Modding on the Spectrum

Gooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 9th of First Seed and wage slaves lament, the weekend is over. Hide if you can or work if you must, it's Morndas again. It seems the evil time wizards have once again stolen an hour. What they do with the stolen time is a mystery for the ages. The blessed moons will be full on Fredas so the time to oil and hone those silver weapons is nigh. Anyway, excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is Istanbul Espresso, and the biscuits are Sweet Loren's chocolate chunk. Checking the hot sheets we have 56 new mods from the usual eclectic sources. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or three.

unknownmf07 released Mortal Creatures (Mortal Enemies Variant) as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/144088
"Improves Skyrim's combat by removing the aimbot-like attacks of creatures."
Thanks, of course you can also just get-gud, LOL

MissWinter77 released Riverwood Mage Hovel as a first SSE mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/144163
"A small mage hovel in the hill just outside Riverwood" How... novel

Actually building the hovel using shack kit pieces but underground 'is' a fairly novel approach. Using the fireplace from an Imperial fortress kit with no chimney in an underground shack... maybe not so much. LOL. Nice first effort, have a cookie

Fallven released Nightgate Inn Revived Crafting Station
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/144108
"Nightgate Inn Revived mod is missing crafting equipment apart from the tanning rack. My mod fixes it!" The old cat prefers Arthmoor's approach in CRF with recreating Heljarchen village, but your game your way.

jmrblues1 released Gift Horses Ext
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/144089
"SKSE Version of Gift Horses Mod that adds additional functionality and improved horse following package." They basically recreated their mod from a year ago as an SKSE plugin with new features. Now you can assign unique horses for up to 50 followers and create your own cavalry. Not for old cats, but thanks

TSarGR released TS - Sanguine Realm - Misty Grove Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/142975
"A simple overhaul for Sanguine's Realm, Misty Grove. The goal is to make the location a more lively and darker party and a potentially usable player home." Because why wouldn't you want a group of naked drunks in your house? Seems perfectly normal to me.

lets see... ICFur released two today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/ICFur/mods?gameId=1704
Plain Old Dead Shrubs Reach Bushes and Thickets
Enhanced Vanilla Landscapes

The old cat has a dead shrub remover installed... too ugly to keep ;-) but Ah'vrie has to admit that EVL has caught my eye. Parts of it at least. Some of the color choices don't blend perfectly, but as an upgrade to vanilla, with added parallax support, this is certainly worth a look, and even a cookie.

Toostruus released NPCs Ain't Hachikos - Some More NPC's
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/144115
This adds sandbox AI to 5 additional unique NPCs. Thanks Toos... Sapphire was beginning to seem like a prostitute holding up a lightpost on a street corner LOL The old cat may be testing this.

Finally, this has to be the mod of the day... Sound the trumpets and summon the dancers

World of Ducky by daedaddy
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/144138
"44 collectible ducks scattered throughout skyrim. each grants +5 health, magicka and stamina and a 10% increase to skill experience upon collecting them all. There is only ONE duck locked behind a quest and its within high hrothgar."

They better float... The old cat wants to drop them in all the KIC bathing rooms at the inns. Oh, common! Who doesn't love a rubber duck? I wonder if they squeak when you pick them up? Mod of the year material, Mark my words.

And that will do for today, the fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept. Have a seat and the wenches will serve you. We-B-Open!

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundas the 9th of First Seed and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. A perfect morning for sleeping late, catching up on chores, having brunch with the family... Who is this one kidding. Draw the blinds, and lock the doors, Thar B Dragons!. Anyway, excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the flame.

Our brew of the day is Arpeggio, and the biscuits are Ginger zingers. Checking the hot sheets we have an eclectic mix of 74 new mods. Let's see what catches the old cat's eye

insanityheal99 released GraveHollow Keep as a first mod Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/144053
"Gravehollow Keep is a player home mostly aimed for necromancer playstyles" Unfinished, over the top, and charmingly noobish. It looks like they had fun. This one gets a cookie for not being a farmhouse in Riverwood ;-)

liwenrou released Fix of statues in the Palace of the Kings
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143969
Another one of those tiny fixes you can't unsee. Thanks, We love these. No plugin.

