A screenshot of the docks at sunset from my Oblivion modification, Port Umbra.

Once the town of Port Umbra was created, I realized that in order for the player to feel immersed, I needed residents. Though it is simple to create multiple NPCs within the construction set, creating a large number of NPCs with individual personalities had the potential to be difficult and time consuming. I decided to develop nearly thirty NPCs using specific character archetypes that players would expect to find in a place like Port Umbra – self-absorbed or scared noblemen in Castle Lark, smugglers and sailors wandering the docks, and drunken rabble in the tavern, among others. I gave each of these one or two topics for the player to choose from in conversation, with very specific responses that both matched the character’s personality.