Saving your (Follower) Relationship - CloudedTruth

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Today we are talking to CloudedTruth - author of the very popular Relationship Dialogue Overhaul for both Skyrim and Skyrim Special Edition as well as various amazing follower mods.


Thank you for joining us today, it’s truly appreciated. We like to start these interviews off with a bit of a personal introduction, so could you please tell us a bit about yourself?
 
I'm 28 years old from the United States and currently work in manufacturing dealing with parts and materials for creating circuit panels/electrical boxes & breakers.
 

Relationship Dialogue Overhaul is an immensely popular mod of yours for both Skyrim LE and Skyrim SE. How would you describe that mod for those who have yet to try it out and what inspired you to set out and create it?
 
Relationship Dialogue Overhaul (RDO) is an attempt to make the NPCs in the game feel slightly more alive and human-like. Make friends, spouses, and rivals talk to you in a way that makes them seem more appropriate. It also restores some dialogue that was originally cut from the game. The original inspiration behind the mod came from the mod Amorous Adventures. I remember the first time I heard NPCs use custom dialogue that had been edited together I was just awestruck. For some reason such a concept had never come to me until hearing it from another mod, but as soon as I did it sparked me to learn how to create my own dialogue.


 What was your journey from mod user to mod creator like?
 
When I started playing and modding Skyrim on PC I was like most others and began with the Steam workshop, then transitioned to the Nexus. After getting adapted to a different way to install and use mods I began in dabbling with NPC edits and customization, which ended up being the first mod I made and uploaded (which has long since been deleted because it was not very good...)

From there I really started to learn how to use TES5Edit tool and the Creation Kit much more effectively and began to make changes to mods I had downloaded to suit my own tastes. Following some time doing this, I first got introduced to Amorous Adventures from a video by Shinji72, and inspiration from that really kicked off my mod creating journey.

I created several small dialogue mods before finally ending up with Relationship Dialogue Overhaul. During the process of creating RDO I was messaged by a very talented character creator, rxkx22, and together we created an attractive follower that has unique dialogue. Since then I've been able to work with him add some extra features and functions to his follower mods. I've created several other small mods - not dialogue related - that are more of my own personal taste and which are also available.


Several of your mods are what would be considered follower mods, in one form or another. In your opinion, what are the core ingredients for a good Skyrim follower?
 
That all depends on what you want. There are some extremely expansive follower mods available that really end up being more like quest mods instead of follower mods (which is fine, if that's what you want). And there are others that are a little more subtle and just have a small (back)story and that's it. As long as the follower fits into your Skyrim world and doesn't drag you out of it, then I think it's good follower mod. 



The term “immersive” has become a bit of a meme in modding - Skyrim modding in particular. Nonetheless, I think we can all agree that there is definitely such a thing as an “immersive” mod. What does that mean for you and do you have examples of mods that truly add to an immersive experience?


To me, what makes a mod immersive is if it makes your playthrough more enjoyable. People will argue day and night on if a mod's "immersive" but really it's down to each user and their choice. One way that's been approached is by saying if the mod had been in the original game and you would have enjoyed it, then it's an "immersive" mod. I do have several pet peeves when it comes to custom voiced audio, and one is if it's really poor quality. For me, that completely ruins the experience. Also, if the dialogue is spoken with zero emotion when it needs to have some, that also ruins it for me. Those two things would make a mod very "un-immersive" for me.
 
 
What are some games other than Skyrim you enjoy playing? Have you ever tried modding other games?

Other games I enjoy playing are Battlefield 3, the occasional Chivalry, and Rocket League. There are others but those are the main ones. I have not modded any other game besides Skyrim.
 
 
What are your favourite hobbies outside of gaming/modding?

I'm quite a fan of motor racing, particularly open wheel, and participate in go-karting when I can. I also enjoy traveling around and listening to a variety of voices on a wide range of subjects and topics.
 
 
Do you have any tips for budding mod authors who want to follow in your footsteps?

