SDA/Ashe Dev Update and Second Aela Poll
Hey everyone!
This will be a relatively quick info notif so I can get back into development and continue working on the next batch of Serana, Ashe, and Asherana content.
Production Progress
Right now, both updates are deep in production.
For Ashe, the new voice lines are already close to recording completion. For Serana, Kerstyn has completed the latest batch, and I’m currently going through the recordings, marking the best takes, and preparing everything for implementation.
Mod development has also already started, though I’m not yet at the point where I’d be comfortable showing dev builds or preview videos. Those should come later once things are a bit more presentable. Stay tuned though - I should have more little tidbits to share over the coming weeks.
Updated Timeline
Previously, I mentioned that the early access build would likely release around June or July. I now have a more concrete target:
July 24th, 2026 (Friday) is the date I’m currently aiming for as the early access release for both mods.
As always, this is not a hard guarantee, but it is a realistic target based on the current production pace. I’ll keep everyone updated if anything changes (for both sooner-than-expected and later-than-expected dates).
For context, I’m estimating this based on the development time for the last Asherana banter update. This upcoming update is slightly larger in scope, but it is still broadly comparable in size.
Assuming the early access build lands around July 24, the full public release would likely follow sometime in August, usually on a Friday or weekend.
Quick Aela Poll
I also wanted to briefly revisit Aela Dialogue Add-On (ADA) and get your thoughts on its production timing. Even under the original timetable, ADA is still a ways off, but I figured it would be better to discuss any possible roadmap adjustments sooner rather than later.
To be clear: ADA is still pushing through at the moment (in fact I already have a VA hehehe, more deets to be shared soon!). This is only about when it makes the most sense to begin full production.
The current plan is to start ADA after SDA 4.5, while SDA’s final update would come later. But after thinking about the workload, I’m wondering if it may be better to finish SDA properly first before opening another major follower project.
Starting Aela sooner has real benefits: ADA would release earlier, momentum would stay high, and it would be easier to record Serana/Aela banter while Kerstyn is still actively working on SDA.
On the other hand, waiting until SDA is finished would protect focus and help make sure SDA’s final Vigilant and Adoption update gets the attention it deserves.
My personal leaning is to finish SDA first, but I’m genuinely open to hearing what you all think. I’d rather ask now, while things are still early, than change the roadmap later.
Poll:
Finish SDA properly first, then move ADA into full production.
Start ADA sooner after SDA 4.5, even if SDA’s final update is still ahead.
Either is fine - follow the production path that protects quality best.
Edit / Clarification on Serana-Aela banter:
Even if ADA is delayed until after SDA is fully finished, the plan would still be for Serana and Aela to have banter/awareness with each other. The main difference is timing: I would likely write and record those Serana-side lines during SDA’s remaining production window, then hold them until ADA is actually released later.
So the “finish SDA first” option does not mean Aela would have no Serana interaction. It just means ADA itself would not enter full production or release until after SDA is wrapped. The trade-off is that recording the Serana-side material earlier gives me less flexibility for future pickups or newly discovered banter needs once ADA is deeper in development, but it still preserves the core crossover potential between the two mods.
Thanks, stay awesome folks!
Marty
______________________As always, Patreon support helps fund continued development for SDA, Ashe, and future projects like ADA. No pressure, but if you’d like to support the work and get early access builds when they’re ready, it helps a lot ty ty!
Comments (11)
I'd say a few of Aela interactions is with the werebear clan in Solstheim, with the members of the thrisk mead hall and the skaal. She should also have commentary for Hircine Quest and all three outcomes of that quest. But to also have commentary about the bow of the stag prince and the shrine of hircine of Solstheim mentioning morriwind's bloodmood dlc and to face Kaarstang as well.
I would finish SDA as you can always work with Kerstyn for new lines in the future for Aela and Ashe. It let's your mind clear and when you do Aela you can jot down stuff and switch to sprints for AelaXSerana. Sprints are better then full releases.
to be fair I don't care for Aela but then again maybe beth just did her dirty but was eh what evs then saw serana tear into her and was like ya that is a fair point nope
I would say finish SDA, then move on to ADA. If you come up with something for SDA later on, you can always go back and tinker with it, but at least you would have finished the project enough that it wouldn't interrupt or interfere with anything.
I expect there will natural gaps in SDA development that you could use to work on the bones of ADA. Honestly you have started ADA already so it is too late to not start it until after.
Either is fine, personally id push SDA to allow for commentary between ADA/ASHE/SDA fully to be in the works once ADA gets a footing, but I can respect wanting to finish something
That’s fair, and that’s honestly the main advantage of starting ADA sooner - it would give more room for SDA/Ashe/ADA awareness to grow naturally while all three are still active. I did just add a clarification to the post, though: even with the “finish SDA first” route, the plan would still be for Serana and Aela to have banter/awareness with each other. I’d likely write and record the Serana-side lines during SDA’s remaining production window, then hold them until ADA releases later. The trade-off is mostly flexibility. Starting ADA sooner gives more room for pickups and iteration, while delaying ADA protects focus and helps SDA’s final update get the attention it deserves. So yeah, that’s basically the balance I’m weighing right now.
When ES6 comes out, will you continue to make followers for Skyrim, or shift to the new game? Thanks.
I'll likely shift to the new game, once their development kit for that game is out.
First
Also lol sorry had to read it lmao honestly I would say just to try have your focus on SDA that way it’s all nice and tied in a bow so that way you don’t have as much of a work load when working on ADA.