Sload Floater - Giant Bull Netch Replacer

Sload Floater

Giant Bull Netch Replacer

A Creature Mod and Modder's Resource

by Melchior Dahrk

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Prior to the game's release, Sload were supposed to have a presence in Morrowind. Michael Kirkbride has some concept art which shows what is labeled a "Sload Floater" (Gasbag Mass Transit) and there was even a concept for a "Skyport". This is a speculative rendering of what a "sload gasbag" may look like based on a combination of Michael Kirkbride's concept art and the appearance of the netch in TES3. This does not explicitly mimic any of the concept art but rather borrows certain features from each and merges them into what could be a cousin or ancestor of the Morrowind Netch. Based on what we know from the game's artwork, the "gasbags" ultimately transformed into the "netch" during development.

My personal head canon is that the netch are descended from the sload floaters which were introduced to the Morrowind ecosystem by Sload merchants. Like much of the other wildlife, the floaters adapted and eventually became the netch. There are much larger sload floaters out there (see the concept art), the one you'll encounter in this mod happens to be a very small one.

This mod doesn't bring the sload to Morrowind, but it does replace the Giant Bull Netch with a Sload Floater. The intention for this specific creature is to be an escaped mass transit gasbag which is now wandering around the Sheogorad region. Apparently Bighead still thinks this is a netch - just a GIANT one - with EYES! Gasbags must be weak to forks. You might find a note hinting at the creature's origins after you fork it to death...

Features of the Design:

• []Broken straps on the back hint at the creature's utility before its escape.

  []The "eyes" located on the front of the gasbag are actually artificial windows into the interior of this massive beast. Sload are right at home in the slimy jelly.

  []Similar to the netch, the gasbag has internal sacks filled with magical vapors. But unlike its cousin, the gasbag spews these vapors out of meaty tubes on its underside to help generate more lift for their comparatively massive bulk.

  []Banners decorate the sides of the gasbag, advertising its owner's merchandise.

• Although this gasbag managed to destroy its accessories, they are typically seen with structures built right onto their enormous backs to accommodate more delicate passengers who balk at the notion of immersing in the jelly chamber with the sload.
  🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

  This mod replaces the Giant Bull Netch with a sload 'gasbag' floater creature inspired by Morrowind concept art, including minor edits to the Sheogorath quest. It's a niche cosmetic overhaul for Skyrim players who want a lore-friendly creature replacement, with 130 endorsements and 5,210 downloads.

  ✨ Key Features

  Replaces the Giant Bull Netch with a sload 'gasbag' floater creature from Morrowind concept art.

  Includes minor edits to the Sheogorath quest.

  📊 Pros & Cons

  ✅ Pros

  • Lore-friendly replacement that ties into Morrowind's concept art, perfect for TES lore enthusiasts.
  • Decent community traction with 130 endorsements and over 5,000 downloads.
  • Lightweight mod that doesn't overhaul the entire creature system—just swaps one model.

  ⚠️ Cons

  • Last updated in 2021—might have compatibility issues with the latest Skyrim patches or other mods.
  • Only affects the Giant Bull Netch, so if you're looking for broader creature variety, this won't cut it.
  • Quest edits are minor, so don't expect a new storyline—just a few tweaks.

  🎯 Is This For You?
  For Skyrim players who love deep lore and want to see a piece of Morrowind's concept art come to life. If you're a completionist who enjoys unique creature replacements, this is a neat addition. Skip if you want gameplay changes or a full creature overhaul—this is purely cosmetic.

  📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

  💡 Beginner Tips

  • Use a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 to install and manage this mod easily.
  • Check your load order—place this mod after other creature overhauls to ensure the replacement works.
  • If you're on Special Edition, make sure the mod is compatible with your version; if not, look for a port.