Seasons of Cyrodil Options

[Unmourned]

One major thing that isn't adressed in Oblivion was annual season changes. I don't know if the in-game weather changes dramatically from season to season, but I think that it would only require some minor scripting.

But why not apply complete aesthetic changes to Cyrodil as a whole? Would it require top-of-the-line graphics and scripting? Would we simply be able to replace textures or objects through a gradual, possibly in-game-monthly, script? Or would it require cutting and pasting leaves from trees, restructuring water so it will freeze, recoloring ground textures, and animating falling leaves in autumn?

And taking it one step further, how would it effect the citizens of Cyrodil? Would there be a harvest season? Or even a harvest festival? Will different races stay inside during different types of weather? Such as Nords in sun, Redguards in blizzards? Would there be survival/stat bonuses for adventuring in fair weather? And what about the monsters and animals? Would bears hibernate? Would creatures respawn more readily in spring? Where do the birds go?

Obviously, there is a lot of room for innovation in this area. I think that since the game when thoroughly played will provide several seasons, and possibly years, this would add alot of enjoyment to any roleplayer's experience. If you're someone like me who stops and catches their breath whenever their undurance runs low, you have alot of time to appreciate the forests, plains and mountains of the empire. What could better enrich the game than a gradual, dramatic change of scenery? I believe this is something the entire modding community can come together for, and I look forward to any feedback.

[Unmourned]

I think I do a pretty good Dunmer voice, and I might be able to dig up sounds from other sources. But people wouldn't really have to comment on the weather, so it's not a big problem. I wouldn't really think clothing change would be a big issue. It could be ignored completely.

Regarding the holiday issue, I believe it may spoil the game to have references to Christmas and other holidays for some players. Who remembers Uncle Sweetshare of Bloodmoon? There were definite Santa Clause references within that quest, but it was an optional quest. That is not what I was recommending, but it's a worthy point.

I was thinking more along the lines of natural observances. All cultures have a harvest, and there is always a solstice and equinox. I'm not sure how this applies to a world with two moons, but it's worth finding out. Perhaps a festival mod could run seperately to the seasons mod. There could be a wine festival, midwinter feast, spring cleaning, and anniverseries of Tamrielic events. Come to think of it, what are the empire's holidays?

It may also be worth mentioning that I don't have Oblivion yet, and that I'm better at thinking up ideas than technically applying them. There will probably be major snags in developement, but so far it sounds like the ideas are running smooth.