Alternate Starting Factions

⭐ ⭐ (664 endorsements) 📥 36,187 downloads 📌 v1.4 📅 12/24/2011
⚪ Last updated 2012

By Volek · Immersion

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 6/14/2012 📅 Created: 12/24/2011
⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
1🛠️ SKSE — Skyrim Script Extender Download ↗
2🔧 USLEEP — Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch Download ↗
3🖥️ SkyUI — SkyUI (MCM framework) Download ↗

Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.

🔍 Analysis

  • 👍 1.8% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
  • 🏆 #41 of 99 Immersion mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

Alternate Starting Factions (by Volek) Each of these plugins let you skip the whole execution scene and the Helgen Keep dungeon. You start at a selected location for that faction, with faction-related equipment and spells. I tried to keep faction relations lore-friendly, eg. Forsworn are enemies of Stormcloaks, but friends of Hagravens. The following starts are available: Bandit 1. 2 You are a Bandit who lives in Fort Hraggstad. There are some crafting tools in the hall. A member of the Thieves Guild lives here too, she buys and sells loot. Bandits are your friends. Most other people are your enemies. Members of the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood are neutral. You can take one Bandit with you. Your follower will trade items and execute orders. Forsworn 1. 2 You are a Forsworn who lives in Druadach Redoubt Cave. A new alchemy table and armor workbench are available here. One of the Forsworn in the cave trades loot and stuff. Forsworns and Hagravens are your friends. People of the Reach, Stormcloaks and their friends are your enemies. You can take one Forsworn with you. Your follower will trade items and execute orders. Silver Hand 1. 2 You are a member of the Silver Hands, your base of operations is Gallows Rock. You own a Silver Sword and Leather Armor. You can trade loot with the quartermaster in the entry hall. Other Silver Hands are your friends. People of Whiterun, Companions and Werewolves are your enemies. You can take one Silver Hand with you. Your follower will trade items and execute orders. Thalmor 1. 2 You are a member of the Thalmor, stationed in Northwatch Keep. The new Quartermaster in the second room will buy and sell items. Other Thalmor are your friends. Stormcloaks are your enemies. You can take one Northwatch Guard with you. Your companion will follow orders and trade items. Necromancer 1. 4 You are a novice Necromancer who lives in Fort Snowhawk. A merchant lives there too. He will buy your loot, and sell random items. Other Necromancers, Warlocks, Draugr and Skeletons are your friends. Vigilants of Stendarr, Thalmor and the people of Solitude are your enemies. You can take one Necromancer and Skeleton with you. Your companions will follow orders and trade items. Witch 1. 2 You are a Witch, you are living in the hut at Witchmist Grove. There\'s an Alchemy lab in the hut, and a chest to store your ingredients. You are able to cast simple magic from various schools. At the Grove, you can meet a Witch who will buy your loot. Other Witches and Hagravens are your friends. Vigilants of Stendarr are your enemies. All files include a Scripts folder. Install this folder too, otherwise the follower dialogue won\'t work. The main quest is disabled by default, but if you want to play it anyway, you have to delete the file Data/Scripts/QF_MQ101_

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

Alternate Starting Factions for Skyrim skips the Helgen Keep intro, letting you start as a Bandit, Thalmor, Forsworn, Silver Hand, Witch, or Necromancer. You begin in a faction-related location with matching gear and can recruit faction members as followers. A classic immersion mod with 664 endorsements, last updated in 2012.

✨ Key Features

Skips the Helgen Keep intro sequence.
Choose from six factions: Bandit, Thalmor, Forsworn, Silver Hand, Witch, or Necromancer.
Start in a faction-related location with faction-appropriate equipment.
Ask other faction members to follow you.

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Community favorite with 664 endorsements and over 36k downloads.
  • Immersive alternative to the vanilla intro for roleplayers.
  • Adds follower options from your chosen faction.

⚠️ Cons

  • Last updated in 2012 — may have compatibility issues with newer Skyrim versions or DLC.
  • Limited to six factions; no custom faction support mentioned.
🎯 Is This For You?
For Skyrim roleplayers who want to skip the Helgen intro and jump straight into a faction-based playthrough. Great for players who enjoy starting as an outlaw or mage. Skip if you prefer the vanilla start or want a mod with modern updates.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 5 minutes

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Make sure to start a new game to trigger the alternate start.
  • If you use other mods that alter the intro, load this one after them to avoid conflicts.
  • Check the mod's comments section on Nexus for user-reported compatibility with your Skyrim version.

📊 Mod Details

Game
Skyrim LE Mods
Author
Volek
Version
1.4
Downloads
36,187
Endorsements
664
Category
Immersion
Created
12/24/2011
Updated
6/14/2012

🔧 How to Install Skyrim LE Mods

Download from Nexus.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim LE →

Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.

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