Thwead Numbuh Thwee

I like to think that I speak for everyone when I say that the Imperial City, as presented to us on that fateful day in 2006, was a disappointment. And wow, Bethesda, I was disappoint. There were six districts, plus a prison, the Arcane University, the waterfront, and a dank, lackluster palace. We all visited the Arena, did a few quests in the city, took the Market District for all it was worth after every dungeon-adventure, and then pretty much forgot about most of the city. Five dollars, by the way, to anyone who explored the sewers. In my hunger for a better capitol for a continent-spanning empire, I for one followed certain mods with great excitement, such as Imperial City Reborn or ImpeREAL. The former died a stillbirth and the latter only improved the way the place looked without adding any quests or characters to the place, and (as I’ve told every girlfriend I’ve ever had) cosmetics just aren’t enough for me.

So, I began to work on my own version of the Imperial City, a city that wouldn’t disappoint me. I wanted to add features that most cities should have, as well as enough houses and streets to actually be considered a city, rather than a giant, circular, stone village. This mod brings the total number of districts up to an impressive 22, adds hundreds of NPCs, a new batch of quests, and enough to keep anyone entertained for a long while.

I Sure Love Downloadin'!

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25113

• Mod Description (OH WAIT WE PASSED IT)
  
• District Descriptions
  
• Screenshot Gallery
  
• Thanks
  
• Contact

So Yeah, ‘Bout Them Districts

Agora
I bet most people don’t even know what that word means. This district could be described as a suburban neighborhood transplanted into the heart of a city. This district boasts the finest hotel and restaurant in the entire city, travelers from all over a Tamriel stay there, some visit the city just for an excuse to stay there. Besides the hotel, this district is known for certain colorful residents and its magnificent miniature park that’s almost big enough for you to forget you’re surrounded by a city. But not quite.


Akatosh’s Arms
This district was recently renamed in an attempt to brighten the lives of those living there. City planners had hoped that the pious, comforting name would help people understand just how much their city truly cared for them. Instead it just added another layer of cynicism to the already down-and-out residents of the district. Because surely, if they were in Akatosh’s own arms living in this place, Akatosh was giving them all a collective noogie. This district is the poorest one still within city walls, boasting a beautiful open sewer, grimy walls and streets, and the highest level of poverty in Cyrodiil.


Foreign Quarter
Think of this district like a fraternity row, except with embassies. And instead of idiots with sideways caps and popped collars you have lesser politicians from the provinces and where frats have Frisbee you have Imperial politics such as tariffs and land usage. Almost as good, right? This is where a majority of the Elder Council is staying during the Oblivion Crisis since the Council must be ready to go into session at a moment's notice. One noteworthy building is a temple near the Morrowind building for the pious Dark Elf dignitaries to worship.


Forum
I know, it surprised me as well that “forum” also means a place for people to converge, important announcements to be made, and for people to hit “dislike” on everything they see relax. This district was my way of living up to the lore, calling the Imperial City a city on the water. The entire district is one large reflecting pool with artificial islands connected by bridges. This is one of the nicest spots in the city, expect to meet many people here.


Historical District
This district is an example of what the city looked like in its older, unplanned stated. The complicated high-rising buildings feel like they're suffocating you, and that if you don’t leave soon the whole world will collapse on you. Strange then that this district has the highest population density in the city, the people live there packed in like sardines. This district also is the home of the Imperial Museum of History, specializing in all manner of ancient artifacts both naturally made or constructed by intelligent races. Currently the focus of their exhibit are the ancient Ayleids, and why their cities seemed to consist entirely of subterranean trap-filled corridors.


Imperial Legion HQ
Did you ever wonder where Legionnaires were trained, or where they slept before they were sent all across the continent to fight off those pesky Oblivion gates? I certainly did, so I built an entire district for them. This district serves as both the offices for the highest ranking members of the Legion as well as a training ground for new recruits. Currently they are only accepting people for reserve troops. After all, with the bulk of their soldiers in the other provinces, imagine what might happen if there were limited soldiers to protect the capitol city (unlikely as that is, right?)


Innocence Gardens
I truly am a fan of ironic district names, they make it all the more surprising when I tell the truth. Innocence Gardens is derided by pilgrims, the morally uptright, and all men in front of their wives for being the location of the city’s infamous brothel. The brothel has recently fought off rumors that their employees were strong-armed into working there or that they were in some way being imprisoned there. It is hardly surprising that these accusations did not go anywhere, both because the pimp is a known friend of more than a few nobles and because the one who first leveled the accusations is currently under the impression that he is a beautiful Orc maiden.