Zediious released three today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Zediious/mods?gameId=1704
Interesting that they released two contradictory mods on the same day... There's a fix for the opening cart scene if you use immersive horses, thanks. But what's interesting are the other two. Forgotten Vale Dragons - No Dragonborn Requirement, and No Dragonborn Until Unbound. Sooo, there are dragons in the game, but you can't collect the souls if you kill them... ? Thanks. Your game your way.

What bothers the old cat is he could seriously see this working into a play through. The dragons have returned to Skyrim, but there is no Dragonborn... Opens possibilities.

RavenKZP released No Loot When Armed - SKSE plugin
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143253
This is not a mechanic or a fix, it's intended for people that play in third person so that the animations they added for looting will play. Obviously in reality you can hold a sword or a torch in one hand and still open a chest. Not for old cat's but thanks for sharing.

let's see... Renthal released medieval goldamuletruby SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143967
It's... interesting. The old cat is a little confused, this does not appear to be a replacer for any of the standard amulets in game. No mention of where to get it or crafting recipes... Imlenny will probably like it... Oookay, thanks. Moving right along

AizenV released Exquisite NPC 2
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143930
"Lore friendly visual overhaul of most of generic NPC such as guards, soldiers, etc." And quite nicely done at that, and worth a look, Unfortunately it was done with Skypatcher.

Anbeegod released Follower Dialogue Expansion - Rayya
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143288
"Meet a desert warrior who punishes her past sins by refusing to be loved. Expands Rayya with 307 immersive and lore-friendly voiced lines. Reacts to many quests, locations."

Alright we all know they do a good job adding to vanilla dialogs using AI voices, but this one also adds a back story to Rayya. The old cat is not sure how he feels about that, but this is the first of their mods the old cat is considering. Rayya was always an interesting character needing more story... Thanks, this one has my eye.

And finally, we'll finish up with something totally unexpected... Sound the trumpets

JK's Raven Rock
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/141070
"An enhanced Raven Rock overhaul"

LOL, a man of few words. Classic Javier. Totally over the top, and don't expect it to play friendly with any other raven rock mods you 'may have considered in the past' It's JK. The first thing that you'll notice is the complete rebuilding/expansion of the bulwark.

JK's Raven Rock Patch Collection by Czasior
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143840
Looking at what needed patching out of the box... Yeah. Classic JK LOL

All the old cat will say is it looks great like all of JKs stuff, but this one is pushing it even for JK. The bulwark would have taken the entire population of Ravenrock multiple decades to build, all to protect 6 houses an inn and a mine? Then again it 'was' and imperial city, and the Romans did like to build big, but they would send thousands of people not a couple of dozen Definitely worth a look, but the old cat will pass

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, the floors are swept and mopped, and the coffee is hot. Have a seat and the wenches will serve you. We-B-Open!

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Loredas the 8th of First Seed and wage slaves rejoice the weekend has arrived. It's a crisp predawn here on warm sands. Yesterday's storms have past, and the blessed moons have set. It is therefore time once again for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored quests. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt... There, much better no? Ah'vrie always likes to start the weekend off with happy fires, and a happy fire needs to breathe. Now to put fresh water to the boil while the old cat checks the garden and scrubs the kettles...

Our brew of the day is Miami espresso, and the biscuits will be Strawberry rhubarb thumb prints (The ovens are preheating) Checking the hot sheets we have 41 new mods in the usual eclectic mix of jiggles, dangles, patches and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa this fine morning.

