» Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:37 pm
QUOTE: Nine months is a fairly long time in-game, and eighteen years (or fifteen or whatever) is a REALLY long time in-game.
That's why I don't support the idea of producing natural children. It's too complex a system, for too little gain. Also, what if you're a Khajiit or Arginian, which are not interfertile with any other species, or if your tastes run to someone of the same gender? Marriage is enough, and it's totally optional. Adoption, contrastingly, would be a very simple addition, requiring only a few additional lines from Grelod, Constance, and each adoptable child. Seen below:
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QUOTE: Well the question about Honorhall Orphanage would be, would you be able to adopt while Grelod the Kind is still in charge, or only after she is dead and Constance Michel takes over. It would make sense that it is only possible after Grelod is dead, but then that kind of forces you to start the DB quests just to adopt.
Not necessarily. Here's an example of how an adoption would proceed with either of them:
GRELOD IS ALIVE
DRAGONBORN: "I'd like to adopt one of your children."
GRELOD: "Why in Oblivion would you want to adopt one of these useless little guttersnipes? I won't allow it."
DRAGONBORN:
[Persuade] "You obviously can't stand them. I'll take one of them off your hands for you."
[Bribe] "How about an 'adoption fee' of 100 septims?"
[Influence with Jarl] "I'm in tight with the jarl. Maybe I should talk to her about how you're treating these kids."
GRELOD: "Fine, take one of the brats. Take them all, for all I care. Talk to Constance about it."
(go to "ARRANGING THE ADOPTION")
GRELOD IS DEAD
DRAGONBORN: "I'd like to adopt one of your children."
CONSTANCE: "I understand... however, I haven't forgotten what you did to Grelod. Tell me why I should entrust one of my children to you after that."
[Persuade] "Grelod was a cruel, evil woman. I did what I did to protect these children."
[Influence with Jarl] "If you wish, Jarl Leila/Maven will vouch for me."
(No bribe option is available)
ARRANGING THE ADOPTION
CONSTANCE: "Very well, but I must ask you some questions. Are you married?"
DRAGONBORN: "Yes."
CONSTANCE: "Do you and your spouse have a home?"
DRAGONBORN: "Yes, we live in..."
[Breezehome, in Whiterun./Honeyside, here in Riften/etc.]
CONSTANCE: "Very well, then under Riften law, you are qualified. Which child would you like to adopt?"
DRAGONBORN: [says name of child]
CONSTANCE: "All right. Why don't you go to him/her and tell him/her the good news?"
Each child could have his/her own response to the news, of course. After speaking to the child, the Dragonborn and the adopted child are automatically transported to the house where they and their spouse dwell. And after that, it's simply a matter of adapting the child's dialogue: "Daddy! I'm so glad you're home.", that sort of thing.