Manufacturing District
For such a large and powerful government, there definitely seems to be a lack of stonecutters, construction workers, or imports to speak of. Now, one could say that this all takes place off-screen, mages go and "magic" it to appear, or that "it’s only a video game, UCM, stop caring so much and go out and make friends." But I say it’s important for immersion. Definitely important, so I made this district.


Palace District
The old Palace was a pitiful site. It was dark, dank and was inhabited by guards, two regular people, and a handful of blind monks. It also confused me that the guards talked to me inside the palace as if tourists regularly visited the palace, even though I was the only non-employee in the building. Not anymore. The palace now is brightly lit and carpeted to encourage the kind of foot-traffic the guards imply they have. The council meets weekly, and the second floor has been turned from an observation deck into the Emperor’s missing throne. Below the council chambers are store rooms (off limits, logically enough) and the shrine where the Eternal Champion slew Jagar Tharn. Beneath even that are the Septim crypts for the royal family to be laid to rest. Both of these areas are permitted for tourists to visit, and is in fact encouraged for those touring the palace for religious reasons. Above the throne room, I will be silent, but it is no longer guard after guard after guard with a few monks in between. The palace is now staffed with servants, foreign dignitaries stay in the luxurious guest quarters, and at the top is Uriel Septim’s own (now unused) chamber.

Now, OUTSIDE the palace has received a similar treatment. Gone are the overgrown mushrooms and ridiculously broken tombs. Replaced with a fanciful hedge-maze to get lost (or lose guards) in. One lore feature of this maze now are the hedge Emperors. According to legend Green Emperor Way contains hedges made to resemble famous past Emperors enchanted to have their personalities and to give advice to the current Emperor. I have created these hedges and they do sit in Green Emperor Way standing at a constant silent guard. They haven’t moved since the Emperor’s assassination


Pelinal Place
One of the most ritzy districts in the city, only the rich and people with something to prove manage to live here. This district is proud to call the famous Pelinal Statue their own, and it fits them. Nothing defines the rich like crotch-stomping a defeated opponent. Besides the statue this district contains the even more famous Hogithum Hall. This court house saw the only known trial of a divine being, and the subsequent banishment of a Daedric Prince. The house is watched over by Judge Rodell, the highest judicial authority in the Empire.


Septim Road
The main thoroughfare into the city. This road is essentially a large park intended to impress diplomats and commoners alike. It is adorned with several statues, trees, miniature hedge-paths, and well-armed ceremonial guards. This district is kept rigorously cleaned, so do not leave anything there for long that you hope to pick back up later such as an item, money, or a body.


Theatre District
The Empire is reputably the center for commerce, culture, and all manner of bizarre customs to meet. Why, then, is the only source of entertainment for the city dwellers the Arena? Sure, it’s very nice to watch people being gutted like fish and then possibly winning money on it, but couldn’t it also be satisfying to watch characters pour their souls into a performance and watch lovers split, kingdoms collapse, and true love blossom? Also, it’s pretty entertaining when they flub their lines.



I Heard A Rumor You Liked Screen Shots

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8QxCSqQ4sg

Okay, now screenshots.

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Everything-Unloved-an/Oblivion%202010-06-08%2021-32-05-45.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Outer-Districts/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-02-07-81.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Middle-Districts/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-12-47-17.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Middle-Districts/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-16-07-51.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Middle-Districts/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-08-31-93.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Middle-Districts/Oblivion%202010-03-12%2020-44-10-99.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Everything-Unloved-an/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-25-40-20.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Everything-Unloved-an/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2016-56-26-90.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Everything-Unloved-an/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-22-39-24.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Everything-Unloved-an/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-22-58-46.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Outer-Districts/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-14-28-59.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Outer-Districts/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-00-02-04.png

Coming soon; several Broadway shows! Here we hav- Wait. Charlie Man-Who? - http://pic.chaoclub.org/i/theucm/charlesmanhuge.png

http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/69/63/54916369/photos/Middle-Districts/Oblivion%202010-07-08%2017-05-34-92.png

More screenshots are available on my website, link below.


A Good Luck Thanking

Friends
The following people also helped. Whether they tested for me, provided meshes, helped with interiors, or found me in that tub of ice, they all helped make this mod and deserve some thanks.

Korrow
All the custom meshes in the mod were provided by him out of the kindness of his heart. Also I have his family locked in my basemant. I’ve had them for quite a while now.