Zoruxin released Convert Gold To Perk Points as a first mod. Welcome
"Adds a simple lesser power that converts gold to a perk point." thanks

Oakenshielb released two first mods. Careful, this one is thirsty, but Welcome
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Oakenshielb/mods?gameId=1704
Both are patches for Tamrielic Culture

kaylo also released two today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/kaylo/mods?gameId=1704
Spell research tweaks, and conditional candlelight. Thanks, the candlelight toggle is an interesting idea if you use a duration boosting mod. Almost cookie worthy

kuroishitam released Dangerous Dwemer Dungeon - New Trap Addition
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143923
"This mod adds new traps..." Laser beam eyes with optional lighting effects... really?

Socalista released Bal Meryan - Order of the Ashen Veil
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143901
"Assist the Order of the Ashen Veil, a sisterhood of Morrowind's Tribunal Temple, in reclaiming their fortress-monastery of Bal Meryan..."

Well, you all know how the old cat feels about castles, but this one almost feels like it's part of a larger DLC and Ah'vrie has to admit that it's quite well done. One can hope the quests do it justice. This does paint some zealots of Stendar in a bad light. Definitely worth a look and a cookie. Needs testing, but the blending of Solitude and Raven Rock kit pieces was handled very nicely. The old cat is impressed.

Dominicgraham1994 released Dark Brotherhood Night Mother Retexture Reupload
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143890
No mention what happened to the original. I nice recolor. Should have been upscaled as well. Worth a look, but there are better choices. Thanks

Ave's Brass Ring Replacer for Beyond Skyrim - Bruma
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143835
"14th part of this ongoing story of making Beyond Skyrim's Jewelry unique and nicer.... This time the Brass Ring." Classic Ave, even the scratches look good ;-) Have a cookie

And that brings us to our mod of the day. This one has the old cat's eye. Beat the drums

HDT-SMP Vanilla Armors by furexarot
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/142450
"Adds realistic cloth physics to most of the base game and DLC armors. Supports vanilla bodies as well as CBBE 3BA and HIMBO."

Finally Skinned mesh physics comes to vanilla armor... This deserves testing, and It looks well done. The scope is limited to vanilla armors, and was recommended to use alongside "Modernize" by Newmiller-johnMcfield which covers most vanilla clothing.

The old cat may want to take a long look at his clothing mods before launching the long game. It's been a very long time since he considered a 'vanilla' an option... Tracking Thanks

And that will do for today. The new casks of ale were delivered on time and this one's new batch of mead is ready. We're serving slaughter fish steak and eggs with crisp diced potatoes for the early meal, and Ale braised sabercat for the late meal. as always there's a hearty stew simmering for those that need to ward the chill...

The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept and mopped. Have a seat by the fires and warm your bones. We-B-Open!

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Fredas the 7th of First Seed and divines be praised, the weekend is nigh. Just a reminder, the blessed moons will be full next week. It's time once again to hone those silver weapons. Anyway, it's once again time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is classic Ristretto, and the biscuits are Tate's Chocolate Chip. Checking the hot sheets we have 39 new with enough jiggles to create Nirnquakes. Let's see what catches the eye that doesn't have an H cup...

milmklouf released silver sword sheath as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143814
"i looked up "silver sword sheath" on the nexus and didnt find anything so i just made it myself" This is the soul of modding. Thanks, have a cookie

ly55e3 released Enemy Multiplier as a third mod after a year's vacation
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143748
"This mod can multiply the number of enemies in the Skyrim"

A bit of an over simplification, but basically that's it. Set the multiplier to 3, and a dungeon with 10 baddies, becomes a dungeon with 30 baddies. Your game your way... Not the old cat's way though LOL. Thanks

CourierSixOG released two today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/CourierSixOG/mods?gameId=1704
Alchemy potion guide, and The complete alchemy encyclopedia. Between the two they add 11 books on Alchemy to the game...

