Modding on the Spectrum

Gooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 21st of Rain's Hand. Wage slaves lament, the weekend is over. Hide if you can or work if you must, it's Morndas again. It's a quiet predawn here on warm sands, but this one still needs 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 Capetown Lungo, and the biscuits... Maybe apricot thumbprint, we'll see. Checking the hot sheets we have 45 new but not much catches the eye. Let's dive in over a fresh cuppa.

Thunious released Baandari Standing Stones
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148311
"Standing Stone overhaul focusing on distinct and flavorful effects based on excerpts from the Baandari fortune tellers." Another for the pile, but it's their second mod, no one's poking.

z0mba returns with Breezehome Patio as their second mod. Welcome back.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148273
"Adds a small patio and planter to the side of Breezehome." Sort of cute in a, "I'm learning the CK" kind of cute. If the clutter in the corner were replaced with a small table and a couple of chairs it could be nice. Keep working at your craft...

Vexcation released Camp Riverwood - SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148303
"The mod adds a little, cottage-style home with an extensive outside camping area." Interesting location, Love the waterfalls, very Frank Loyd. Swim to the entrance? and no interior pictures at all. Has a Dibella theme so maybe we're not supposed to know ;-)

FishingPower released Simple Reshade for Cabbage ENB
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148238
"A Reshade I made for myself based on Cabbage ENB with Biggies_Boss tweaks"

This is their second mod, as well as their second reshade for Cabbage. Very subtle, Slight increase in contrast and dynamic range. If anything it tones down the sharpening slightly. They've improved in the last three months. Keep working at your craft, and have a cookie

Ah'vrie has no mod of the day. Let's finish up with a little jiggle

Simply House Maid by AizenV
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148253
"A very simple mod that add 5 maids to tend each of vanilla houses."

Pros...
They're not cookie cutter supermodel eye candy. Cute, but sorta real...ish
They have actual schedules. Visit places in town, have preferred day off hang outs...

Cons...
The author mentions mods that add extra beds to the vanilla houses
It's all or nothing. It would be nice to pick the houses you want them at

Why not? The dragonborn has better things to do than sweep the floors

And finally 3BA Pygmalion - Idealized Natural CBBE Preset by ak0d (NSFW)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148258
"An idealized (but not completely unrealistic) CBBE 3BA preset."

Nothing remarkable, what caught the old cat's eye is the weight transition. It's not the typical fantasy 'D' cup to 'H' cup crap. This transits from hot/curvy to almost Rubenesque and still hot and curvy. An interesting alternative to Obody

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 20th of Rain's Hand and a brisk, peaceful predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, and it is time once again for this one to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked and fresh water is put to the flame.

Our brew of the day is Stockholm Lungo, and the biscuits are chocolate chunk, or rather will be when they come out of the oven. Checking the hot sheet we have the usual eclectic mix of 67 new mods, and a few actually don't have a cup size. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

harrys5413 released TPM Birna's Delightful Oddments (WIP)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148156
"I'm sharing a personal mod that enriches the selection at "Birna's Oddments." Requires Container Item Distributor" Adding college gear to her inventory works for me. Thanks

Dustmo7e released Sunny Cottage
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148210
"A no- load-door home right under BYOH Lakeview Manor." Questionable location unless you're using it to dump NPCs out of sight. Comes unfinished and in three colors. Thanks

raccoondance released Racc's Headdress
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147060
Sit's better on the head and the antlers are less ridiculous. Thanks, now the old cat wants a mod that let's you mount a briar heart head on the wall wearing it like an elk head ;-)

Ylikollikas released Nature of the Wild Lands - Animations Addon
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148132
"Adds trunk and branch swaying animations to most NotW trees. Supports seasons." Wow, the old cat did not realize NOTWL trees had no animations. Thanks

And finally Riton's Skyhaven Temple
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148230
"Complete retexture for Skyhaven temple in 4k and cpm support." Interesting reuse of parts of the dragon wall as fresco pieces. An interesting and consistent look. Thanks.

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!

Goooooooood Morning Afternoon Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. Sorry for being tardy, but there were celebrations in the streets of Ah'vrie's village that this one could not miss. Anyway, excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. Just because the old cat is getting a late start, doesn't mean we forgo the happy fires... There, much better.

