I'm a beginner modder trying to create a simple custom follower mod for Skyrim Special Edition, but I'm completely lost after installing the Creation Kit. I've watched a few tutorials, but they often skip over fundamental steps like setting up the character's AI packages and dialogue properly. For experienced mod creators, what is the most logical step-by-step workflow for a beginner's first NPC mod? What are the common pitfalls in the CK that cause crashes, and are there any essential external tools or scripts you'd recommend beyond the base kit? I'm also unsure how to properly package and test the mod before sharing it.
Here's a beginner-friendly, step-by-step workflow you can actually follow for your first NPC mod in Skyrim Special Edition:
1) Plan scope and assets. Write a one-paragraph concept for your follower (name, vibe, quest hook) and decide what dialogue options you’ll need, plus a tiny quest to expose it to the player.
2) Set up your plugin. In the Creation Kit, create a new ESP, save it with a clear name, then duplicate a vanilla NPC as a base (or start from scratch if you’re comfortable). Fill in basic fields: ID, name, race, class, level, health, aggression.
3) Dialogue first. Open Dialogue view and add a greeting topic, a simple “follow me” topic, and a “wait here” topic. Tie the topics to a one-line quest start so you can test via console.
4) AI packages. Create a minimal Follow package, a Wait location, and a patrol or idle package. Attach these to the NPC and set transitions (e.g., switch to combat package when enemies detected).
5) Follower framing. Mark the NPC as a follower (or use a simple quest alias if you want more control), and add a basic quest script to handle recruitment and dismissal.
6) Test in CK and in-game. Load your mod with a clean save, recruit the follower, test walking, following, waiting, and basic combat. Watch for crash logs or Papyrus errors in the in-game console and in the Papyrus log.
7) Iterate. Fix any errors flagged by CK or your logs, then re-test until you can reproduce the behavior reliably.
8) Packaging. Use Mod Organizer 2 (or your preferred launcher) to build and test a patch, then use LOOT to sort load order. Create a separate zip with the ESP, any required assets, and a readme.
9) Basic QA before sharing. Disable all other mods, run a full playthrough to ensure the follower behaves, then test a few dialogue branches and dismissal.
If you want, I can tailor this into a quick checklist you can print and use while you learn.