Modding on the Spectrum

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

A'vrie wishes you well. It is Middas the 22nd of Sun's Dawn and a blustery predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed and it is once again time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and fresh water put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Istanbul espresso and the biscuits are Oatmeal raisin. Checking the hot sheets we have 40 new mods with all the usual suspects. let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat over a fresh cuppa this fine morning...

847 released Cooking Spells as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85503
"Adds a new spell that allows you to cook raw meat with alteration magic." This operates on "meat" the same way transmute operates on ores in inventory. The old cat is a little on the fence with this one. He likes the concept, but would have liked to see the ability to use a flames spell on meat still on the table. Still this is a nice early buff to Alteration which will come in exceedingly handy for a mage build. Okay, have a cookie

Guitarninja2 released Merchant - A Trading Expansion
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85439
"Changes to vendors, sell prices, merchant inventories and new merchant-themed crafting gameplay opportunities." This is Jacob's second "expansion" mod, third if you count "Brewer" Make sure to read the mod page as this mod has a bit of scope creep. It changes more than the merchant files. Alters inns, carriages... this will be a patching headache for sure. The author uses it with trade and barter, but the old cat questions that... pinch of salt

TwoWeeks2Live released 3 armor retex mods today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/2929600 ... files&BH=0
Orc, Dwemer royal, and Dwemer architect robes. Thanks

A shout out to turtlegodking for protecting and re-publishing an abandoned mod
Total Enhancement early alpha (abandoned WIP) -Arcive-
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85526
"This is an arcive of the great mod called Total Enhancement early alpha" This is a ported version of the original LE mod. Not ported by the uploader, and with questionable patch support... Still, we thank them for saving a major WIP that fell through the cracks.

ElSopa - Skeleton Key Redone
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85504
"The Skeleton Key Redone. No ESP. Safe To Install Or Uninstall Midgame." and an interesting look. Thanks

JS Knapsacks SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85447
"A complete remake of the vanilla Knapsack with variants. Comes in 1k, 2k and 4k versions." What can an old cat say. These look great John knocked it out of the park again. The changes in cube maps and alpha channels alone would set this mod apart.
Instant download and two cookies. Thanks

Okay, Ah'vrie is calling this the mod of the day (tough call today)

lilebonymace released Improved Closefaced Helmets - Fixes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85514
Requires the "Beard Mask Fix" Fixes the plugin, removes ITMs and wild edits. As this mod is used by pretty much everyone, this is a much needed fix. Read the page!. 2 cookies

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! :steamhappy:

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Turdas the 23 rd of Sun's Dawn and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. The skies are clear and cold as the blessed moons wax through the first crescents. It's difficult to believe that First Seed begins in less than a week. Spring is coming even if it doesn't seem to be in a rush. Anyway, it is time once again for Ah'vrie tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Istanbul Espresso, and the biscuits are Oatmeal raisin. Checking the hot sheets we have 47 new mods with all the usual bimbos, himbos, patches and cheats. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa.

Nexussfire released Hygge Vale - Player Home (SE) as a second mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85577
"New cutom player home in a small world space of its own. Full of amenities like gardening, smithing, enchanting, and tons of persistent storage and support for 4 followers." Another pocket worldspace house virtually off the map in the far north west. Your game your way.

djPuZo released Lightweight ENB - multiple weathers as a second mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85587
"A fast and lightweight ENB preset for potato PC's." Yeah... Fast and compatible because all it does is sharpen shadows. We'll pass on this, but thanks

SecretStamos1 released Afterlife NPCs help against Alduin
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85552
A patch for Afterlife that makes the NPC's you send to Sovngarde join you to fight Alduin. LOL, Milkdrinkers unite!. Not for old cats but have fun

audiogarden21 released Cyan's Dragon Priest Masks
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85601
"This mod allows you to convert, at will, any equipped dragon priest masks between three different variants; clothing, light, and heavy. Also contains a few tweaks to some of the masks." If it makes you happy

HasphatAntobolis released Glacial Crevice Fix
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85567
"Removes dynamic snow from Glacial Crevice." Inside the Glacial Crevice, much of it becomes a white blob mess from the multilayer parallax conflicting with the dynamic snow. xEditing BDS 2.11 will only fix some of them, but the other stuff remains white.