The coffee is Capetown Lungo, and the biscuits are fudge brownie cookies. Checking the hot sheets this morning we had 59 new, and only a handful caught the eye. Let's just stick with those and look fresh tomorrow.

Surge101ex released Atronach Runes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148062
"Just a simple spell mod that introduces three new Rune spells that summon Atronachs upon being triggered by enemies. ESL-flagged."

Why are the simplest concepts always the best... Fire, Ice, and Storm... Now that's a trap. Thanks, Have a cookie

Flying Aceholes ULTIMATE Skyrim Reshade preset
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148047
Slightly over-saturated, and favors the greens a bit. A good basic natural preset. Worth a look. seems more a pitch to get you to look at their collection, but not bad. Thanks.

Cl3mus released Vanaheimr - Landscapes - AIO
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/145439
"All in One of my Vanaheimr Landscapes series."

We knew it was coming and it didn't disappoint. Subtle and natural looking tessellation, Consistent pallet. They took their time and assembled a very nice collection of landscapes textures. This should be on the short list of everyone looking to update landscapes or to add parallax. There are a few required mods, but nothing outrageous. Definitely worth a look, and a couple of cookies.

shazdeh2 released Sky Signs
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147884
"This mod gives you a power that once you activate, you can select your birthsign (standing stone)." Nicely done, good images, clean UI, slow clap. The old cat has been using 'choose your sign' by Parapets since... 2020? Liked the concept then, still do. Thanks, have a cookie.

But! Let an old cat point out an absolutely unexpected mod of the day.

Sorry, time for a micro rant, it's justified. We all know where the old at sits when it comes to all of these 'starting racial skills' "Mods" Pull up any 20 of them and 'Nords" will be 2 handed weapons and heavy armor in 19 of them The old cat personally blended together several mods like choose your starting skills, skill config reborn, choose your sign... To get to a specific level of granular control. And I've been happy with it.

Everyone needs to read this mod page, spoilered sections included. This looks like fun, and can replace my whole stack of 'choose' mods. Finally someone gets it. 3 cookies

Breaded Classes - Player Class Maker by MrPootisBread
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148048

"Create your own custom class to enhance roleplaying experience. Why play Morrowind when you can mod Skyrim to play like Morrowind?"

Overview: A book is added to your inventory when starting new game, read it to open class creation menu. Select your specialization, favored attribute and allocate six primary skills.

Optionally select your starting birthsign (uses standing stone abilities).
Optionally select a bonus attribute, based on attributes from previous TES titles.
Optionally select a class ability, inspired by predefined classes from previous TES titles.

Would anyone be even remotely surprised if this one's smoothskin restarted today just to test this? This is exactly what you want to add if you value the role playing. Ah'vrie doesn't know about the rest of you, but my characters are always in their own class, and the old cat has always been disappointed with other author's ideas of class. Now you can write the class to fit the character.

The old cat is looking forward to testing this... It has a few requirements that need to be checked, but maybe not today. For today is 420, and It B time to play.

We-B-Open! (Forgot to post yesterday... Sorry)

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Fredas the 18th of Rain's Hand and thank the divines, the weekend is nigh. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it is once again time for this one to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is from Indonesia, and the biscuits are chocolate chip. Checking the hot sheets we have 65 mods. Plenty of jiggles as always, but a lot of patches today. Let's see what catches a fuzzy headed old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa.

cuddm returns after seven years with their second mod... It always calls us back
Dragon Health Multiplier - SkyPatcher
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147921
"This mod was inspired by Simply Stronger Dragons (SSD), but i wanted a lightweight alternative that doesn't modify any race records and therefore won't conflict with anything."

Okay, now that seems a proper use of skypatcher. Simply doubles the health of all dragons, including mod added. Welcome back. Have a cookie

AkimboSwords released Dragon Alphabet Translations - Codebreaking Sheet
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148027
"It adds a new misc item, that you can take/use to translate the Daedric (Dragon) language without having to leave the game. Supports VR and non VR."

Ah'vrie likes this one. It's probably more immersive in VR than reading it from the inventory menu, but the idea of stealing the secret decoder ring from the unsuspecting wizard... Good fun and a useful tool that adds to the game. This one gets a cookie too.

