This mod includes 8k+ dialogue lines, dynamic combat, and 3 human-voiced companions: Katana, a rogue shrouded in mystery; Megara, a healer with a radiant spirit; and Shale, a spellsword ready to fight by your side. Join them on quests to unlock new features and take your adventures to new heights!
Requirements
This mod does not have any known dependencies other than the base game.
DBVO patch for the Dragonborn to be voiced by the Vampire AI voice
Permissions and credits
Author's instructions
Please reach out first if there is something you'd like to do with the mod. Making visual replacers is fine, but do NOT whitewash Shale or Katana. Please note: Katana's scar is from a knife. Translations are also fine, as long as they are uploaded to Nexus mods, not uploaded elsewhere. Patches for moving markers in location mods not covered are also fine.
You are NOT allowed to expand this mod with or without AI (ex: modifying the story of Katana, replacing the voices, adding more dialogue, etc.).
You are NOT allowed to use the voices and other content in this mod for things like your own mods, training AI, or any x-rated content we didn't agree to. If you need specifics, send a message.
Do NOT include this mod in paywalled modlists.
File credits
Please check the credits section below. Thank you!
Donation Points system
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JK's Solitude Outskirts UPDATED with correct records
Solitude Docks Updated UPDATED with correct records
The Great City of Solitude UPDATED with correct records
RedBag's Morthal UPDATED with correct records
JK's Riften Outskirts UPDATED with correct records
12 New Katana lines (mostly in Thoughts option)
Version 3.0.4
BASE ACTORS EDITED - REPLACER MODS NEED TO FORWARD A CHANGE (catch-up script removal)
Removed TelToPlayer script on the trio (catch-up script) - DOES NOT APPLY MID-SAVE BUT SHOULD NOT BREAK THINGS. Might improve performance?
Changed the location to AK69ShaleHomeXMarker in Shale's home package
Unchecked No Death Dispel and No Area on Adranic Bolt
Modified Hit Shader for Adranic Bolt to use less particles (might improve performance?)
Changed Megara's travel packages in between inns in case orig conditions caused issues for some: Megara not showing up at Frozen Hearth, package CTD at Silent Moons?
Added PL GetInCell for Frozen Hearth
Removed utility.wait() in CtC moveto scripts
Changed several scripts relying on recruited and relax variables (to consider mods like Swiftly Order Squad better)
Changed Katana's "Enjoy!" to "Take this!"
Changed Megara's "Take this!" to "Taste this!"
Version 3.0.3
Fixed Katana + Megara dialogue for IF you dismiss them in between The Ravens' Lament + Serenata
Changed first Serenata objective to: With Katana and Shale, talk to Megara in a city during the day
Megara's idle + hello heal lines now restore 300 health
Tweaked drunk A Night to Remember package
Added some cooldown on some of Megara's lines
Version 3.0.2
Fixed Megara’s repeating “Tell me everything.” line.
Added No Player Activation Flag on AK69TheRavensLamentRiddleLooksPromising scene + added Megara in list of actors in this scene as a failsafe for those that click things quickly.
Changed wording for clarity: Talk to Megara in a city during the day.
Changed wording for clarity: I think we should be receiving something shortly... From a courier, perhaps?
Changed wording for clarity: Added “on foot” for follow objectives in The Ravens’ Lament.
Added PL IsRidingMount==0 to sitting lines.
Marked Stage 69 on Sugar and Spice quest as complete.
Completely removed hug animations within the mod due to general hug of death issue (if you have mods like Immersive Interactions).
Improved Shale's combat style: offensive mult 0.56>0.70. Group offensive mult: 0.64>0.80.
Changed Shale’s spellsword idle.
Changed music in The Garden due to possible copyright strikes.
Requested to be blacklisted from Settling of Squad mod - asked wSkeever Jan 07, 2025. Add them to the MCM exclusion list otherwise.
New Katana taunt lines (55).
Some dialogue condition tweaks.
Tweaked Megara’s Combat Style: Melee Equip Score Mult 0.47>0.30
Modified casting time for Megara’s heals (0.5 to 0). Charge time also 0.5 to 0. Undead + self heal too.
Shale’s Lightning bolt costs more.
Version 3.0.1
Re-recorded “I was just happy…”
Re-recorded “I think we’re cursed” + “well I am”
Fixed weird “If that’s how you feel, let’s get moving” audio issue.