RedBag
Who else but he would offer to make interiors for a total stranger? I don’t know, but those people are always cool in my book. And since he made half a dozen or so, he’s six times as cool as most people.

FrenchNinja
He probably remembers me like a royal maiden remembers a thief in the night. “That ass came in, got me all excited, took my stuff, and disappeared. Good riddance!” But I’m back, after dealing with things, arranging a funeral or three, and settling some disputes! FrenchNinja provided a series of new books and assorted writing throughout the city.

Zink
Creator of Charlie Manhuge. He doesn’t show up at this stage in the mod, but you’ll meet him soon enough. Since I like being unnecessarily cryptic, that is all you’ll get for now.


For a city that requires so many people, cultures, and styles to come together, I felt it was metaphorically fitting to utilize a number of modder’s resources from several diff- PFFFFFT. HA HA HA, just kidding, I svck at metaphors. I just thought these were excellent resources, and they are. I owe all of these people a great big thank you.

Gallows – Spoons
Imperial Empress Robes - Popcorn71
Bald Hairstyle – Trigger190
Acid’s Extravagent Eyes – Acid
Hair pack – Throttle Kitty
Kvatch Returned - Bob Smolders
Animated Flags – Firespark
Manor Bedset - Xiamara
Ordinator Armor – Cryo
Meo’s Globes - Meo
Barabus Crypt Set - Barabus and Razorwing


These resources are hidden for anyone who doesn't want to potentially spoil easter eggs, hidden prizes, or quest items.




For More Information…
I can be reached in a number of ways:

• PM me
  
• AIM: goodolducm
  
• YIM: the_ucm_2003
  
• MSN: mrtheucm
  
• My website: http://imperialcityredux.webs.com
  
• Or try carrier pigeons

I gladly welcome offers to assist, recommendations, suggestions, problems, or first born children.

Two things 1.why is there a floating rock? and 2.Why is uriel sitting on the throne when he is dead?

1. New Arcane University location. I didn't think that a dirty district that perfectly mimicked the Imperial Prison did the University justice. And I go for broke.

2. For the sake of an interesting screenshot. An empty throne just doesn't look so nice. I can also make use of him for people who download alternate start mods that don't necessarily need the Emperor dead right off the bat.

So are you going to have an extra esp with the emperor or an extra esp that takes him away.

Well, as it stands he's coded to disappear when the vanilla Emperor dies so there would never be a case of either two Uriels, or a miraculously resurrected one. But, if it might still be a problem, I could very easily remove him or make a secondary esp.

Ok thanks.

I'm surprised and impressed. From your posturing, I always figured you for a brief manic burnout! Clearly you don't give up.

On your Nexus comments I read: "I'm going to make sure no quests are broken by this mod, quests make the game. I will also eventually make as many compatibility patches as possible for large mods based around the city. I Love quest mods"

I really like what I see in screenshots and the video, and I would be ever so much more interested in this mod if it were to become compatible with:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16316
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3172
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10223 - This one may be a tall order.
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21989
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27029
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5156
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=26219
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27520 - Adds a portal just outside the walls.

I don't care so much about conflicting with landscape and cosmetic mods, but quest mods are a big deal to me. Thought I'd list what I'm interested in.

I look forward to the finished product!

gothemasticator

Downloaded the file and WTF is that .. where do I throw those jumble o mess? In the data folder? No readme ..and its a simple 1 esp and 1 folder which housed one of a most jumbled stuff in it . EVER.

Well, it made it easy to remove >.<

1 ESP and 1 folder = put the ESP in the Data folder, put the folder in the Data folder, activate the 1 ESP and play the game. Simple. Doesn't differ from the installation of approx 90% of the mods available.

The_UCM, if you put the resource folder into a BSA archive then you shouldn't get any more grumbles about installation problems.

Very nice work. Do not let the nay sayers draw you down and continue the good work.

May He Who Must Not Be Named dies from the shame of his inadequacy.

Looks great. Trailer confused me though. Coming January 1st 2003?

learn how to install mods :facepalm:

Looks awesome. Like, really awesome.

You'e actually gone and made me start reinstalling oblivion again, haven't you? sigh... There goes my summer...

I suggest you wait for another update from UCM, I've PM'd him about a small issue with the resources. The mod needs a bit of repackaging before it will work properly.

I think I'm capable of installing just fine, thank you very much.. I'm just commenting the fact that the ICRedux folder is a total mess.