Why anyone is still using BDS 2.11 is a mystery, but your game your way. Thanks

Pieter82 released Higher Poly Vanilla Torch Sconce
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85570
"Higher poly version of the vanilla torch sconce. Mesh replacer only. No plugin / ESP." Thanks Pieter, love these little no plugin fixes. Keep them coming and have another cookie

Ionil released Kabu's Void Salts
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85513
"New high poly mesh and texture replacer for Void Salts with animated lightning and matching animated ENB light." Thanks, the old cat is not thrilled with the model though... sort of looks like dirty soul gem shards. Worth a look.

And we have an unexpected mod of the day. Summon the dancers!

Save Unbaker by powerofthree
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85565
"Makes the game always load certain records from plugins instead of save, such as NPC weight and persistent ref position" As requested and tested by Wskeever

"Unbakes" the following records so they will be always loaded from plugins and not saves.

NPC Weight
Opposite Gender Anims flag
Persistent reference transforms (position, rotation)
Only applies to immovable references that cannot be moved using scripts (statics,
furniture, flora)
Markers are not affected

If this came from anyone else the old cat would be very skeptical. Needs deep testing

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! :steamhappy:

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Fredas the 24th of Sun's Dawn and thank the divined the weekend is nigh. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it is once again time for this old cat to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Indonesia, and Verona is the biscuit of the morning. We'll be baking fresh for the weekend tomorrow. Checking the hot sheets we have only 39 new. Feels like a day off after a week of 50+ :steammocking:

MagicalWood released Ore Vein Cube Map and Shader Fixes as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85641
"This fixes four ore vein meshes that have parts with incorrect cube maps and environment map scales set." The old cat noticed this in several builds and "looked past it" like so many other very minor visual glitches. Thanks for actually correcting it. Have a cookie DLed

For players that like posses of followers this may be of interest... (Not looking at Etienne) :steammocking:

Tlam99 released Cure Follower Disease
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85646
Craft a ring or necklace, give it to your follower, and whenever they un-equip / equip the item it will cure any diseases and/or the "stoned" effect from the cannabis mod.

SynthetiXxX recreated Spikyfishy's Bandit Encounters - Random Outdoor Bandit Spawns from the ground up for SSE/AE Original mod not required

Bandit Encounters Redux
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85605
"Adds random bandit encounters in Skyrim and Solstheim"

Meh, there are already more bandits than citizens, but whatever floats your boat. Compatible with just about all existing bandit mods. Thanks?

We'll finish up with something a little different for a change.

nightmarezone released NITHI NPC Enhancement - Serana
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85430
"A standalone replacer for a beautiful Serana. 3 Variants. Cured version included. 1K and 2K Face Tint" This is a "teaser" release for the upcoming BB's Dawnguard update.

To be honest, the old cat hasn't been too fond of Bettie's Nithi series. But this particular Serana replacer caught the old cat's eye. It's nothing special, but the old cat likes the facial sculpting. She's a very natural looking "20 something" which felt like a reasonable age to be turned. Ah'vrie might try variant 3. The hair suits her.

Bettie will link Serana dialog add-on patches when they become available (She's asking)

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! :steamhappy:

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Loredas the 25th of Sun's Dawn and a quiet but chilly predawn here on warm sands. It is time once again for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests as the blessed moons have set. Brrr! Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. You night want to cover your tankards for a bit. This can get a tad dusty... There, much better no? Now to compost the ash, scrub the kettles, and put some fresh water to the boil. Ah'vrie needs his coffee yes he does...

Brew of the day is Capetown Lungo, and the biscuits are Bordeaux. Checking the hot sheets we have 55 new With all the bimbos, himbos patches and cheats you can shake your... Moving right along. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa...

zdostr returns after a few years to release Zdo Solo Dungeon Master
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85684
"Create your own quests with an element of randomness." You'll need to read the mod page... This is the personification of way too much free time. Still...