Okay, the old cat has totally embraced Alchemy, so you know this is going to be checked out in game. Downloaded to read in game. Thanks

ItzIvy released Sunhelm Patch for CC Survival Food
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143751
"A patch that makes Sunhelm fully compatible with Creation Club Survival Mode by adjusting food keywords to work seamlessly"

Bold statement, this needs testing, but it could be a very important patch for a lot of people. Old cat's included. Downloaded for testing. (Next restart obviously)

AutisticAussie released River Pond Farm
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143805
"Another farm in the Whiterun valley. Designed to go with other mods." This is AA's fourth farm if memory serves. This one is bigger, makes landscape edits, and some of the elements are still a bit noobish like lines of pine trees acting as a fence, and fences across a river you added a boat to... If they had fun making it, that's worth a cookie.

And we'll finish up with a mod for perusal of the proclaimed emperor of the multiverse

EJ's barrel-replace-medieval style by JET654
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143756
"I have made two different wooden barrels. One is open, and the other has a concave-convex surface. They closely resemble the wooden barrels from the medieval period. The surface is very rough, giving an impression as if it's not free of dust. I really like the realistic style, so I'd like to share these works with you all. I hope you will like them."

The old cat has to admit... These give old and worn, a warm and fuzzy. There are a couple of visual artifacts... The staves are not properly tapered yada yada, but the look is cohesive. These may be intentionally ugly, but they're very well done. Have a cookie

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept. Have a seat by the fires and warm your bones. We-B-Open!

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Turdas the 6th of First Seed and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons wax through the first quarter tonight, it will be time to hone those silver weapons again soon, but for now, the moons have set and it is time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is Arpeggio, and the biscuits are oatmeal raisin. Checking the hot sheets we have 52 new mods with plenty of jiggles and pointy sticks as always. let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or two...

Avium13 released two first SSE mods today. Welcome
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Avium13/mods?gameId=1704
Both are edits to the vanilla difficulty and barter settings. While both mod pages list the actual setting changes, there's no explanation as to what these changes were intended to accomplish. (And it's much too early for the old cat to figure out) Thanks, Moving right along

sewerrat5150 released their first mod in 6 years. Welcome back
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143727
"Cast a spell to smelt all basic ores to ingots, in the players inventory."
Not unreasonable if you haven't added additional smelters to the vanilla game, but really? At that point you might as well just spawn the ingots LOL. Thanks

Sam2D released four 'performance' tweak mods today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Sam2D/mods?gameId=1704

It is not lost on this one, that their first mod enabled a slow motion version of a dark souls menu parch, and now they're turning down all the other settings Your game your way. Thanks

KaptainCnucklz released Serana Eye Glow Disabler
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143722
This is another one for the pile. Includes face gen files, Doesn't work with replacers... This would not be the old cat's first choice, but thanks.

And finally we'll end with a nod to JJerem, and a required patch

HAG - Occult Witchmist Grove
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143685
"An exterior overhaul of the Hagraven nest Witchmist Grove. Reimagined with new custom made assets Into an eerie ruin for those filthy Hagravens"

HAG - Occult Witchmist Grove Patch Collection by Citachi0
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143731
Fixing Navmesh and Landscape Conflicts between some exterior mods and HAG - Occult Witchmist Grove.

This is their second "occult" overhaul. The old cat was never fond of this author's penchant for adding bandit camp style walls everywhere, and the Orphan's rock overhaul added a tree much larger than the Gilderglem and got a 'pass' But this one is interesting.

Ancient warn stone foundations, and a twisted dead tree with the hag's 'tent' built into the roots. and a couple of dead pines... This area is always in a perpetual mist anyway, so the witch hunter vibe is strong. This one's worth a look, and maybe even a cookie.

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept. Have a seat and the wenches will serve you. We-B-Open!

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Middas the 5th of First Seed and a crisp predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have long set and it is time for this one to once again tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the boil...

Our brew of the day is Inspirazione a Roma, and the biscuits are fudge brownie cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 33 new from the usual sources. Plenty of jiggle, but let's see what catches the eye that doesn't have a cup size.

