1 No more mods! Let's play

Author's notes: Well, I had only posted the first chapter, but while writing the plot and the later story arcs, I decided to change the beginning of how the protagonist was transported to the world because I wanted it to be different from the vanilla start.

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Finally, I had finished the mountain of mods. Phew! What a fatigue, a week and a half immersed in this arduous project, trying to elevate the game to a level of immersion that would allow me to lose myself in it.

But wait! A bathroom mod? That would take immersion to a whole new level, hehehe! But then again, did they use latrines back in those times? Well, maybe it's better to leave that out this time.

No more mods, my list is already gigantic. I need to start playing, damn it! This time, I am commited to make my gaming session last more than six hours, yes! I made sure everything is perfect; no mod will ruin it this time.

When I diverted my gaze from my computer screen, I found myself lost in the complete chaos that had taken over my room. My economics math study notebooks were there, sadly displaying crumpled pages, as if they had faced a battle in their quest for knowledge. Next to them lay my precious notes about the game's lore, carefully crafted to ensure perfect immersion in my roleplay adventures.

As I reached for my coffee mug, an inevitable realization struck me: "Is it already over?" I murmured to myself, as if the answer were obvious. The empty bottle bore witness to my hedonism, even though this time I had consumed only two liters of the precious dark liquid. Disappointment hung in the air, and I wondered if coffee could really provide the necessary boost to overcome the procrastination that seemed to have become my constant companion since I installed this game again.

Unsatisfied with the little I had consumed, I went to the kitchen to make more coffee. Ha! I definitely wouldn't sleep tonight. And then, I returned to my room, leaving the water to boil on the stove.

With a resigned sigh, I turned back to the monitor, feeling the weight of guilt for my procrastination hanging over me like a Daedric sword. It was Skyrim's fault, irresistibly drawing me deeper into the magic and damnation of the game. But I had barely started playing, and I could already see the game gradually taking control of my life.

It was because of this community, which with every click on the mods page brought me closer to the next level of immersion.

I sighed again. "I'm 23 already, I'll quit playing next month," I told myself and adjusted. Now that I've finished my list, there's no turning back.

Let's do this.

I picked up my virtual reality glasses and carefully settled into the chair. It was time; everything was aligned for my deep Skyrim session.

Hold on! There's that mod that adds a variety of bread in Skyrim... 'No!!' I shouted internally, I need to get into this damn game.

Despite the late hour, I needed to play.

And so, I put on my device, ready to hit play. The world of Skyrim awaited me, vast, intriguing, and immersive, ready to absorb me for hours on end.

With the game controller firmly in my hands, I pressed the play button and dove headfirst into this virtual realm, eager to create my new character and shape their existence.

Before my eyes, the room of the alternate start mod unfolded, a mod that allowed me to choose how my character would begin the game, bypassing the repetitive opening scene of Skyrim. A chamber of endless possibilities.

At that moment, the responsibility was on me: to create an avatar that embodied my aspirations in the game.

I deeply pondered the choice of the race for this new roleplay journey. An intriguing question emerged: which race would be the most fitting choice? Each race of Tamriel had unique attributes and characteristics that could significantly influence how I would interpret my journey.

The idea of embodying an Orc briefly crossed my mind, but that race wasn't among my preferences. While their members were rare in Skyrim, crafting the narrative of an Orc could offer a fascinating story. They lived in a few settlements throughout Skyrim. Polygamy in their race was an attraction, despite their appearance. For now, I decided to go a different route.

The possibility of being a High Elf (Altmer) also occurred to me. These High Elves had unparalleled mastery in the art of magic and remarkable longevity, living for nearly three hundred years. I contemplated it, placing my hand on my chin in deep thought. I tried to envision the character in my mind, but soon abandoned that option.

I reviewed the remaining races, even considering the perspective of being an Argonian. However, as a bestial lizard-like race, I would be disrespected in Skyrim, making roleplay quite complex, not to mention they were somewhat repugnant.

I scrolled through the character creation screen, spending minutes searching for the ideal choice.

I thought about being a Khajiit, the humanoid cats with their feline agility and stealthy abilities, but the idea didn't quite fit into my already indecisive vision for the roleplay.

The same happened with the Nords, the inhabitants of Skyrim, famous for their cold resistance and combat skills, not to mention the racism many of them held. But I resisted; this option had become too cliché, taking up 50% of my playthroughs.

I ignored the remaining races and ultimately chose to embody a Breton man, an unconventional choice. Thanks to the mods, I had a variety of hair and beard options, not refusing the opportunity to sculpt my character's features in great detail.

So, I began to shape him, a long and sacred moment guided by the flowing red hair that reached his neck, a distinctive and unusual characteristic in The Elder Scrolls universe, providing a memorable visual aspect. His eyes, deep and as blue as the ocean, revealed the essence of my new in-game soul.

I paused on the details, sculpting my features with meticulous care: a delicate nose, precise mouth contours, and the shape of the chin. All this dedication to create a young character, full of vitality and potential, coming to life before the statue of Mara with graphics that approached perfection, inviting me to the great journey that was about to unfold.

Well, I refused to create a super handsome Chad and tried to leave him with his imperfections.

However, the decision of how to begin my adventure still hung in the air, a dilemma between the options. Being a tavern owner could offer considerable initial resources, while living the life of a beggar seemed too challenging to start, especially considering the master difficulty I had chosen. But I longed for surprises.

I decided to leave the choice to chance, letting fate within the game guide my journey. Among the options, I chose: "Surprise me."

As I headed towards the bed in the choice room, which would trigger the actual start, a sudden exhaustion hit me, a drowsiness that threatened to steal my precious gaming moment.

"Not now," I muttered through gritted teeth, fighting the irresistible urge to fall asleep. I wanted to savor every second of this game I had been eagerly waiting for. But fatigue was too strong, almost knocking me down. So, I decided to yield and succumbed to sleep in the game and in the choice room, lying down on the available bed. I would play when I woke up.