Opossums - a new wild critter
⚪ Last updated 2024⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.0% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #47 of 69 Creatures and Mounts mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
When all else fails, play dead.
In recent years, opossums have had a surge of popularity around the internet. Now that America's only native marsupial is finally getting the recognition it deserves, I was surprised to find nobody had added them to Skyrim yet and set out to rectify that.
These little guys will spawn randomly in the same areas as deer and rabbits, and will be also preyed upon by wolves and the like. While they look like small skeevers, they are completely non-hostile; when attacked they play dead for 10 seconds. Other creatures should leave them alone for a bit, provided the opossum doesn't die in one hit.
On death they will drop 1-2 common ingredients, or on rare occasions a new Spell Tome: Play Dead. This spell will allow the player to mimic their natural defenses for 10 seconds (but like in our world, it doesn't help much).
The main file is ESL-flagged and should be compatible with anything that doesn't modify the LCharAmbientCreatures leveled list (but a Bashed patch should fix that). The main file does not require CC content or any other mods.
Optional Patches (Included in FOMOD)
All are ESL-flagged where applicable
Dragonborn's Bestiary patch
Adds an entry for opossums in the Dragonborn's Bestiary. Kill or interact with (activate key) an opossum in the wild to unlock (Skritch doesn't count). Requires the main file and the Dragonborn's Bestiary mod.
FluffWorks patches
Choose between Performance (8 shells) and Quality (16 shells). Does not require the base FluffWorks mod, just uses that method.
Footprints patches
Luckily for me, the existing skeever footprints match opossum tracks pretty well! I just scaled them down to fit. Requires SPID for Footprints (and its requirements). There's also a separate patch for that + Footprints - Alternative Design (previously the Footprints Sand Patch) for sand and mud.
Skritch Replacer patch
Requires the Pets of Skyrim Creation Club package that comes with Anniversary Edition - this file only modifies 2 entries from it and does not include any of the CC content itself. It doesn't change any behaviors, only his model. He will not play dead like opossums in the wild, but Skritch will now have the Play Dead spell tome in his inventory.
"Quando omni flunkus moritati"-Possum Lodge motto
-Possum Lodge motto
Adds opossums to Skyrim as non-hostile critters that spawn with deer and rabbits, play dead when attacked, and drop ingredients or a rare Play Dead spell tome. Includes optional patches for Dragonborn's Bestiary, FluffWorks, and Footprints. ESL-flagged main file, compatible with most mods.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fills a niche with 169 endorsements and 8.5k downloads, so it's got a solid following
- ESL-flagged main file means it won't eat your mod limit, and no CC or other mods required
- The play dead mechanic is a fun, unique twist that fits Skyrim's wildlife
⚠️ Cons
- Spawns via the LCharAmbientCreatures leveled list, so mods that edit that list could conflict unless you bash patch
- The Play Dead spell is described as 'doesn't help much,' so don't expect it to be a game-changer
- Optional patches require extra mods like Dragonborn's Bestiary or SPID for Footprints, which adds setup complexity
For Skyrim players who want more lively wildlife and enjoy quirky, immersive additions. Also great for collectors who like rare spells and bestiary completionists. Skip if you're looking for combat or gameplay overhauls—this is purely a critter addition.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Use a mod manager like Vortex or MO2 to install the FOMOD and pick your patches easily.
- If you use mods that alter leveled lists, build a Bashed Patch with Wrye Bash to merge the opossum spawns.
- For the Footprints patch, make sure you have SPID for Footprints installed first, or the patch won't work.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- NotOnLand
- Version
- 1.0.4
- Downloads
- 8,584
- Endorsements
- 169
- Category
- Creatures and Mounts
- Created
- 4/25/2024
- Updated
- 7/18/2024
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
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