FlamingoGolf3 released Standing Stone Abilities as Lesser Powers as a first mod. Welcome
No link needed, edits the 4 stones the author uses to lesser powers with unlimited use.

slamanna released No Elven Or Orcish Daggers For Bandits as a second mod. Welcome back
Also no link needed, This is an attempt to fix a messed up MLU setup. Thanks?

Shivathecreator released Dushnikh Yal Longhouse
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143599
Where to start, it's not a long house, or even in Dushnikh Yal. It's a TARDIS and pretty much screams NOOB! from the rafters, but it looks like they had fun, so thanks

Grimus4 Giant Club High Poly Meshes and Textures
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143570
The old cat's not sure what to make of this one. The textures are questionable and what this one thinks are leather strips binding the stone to the club looks like drizzled chocolate to these eyes. Thanks, but frankly not sure it's an improvement. Keep practicing.

SkyrimThiago released Books of Power - Immersive spell learning
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143499

First, nothing to do with the mod immersive Spell learning, this is a whole new method that has the same goals. The naming was unfortunate, but we all know 'I' word mods LOL

"This mod makes the spell learning more immersive by adding a learning curve to spells. You first cast them by looking at the tome and awkwardly trying to replicate what is written on it, but you keep getting better at casting the spell until you finally learn how to cast the spell, and you can do it at its full glory without the need of using the book"

"Spell tomes will be now on the scrolls tab, they now are just like scrolls, but they do not get consumed but cost mana. After you get to full level using the book to cast the spell makes it 20% stronger." Thanks, not for old cats, Several requirements, and basically adds an extra level of useless tedium and calls it 'immersive'. Thanks?

And let's finish up today with a look at JPSteel2 current work
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/JPSteel2/mods?gameId=1704

In the last two weeks they released: Quest Journal Overhaul, Tween Menu Overhaul, and todays flavor, Favorites Menu Effects Description.

It appears to the old cat that what we have here are the early sections of a total UI overhaul. I think we're just seeing ti one 'page' at a time, as it evolves. What the old cat finds interesting is how it looks like the different pages came from different overhauls. The old cat will stick with Dear diary dark mode, but tracking the author. They appear to be learning quickly, and frankly the old cat likes the way the menus look without a background, just using the paused render. Keeping an eye on this one for now. Ah'vrie likes where this one is headed, but it needs to simmer a bit more.

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are... where's that bloody mop. We-B-Open!

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Tirdas the 4th of First Seed , and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set and it is again time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put tot he flame...

Our brew of the day is from India, and the biscuits will be classic sugar cookies in about 11 minutes ;-) Checking the hot sheets we have 30 new from the usual suspects. let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa today. Hint... Not much.

tykindsir released Tavern Clothes Amulet and Bracelets Separated patch as a first Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143475
"If you try and use Tavern Clothes Brass Amulet and Bracelets Separated with CBBE/BHUNP and let their refit meshes overwrite the original, you'll end up with duplicate bracelets and amulets on npcs. This mod fixes that without the need to refit the accessory-less tavern dress, and adds crafting recipes for the jewelry as well." Fair enough, thanks

FaustLerano released three today, two with permission from Gutmaw
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/FaustLerano/mods?gameId=1704
Two NPCs from the Riften Snazzy interiors mods, and a very unique Sybille Stentor.

And finally... Yep that quick LOL

Hammering Animation and Sound Fixes by Exalderan
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/142807
"Fixes wrong impact sound, syncs animation and sound, improves head tracking, smooths transitions, adds realistic hammer stashing."

Thanks, Another of those little fixes that make a difference. The old cat never noticed the same sound was used to hammer on armor as on wood... Hopefully this doesn't also 'fix' the armor bench to not sound like metal LOL. That's why we test. ;-)

And that;s it for today. The fires are stoked, yada yada We-B-Open!

Goooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 3rd of First Seed and wage slaves lament, the weekend is over. Hide if you can or work if you must it's Morndas again. The blessed moons have set and it is once again time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is from Indonesia, and the biscuits are Ginger zingers... The old cat made trays of Fudge brownie cookies yesterday, but today just calls for thin and crispy. Checking the hot sheets we have 43 new from the usual sources, let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or three.

It's Morndas ... lets start with a warning

Alkeari released Smart Plugin Cleaner (MO2) Plugin Tool
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143430
"Smart Plugin Cleaner is an advanced mod cleaning tool for Mod Organizer 2 that allows for automation in the plugin cleaning process using xEdit. It provides a user‐friendly graphical interface where users can filter plugins by type and choose to display only dirty mods based on LOOT masterlist data."

Because we all know how reliable LOOT plugin cleaning data is The old cat is NOT recommending this. He's sure the plugin 'will' work as intended, once a minor pathing bug is clarified. The problem is LOOT. We don't recommend cleaning mod plugins based on the masterlist unless it's recommended/approved by the author. The very concept of automating this is just as lame as QAC. Ah'vrie is sure this will appeal to the skypatcher crowd. Use at your own risk. Not for old cats even on a Morndas

Okay, Let's get back to real modding

7upGuy released Whiterun Fletcher as a first mod. welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143408
"Adds a small bow store, to the unused space outside Whiterun's main gate." Because the Drunken Huntsman is considered a corner club? lol. If it makes you happy

aaslr released You're Hired - Merchant Manager as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143421
"This mod allows you to make almost any NPC into a merchant. This include followers, children, and even some animals. Once you make an NPC into a merchant, you can have them work at their own merchant stall, placed wherever you like. Control what they sell and how their inventory resets."

Well, the old cat could actually see this used 'conservatively' in locations without proper merchants like Morthal or Ivarstead... Why not? Your game your way. Thanks

Speaking of merchants...

Anna the mysterious Merchant by CommanderShepardHere
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143395
"Anna is a merchant of unknown origins that has....items....." And questionable items at that. Well you won't have to do much searching. She sells all the items you'd be quested to find, and makes the ultra rare common. Thanks, but pass

EyzekSkyerov released Security Overhaul Series - BSAed
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143377
"Packing meshes and textures of the security overhaul series into 1 BSA for optimization"

Combines 5 mods / patches into one mod and packs it into a single BSA. Obviously requires the original 5 mods, but there is no mention of permissions given... and if you don't want all of them you have a few hoops to jump through. Thanks for sharing but pass.

n7magistrate released Magistrate Refulgence SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143384
Adds two new 'candlelight' spells with longer duration and brighter/more radius. Thanks, we'll add it to the pile if there's any room left.

FilaelSpring released two today, Thanks
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/FilaelSpring/mods?gameId=1704
Handheld Lanterns - Increased Glow Radius: the pile grows
Nirn Necessities; nerfs carry weights of SMP accessories

TrolledBartholomew returns with Nebula Arts - The Void's Draw
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143385
This one likes flashy destruction spells that are mostly for show. This is their fifth. Epilepsy warnings not included. Thanks

Satafinix released Insectoid - Scrib Sounds Rework -
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143414
"Scrib Insectoid Sounds Rework , Ash Hopper SFX Bethesda concept!" His second bug sounds rework, Worth a listen at least. Thanks

Zzyxzz released Mortal Vitality - A Player Health Regen Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143365
"Mortal Vitality reduces the passive health regeneration to zero for the player in Skyrim, making healing a choice, not a passive process. Combat regen is no longer penalized, and potions work at full strength! Adding more gameplay depth to your health management!"

Using Skypatcher to alter game mechanics across your mod list... Why not, your game your way. Not for old cats. Though Ilja might like the their more salt skypatcher ;-)

Styles of Skyrim - Merchant Clothes Variations by masimeiro
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143310
"A splash of recolors for merchant clothes! Featuring many new color variants for Skyrim's merchants. Compatible with any Bodyslide preset and most mesh replacers, with Skypatcher distribution for compatibility."