Lets see... patman023 released Biggie Traits - Thumbnail Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148018
"This overhaul replaces the original trait icons with high quality thumbnails that better represent each trait’s theme and purpose" And very nicely done. Thanks

If you haven't checked out Biggie Traits, it has some interesting buffs and debuffs. One of the few that rose to the top of the pile. Original mod required, this just edits the pics.

DrPharmDawg released Skill Based Stat Growth
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147455
"This is the first of a new series of mods I am working on with a focus on role-playing in Skyrim. Primary stats (health, magicka, stamina) grow as skills develop. Carry weight improves as the primary stats increase. ESL flagged." Thanks

Worth a read, needs testing, Tracking for now, the old cat will wait for this to simmer a bit, and see how the 'series' develops. The only downside is not being able to 'focus' growth directly, but you can alter the modifiers in the MCM to say favor magic for a mage.

jiuzhoucanglan released Simple Mod Item Spawner Booster
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147903
"Inspired by MODEX, using SKSE function to give old but reliable Simple Mod Item Spawner a performance boost." Thanks, that should make some people happy.

Clofas released Azura's Audio Array
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147470
"Alters audio for Azura's Voice, Azura's Star Interior, and Azura's Star Pickup sounds. FOMOD installer."

The layered frequencies and reverb of the voice work really well. The old cat is not quite as thrilled with the star interior, and pickup sounds. Worth a listen. Thanks

Lets get to the good stuff...

noextrac released 3D Soul Cairn Grass and Flora Replacements
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/148000

Uses DrJacopo's - 3D Landscapes and Grass Library, and Happy Little Trees as texture sources, and BOS to distribute. The old cat has not been fond of previous flora overhauls of the soul Cairn, but these choices really work well together. The pictures tell the tale. Worth a look and a cookie. Nice choices. Tracking, giving this one some thought.

And we'll finish up with CS Particle Patch by AERwaevs
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147270
"Allows effect meshes and particles to be lit with direct light from any source. Additionally, shadows cast by the environment finally affect both effect meshes and particles, with shadowed regions receiving the same ambient light as any other mesh. Smoke & steam particles now also react to the wind, as do some other particles where it makes sense."

CS is growing up quickly... Some assembly required, and another patcher run if you use PBR textures. Thanks.

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 Middas the 16th of Rain's Hand and another beautiful predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set and it is once again time for this one to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits are Ginger zingers. Checking the hot sheets we have 44 new, with enough jiggles to set off Nirnquake detectors. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat over a fresh cuppa. (hint... not much)

awwcrap released Read Books filter for BTPS
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147793
"BTPS filter to disable selection of read books by default" This is their second BTPS tweak. This old cat only ever sees third person while chopping wood or riding his horse so no comment from this one.

Here's an interesting twist...

Asedael released Azurite III - Reduced Cut
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147751
"Azurite Weathers III, but without stuff you may find subjective or excessive for a weather mod. So no new audio, customization, seasons and etc."

Slow clap... Thanks, Bad enough that weather is getting bundled into ENBs now. Weather mods should focus mainly on weather. Why Azurite changed the size and color of the moons is just silly and should have been a separate mod. Have a cookie

Sh3llyD added Dawnstar guards to her spid file collection
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147766
"Destributes armors to the Dawnstar Guard." Conquistador helmets? really, Ooookay

64wlw added a Mjoll overhaul to the stable
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147790
This one has a thing for facial scars, but an interesting look. Thanks

That's about it, there really is no mod of the day. The old cat will finish off with a a new framework by Seb263. This may be focused on combat, but has other implications that could be useful to the non MCO crowd.

Core Impact Framework (CIF)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/146873

"CIF is a modular impact system overhaul powered by SKSE, giving full control over effects like impacts, blood, visuals, sounds, and more. It's script-free, highly compatible, and fully customizable via filters and modifiers. Full documentation included."

A little too much for old cat's before dawn LOL. This would be more for mod authors, but seems to offer more granular control over impact effects and sounds based on conditions and overrides. Much more coffee needed, but thanks.

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!

Gooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Tirdas the 15th of Rain's Hand and a beautiful predawn here on warm sands. 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 put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is a mixed bag as the old cat uses up a variety of roasts. It seems South Africa blends quite well with Indonesia... Who knew ;-) We'll be baking fresh biscuits later, this one needs to go to the markets first. Checking the hot sheets we have 56 new, Mostly jiggle as always, but let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

Celaker released five 'first mods' today. Welcome
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Celaker/mods?gameId=1704
Most are edits to existing magic mods. See a need fill a need. Thanks for sharing.