Added more warm lines - Katana (28).
Ran CAO for missing mipmaps - necessary optimization, compress texture, generate mipmaps (thanks, biggie).
Did the same mipmap thing for The Raven Replacer (only FaceGenData affected).
Changed wording for “I want to talk about my lifestyle” as this may be unclear to some users.
Added marker for INSIDE Fallowstone Cave since this might be unclear for some.
Version 3.0
Stage 10 CTD issue fixed (deals with activators).
You can skip Chasing the Current, so you can get Megara right away.
River is set to be disabled now, not deleted. I wonder why.
New companion available: Shale. Please read the mod's description for more information.
New quest: The Ravens' Lament.
New quest: Serenata.
Now has 8k+ lines.
ALL of Katana's current lines from 2.0.6 have been re-voiced.
ALL of Katana's shade's lines from 2.0.6 have been re-voiced.
Katana can now pick particular locked doors.
All companions can cook for you if a cooking pot is nearby.
New feature: Show appreciation - via hugging, compliments, or gifts.
A LOT of new lines to complement your journey.
Majorly optimized script calls. I love you, Papyrus Profiler.
Switched many specific references to unique actors to help reduce save bloat.
There is also an option to skip the mod's quests to get to Shale.
Alternate, more realistic replacers provided (not in FOMOD).
Side quests are now clearer and more intentional.
Added quiet packages and special packages for Skyrim quests.
Added conditions to all the mod's quests to prevent chatter overlap (internal-only).
Katana has a new hairstyle.
Katana has piercings on her left ear now.
Changed Katana's outfit to Elmlock. Noice.
Megara's armor now switched to Prestige College Mage.
Separated affinity system (for scenes) so there's no dependency on Katana.
Skyrim quest commentary won't repeat anymore.
The mod's quests' idle lines will now fire only once.
If you talk to Megara while your health is low, she will heal you.
Megara can now cure the player if SHE has garlic in her inventory.
Megara can now gather ingredients. Default is off. Can be turned on.
Black's MCO for Katana in FOMOD.
New CACO patch for Megara's potion-buff system.
Megara's potion-buff book edited for Apothecary and CACO patches.
Added Thuldar's Ivarstead patch.
Added The Great Town of Ivarstead patch.
JK's Riften Outskirts patch added.
JK's Solitude Outskirts patch added.
Redbag's Morthal patch added.
Added Solitude Docks Updated patch.
Added Great City of Solitude patch.
New patch for The Great City of Winterhold.
Removed Practical Pirate SPID patch.
Removed Lux and Lux Orbis patches from FOMOD since they're included in their patch hubs.
Removed Khajiit Speak patch.
New dialogue available for "I want to ask you something," after The Ravens' Lament and Serenata.
Many quest packages have been modified to consider the player being in the same cell.
Katana has a new get-up animation.
Checked ALL player dialogue options + moved GetIsID condition to the top.
Removed vendoritemfood keyword from carrot.
Katana's Koroshi can now be tempered.
Aliases are no longer cleared when you dismiss the companions.
Added Megara's Enchanted Lantern for tracking.
Modified some conditions to make it so some options don't appear when they are dismissed.
Added AK69KatanaPQTalkT to other branches. Was a missing option.
Thalmor spies for The Khat's Eye are now set to be disabled once you complete that mission.
Switched scenes to triggers, not idles.
Reduced radius for Chadryn's Riften package since he's generally harder to find there.
Switched Megara's ebony dagger to a steel one.
Reduced Megara's staff's damage by 1.
Reduced Megara's armor rating.
Increased Megara's 1H skill by 2 since her 2H skill was higher.
Increased Megara's hold back radius.
To avoid friendly fire, Megara's staff target type is no longer set to aimed.
Megara's staff enchantment costs switched to 0.
Renamed Megara's clothing to AK69MegaraTop, etc.
Increased chance of shade showing up (was <=25, now <=40).
Added Can't Drop flag on companions' weapons in the mod.
Removed Elli's unique greatsword. Just a normal EnchEbonyGreatswordStamina06 now.
Changed expression values since 50 just doesn't cut it.
Changed how sandboxaroundplayer package is done.
Removed requirement to NOT be in Whiterun to start Sugar and Spice.