The old cat might have used this mod, but this one has no use for skypatcher. Ah'vrie fears we may have no choice in the future but to turn proper modding over to these stupid bots. It would seem even modding wants to cater to the lowest common denominator.

They can't all be gems ... Morndas

The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the old cat wants to hide until tomorrow. Time for a fresh cuppa. We-B-Open!

Gooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundas the 2nd of First Seed, and a chilly morning here on warm sands. Sorry for the tardiness, It's long past time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is Inspirazione a Roma, and the biscuits are Sweet Loren's fudge brownie cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 57 new mods with lots of jiggles, dangles, patches and cheats as always. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye.

Guymcme released The Man Who Cried Wolf Level Delay as a second mod.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143282
"Adds a level delay before Falk asks you to initially check out Wolfskull Cave." Nothing wrong with this... Of course all you need to do is visit the cave before going to the blue palace... Just saying... Thanks LOL

dragonorb13 released Zari's Crafting and Recycling mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143232
"This is just added recipes. Made named armor and weapons craftable (if you earn them). Made loot and junk recycleable. That's pretty much it." an addition to their disenchanting mod. combined you can basically disenchant and recycle everything in game... Why not?
Thanks, we'll add this one to the pile as well.

Wired1up released Force Push Spell SPID
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143298
"Adds a new Expert level spell..."

Well not really. They turned the shout into a spell and distributed it via SPID. They also chose to assign it to the wrong school. This is not a destruction spell, it should have been alteration. Pass but nice try. I guess if you don't want shouts in the game this fits

DagoC92 released Basic Skooma Farming
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143267
"Basic Moon Sugar crafting and Moon Sugar Cane Farming. ESL" Requires SPID, FLM, and Skypatcher.

The old cat is not sure moon sugar ever had anything to do with actual 'sugar' and requiring Skypatcher makes this a hard pass for old cats, but thanks

mallemok released Forsworn Children Revisited
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143268
"Those little rascals are baaaack! We missed them so much"

Inspired by spligitmoose original oldrim mod from 2012, but this is a totally new mod. It uses Realistic RS children / and a converted bodyslide file to create the kids models/outfits. There is already a patch for use with Skychild. No information given on protection status, and mortality. One of the primary features of the original mod was they were vicious little buggers and attacked on sight. The old cat remembers testing the original mod, but had issues with killing kids. Thanks

Moving on to textures...

dBottle released Pilgrim HD
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143257
"Simple retexture of the SimonRim Pilgrim shrines." Interesting retex... has a shattered marble feel to it. Worth a look if you use pilgrim of course

Renthal released dragon bow SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143284
"you wrote to make this dragon bow, so here it is, if you like it I will also make a quiver and arrows" I guess Ren is taking requests now..? Okay, thanks

Quantumyilmaz released three HF swap mods
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Quantumyilmaz/mods?gameId=1704
Not for old cat's with those Vram requirements LOL. Your game your way. Ah'vrie prefers his game to remain playable ;-)

SonderBain released Improved Barstool Exit Animation
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143012
"Fixes a Bethesda oversight, barstools were using table exit transition animations which were never intended for barstools... This mod fixes the issue by adding a new stool exit animation. - Part 3 to my Improved Animations Series"

And finally, not exactly a mod of the day, but arguably the most interesting...

Haunted Shipwrecks by Clofas
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/142986
"Uses Sound Record Distributor and hand-placed sound markers to transform shipwrecks into haunting environments."

They are conditioned to trigger at night and during overcast / foggy weather. Just a bit of spooky fun. No cheesy Skyrim ghosts. Make sure to load this above your lighting mods. Should work very well with the new the authors underwater loop and swimming sounds, and whales off the coast. Downloaded for testing in game. The author's whale sounds were evident in the videos. Made the actual audio effects hard to distinguish. Thanks

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept an mopped. Have a seat by the fires and warm your bones. We-B-Open!

