The Pros and Cons of the Creation Kit

[aeffesliem]

So, I've not been modding for very long, but I have many ideas I wish to implement. One of the things I seem to have trouble finding at all in any definitive context is what exactly the Creation Kit can and cannot do. Sure, I see comments or rants about this or that, but is there a comprehensive discussion or explanation of the limitations of the Creation Kit? If not, I'd love to find out. On top of that, what does the SKSE bring to the table? How does it extend the Creation Kit and Papyrus beyond the realm of granularity and cursory affect?

[IcyDeadPeople]

I'd say an easier way to approach your question is, what would you like to do? It is a bit easier to look at the concept for your mod and consider how you can do it using CK or SKSE.

[aeffesliem]

It's not necessarily that I want to do something specific at the moment. I'm more of in the daydreaming stages. I honestly would just like to know what people think of the Creation Kit as a whole. What do you love, what do you hate, what can be fixed, what can't. That sort of thing.

On top of that, I'd love to understand some of the things the SKSE helps the Creation Kit do. For instance, I've heard a whole lot about not being able to create a new skill, why is that? Is there no way to access the main file or add to it? Did they simply not provide an API or is it too difficult to do without caution?

I may as well be a two year old with all my questions. :p

[Maybe Getzo, Maybe Not]

Obviously, Bethesda wouldn't want you meddling in changing the core of the game. With SKSE you can add Acrobatics to the Sneak skill tree to make you able to jump much higher, and add stage 1/2/3 of the perk, increasing the height of your jumps.
You can make anything visible in the game with Creation Kit. You can make new spells, new armour, weapons, buildings, dungeons, NPC's, quests, and so forth.
However, Core-Scripting is something Bethesda wouldn't want us getting into. For instance, I can't imagine they supporting the removal of/altering entire skills, AI/NPC Line-of-Sight, or interface.
SKSE gave birth to SKYUI, which has become appreciated, loved and essential to some players.
User Interface is one thing, I don't think Beth minds that all that much. But they didn't give us the option to change such things in the CK for a reason though.