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The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion:
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Hoarfrost Castle
Version: 1.2.2
Date: 24-08-2009
Author: Antistar (Joseph Lollback)
E-mail: josephlollback@hotmail.com
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1. Description
2. Requirements
3. Installation/Uninstallation
4. Playing the mod
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
6. Save games
7. Conflicts/Known Issues
8. Credits
9. Modder's Resource Info
10. Contact and Information
11. Legal Stuff/Disclaimer
12. Version History
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1. DESCRIPTION
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--Introduction--
Sitting high on a bluff above the steepest part of the Orange Road is Hoarfrost Castle. The keep and castle yard rest at the foot of the Jerall Mountains proper - at the edge of the snowfall. The yard is almost always half-covered with snow, ice and frost. The windswept keep tower provides an unsurpassed view over the Great Forest, the Heartlands, and the Nibenay basin: from Bruma, to Chorrol - to the Imperial City itself.
Hoarfrost Castle is a cold place, but the roaring pit fire in the great hall always served to bar the chill from the keep itself. The keep and castle grounds played host to a chapel, graveyard, stables, master bedroom, dining chamber, kitchen, basement, smithy, servant's and guard's quarters, mage's study and workshop, display hall, and of course the warmest part of the keep: the great hall. A hive of activity and an outpost unto itself.
At least, this was the case until the castle's previous occupants were lost to some malevolent force that rose up within the keep. Rumour has it that only the Castle Steward survived to tell the horrific tale; and is now willing to give ownership of the castle up to whoever proves powerful enough to wrest control of the keep from whatever monstrosities now dwell inside. He keeps a solitary watch over Hoarfrost Castle's gate; waiting for some brave soul to come, and offer their help.
--Features--
Completing a series of quests unlocks the various features of Hoarfrost Castle. These are the quests, and what completing each one grants you:
Quest 1: 'Hoarfrost Castle' - In which the Steward pleas for help, secrets are found, battle is done, and a castle is granted.
Grants Hoarfrost Castle itself:
- A walled fortress with several guard towers.
- Castle yard including a stable, chapel, vegetable garden, well and graveyard.
- Hoarfrost Keep, which houses:
- The Great Hall with its roaring pit fire; the hub through which all sections of the keep are reached.
- The Master Bedroom, incorporating a modest study, and a secret or two...
- The Keep Tower, housing a training area and a couple of personal storerooms for the master of the castle; plus a spectacular view from the top of the tower.
- The Dining Hall, with enough room for the castle occupants and staff, plus visitors.
- Two spacious Display Halls in the lower east wing, with a multitude of display cases; plus podiums for armour mannequins (mannequins not included in this mod).
- Staff Quarters upstairs in the east wing, with enough room for all staff recruited over the course of the mod.
- A Smithy in the lower west wing.
- A Mages Study upstairs in the west wing.
- The Kitchen and Cellar, in the lower west wing.
- An underground thermal spring for bathing.
- The 'Dark Place' beneath the keep; for vampires to escape the daylight, perhaps.
Quest 2: 'Tithes and Tribulations' - In which monsters are thwarted, a broken man is made whole, and funds are raised.
Grants a weekly income, which is multiplied by your character's level.
Quest 3: 'Scream like a Symphony' - In which fears are examined and overcome, the depths beneath a town are explored, and the castle is made secure.
Grants guardsmen for the castle, who guard the keep and castle walls on a day/night roster.
Quest 4/5/6: 'Eye for an eye' - In which a blind woman looks for justice, betrayers are met, and a powerful ally is recruited.
Grants a 'Mages Assistant' for the castle, who provides:
- Alchemical ingredient sorting (requires OBSE).
- Alchemical ingredient trading.
- Spellmaking and item enchanting services.
- Enchanted item recharge services.
Quest 4/5/6: 'The Duellist' - In which another castle is visited, a duel is proposed, and some receive more than they bargained for.
Grants a blacksmith and a housekeeper, who provide between them:
- Weapon and armour trading.
- Repair services.
- General merchant services.
Quest 4/5/6: 'Fiery Devotion' - In which a man preaches to the unconverted, a massacre is visited on an idyll, and the chapel is restored.
Grants a priest who restores Hoarfrost Chapel in the castle yard, and so provides:
- Healing on request.
- Stat restoration through praying at the altar.