Removed requirement to be in the Bannered Mare to start the Sweetest Carrot (but you should have met Chadryn already).
Removed requirement to NOT be in Whiterun to head to the Drunken Huntsman to talk to Megara for the first time.
Changed Chasing the Current's Bee and Barb package so Megara's not upstairs.
Switched AK69EasterEggQuest condition for The Sweetest Carrot's intro to >= 10 instead of == 10.
Removed GetInCell ChillfurrowFarm condition so Megara's line plays.
Removed DAR animations and replaced with new OAR ones.
When you dismiss Katana or tell her to wait: Shadow Mode, Hold Back Mode, and Scouting will be turned off.
Added failsafe for Chadryn's trigger scenes.
Removed menu that was a bit extra, for Katana to hold back in combat.
Removed Cappy+Takiyo from PlayerHorseFaction.
Optimized how Shadow Mode is done for backend/maintenance purposes.
Added missing dialogue in Katana's intro.
Modified some of the intro's wording.
Removed Takiyo Summon spell because it wasn't being used.
Modified Chadryn's trigger scripts so it's Katana that gets detected, not the player.
Added missing booleans for some quests so some lines don't repeat.
Debug spell has been combined into one.
Elmlock - No College Emblem texture.
Removed Azatar's duplicate FaceGenData.
Changed certain HDPTs to male for some of the mod's NPCs.
Version 2.0.6
Fixed a bug that involves Katana coming to you if she is not recruited + you are at Katla's Farm + mount a horse.
100 new lines for Katana + her shade.
Version 2.0.5
Corrected typo in Carrot Quest.
Added message boxes during certain times, aimed to guide new users of the mod.
Corrected "Confront River" not getting marked as completed.
Made current message boxes/notifications more consistent.
Added potion-buff system book in Megara's inventory.
Added Old Letter from Megara in Katana's inventory.
Edited summon and debug spell descriptions to be more specific.
Made Megara's healing more aggressive.
Added more health regen for Megara.
Strengthened Megara's mage armor.
Modified Megara's healing abilities.
Fixed staff requiring charges.
Modified Shade's FX.
Fixed Reset Pose issue where they don't go back to fighting if you use this spell.
Corrected typo in branch Q (dev note).
Corrected Shadow Mode: for some followers like Inigo and Kaidan.
Corrected some combat lines for consistency.
Updated Khajiit Speak patch.
Edited door script.
Version 2.0.4
Quality of life - frequency of... certain idle lines, mostly inventory. Re-conditioned more.
Fixed typo in Al'Tharo's quest and re-equalized his voice.
Changed "Where did you find Takiyo?" to "Where did you find your sabrecat?"
Favors/trading/waiting will be available even if Katana's trust goes down BUT you've completed Chasing the Current.
Shade's FX toned down.
Filled missing marker property for Deepvos.
Added failsafe for Chadryn not spawning due to possible courier scene conflicts?
Practical Pirate SMP SPID patch.
Made Katana's and Megara's outfits unplayable again (not the scarf).
Switched Megara's staff model to Magnus.
New lines for Katana + Shade (104).
Version 2.0.3
Skin textures are now BnP + Bijin for some details.
Fixed some male body inconsistencies.
More lines for Katana + Megara (180).
CountsAsFleeing set to false in heal packages.
Quality of life changes.
Added descriptions in Katana's and Megara's unique weapons.
Version 2.0.2
Changed the way some scenes fire since some lists don't like IsInLocation.
Added a forced moveto function for Katana in Kilerth's Rest.
Changed some StartCombat calls since they don't play well with some bleedout mods.
Added quality-of-life changes.
Made it so the Shade doesn't come out if it's Katana VS. the player.
Version 2.0.1
CBBE Nude textures deleted since NeverNude textures are the same.
Chadryn's and Al'Tharo's outfit textures will be 2k instead of 4k.
Body textures will be 4k instead of 8k.
Deleted old Megara outfit textures folder.
Version 2.0
As of August 27, there are 4,758 lines of dialogue.
Megara has been completely revoiced.
River's lines have been re-done.
Removed non-CBBE bodies.
Visually replaced all characters to be high poly.
New characters (not followers), side quests, and scenes.
Everyone has been nerfed for balance.
New Wounds patch for Megara.
