Version 2.50 (Dated as of: 30 September 07)
By Paul 'Simyaz' Thomson
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
I: Features
II: Premise
III: Update Details (0.51 to 2.50)
IV: Known Bugs
V: Installation
VI: FAQ
VII: Troubleshooting
VIII: Editing and Distribution
IX: Credits and Acknowledgements
X: Walkthrough
XI: Other
I - FEATURES:
The Companion:
*NPC Companion "Ruined Tail" (Argonian Battlemage) who will follow you, fight, sneak, loot corpses and everything else you have come to expect from your Oblivion NPC companions.
The Story:
*Detailed character conversations/storyline. What the player says will directly affect Ruin's development as a character and an NPC, and determine the eventual outcome of his quest.
*Quest relating to the NPC - As Ruined Tail's tale progresses, he will become involved in a quest. The player can choose to take part in this (and develop the character further) or disregard it and use him as a "meatshield" NPC. The quest itself is long, detailed, engaging, and further enhances the concept that Ruin is not simply an NPC Ally, and more of a definitive companion, with his own personality, needs and fears.
*New encounters/fights - Using some "different" encounter techniques that I've always wanted to try in Oblivion I've incorporated a new fight that I hope can be considered "strategic." Previous players of this MOD will find this fight in the new section of Ruin's Quest.
*Multiple paths of progression - The story of Ruined-Tail's Tale features several paths, and the choices YOU make will ultimately determine how Ruin develops as a character.
II - PREMISE:
The Plan:
In my opinion, Oblivion is one of the most complete games ever, featuring some truly amazing visuals, interactive large-scale quests, a vast world to explore, and multiple path options to take. In fact, the only thing that I truly consider wrong with the game is how lonely it feels. From the outset, you really are the "one-man army," and even in the brief instances when you do side with an NPC for a quest or two you still know that you are in charge, and that in reality the NPC will be gone in a quest or two (Amusai).
My favourite RPG (and indeed, favourite game) of all time is Baldurs Gate 2, and for one simple reason: Depth of character. In BG2:SoA you are the hero, you are a demigod, yet despite this you depend on your companions, and serve as a teacher, friend and even father-figure to those in your party. They talk to each other, they get mixed up in past affairs, they go crazy and turn evil (at your manipulative advice) and some of them even share romances with you. In truth, the storytelling is what makes BG2:SoA unique.
With this in mind, I set about to make Oblivion the perfect game (in my opinion), by adding an NPC companion (only one at this point in time) who is more than just a henchman. He has a history (which his quest revolves around), he has questions for you -mostly along the lines of moral, philosophical and therapeutical-, he has flaws and can be a nuisance, yet he is still a loyal companion. He will respond to the things you say to him, and they in turn will shape his persona and eventually his status as a companion class. He is FLAWED, and that is what makes him a true character, and a story-driven companion.
When I began working on this, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to create an NPC companion with the depth and individuality of Solaufein in Westly Weimers SolaRomance mod for BG2:SoA (
WeiDU.org: Infinity Engine Utilities and Mods). I wanted an NPC who players could genuinely like, and I wanted one who did not need you to make his choices for him, but rather simply asked for the players advice. To some extent, the player was to be his conscience, providing moral suggestions without giving specific commands. Westly Weimer captures this perfectly in Solaufein, and used poetry, philosophical references and parables to develop the character into a companion that you genuinely feel for. He is UNIQUE, and DEEP, and will not be forgotten in my gaming history.
Thus we have Ruined Tail (or Ruin for short.) Somewhat typically he has a dark past that he is tormented by, yet rather than come out and speak to the player directly he will ask subtle questions that tie together to form a coherent background. Your choices will make or break him (eventually) and whether or not you want to play a valiant Crusader, or a manipulative acolyte, Ruin will be YOUR companion, and no one elses.
The Demon that we fail to see is the Demon that lurks inside.
The Revision:
Ruined-Tail's Tale became a thorn in my side as time progressed. It was loved by so many (over 10,000 downloads and still counting) and yet it received so much criticism over such minor issues that eventually I gave up on it, and moved onto other things. I released The Butcher of Armindale as well as a few updates for that MOD, and more or less left Ruin to his own devices.
Any yet, those on the ElderScrolls forums simply would not let me. A few individuals in particular were truly excellent at restoring my faith in both the Oblivion community, and in the Ruined-Tail MOD. Some of those that spring to mind are: Rychek444, Marac, Trent Reznor, Samurai121, Deepfreeze, Cornicer, Ivy, Shoran, Triangulo, Greyfox4000, AndyW, Wizard of Thay, and numerous others. Their persistence in promoting the MOD, and continuing to support my work -not to mention enduring my mounting anger every time I received a negative review- drew Ruin and his story out of the shadows of Abandonment, and back into the light once more.
Thus, update 1.0 has at last been completed. Which resolves all of the minor niggling issues with the MOD that I had simply decided to ignore, as well as further deepening the immersion of the MOD, and adding the TRUE ending to the story as I had always planned it to be.
"Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die..."
13-11-07, 17:49