Quest 7: 'Requiem for the Reluctant' - In which old memories resurface, suffering is put to rest, and a resolution is reached.
Grants a mysterious artefact that allows instantaneous teleportation to a secret chamber in Hoarfrost Castle, which itself contains:
- Teleportation portals to all major towns and cities in Cyrodiil.
- A storage vault full of strongboxes.
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2. Requirements
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- Requires TES IV: Oblivion, patched to at least version 1.2
- Does not require Shivering Isles, though it does support it.
- Does not require OBSE (http://obse.silverlock.org), though it does support it (OBSE v10 or later).
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3. INSTALLATION/UNINSTALLATION
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Installation:
- (OPTIONAL) If you do not already use the Oblivion Script Extender (OBSE), get v10 or later from here and install it if you want to have automatic alchemy ingredient storage available: Link
- Using 7-Zip (http://www.7-zip.org), extract the contents of the HoarfrostCastle.7z file (everything - ALL files and folders) into your OblivionData directory. If asked if you want to overwrite files and folders, click 'Yes to all'. (You won't lose anything.)
- In the Oblivion Launcher, select Data Files and check the box next to HoarfrostCastle.esp to activate the plugin. This can also be done in another tool like Wrye Bash.
Upgrading from a version before Hoarfrost Castle v1.2:
- Simply follow the installation instructions above, overwriting the files from the earlier version.
- As of Hoarfrost Castle v1.2, there is only one HoarfrostCastle.esp file that works with or without OBSE, and with or without Shivering Isles. It doesn't matter which version of the plugin you were using previously: replacing it with the v1.2 (or later) plugin will work just fine.
- Load your save-game and continue playing - no other action is needed, and you won't lose anything.
Uninstallation:
- This is fairly standard procedure. First make sure your character is not currently in any areas added by the mod, and that you have retrieved any items from said areas that you wish to keep. Then save your game.
- From the Oblivion Launcher, select Data Files and uncheck the box next to HoarfrostCastle.esp.
- If desired, delete all files copied to your OblivionData directory during installation (check the HoarfrostCastle.7z file to identify these files).
- You can now load your save game and continue playing.
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4. PLAYING THE MOD
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Starting off on Hoarfrost Castle's story is very simple: the next time you load a savegame after installing the mod, you will receive a journal update giving you instructions on how to proceed. When starting a new game, you will receive the journal entry either after a day has passed, or when you approach Hoarfrost Castle - whichever happens first.
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5. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
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Q) Will you release recorded voice acting for the NPCs in this mod?
A) It's very unlikely. I'm firmly in the "no voice acting is much better than bad voice acting" camp, and additionally I wrote the dialogue in the mod in a certain style - with the assumption that it would be read, not performed. (Consider the difference between a novel and a script.)
Q) Does Hoarfrost Castle conflict with [insert mod here]?
A) It's unlikely I'll be able to give you a direct answer to this question. I simply don't have the time or the inclination to investigate compatibility between Hoarfrost Castle and the hundreds or thousands of other mods out there that may - or may not - conflict with it in various ways and to varying degrees. Mods that have been reported as conflicting with parts of Hoarfrost Castle are listed in the Conflicts/Known Issues section below. Note that I don't look into the details of these reported conflicts.
Q) Why do the Highland Company members have missing torsos?/Why is Estirdalin's hair missing?/Why am I seeing 3D exclamation points?/Why is the NPC dialogue flashing by too quickly to read it?
A) These things happen when the mod was not installed correctly. Please review the installation instructions and ensure that the [meshes], [textures] and [sounds] directories are installed correctly. You do not need to uninstall and reinstall the mod, or start a new game, or anything like that. Just extract all the files to the correct locations, load your save game, and continue.
Q) Do I need OBSE to use this mod?
A) No, OBSE is not required. If you do have OBSE (v10 or later) installed when playing Hoarfrost Castle, however, you will be able to ask Estirdalin to automatically store all your alchemical ingredients in the alchemical ingredient jars in the Mages Study.
Q) Why is there mention of Estirdalin being able to automatically store alchemical ingredients for the player when there's no dialogue option available to have her do so?
A) The dialogue option only appears (and this function only works) if you have OBSE v10 or later running. (http://obse.silverlock.org)
Q) I've seen pictures of armour being displayed in the Hoarfrost Castle Display Halls. How do you do that?