Emotori7 released Viking Horn Tankard as a second mod. welcome back
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147696
"Found a few pictures of what a viking horn tankard looked like and decided to make one."

Honestly the modeling is flawless, but it needs actual textures, and then it would be a keeper. even worthy as a replacer. Tracking this author for now. Thanks

Gathaeryx released YOT - Your Own Thoughts - Legacy of the Dragonborn v6 Patch
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147683
"Converts the messages, spells and other relevant texts in Legacy of the Dragonborn v6 to first person for immersion." Available in two flavors, A complement to the V5 patch, and a standalone V6 patch. Thanks, that should be useful for a lot of people. Have a cookie

Pixellz released Smaller Sweetrolls - BOS
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147712
"Uses Base Object Swapper to reduce the size of the sweetrolls"

This poses a question... Why BOS, and not just a simple scale edit? The old cat is not a fan of over complication where none is warranted, but thanks.

tcbflash released Slow At Low Stamina
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147680
"Speed penalty when stamina falls below 30%. (8% speed penalty by default, but 7 total options to choose to your liking... 5%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 20%, or 25%)"

Keep in mind that several other survival and needs overhauls already implement this as a mechanic, so check first, but thanks. This does make sense.

Lets see... TS - Simply More Vanilla Creature Encounters by TSarGR
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147563
"A simple mod that adds more vanilla animals and creatures in the wilderness." Your game your way. An interesting take on adding difficulty. Not for old cats, but Thanks

kuroishitam released Giants Variance - Model Swapper
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147730
"This mod makes giants model have more variation using model swapper, no esp. Because why not?" Indeed why not. Check the requirements, uses models from several giant overhauls including the recent Mythical Giants. Definitely worth a look. Thanks

zhitsak released Companions Refined - Vanilla-like ESP-less replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147725
"An ESP-less completely modular replacer for TCompanions." Okay the old cat has to admit that this is one of the nicest "vanilla' companion overhauls in recent memory. This is really better described as updated vanilla as opposed to a replacer. Very nicely done. Worth a serious look, and a cookie. Vanilla as it would be today. Thanks

And we'll finish up with something unexpected by TheOneTrueFuzzBeed

Children of the North Wind - Nordic Ruin Diversity
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147701
"Adds aesthetic variety to the Ancient Nordic Ruins of Skyrim via Base Object Swapper"

You really need to read the mod page as the thinking is spot on. This alters the arches, faces, and totems of the ancient ruins based on region, and location. An interesting take on regional diversity while keeping the overall flavor consistent. This one gets two cookies.

Tracking for know. The old cat smells the need for a patch hub. Thanks.

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 Morndas the 14th of Rain's hand, and wage slaves lament, the weekend is over. It's a quiet predawn here on warm sands. 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 put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is Kahawa Ya Congo, and the biscuits are Fudge brownie cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 77 new mods from the usual sources. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or three.

64wlw released two first replacer mods today. Welcome
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/64wlw/mods?gameId=1704
Aela, and Celestine. Worth a look, not fond of seeing Delphine's scars on Aela. But we lkove choices. Thanks

xzwyy returns after a year with new Pinetree. Welcome back
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147538
Only their not pine trees. This one is full on into fantasy retexes, your game your way. Thanks for sharing

tykindsir released Tasty Tomato Plant as a second mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147566
"Retextures the tomato plant added by Grow Tomatoes SSE to use leaves from real tomatoes instead of the ones from the potato plant" Thanks, this is a patch for grow tomatoes, with instructions for use with other replacers... Grain of salt on this one.

Sh3llyD released 5 'second' mods today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Sh3llyD/mods?gameId=1704
All guard outfit spids, and an Ash knight spid. Thanks

Scorch - WeelBones' Rayya Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147348
A couple of interesting looks for our redguard house carl. Definitely worth a look. Thanks

Cizzy414 released Medieval Norwegian Food Additions
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147372
Oatmeal, Skyr, and Porridge with toppings. Skypatcher required. Looks yummy, Thanks

Lets see... JamesTParker released Dawnguard Perk Tree
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147658
"Adds a perk tree to the Dawnguard. The perks are admittedly a little gimmicky but I like them" If it makes you happy, why not? Thanks

These next two are questionable

zenmechanic released Terrain Blending "WARNING"
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147616
"The terrain blending shader makes your Skyrim landscapes look more natural by smoothing out those awkward, obvious lines where different terrain types meet. Instead of seeing harsh borders where grass suddenly turns to dirt or where a cliff meets the ground, you'll experience gentle, realistic transitions that blend one surface into another."

