So, I'm waiting eagerly for Skyrim to be released on Steam tonight (where I am, at least). But as I was sitting here, reading some reviews and stuff, I suddenly remembered something that had been troubling me once the first screenshots were released:

I have very severe arachnophobia. So, I was wondering if any of you guys who've got a chance to start playing can tell me how frequently one comes across these enormous spiders, and if they are restricted to specific areas, where?

Also, has anybody by chance heard anything of mods that would make the game more friendly towards those of us so silly that spiders scare us [censored]less?

Thanks

damn you pixel spiders.

You know what you need? A hot, passionate, lusty Spider Daedra wife... that would cure you pretty quick I'm sure

don't be lame guys. arachnophobia is serious business.

well OP, my friend says he has already encountered two of them in one day of play

If you're comfortable enough with modding/tweaking you can change the animation of the spider that comes up in the game to a bear or wolf or something. The game would still think it's a spider, but you would visually see it as something else

I have mudcrabphobia, very serious, if there are any in game i will be cowering behind my chair sobbing uncontrollably.

Lol! Seriously?

According to a video I saw, there are spiders in the starting dungeon.

The mod to remove spiders should arrive pretty quick once the CK is released, it shouldn't be too hard to make.

Arachnophobia is pretty serious, I have a friend with it and he just can't help it. Is like having a panic attack only to hear the word spider.

I'll see what I can do on that when the modding tools are out and try to make a mod without spiders.

This should make you feel better.

http://twitter.com/#!/DCDeacon/status/134666317948125184

I'm not sure how to react right now.

-Mr. Maric

wtf you guys are lame. like other people said, arachnaphobia is not a joke.

immature people...

yep, looks like you can remove them with the mod tools

Guys, a phobia isn't like a fear, they can't help it. Don't be a phallic object.

From what I've seen, I think you're going to have some issues OP... But lots of people are in the same boat as you so there probably will be some sort of mod I suppose, might be a while though.

Personally, I can't wait for spiders.

Huh, I can see that people don't regard phobias as a very big deal

I'd happily agree with you, but unfortunately, as it is with phobias, the fear is completely irrational, because it is an anxiety disorder (as opposed to say, fears based in self-preservation) - it's not a matter of spiders being "icky" or "dangerous", they just trigger some deeply hidden stupid [censored] in some people's brains. I've had the same problem with the Fallout games and scorpions, and I remember a few people talking about it back then too.

@Neurological: That sounds sweet! It's a shame if I'll have to have Skyrim sitting on my desktop for days after the release without being able to play it


EDIT: Stupid [censored] is triggered in people's brains, not brans.

I never knew there were so many "really serious" arachnaphobes in the world, until I started reading this forum. I loathe spiders, and would never touch one in real life, but having them in a GAME doesn't bother me. Because, you know. It's a game.

Before they are modded out, take this opportunity to get some cheap exposure therapy. Who knows it could rid you of your phobia.

snip

This^

I've read first person war-based games can help people with post traumatic stress disorder deal with their problems. Basicaly, it gives you the ability to deal with your fear in a controlled, safe environment. Mabye this can help with your arachnophobia.

Definitely this.

there is a encounter in the very begining

Yes, spiders are... icky.

I'm pretty sure I did see a giant spider in a game play video so, walk through your fears man! Kill them all!

I probably won't be able to keep my hands off of the game, and I assure you I'll give it a try, but really, the modellers and animators in the developer team have been very talented. Unfortunately

I can't really say, because as I and other people have mentioned phobias are a very irrational thing, but I think that I'll maybe manage for some time if the "kill" console command is still around, so I won't have to be confronted for more than a few seconds before I can run away screaming. But I dread the day that I will take damage in the middle of a snowy forest, turn around and stare into the face (or whatever) of a giant spider. If that happened, I'm afraid I'd be unstable for days*.


*I realise that it sounds a lot like I am exaggerating. I hope you understand

EDIT: Though, if Skyrim "fixes" my (so far) life-long and honestly speaking pretty annoying phobia, I'd buy an extra 20 copies for good measure.