A) Use a mannequin mod like this one: Link
Q) Estirdalin's hair is pitch-black. Is there a way to fix this?
A) This is an issue that only affects some users. Try this fix: Link
Q) I'm getting some weird behaviour with...
A) Stop. First, make sure you have Oblivion properly patched to v1.2 (http://www.elderscrolls.com/downloads/updates_patches.htm). A lot of people have problems with this patch failing when it's being applied, but it must be successfully applied. See here for more info: (http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Patch). If you are still experiencing problems, you can contact me (contact details below) with queries - but if you use a lot of other mods at the same time as Hoarfrost Castle, I can't offer much in the way of support.
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6. SAVE GAMES
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- Activating this mod should not have any negative effects on your existing save game/s - but as always, it is good practice to keep backups.
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7. CONFLICTS / KNOWN ISSUES
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- If you make use of mods which allow you to teleport, do not teleport from the interior of any areas added by the Hoarfrost Castle mod while any Hoarfrost Castle-related quests are active: doing so can break quest progression. Once all the Hoarfrost Castle quests are complete, teleporting to and from areas added by this mod is fine.
- Likewise, be aware that using the teleportation power gained through the Hoarfrost Castle quests while in a quest-sensitive area can break quest progression (in vanilla Oblivion and other quest mods). If you are in a location or situation where you can't fast-travel (by default), think carefully before teleporting away.
- Not a conflict or a bug, but just so that you're aware: Hoarfrost Castle does not have recorded voice for character dialogue, so make sure you have subtitles turned on.
- Hoarfrost Castle makes additions to a number of locations in Cyrodiil. I attempted to avoid conflicts with other mods I am aware of, but with the massive number of mods available for Oblivion, it is impossible to ensure compatibility with *everything*.
- Parts of Hoarfrost Castle are reported to conflict with parts of the following mods:
- Enter The Shinobi
- Frostmourne v2
- Frostmourne Improved
- Monastery of Eru
- Okari Temple
- Pek Paintings 01
- The Necromancer
- Unique Landscapes
- There is a compatibility patch for Hoarfrost Castle and Unique Landscapes available here: Link
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8. CREDITS
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- Fonts used were downloaded from Link
- 'wmdesigns 1' font by WillyMac (http://www.dafont.com/willymac.d527)
- 'Kelly Ann Gothic' font by De Nada Industries (http://www.dafont.com/de-nada-industries.d40)
- Part of 'Mantra', by Tool, was used as an ambient sound loop in one section of the mod. If you are the copyright holder and believe that your work has been used unfairly, please contact me using the contact details below.
- Uses meshes, textures and a (modified) script from Daleth's 'Ingredient Storage Shelves' resource.
- The working door in the Hoarfrost Castle Gate is from Wormheart's 'Working Gates' modder's resource.
Estirdalin's hair mesh/texture from Ren's Beauty Pack by Ren. Credits from Ren's Beauty Pack included by request:
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Thanks to Bethesda Softworks.
Thanks to Capucine for the help about making colourable hair.
Thanks to Daeger and Ranma-chan for fixing texture pathes of meshes.
All of the meshes and textures are made by Ren.
You may use and distribute the models and textures freely without
additional permission as long as the above credits are included.
louis@hanmail.net
ID: -Ren- (www.elderscrolls.com/forums)
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- Massive thanks also go to BlackDragon66, pekka, SickleYield and The Silent for their help beta-testing the mod. You were invaluable; cheers guys.
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9. MODDER'S RESOURCE INFO
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Please contact me to ask my permission if you wish to use parts of Hoarfrost Castle in your own mod/s. My contact details are just below.
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10. CONTACT AND INFORMATION
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I would encourage you to post queries about the mod in the comments sections on one of the Hoarfrost Castle download pages:
Link
Link
My e-mail address is josephlollback@hotmail.com
I often hang out at Canadian Ice & Howndog's Morrowind/Oblivion forum, under the alias 'Antistar': Link
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11. LEGAL STUFF/ DISCLAIMER
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By downloading and using this modification, you agree that the author of the modification cannot be held responsible for any damage to software or hardware directly or indirectly caused by the aforementioned modification. Use at your own risk, basically.
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12. VERSION HISTORY
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Version 1.2.2 (24-08-09)
- Restored a few static meshes that were accidentally deleted during production on the mod.