"WARNING, this shader is unsupported by the CS team. Do not seek help from them if something goes wrong. Use at your own risk." (as posted by the author) PASS

Lysril released SOS LIGHT body that can use SOS FULL textures
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147469
"Edited the REALORE high poly body and schlong to use seperated texture, making it possible to use SOS Full texture with a SOS Light body. Then seperated bodies for race that uses different skins. All humans, including Nord, Breton, Imperial, Redguard, woodelf, darkelf and highelf all uses the same skin and body."

You'll want to read the entire page. Assembly required. Thanks

And finally, this might be a mod of the day... the old cat is a bit fuzzy on the details

Zira1251 released Diverse 4thUnknown Dragons
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/146462
"Dragon skin variation based on Dragons SE. NO plugin patches required for other dragon mods. Increases the variety of generic dragons from 7 to over 50, with unique skins for all named dragons that previously were generic."

Dragons Se and Skypatcher required. Definitely read the whole mod page

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 don't wake the sleeping cat. We-B-Open!

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundas the 13th of Rain's Hand and another gorgeous predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons are still gibbous tonight, so keep those silver weapons close for another day or two. Anyway it is time once again 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 Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits are chocolate chunk. Checking the hot sheets we have 66 new mods, And believe it or not, some don't have a cup size. Let's dive in over a fresh cuppa.

Garmagic released Hospitable Froki - Bedroll in Froki's Shack
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147405
Oookay, if it makes you happy... Ever hear of camping? lol

HamsterSensei12 released Immersive Wenches - Disarmed
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147450
"This mod disarms Immersive Wenches who work in inns and castles"

Call this a patch for IED, if it's installed you're serving wenches are dressed for battle. Thanks

steelfeathers released Realistic Horse Breeds - Fixed Manes and Forelocks
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147473
"Fixes the glitched mane and forelock textures of the iconic Realistic Horse Breeds mod by Kritta Kitty."

Nice, I always liked those textures, I remember when the update broke them. Thanks. This one gets a cookie, and the old cat needs to look at his current build.

BlubboDE released Vanilla Aspens clean trunk patch
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147492
"Simply patched meshes so that the unsightly dead undergrowth on the trunk is not visible."

Proof positive that you can have too much free time Kidding, A very minor tweak to the vanilla meshes that makes perfect sense. Thanks

HalkHogan released HD Reworked Vale Sabre Cat
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147416
"The modification brings Vale Sabre Cat to the highest 4K quality with 100% lore friendly look." Done with the same attention to detail as the vale deer. Very nicely done. Thanks

This one also gets a cookie. Of course from the perspective of natural selection you do have to ask what environment those markings are intended to blends in with LOL.

GeraldMods released Raven Rock Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/146200
"Overhaul of Raven Rock with the addition of new custom buildings, objects and clutter!"

A very interesting addition. While the old cat is not partial to added walls, These at least make sense. Though they should have been made to match the thickness of the existing bulwark, and have guards stationed... Worth a look. Thanks

We'll finish up with Northvale - Landscape Texture Replacer by leostevano
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147402
"Northvale, a landscape texture replacer for skyrim. With parallax, complex material and PBR support."

Definitely worth a look, nice textures, and supports CS and ENB. The old cat is still not in the PBR camp. The iceberg colors are completely wrong for instance. No blue ice, no subsurface refractions... It's just wrong, but it's not the old cat's game so Thanks

And that will do for today. 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!

Gooooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Loredas the 12th of Rain's Hand, and a gorgeous morning here on warm sands. The blessed moons are full tonight so lock your doors and keep those silver weapons close at hand. Anyway, This one apologizes for being tardy. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. This gets a tad dusty so cover your tankards for a bit... There, much better no? Ah'vrie likes to start the weekend with happy fires and a happy fire needs to breathe.

