Skyrim SE Modded Gameplay: Journey of a Struggling Merchant

Skyrim, a land filled with myth, dragons, and endless quests, is often dominated by heroes wielding magic and iron. However, what if you chose a different path, one less traveled by the traditional adventurer? This article shares my experiences as I embark on a journey as a struggling merchant in Skyrim Special Edition (SE) using mods. The modded gameplay adds depth and challenges, showcasing a different type of adventure that is both rewarding and entertaining!

The Concept of a Merchant

Playing as a merchant in Skyrim presents a unique challenge. Unlike the valiant Dragonborn, armed with powerful shouts and magical abilities, my character lacks any significant combat prowess. Instead, I focus on trade, persuasion, and resource management—essential skills for any thriving merchant. The goal? To complete the main questline, despite my character’s limitations in combat.

Setting Up the Mods

To enhance my gameplay and create a true merchant experience, I installed several mods that shift the focus away from combat. The following mods are particularly notable:

1. Custom Combat Mod: This mod significantly reduces damage output in combat, ensuring that my character remains vulnerable. This forces me to think creatively about avoiding conflict.

2. Shout Modifications: I retained normal shout functionality, allowing me to strategically use shouts when needed without relying on physical damage.

3. Simple Hunting Overhaul: This mod introduced a hunting license system, enhancing the merchant experience by allowing me to gather resources legally and sell furs and meats.

4. LotD (Legends of the Divine): A quest mod that, while still being experimental in my setup, amplifies the merchant storyline with various unique items to collect throughout Skyrim.

These mods set the stage for my adventure, creating a default merchant scenario that focuses more on trade and less on combat.

Beginning the Journey

Starting in Whiterun, I set up shop in the bustling marketplace, where vendors and townsfolk engage in daily commerce. My first task was to acquire a variety of goods to sell. I spent time gathering novice-level potions and valuable loot from nearby dungeons—essentially scavenging the spoils of fallen adventurers. While the temptation to engage in combat was ever-present, I quickly learned the importance of avoiding confrontations.

Interacting with NPCs

As a merchant, building relationships with NPCs is crucial. I often relied on speech skills to persuade vendors to offer better prices, or I would seek out travelers and merchants who might be interested in trading. This aspect of gameplay added a layer of depth, allowing me to immerse myself genuinely in the world of Skyrim.

However, I faced challenges regularly. Certain NPCs, such as aggressive bounty hunters, would attack me unprovoked. My lack of combat skills meant I had to flee or use my shouts strategically to escape danger—a true exercise in cunning rather than strength.

Questing While Selling

Though I aimed to complete the main questline, I didn’t neglect side quests. Many involved delivering goods, collecting rare items, or participating in hunting across Skyrim. The grace of gathering unique items rather than focusing on combat enabled me to appreciate the game’s depth, allowing me to explore areas that might have seemed mundane during a traditional playthrough.

Executing quests as a merchant turned into a scavenger hunt of sorts, where every item collected had value, whether through trading or crafting. The various unique items from the LotD might find their way into my collection as I expand my inventory.

Challenges and Boredom

As expected in this gameplay style, boredom could strike at any moment. Combat was limited, and though I still used shouts for various tasks, the overall pace shifted dramatically away from traditional Skyrim action gameplay. To spice things up, I occasionally ventured into conflict, ensuring to highlight that even a merchant can stand their ground when necessary.

Conclusion

My journey as a struggling merchant in Skyrim SE has been fulfilling and educational. Engaging with different mod setups changed my perspective on the game, allowing me to appreciate the finer details often overshadowed by epic battles and quests. Whether you are new to Skyrim or looking to re-engage with it through a new lens, consider taking on the merchant role—embrace the art of trade, gather unique items, and experience Skyrim from an entirely different viewpoint. Happy trading!