My best advice I would give to people is to learn how to use TES5Edit and the Creation Kit, those are the tools you will use the most. The internet is your friend, use it for any questions you have. Ask other authors for help. Have patience, learning this can take time. For those wanting to do audio, you will need even more patience if you're going to be creating new dialogue out the games audio files, it's not something you'll be able to get on your first try. Don't get easily discouraged.
 

Is there anything else you’d like to say to our community?

I know I've been out of modding for quite a time, and that's simply due to both getting burned out and other obligations. If the time is available and I have the creative energy I will get back to it. Thank you for your understanding.


A big thank you to CloudedTruth for taking the time to talk to us! If there's an author or mod project you'd like to know more about, send your suggestions to BigBizkit or Pickysaurus

60 comments

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  1. DemonicWinna
    DemonicWinna
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    RDO is bug filled and labeled dangerous on reddit.. Haven't used it in years.
    1. SkunkGhoti
      SkunkGhoti
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      I always use it and have never experienced any issues with it, for what it's worth.
    2. vihanxero1
      vihanxero1
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      Used it for the longest time and it works like a charm no bugs whatsoever, def a bunch a BS on reddit.
    3. sukhbir4200
      sukhbir4200
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      I ran this mod with several major Gameplay overhauls, STEP, SRLE, LotD guides. And hundreds of other mods that I liked. 
      Never had an issue with it. 
    4. Babyboomer59
      Babyboomer59
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      I Concur with the others, I've used it from my first playthrough in every playthrough and have never had any issues. 
    5. RottenDeformity
      RottenDeformity
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      Same as the above people, used it since release in probably around 6 playthroughs without any issue, worse that happened was some manual conflict solving in TES5Edit, nothing else. 
    6. Copestetic30
      Copestetic30
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      Is that really what you want put out there after a great little interview with a good mod author? Come on, man. Take it to the mod page and have a little class.
    7. TheGreystone
      TheGreystone
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      "RDO is buggy and dangerous' says redditman with 400 unsorted active mods."
    8. mk24440000
      mk24440000
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      doesnt have any issues either , ur just edgy or something cringy ass motherfucker 
    9. drttoldman
      drttoldman
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      I often go to reddit simply because google Links to it all the time.  However it has serious problems because moderators just declare a topic closed and you waste a huge amount if time  not finding the answer you were looking for.   the mod being discussed was labelled dangerous.  I think i first downloaded it about 5 years back and i have never had any issues that could be called dangerous.  And now because comments are closed you can never bring the topic up for review,   That is a Serious short coming   of their format .  And its worse for modes.  and a bunch of the moderators think they political correctness police.  Stay away from there  You will never find a solution for a difficult problem there.  stay with Step Project nexus forums and LLab.  They don't give karma points but if you are patient and polite they will help you find an answer 
    10. Sonja
      Sonja
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      Utter bollocks.
      RDO has been a permanent mainstay in my load order since it first came out. I consider it an essential mod, along with Inigo and Interesting NPCs. It has NEVER caused me any problems, whatsoever. If people have had issues with RDO.. the problem lies with them and their inability to install mods.

      btw, if this were Reddit, you'd be getting down-voted into the ground right now.
    11. Ecstasia
      Ecstasia
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      Go back to your reddit then, innocent fanboy. Test it yourself before spreading bullshit.
    12. BeeTheImmortal
      BeeTheImmortal
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      It literally caused no problems whatsoever in the 1000 hours I've used it, but okay.
    13. darkseid2077
      darkseid2077
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      lmao trusting anything reddit has to say post swartz ngmi. 
    14. Speedscope69
      Speedscope69
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      Nice B8 bro you almost had us
    15. lefttounge
      lefttounge
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      no waaaay man
      I swear by that mod, I never had any issues with RDO. It has to be some other mods.
      That, or its more than likely as simple as a load order incompatibility
  2. taerie
    taerie
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    I loved RDO when the voice files were there in Data and I could unfuz them and swap things around to suit my vision of the follower's character.   Sadly, things have changed and are well beyond my meager abilities to dope out. (I'm almost 70 and things like that take far more effort than they used to.  (You'll find out one day kids. :-D)   Anyway, after so many years of enjoying this excellent mod I had to give it up.   Silence is far better than having them say everything the voice files allow them to say no matter how I envision the character after all these years of playing.     Hopefully , a mod will come along like this that will be customizable as much as possible for the personality of the character.  That would be seriously awesome
  3. PixelPapi
    PixelPapi
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    Never posted on a thread/forum/post before but I would like to share that RDO has been an incredibly refreshing mod to return to after many years playing the vanilla game on console, modding in general has made my experience completely customized and truly brought out the best that I saw in this game since it's release. This mod in my humble opinion has to be one of the greatest for really making you feel involved and honestly, not all about the Dragonborn which is also nice to step away from and not feel like everyone must be in shock and awe (or disgust) of your presence.