New Shadow Mode function: you, Katana, Megara, and 3 other followers can be invisible and have muffled movement.
New immersive bounties feature: you can let Katana do bounties and she may bring goodies upon her return.
New sneak/sheathe torch feature implemented: only Megara. Try giving Katana a torch. ;)
New potion-buff system: Megara can now buff the player via dialogue (here's the documentation).
New Apothecary patch for Megara.
Katana can now hold back in combat (enable/disable via dialogue), if you play a stealthy character.
Megara can also hold back in combat (enable/disable via dialogue), but she can still heal you.
They WILL attack enemies if they get hit. But they go back to holding back.
You can now disable trust decrease, which you can do within dialogue.
Katana will acknowledge all of your actions. = DEFAULT TRUST.
Katana will look the other way if you decide to partake in certain activities. = DISABLE TRUST DECREASE.
If you disable trust decrease, you will miss dialogue created for certain actions.
Scout package optimized. If Katana doesn't think there are more enemies, she just stays with you.
Removed WICastMagicNonHostileSpell 01 and BQ01 records for standalone features.
Forwarded USSEP records for cells affected.
Cleaned up how quests start and stop so you have less quests running.
The two will be quiet during certain quest lines.
Katana's Shade is now voiced.
Added recruited condition to use summon and reset spell for both followers.
Removed Katana's teleportation to the player during combat, if dying.
Moved Lucky Irnsvar a little. Hopefully that helps those that weren't able to find them before.
Added BlockActivation on Katana's Shade to prevent exploitation with looting the corpse.
Marked Elli's greatsword as not playable.
Corrected Khajiit Speak typos and updated with new lines as well (thanks to Destiny).
Healing package modified: 60% health or below before heal.
Added new lines that cover unanswered questions.
Changed how bleedout lines are executed, and increased bleedout time for balance.
Gave Megara a unique staff.
Megara now comments on Skyrim quests.
Changed the way Katana's quest progresses at the end.
Added dismissed bleedout behavior upon player's hostile activity.
Added new way for Katana and Megara to comment on targets they won't want to kill (Katana's can be turned off since her opinions are stronger, so this is connected to the No Trust Decrease system).
Added music tracks to Kilerth's Rest in case the user has a jolly playlist.
Most idle lines are set to GetRandomPercent < 5. This is because most people have about 3+ followers and I wanted to reduce cross-talk.
Added banter between Megara and Katana.
Added missing progression in loyalty path (dev note: A3G).
Cleaned up body type folder structure.
Clean up ITPO records
Re-recorded most of Katana's voice lines.
Modified Takiyo's skeleton as it caused crashes for Precision users.
Added spell to check relationship with Katana.
Added relax variables so the mod's followers do not mount when waiting for the player.
Modified both Katana and Megara config scripts, to simplify sandbox around player packages.
Optional objectives now also will be marked as complete.
Removed variable that may have caused Cappy to show up at the Bee and Barb.
Added time passed factor RE: Katana's quest, for those that have a long Skyrim playthrough already (I'm not changing the regard system for waiting, trading, and favors).
Added some of Shale's missing REQ perks + tankier health
Nerfed Megara's potion buffs
Made stats more like Lorerim stats (stronger MGEFs)
Version 1.2REQ
Copied Lorerim-equivalent values. Has tweaks coming from more knowledgeable Requiem players.
Version 1.1NR
Forwarded changes from 3.0.4
Version 1.1.2RR
Forwarded changes from 3.0.4
Version 1.1 Raven Replacer
Forwarded 1 missing record for Katana + Megara in catch-up script. (Same with Requiem - Raven Replacer but with added change: Made values more like Lorerim's rather than default.)
Version 1.0.1
Removed idle animation changes and using DAR instead.
Removed sabrecat idle since most people have USSEP.
Fixed JK's All in One FOMOD detection.
Fixed body type paths in FOMOD.
Removed the relationship system's major stat increase as I had the wrong idea about the bounty query stat.
Non-intrusive companionship system with a focus on immersion.
This mod has features in place to reduce repetition. Dialogue is created with the intent to complement your choices in the game. On that note, the mod's companions may not agree with all your choices, but they will not change the outcome of quests or instigate any fights on their own. They also refrain from long monologues. Most idles are short, and there is a no-chatter-overlap system in place, reducing the chance of Katana, Megara, or Shale speaking over each other or conversations between the player and select characters.
