Step 5: Character Creation & MCMs

Character Creation

Character Customization Mods

Zenithar's Forge offers a wide array of customization options – from hair to tattoos and eyes. Use the included mods to perfect your character’s look.

Zenithar's Forge includes the High Poly Head mod for higher facial detail. To use it for your character, set the “Face part” to option 3 in RaceMenu. Note that using High Poly Head may require you to do some manual face sculpting to avoid clipping or other weirdness.

A Word About Difficulty

By default, Zenithar's Forge uses Adept difficulty, but you should adjust it to your preference. Zenithar's Forge is a survival and profession roleplay list where almost anything can kill you, so consider your tolerance for challenge before you begin. For an even harder run, consider skipping the optional ELSA and Classic Classes & Birthsigns setups below.

ELSA

Warning

Configure ELSA before leaving the Realm of Lorkhan.

To gain a skill bonus from ELSA:

Open the Power/Shout menu.
Select “Reflect”.
Press the Shout key (typically Z).

Caution

If you’re bypassing ELSA, do not activate this power/shout. ELSA choices are irreversible.

Classic Classes & Birthsigns Reimagined

When you start, you’ll find a book titled “Classic Classes” in your inventory. Reading it lets you select a class and birthsign.

Dispose of the book if you don’t need it.
For an added challenge, don’t pick a class or birthsign.

Caution

Classic Classes & Birthsigns choices are permanent.

MCM Configuration

Caution

The following steps should be completed in the order presented. Don't skip ahead. Some patience is required while the MCM Recording runs.

Mandatory Control and MCM Settings

After finishing character creation, you'll be notified that the MCM Recording is about to run, which will configure most of the MCMs for you. Text will appear in the top-left corner.
Wait until all the text vanishes before moving on. If pop-ups appear, read them and click “Ok” or “Yes” when prompted.
It's best if you stay still while the MCM Recording is running. You can wander the starting area a little, but don't leave it until the recording is finished.
The MCM Recording will alert you when it's finished.
Once the MCM Recording is finished, save your game, then immediately load that save. This ensures that all the mods initialize properly.

Adjusting Keybind Conflicts

MCM Recorder cannot correctly set hotkeys, so the following key needs to be changed in the MCM:

Take Notes: Set ‘Open Journal’ to the ‘B’ key.