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Loredas the 1st of First Seed, and wage slaves rejoice the weekend has arrived. The blessed moons will wax through the fist crescent tonight as the festival of the new moons winds down. The hunter's hangovers might last a bit longer. Anyway it's time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. You might want to cover your tankards, this gets a bit dusty... There, much better no? Ah'vrie always likes to start the weekend off with happy fires, and a happy fire needs to breathe. Let's put some fresh water to the flame while the old cat composts the ash, and tends the garden...

Our brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli and the biscuits are Ginger zingers for now, but we'll be baking fresh a little later. Checking the hot sheets we have 45 new mods with the usual eclectic mix jiggles, dangles, patches and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa...

Magerider24 released FearTheSun as a first mod. (A WIP) Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143174
Just a teaser for an unfinished mod. Meridia loses control of another temple, if the author learns how to make one LOL. Welcome to the community, next time finish the mod first.

adamtye8 released Run Gulum Run
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143136
"make gulum from Scoundrel's Folly run instead of taking a nice promenade"

It can be annoying, but let the poor lizard enjoy his leisurely walk to work. Some people just have no patience at all. Stealth is not about speed. LOL No cookie

No4idols released River Split Flow Ivarstead
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143162
"More logic River Split Flow in Ivarstead"

? ... and two large waterfalls coming out of solid rock is somehow more realistic LOL. If it makes you happy why not. Thanks

Sleipnir Beds - An Upper Class Bed Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143168
Beautifully carved head, foot, and side boards. Looks great, but would arguably take months for a skilled craftsman to carve and cost more than the damned house... and it makes all the other furniture look bad and out of place. LOL Guess the end tables are next. Thanks.

Speaking of intricate carving...

medieval ring black rose SE by Renthal
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143160
"the new model replaces silverringruby, with a red stone, so I think it will be ok"

The ring is beautiful, the gem is a bit lame. This is a bit strange though, Ren released this as a replacer for the silver ruby ring, But the mod page has a back story for it that makes me think it was intended as a one off. It also doesn't look like silver... Oookay Thanks

nenina released 180 2k for CC's Ingots
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143215
"180 rotation so CC's ingots are readable side up by default when viewed in inventory"

Now the old cat is embarrassed, This one has been using CC ores and igots for a very long time, and completely forgot they even had a readable side. Ah'vrie has never seen it in game, but can't remember if he choose marked or not during installation. LOL Thanks, this one the old cat might just have to add. Have a cookie

Clofas released Underwater Loop and Swimming Sounds
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143141
"Simple mod that replaces the underwater sound loop and swimming sounds. No plugin included"

The included video tells the tale... Much improved, and more realistic than the vanilla effects. Instant download and a cookie. This ones a keeper.

Lets finish up with a couple of NPC replacers that caught the eye

Aela The Huntress Replacer by AlenVexx
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143183
"A replacer for Aela The Huntress. Now with 4 Hair Options and 3 Warpaint variants"

Leans a bit towards the eye candy side, and the eyes are a bit narrow, but the overall look is quite good. The long braided hair is an interesting look, but clips with the outfit even in the pics. The faded original war paint is a good fit. Worth a look, Thanks

And finally one for the ladies

Jon Battle-Born Replacer by runescapebot
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/143194

Interesting facial sculpting, and choice of hair. The old cat has to admit, this one is growing on him. There's something about the face that just really fits the character.

The old cat hasn't really had an NPC replacer as the mod of the day since Southpawe released the northborn overhauls. This one squeaked in there. Have a cookie.

And that will do for today. The ale is fresh, and the new batch of mead is ready this one hopes you're thirsty. We're serving mudcrab scrambles for the early meal, and we'll plan the late meal when this one returns from the markets

The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept and mopped. Have a seat and the wenches will serve you. We-B-Open!