“This should be part of the main game”: a paid fan addon Bards College was released for Skyrim, which is compared to official DLC

The modding group Kinggath Creations, known for their large-scale modifications of Sim Settlements for Fallout 4, has released another impressive mod – Bards College for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Image source: kinggathcreations.com

The authors call Bards College an add-on – in terms of the scale and quality of content, it is comparable to the official DLC. The addon significantly expands the storyline of the College of Bards faction, bringing it to the level of development of the Thieves Guild, Blades and other organizations from the main game. In addition to a large-scale quest line with professionally voiced NPCs, the mod adds unique mechanics and a mini-game.

In the story, after a long absence from Skyrim, Archbard Sledrig, along with teachers and students, returns to Solitude to share new knowledge and skills. By joining the College of Bards, users will be able to earn money by playing instruments for the public and inspiring their allies in battle. Their reputation may spread throughout the province – the ballad about the hero’s exploits will be sung in city squares. In addition, by becoming emissaries of the College, players will help it strengthen its political position – their songs can “inspire and intimidate” people, as well as “force them to follow orders.”

When completing guild quests, players will use an expanded system of Shouts – Songs (Chants), each of which consists of three Shouts. To obtain new abilities and improve old ones, you will need Resonant Crystals, which can be found in dungeons and created independently. The authors also suggest competing wits with other bards in verbal duels for gold and prestige.

Bards College is a paid add-on available on the official Bethesda Game Studios Creations (formerly Creation Club) platform for 1,000 credits (equivalent to $10). The creators took care of compatibility with the main game in versions for PC and Xbox, as well as DLC and other community mods.

The release trailer for the mod delighted players.

«This should be part of the main game, says scottjackson8771. “Insanely cool.”

«“I’m amazed,” admitted guardianmf5534. “I always expect a lot from the Kinggath team, but this looks like a real Bethesda expansion trailer.”

«It’s like it’s 2012 and Bethesda released an amazing fourth DLC,” wrote JoshuaLindsay11.

«I was disappointed to see the Creations sign, but good modders deserve to be paid,” said elderyaag3534.

Users also highly appreciated the team’s work last year – the final part of Sim Settlements 2 for Fallout 4 (the mod is free).