Our brew of the day is Stockholm Lungo, and the biscuits are Ginger zingers. Checking the hot sheets there were 56 new mods from the usual eclectic sources. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

Agameron released a patch for Xavbio's Dragon Priests Retexture SE - ICH
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147356
"This patch fixes the issue where Dragon Priests do not wear their masks when using Xavbio's Dragon Priests Retexture SE and Improved Closefaced Helmets." See a need fill a need. Nice first SSE mod. Welcome, have a cookie

freshbreadsticks released Better Contrast and Atmosphere
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147365
Arguably the most subtle reshade the old cat has ever seen. Slight tweaks to sharpening and contrast and that's it. Thanks

dBottle released Mod Version Fixer for Mo2
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147353
"MO2 Tool to check and update meta data for a users installed mods that fixes version number warnings from Authors that do not update the latest version number correctly on nexus."

That can be annoying, the old cat simply notates those mods in the notes. This might want testing, but honestly in my current ~900 mod build there are maybe 6~10 mods I have notes on. This is also not automatic. It opens the file explorer and you have to select the individual mods you want tested. It also does not 'fix' anything, it just removes the error. A nice effort, but it needs work. The old cat will stick with his notes for now.

BigOleHappyMonkey released Blacksmiths Sell Tempered Gear
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147341
"Balanced enhanced versions of all armor and weapons have been added to shop inventories. However, the player will need to save their coin if they expect to afford a set of these enhanced items."

There are already mods that allow you to have a blacksmith temper 'your' weapons and armors for a price. Adding low level tempered gear for purchase at high prices... It has merit, but we already have better solutions for non crafting players with money.

We'll finish up with an interesting take on the problem of this aging engine...

Reimagined Mountain Flowers - NON BOS by Lysril
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147369

"Took me all day to make find and swap the flowers, but it is done! All vanilla locations including Dawnguard and Dragonborn dlc locations. USSEP and SLWF changes are forwarded."

"I no longer use any major overhaul city mods or seasons, so I am not patching them. FormID are the same, so retain compatibility with any other mod and BOS function is intact."

Here's another person with so many mods loading, and swapping in real time that their load screens are over 2 minutes long. They decided to manually place the BOS replacer files they're using to save load times... The things we do for this game LOL

And that will do for today. The ale is fresh, the new batch of mead is ready, and the stews have been simmering for days. Have a seat and the wenches will serve you. We-B-Open!

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel! amriel mriel riel iel el l

It seems Ah'vrie is wishing an empty room well. This is okay, it makes cleaning the floors a little easier. It is Fredas the 11th of Rain's Hand and a very quiet predawn at the inn. The blessed moons are gibbous tonight and will be full tomorrow. Ah'vrie has one simple rule yes he does. Show up smelling of wet dog and you'll be tasting the old cat's mace not his mead. Anyway, it's time once again to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the flame.

Our brew of the day is Capetown Lungo, and the biscuits are fudge brownie cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 36 new with the usual assortment of jiggles, dangles, patches, and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

Lysril released Basic Removal of Stamina Cost...
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147264
"Sprint, power, shield bash/charge, bow zoom forever."

LOL, that should go over well with the Stamina based MO crowd

TheBone98 continues to add clutter to Spaghetti's overhauls
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/TheBone98/mods?gameId=1704
Today's flavors are Markarth and Windhelm

FrankBlack released Riverwood Log Pile FIX
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147305
"A mesh replacer that fixes the melted log pile in Riverwood." less sunken, less blending of the trunks. Small but meaningful fix if not the first. Thanks. Have a cookie

And that brings us to our mod(s) of the day. Beat the drums ans summon the dancers!

ChakraSSE released Mythical Giants Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147274
"Replaces all Vanilla Giants with more mythical versions."

Granted this is a fantasy game and taste is subjective. And while these giants are a bit too cartoonish for the old cat, we love choice and this gets a cookie. He wasn't originally considering it for his game, then a patch came out, which has some merit.

Less Mythical Giants Replacer by Karimko
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/147314
"Pretty simple patch that makes it so that Mythical Giant Replacers only replaces frost giants and Karstaag."

Now that's a giant of a different color... In fact the idea of distinguishing the frost giants as virtually a different species has real merit in the lore of many different cultures. Why not a hyperborian race on Nirn. The divines know there's plenty of ice in the vale. LOL.

While this won't work with the old cat's current load order, he's tracking this for now.

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!