The mod contains quiet packages for certain scenes (see Quests below) so you can hear other NPCs speak.
This mod does not refer to you as the Dragonborn, at all. Have fun, role-players.
None are marriage candidates, but Shale might be interested.
All three level with the player (they start at level 10, then they follow your level).
All are set to essential and cannot die.
All have a gift system and can be hugged.
All can cook for you (yay, Requiem players).
All have the standard companion features (relax, trade, dismiss, etc.)
All heal themselves upon bleeding out.
All can hold back in combat (until attacked) if you ask.
Katana & Megara have CBBE curvy by default (not nude). The body mods you have installed will not change their body type.
All have a unique mount.
All can live in any interior (to consider modded homes).
All have follow distance options (quiet packages override this).
All have a summon and debug spell, which can only be used while they are recruited.
Each has a unique tracker item, so you can see them on your map.
You are welcome to delete the OAR folders (if you're on VR, you might have to; not 100% sure).
If you have certain mods where bleedout/defeat is involved, you may need to add this mod as an exception.
Please do not add any of them to other follower frameworks. They have their own.
INCOMPATIBLE-ish: Open Cities. You won't be able to enjoy the mod if you have this installed UNLESS you take Katana's quiz to skip all quests entirely.
If using Swiftly Order Squad, they do wait and stop waiting, but many lines rely on the built-in wait/stop-wait system ("Take it easy here for now?"). That mod is best used with this mod when you're in a rush. But if you're playing the story or using their other features, please use their built-in system. Note: That mod's teleport system works with our companions even though we have a built-in method to teleport them.
Specializes in One-Handed, Two-Handed, Light Armor, Sneak, Block, Lockpicking, and Archery (has a rifle - grab the No Rifle patch if this bothers you).
Strategically teleports and uses invisibility in combat.
Features unlocked after Chasing the Current/skipping it:
Summons a shade to assist in combat when nearing bleedout. It's supposed to go away automatically, but if it's roaming around Skyrim with you, you can activate it to dismiss it.
Can pick locks for you (in select places).
Can do her own bounties (can take from 4 hours to 3 days) and might bring you some goodies when she returns.
Scouts dangerous areas if asked. If she thinks an area is clear, she'll stay with you.
Becomes more comfortable around the player and opens up a lot more.
Shadow Mode: YOU can go invisible and have movement muffled, if you ask (plus Megara, Shale, and three extra followers).
If Shadow Mode is enabled, Katana, Megara, and Shale won't initiate combat.
Need words of wisdom? Katana's here for you (choose Thoughts?).
Specializes in Restoration, One-Handed, and Light Armor.
Heals party members individually, including vampires.
Cures diseases in exchange for garlic.
Wounds patch available: Megara can cure your wounds in exchange for tundra cotton.
Offers a potion-buff system (the buff of your choice applies when combat begins); read for more information.
Offers radiant bounty quests.
If holding a torch, she puts it away when sneaking.
She picks up ingredients, which is off by default. Depending on your modlist, you may or may not see ingredients in her inventory.
Need a laugh? Megara's got your back (choose Thoughts?).
Specializes in One-handed, Block, Destruction, and Light Armor.
Taunts enemies when you are at 40% health, with a 60s cooldown. You can turn this feature off.
Has a magical chest for hoarders.
The only companion in the mod who will entertain you if you tell him you like him.
Silneth and brandiuntz for helping with writing and speeding up the release of 3.0.
Silneth, Eve, fr0, The Creature, Tsukino, AvatarV, Astro, Arkay, CommanderShepardHere, fae, edallans, and Rodocastiza for testing in various environments.
Tsukino for the COTN+JK's patches, originally (I've made changes since).
Wabbajack and modlist curators. Thank you for making things easier for the Skyrim community.
Patch creators linked on this page, and if I missed other essential ones, let me know - thank you!
Inspired by BlackMamba: Megara's potion-buff system.
Inspired by CommanderShepardHere: Katana's Shadow Mode.
QuiteHumorous for the kip-up animation (closed permissions).
Styyx for the title and lovely chats leading to the creation of this mod.
Translators. You are incredible.
You, for taking the time to explore something I've given so much of my heart to. Thank you.
Assets Important: Please don't re-distribute if you don't have permission.
