I'm thinking of changing the character generation sequence a bit, but I'm not entirely sure what everything does. Is there a guide or something on the internet that explains exactly how some of these things are accomplished? For example, how does the game know WHERE to put the player at the start of the game?

Thanks

Character generation is started in the script "Main" which starts the chargen script. That one disables the player controls and places the player in the ship. the character generation then moves through several scripts which you can find listed in the CS script editor. They all atart with "Chargen" like chargen boat, etc.

All of the generation is handled in those scripts, and if you can follow the code (not as hard as one might think), reading through them will be self-explanatory,

If you're not talking "total conversion" and want to tweak a few things, then look at the scripts beginning with CharGen. There's about 20 or so that establish the character setup.

I can't think of any actual guide that does this, though. If you have a specific goal or an idea in mind then ask, and someone will be more than glad to explain.

Hmmm...I didn't realize it was the start script that put you in the ship. Good luck with your mod, and if anyone does find a guide for the chargen, be sure to tell me:D

It's CharGen which places the Player:

Player->PositionCell 61,-135, 24, 340, "Imperial Prison Ship"

Have a look at some of the alternate character generation mods - http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Mods.Detail&id=5793 by Shade the Bandit covers most options and should give you a good idea of what's possible.

There are a number of settings that work together to make chargen work how it does. You have to get all of them working together just right, or the main menu breaks. There's no good guide, but I've done it a few times.

The scripts are the most obvious part. Make sure they position the player in the right spot.
There is a GMST or two, telling the game which cells have to exist (the rumor that "Imperial Prison Ship" is a required cell is totally wrong, just change the GMST). Set this to the starting cell.
There is an INI section for preloaded cells, you want to include the GMST-referenced starting cell here (it will load before the beginning cutscene, otherwise it will try to load after and may crash).