On to the conflicting mods .. as promised in my comment in tesnexus
1) Ayleids Steps as posted above .. Few floating steps around ..
2) Lake Rumare .. There's a jobless guy who made a tent around the sewer exit.. it is now floating as as I exit the market through the north gate, I here his chilling scream to death as he free falls. Also, the Chesnut Stable nows overlaps with Weynet Inn. I also have AFK_weye mod.
3) Integration .. The Golden Saint lady who waited outside the market gate towards the old prison are no where to be found. Also, I believe there's a house in the waterfront from this mod which is owned by a darkelf lady.. the house is also no where to be found.
4) Realistic Fatigue .. St Allessia's statue are panting heavily. VERRRRY heavily.
5) There are no doors on Bloated Float, as such it conflict with Vilja.


Seems OK and works fine with ZA Bank mod.. in fact any mods I used that are inside the old market place (sixlivion and bank mod) are untouched. So is the house mod by Princess Stomper (the Rookery) which is in Talos Plaza. No longer using Midas Magic, but if you changed AU place so bad, it might conflict as well.

Nice touch about bringing in Uncle Crassius from Morrowind (I think I saw his house).

Buggyness
1) There's 1 Tiber Septim hotel (at least the signboard says so).. but its not in the original district (I dont remember the original hotel place) Anyway, your TS Hotel dont have a functioning door.
2) There's a hall across Crassius Corio's house, Magnum Hall? entering that I have a black screen, only hud and it didnt crash or anything, but I cant get out of it. My computer is old, but I never had that problem before.
3) I'm impressed with the fact that I dont really lag in any district, true, I didnt finished going to each and everyone of it, except for the talos bridge, where I have a slight noticeable fps drop .. but as I told you, my computer is so old, they could probably mistaken for dinasours XD .. so I really dont think you have to worry about this one.
4) There's an excessive guard IMHO, in the forum district, there's 5 guard who looks the same who simply bunched up together doing nothing, when you get close to them, they all turned and stares at you.. 5 peoples, 1 face .. its freaky.

Cant use your mod at this current stage, as Ayleid Steps and Integration are the only 2 main quest mod I have (alongside KDQ) and both mods conflict so badly for now.

Ahhh its released downloading now!

Yes, I apologize for the badly packaged files. I'm fixing that right now, and am going to reupload shortly. That's pretty embarrassing.

Oh wow, this looks epic o_o

How heavy is it on the FPS? Like vanilla or more along the lines of Better Cities?

MESHES SHOULD BE FIXED NOW.

Thank you. I use a fairly old computer, and I don't have any significant slowdown problems. You might see a slight hit to your FPS in large districts such as the Historical District, or if many of the randomized NPCs are on screen. I plan to tweak those NPCs to provide the best possible FPS.

single core.. 2.6GHz .. 10-12 fps .. vanila IC is 14-15 for me. I am that awesome to play in that condition ^^

The area near Talos Bridge is a bit hit..but somehow, that seems to be the problematic area for me (the anvil dock is another one), I got lagged in that area before this mod as well. - I think its the water reflection

This looks fantastic. Great work - I'm going to give it a shot.

One thing though....


Any chance of making a version (or some advice on making it happen) where the Arcane University is not a floating rock? It just looks.... out of place to my eye. Nothing else in my Tamriel has that feel, and I just know it'll get on my nerves when exploring...seeing that giant thing floating up in the air...


I really like the Better Cities version of the AC, but would love to combine it with the rest of the your mod.


Sorry to throw a crazy request so soon after release - I really don't mean to be disrespectful. Thanks!

You never played http://www.uesp.net/wiki/File:VivecMoon.jpg

Utterly magnificent. I have religiously followed your two previous threads and, though you are assuredly quite mad, I never doubted your unimpeachable enthusiasm for this venture. The results, of course, are breathtaking.

Cheers lad, you have done us all a wonderful service. :celebration:

A (projected) compatibility list would be helpful. And I wish you'd take the Arcane University off that silly floating rock.

Being more diplomatic with requests brings a higher chance of a positive response. Even though you might think the floating AU is silly, UCM will have spent quite some time (hours) creating that floating AU, so belittling his efforts is a poor way to thank him and suggest an alternative.

Personally, I feel that it looks out of place. It might be better suited still floating, but much lower rather than high above the city. Somewhere out over the lake, perhaps, about 10 metres above the water? But it's your mod UCM, so don't change anything you like just because some of us don't like it