    So for that I would like to share my personal thanks and note that this mod as well as many others has encouraged me to engage in a community for the first time and in hopes that by the next time another Elder Scrolls is released, I will be able to learn how to extend my imagination and create something truly unique for myself and others to enjoy!!

    Stay safe everyone and all the best!
  4. GrenndelDB
    GrenndelDB
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    All mods add options to create your personal ideal game. 
    All options are good to have. 

    I personally do not use RDO, but that's because I've gone Seriously Over the Deep End with "Take Notes: Journal of the Dragonborn" and write novelizations of the game as I play, crafting personalities and backstories and manners of speaking for each NPC that no mod will ever perfectly do for me. It does mean I frequently ignore actual text spoken by the game and decide my headcanon overrides anything I see on screen or hear through my speakers. 

    But I get that that's not something everyone is going to want to do. 
    If RDO works for you?  Absoluetely!  Use it!  Enjoy it!
    If it conflicts with how you personally imagine how characters speak? Dispense with it.
    There is no right or wrong recipe of mods.

    EDIT:  that said, I cannot imagine playing any game without Tocatta replacer for Elisif, or several others.
    1. GentlemanSniper
      GentlemanSniper
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      Would you be willing to share these novelizations? I remember doing something similar, roleplaying as a staunch follower of Hircine who joined the Dawnguard searching for the ultimate challenge-- and ended the playthrough after completing it as it felt like a good high to end on. I'd love to see what you have written!
  5. Hopemichaelson
    Hopemichaelson
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  6. atroxs21
    atroxs21
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    can it be use with serana add on dialog mob ?
    1. oyvveg
      oyvveg
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      yes
    2. drttoldman
      drttoldman
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      There is also a serana dialogue mod that i use and they both seem to work  fine together.   Or at least i haven't seen any problems.  I also always use the Seranaholic appearance mod which is stunning.  and Tocotta replacer for Elisif  when i ran across it
  7. graywinds
    graywinds
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    Big fan of his mods too btw
    1. TheRealJonWarden
      TheRealJonWarden
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      Now why the f*#@ did you have to do it in comic sans.
    2. graywinds
      graywinds
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      cause i wanted to ?
    3. CyniclyPink
      CyniclyPink
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      Graywinds, I wish there was a like button
        lol
    4. graywinds
      graywinds
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      and you deserve my grandma's special cookies
      kudo
    5. wearenumberthree
      wearenumberthree
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      why wouldnt you use comic sans xD
    6. MGMiNdfuL
      MGMiNdfuL
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      Same tbh.
      :P
    7. MGMiNdfuL
      MGMiNdfuL
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      J U S T   C A U S E  :D
  8. JJFXVR
    JJFXVR
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    thank you for all of your hard work! we truly appreciate it! 
  9. Ashes2Asherz
    Ashes2Asherz
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    there are a few mods that I will not play Skyrim without, RDO is one of them.

    thank you!
  10. georgejbps
    georgejbps
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    In all the years I have played Skyrim, RDO gave the game "life" I can have my Followers interact with me as a "friend/lover" not just as an "employee". It makes the game more personal. When I first saw Minerva and heard her, I was extremely in awe. The voice was so real, the inflections so spot on, it was like SHE was real! I have had RDO in my NNM ever since it came out  along with Bijin Warmaidens  And I bring back Minerva at some point every time I start a new game! Mods Come an go, but some mods ..like RDO and Rxkx22 mods,  are some of the mods you keep!