SEPTEMBER 01 EDIT: Name requests are now closed. For everyone who made requests, I'll be compiling your requests (and asking any clarificatory questions) very soon!AUGUST 31 EDIT: Requests will be closed September 1, 12AM PST!
Hey everyone! Quick note up front: I just pushed the 1.1.3 hotfix live. It re‑enables Ashe’s name‑drop system (the “Kalin” groundwork was accidentally disabled in the 1.1 build). I’d planned to open name requests late last week, but that flag bug pushed the launch to today - thanks for your patience! Make sure you’re on Version 1.1.3 or later before testing the feature - specifically, hearing Ashe say the default name “Kalin.” Custom name requests will be recorded and added in future updates starting with Version 1.2.
Now, if you've been following SDA for a while, this doesn't need much introduction. As a Patreon tier benefit, Serana before (and now Ashe) says any name you want! Either "Todd Howard" or even "Jarl Ballin'" Exceptions apply, she won't be saying "PoopLord9000" for example.
With the 1.1 update and today’s hotfix, Ashe now supports personalized name drops, and keen‑eyed players may have already heard the default sample, “Kalin.” That was the soft launch - now I'm opening requests to everyone.
Quick in‑game grab of Ashe using the default name, Kalin. Full demo footage will follow in this week’s reminder post.
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Just like how Serana’s name system evolved over time, Ashe will now call you by name during her greetings, mid-quest dialogue, and romance scenes. It’s immersive, it’s personal, and it makes the bond between you and Ashe feel even more real.
How to Request
To get started, all you need to do is be a patron at the Inner Circle tier or higher for at least one month. Once you’re subscribed, you’ll get access to the request form - a separate, members-only post dropping today.*
If you'd like Ashe to also say your name during a short custom conversation (romantic, lighthearted, serious - up to you), you can write that yourself. But if you’d rather I handle the writing based on your prompt, that's totally okay! There's technically no extra fee for that, but extra Ko-Fi tips would always be welcome as gestures of gratitude (writing does take a bit of time).
Once the request period ends, I’ll compile the submissions into a spreadsheet. I’ll share that with you for feedback before I move into the next phase: recording with Anna Rust, Ashe’s VA. From there, we’ll do a final pronunciation check together, implement the recordings into a dev build, and roll them into early-access releases first - then eventually the main mod.
*Please use this new form, and not the old (Serana) form. Requests through DMs will not be entertained.
What’s Included
Here’s a quick summary of what you get depending on your tier:
The "Inner Circle" tier is the simplest option at just a greeting and goodbye with your name.
The "Ashe's Hero" tier expands on the previous option by adding love greets.
The "Ashe's Lover" tier expands on the previous option by adding one personal conversation request. It also adds three name drops for selected points in Ashe's questline or Ashe quest commentary (not yet available at this time).
Sticking with “Kalin” and want a custom scene? Patrons at “Ashe’s Lover” tier and above can use one of their allotted conversation slots for a Kalin‑focused dialogue. Because “Kalin” is the default name, these lines will be experienced by more players, so they’re reviewed with extra care and must fit Ashe’s voice and established lore. All custom conversations - Kalin or otherwise - require my approval, but Kalin scenes get the strictest pass.
Note that you only need to stay subscribed for the month you make your request. After that, I recommend downgrading to the Recruit tier to continue seeing updates and giving feedback on your name/convo before it gets finalized.
A Few Quick Notes
Ashe supports both PC and Xbox, but automatic name detection only works on PC.
Serana name requests are permanently closed. (That window ran mid-2024, finalized with Version 4.2's release.) You can still pick a name she already says, though.
If you’re curious how all this sounds in-game, I might post a raw clip or lightly edited video previewing how a Serana or Ashe name drop looks in context.
If you’ve been waiting for a way to make Ashe feel even more connected to your character, this is your moment. “Kalin” will remain the default, but hearing Ashe speak your chosen name is something else entirely - and yes, I still consider it lore-friendly, especially if you’re crafting a personalized playthrough.
Other Characters?
The name requests will just be for Ashe for the forseeable future, as her and Serana are the followers currently in active dev. Once Serana has been sunset (no concrete ETA at the moment as it's too early in the process; don't want to set expectations just yet) I'll open requests for my next character (likely Aela).
Hope y'all are in it for the long run! At least right now, I don't plan stopping anytime soon (though IRL events, like maybe an extradimensional invasion by the Daedra could put a stop to things 😅).The request form post is going live shortly, so if you're subscribed, keep an eye out! Thanks for your support - and for giving Ashe the opportunity to know you by name.
Stay awesome folks, MartyEDIT 01 (22 July 2025):
Added details about using a conversation slot for Kalin‑focused scenes and clarified approval process.