So I've jumped into a new form of creative expression since my last journal... modding! That's right, I've created a mod for Skyrim Special Edition. It's a player home called Ivy Shores Manor. I've been working on it since probably just before Christmas and it has turned out better than expected.

I decied to dabble in modding after planning out my next Skyrim play through. I've used the same player home for virtually every play through I've ever done, so I wanted to try something different. I decided I would use a modded player home, but once I started looking at the homes available I realized that none of them fit with my play style. A lot of them were excellently crafted and looked gorgeous. They were over flowing with player conveniences and creative details. However, they all had one common problem, they didn't fit with the game. Aesthetically many looked like they fit, but functionally it was a different story. No realistic home would have a room filled with dozens of mannequins to display every armor in the game, or have unique, arcane artifacts sitting around the house like some kind of dime-store bobble.

So, feeling let down by my choices, I jumped into the modding fray. There's nothing overly ambitious about the house, but I believe it has taught me many valuable lessons for any future mods I make. Speaking of teaching, it was... interesting teaching myself how to work with the Creation Kit. Still haven't figured everything out yet.

Anyway, the link to the mod is below if anyone is interested. The mod continues to be a work in progress and you can find details of the features to come on the mod page.

UPDATE: I've completed another player home (Mara's Respite) for Skyrim SE. This one is located just outside of Riften. Check it out below.

Ivy Shores Manor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspec.....n/mods/10106/?

Mara's Respite
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspe.....ion/mods/27329