Version 1.2.1 (25-06-09)
- The Hoarfrost Conduit's teleportation ability now works again on installations of Oblivion that lack Shivering Isles.
Articles
Oblivion, Bethesda's seminal open-world RPG, turned seventeen just the other day. Back in 2006, Oblivion changed the playing field for sandbox adventures and remains a favourite for fans today - both for the impressive depth of its world and the hilarity that ensues from that signature Bethesda, er, "polish". Skyrim has come and gone a few times in the last seventeen years, but as we wait for the elusive TES VI, here's a look at five mods justifying a replay of Oblivion!
Insanity's Improved Armoury Compilation
By InsanitySorrow
This compilation mod packs together a huge range of refreshed visuals for the game's items, ranging from revised texture detailing on helms, weapons, and armour to improved materials across the board. Much of these improvements are granular alone but when taken together, they improve the lustre of the game and help channel a little bit of that nostalgia for when we first left the starting sewer of Oblivion all those years ago.
Apotheosis of a Mad God
This mod lets you alternate between divinity and mortality while in the Shivering Isles by adding two new powerful spells to the game, along with a natural setback. Become intangible and invincible to all damage, letting you dominate the land after conquering the main game; or take physical form again to operate outside of the Shivering Isles on an ordinary plane. This mod aims to be lore friendly and mesh well with other mods expanding the endgame of Oblivion.
Bartholm
By J.Sera
Ruled by Count Serverus Victrix, Bartholm is a small town consisting of a Castle, Arena, Inn, General Store, Chapel, Stables, Mages' Guild & 8 houses. Protected by the Bartholm Foreign Legion, the village of Slartholm is situated on the Isle of Slart. Slartholm consists of an Inn, General Store, Blacksmith, Barracks, Alchemist Tent & 3 houses. Put together, this equals two highly developed locales to explore, each chock full of their own intrigue and primary questlines to expand the world of Oblivion just a bit more.
Hoarfrost Castle
By josephlollback
Sitting high on a bluff above the steepest part of the Orange Road is Hoarfrost Castle. The keep and castle yard rest at the foot of the Jerall Mountains proper - at the edge of the snowfall. The yard is almost always half-covered with snow, ice and frost. The windswept keep tower provides an unsurpassed view over the Great Forest, the Heartlands, and the Nibenay basin: from Bruma, to Chorrol - to the Imperial City itself. Seven quests all in all give this grand new location a fitting place in the world.
Arcane University Overhaul
By Lambton Worm
This mod is an internal renovation of the arcane university, introducing some substantial additions to the internal structure of the place. For non-guild members, a new book store, some new museums, and a new library will be enough to keep you entertained on your way through; for guild members, however, you gain access to a rank-based department system with new items available depending on your achievements, and some modifications are made to base game quests to facilitate the improvements to the university.
Older Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has just celebrated turning 17, having released back on March 20th 2006. At the time and in the years since, Oblivion has been recognised as a game changer for the genre, following on from the already fondly loved Morrowind and being succeeded by the even more ambitious (and some would argue, even more influential) Skyrim. It set a standard for open world RPGs that was challenging to follow and remains a difficult ask even today.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion introduced relatively high-fidelity graphics into a huge, expansive open world
Escaping Oblivion
Since Oblivion's release, Bethesda has put out more than a few RPGs (including their revival of the Fallout IP), but only one actual entry in the Elder Scrolls series with Skyrim, which has been released and re-released many times. Ostensibly, Elder Scrolls VI is out there...somewhere...but when it'll be in players' hands is a total unknown. For the time being, Bethesda's RPG efforts seem to have been focused on Starfield instead, an original IP set out in space that feels like Fallout and No Mans Sky met up, had a few drinks, and then decided not to call. Plenty ambitious on its own, it's no wonder TES VI has languished a bit, but Bethesda's not blind to the value of the IP and neither are we - so we expect it's only a matter of time till it's back to Tamriel and beyond.
Files
Hoarfrost Castle 1.2.2
Player SkinThis mod from Antistar adds a castle at the foot of the Jerall Mountains. A series of quests unlocks the castle to the player.
Hoarfrost Castle 1.1.1
Player Skin 1 commentA quest mod that adds a castle at the foot of the Jerall Mountains, off the Orange Road. There are a series of quests that progressively unlock parts...
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