be Archery, Light Armor and Sneak. Fun!

 

Abilities:

TBA

 

Backstory:

TBA

 

Roleplay:

TBA

So...the idea of the build is to change your character's Race? Just the single time or is it something that might end up happening multiple times over the course of the build?

I'm...intrigued, not quite sold on the idea but interested in how it'll turn out. I think it'll be a tough sell to have a build based entirely on using console commands (or even partially) but if it works, it'll be fucking awesome. Just some random thoughts, but I'd like to see how the character deals with having his Race changed, especially if you're going from something relatively normal into a race that is just fundamentally different like an Orsimer or Khajiit. I mean, I can only imagine how difficult it'd be to suddenly become a different Race, especially if it's something that's more than just their physical appearance. Examining what it means to be a specific race, and how that differs from being an Imperial could be fascinating.

I'd also try and create a proper 'second character' rather than leaving it up to player choice. I just think it'd allow you a bit more freedom with the build. But those are just my thoughts Tenebrous...yeah, this one's getting me to think a lot, which is really good :) Yeah, I think I enjoy the idea the more I think about it, even if it's just me spouting random thoughts.

 

Adding on to what Deebs says, when you create that proper second character, what I would think about is how Brelyna's spell affects this character specifically. Maybe it alters the character's magicka somehow (Atronach Stone/Apprentice Stone).

Hrm... Actually, on further investigation, I really feel I should get more comfortable with builds before trying to tackle something like this. I guess this'll be on hold; don't wanna delete the concept, but I won't work on him until I'm ready.

Hrm... Actually, on further investigation, I really feel I should get more comfortable with builds before trying to tackle something like this. I guess this'll be on hold; don't wanna delete the concept, but I won't work on him until I'm ready.

You sure dude? I think it's been going fairly well so far, The base idea's really intriguing and I'd like to see it. Won't try and force you into anything but I think you've got a good idea at the base and if you want some help I'd be happy to brainstorm things with you Tene. Course if you feel it's right, then wait for it, just think it's a really cool idea that your starting here :)

I have to agree with Deebs here. I've a friend who has done an entire build and playthrough around modding the race, and the use of thematics to make that compelling and utterly believable left me pretty hard and damp, t'was that exciting! With RP alone and Brelyna My Dear's experiments, you're onto something pretty unique and enjoyable. So I reckon just relax and have fun, enjoy the journey and jot down here as and when things click into place :)