Deleted content - The Sanctuary Dogs restored (updated)

Restored the deleted dog pack that players encounter when first traveling to Concord.

Original address:

Updated on September 25th:

Version 1.02

Recompiled the script, it seemed a little corrupted when uploading the 1.01 version.

Did you know there's a secret dog pack hiding between the shelter and Red Rocket? It's true, I swear! They were all there, ready to be used as part of "Out of Time," but they never showed up! This is because this looks like it was part of a cutscene that the developers never directly removed. I figured I might as well fix what I could salvage, so here we are, with explanations given for the dead dog and the attacker.

Features

Restored the Cut Dog Pack that players encountered when first traveling to Concord.

The Dog Pack only appears during the "Out of Time" mission and disappears after completing the goal of visiting Concord.

There is an optional file that binds dead dogs and predators to the pack, making them appear and disappear at the same time.

Marked as lightweight (ESL tagged esp) to reduce impact on load order.

FAQ

How do I get started using this mod?

Just install it! No configuration or special steps are required.

Is this safe to use in existing games?

Yes.

What's going on with the deleted content?

Yes, then. This dog bag is clearly labeled MQ102, which you may recognize from the "Beyond Time" mission. They have unique factions in this quest, as well as dogmeat-related markings. After thorough inspection, I concluded that initially Codsworth planned to take the player across the bridge and out of the shelter. That's when you meet Dogmeat, fight off the dogs, and then are introduced to Dogmeat and then sent to Concord.

Unfortunately I didn't want to try to recreate that original scene due to the lack of relevant dialogue. Especially when doing so also involves the main mission and the setting of "Dogmeat and Red Rocket". So I just restored the dog pack to help set the tone and explain what was going on with the dead dog and the attacker on the other side of the bridge.

Will you restore other deleted content?

Maybe? There is actually a lot of deleted, unused, and unfinished content in the game, and not all of it can be salvaged, and even if it can be salvaged, it often cannot be used as originally planned. This mod is a good example, as it's clearly tied to a scenario that no longer exists, and the scenario becomes irrelevant after the quest is changed. Similarly, the Chief Engineer's log in Monsters Here was cut and the missions were rewritten, completely replacing the objectives that were told to you in the holotape.

Other "deleted" content is meaningless data used for testing, such as the message machine holographic tapes hidden underground in the Electricians' Club. Sometimes the content does not have enough recoverable data, or even no data at all. Projects like Maypole that were cut early in development were more about creating new content based on concept art and assumptions than restoring what was cut.

In general, I usually only make mods that interest me, and this includes deleted content.