P1aZma released Medusa Spider
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85726
"Adds a new spider called the "Medusa Spider" to the game, they can be found in the snow biome outside and in caves. (Mostly to the west of windhelm)" Green frostbite spiders that spit paralysis poison and can stun lock you... His second mod, and no information given as to added or altered spawns. These spiders sound tough though... might be a fun challenge.

solandmun released Windhelm Bridge Revived
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/84686
"Transforms the Windhelm bridge into a more defensible and less desolate place. ESP-FE plugin." Okay, the old cat is torn with this one. Everyone knows the old cat thinks the entire CW quest line is the ultimate expression of stupidity. But it always bothered Ah'vrie that there were no stationed stormcloak troops guiding the city. As a die hard assassin/stealth archer at any point in the game I could walk into the old palace and put an arrow into Ulfric's face from the door way. War over. Back to playing... This mod is not great, but at least you get a dependable front door. Not for old cats but thanks.

Polocse released 2 today
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
AutoCrossbow - Remeshe, and USSEP Soul Trap - Spell Patch. The first you can keep, but the spell patch the old cat likes. It changes the correction in USSEP to use the Reanimate projectile effect instead of Turn Undead. The old cat has to agree with the author on this one. It looks much better. Have a cookie.

audiogarden21 released 2 today as well
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
Conjure Allies Mod is a lesser power which allows you to summon your lost follower, dead thrall, atronachs, etc to your location... That could be really useful, thanks. The other is a buff/fix for the Aetherial Staff.

mrjentipede released 3 today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/3381541 ... files&BH=0
one makes illusion spells non-hostile, another changes Magelight and candlelight "back" to the illusion school (In line with earlier TES games, even if alteration makes much more sense) The last is a patch for Sun Affects NPC Vampires which extends the effects to draugr and skeletons. If it makes you happy.

L3st4t released Raiders and Muggers
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85653
This mod adds non-hostile groups of raiders/bandit/muggers around the roads and paths of Skyrim. They will attack merchants, caravans, Thalmor, and city guards on sight , but you can walk right on by... Interesting concept, but again with more bandits? ... Why?

drhamm released No Dawnguard For You--until you want it
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85752
Made by request; The main Dawnguard questline won't start until you go to Fort Dawnguard. "All I did was change the start level for Dawnguard (and the vampire attacks on towns) to 1000"

I like this one. Simple and clean. The old cat still prefers "Timing is everything" Why tweak one quest, when you can tweak them all to your taste. Still, have a cookie, nicely done

Speaking of tweaking... here's another ultimate tweak tool

Zzyxzz released Skyrim Configuration Menu
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85707
"Skyrim Configuration Menu, is a MCM, which allows you to tweak Skyrim to your liking"

Again the old cat is torn. This is very complete, and the UI is well laid out. The old cat's only concern is most players won't really know what they're tweaking and how much is "too much" Like all really good tools, this one can be dangerous. Used with caution and subtlety this could be a really useful tool. Or you can ruin your game completely.

2 cookies fr being very well done, but use with caution

Let's see... DrJacopo turned dragons tongue into an orchid
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85694
"A performance friendly 3D replacer of the horrendous dragons tongue plant."

The old cat told himself he wasn't going to download any mods today... He lied yes he did. The Dr. is correct, these look Sooo much better than vanilla. Instant download and a cookie.

SonderBain released Modern Female Sitting Animations Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85599
"An overhaul of both the function and immersion of Female Sitting Animations"

This is a fairly complex mod and will require testing. It uses BOS to swap out furniture in game with the same furniture with a secondary attached script to the activator. The "chair" now decides which of several female sitting animations are used based on the actors clothing or armor. The "intro" video is almost 12 minutes but worth watching.

The old cat doesn't usually review animations, but in all honesty this takes sitting idles to a whole new level and is worth mentioning. Check the requirements. Dled for testing 2 cookies

And finally our mod of the day... Maybe not ... Actually the old cat doesn't like this one

Master Chef - The Art of Tamrielic Cooking by queenanne
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85739
"Adds a progression system to cooking by locking recipes behind cookbooks. Also adds three tiers of alchemically enhanced clothing and weapons so you can cook (your enemies) in style!"

Well you can play as a bard, why not play as a combat chef?
adds leveled buffed chefs outfits / armor
Lock ALL cooking behind recipe books
Requires the Apothecary Food and Drink addon and Thaumaturgy.

Works with the authors "Humble Beginnings" chefs background with the provided patch

This is basically a Simonrim addon mod, but it could be fun... combat chef? Gotta love the community. We'll give it 2 cookies, Ah'vrie just doesn't like "ALL" cooking locked behind book gathering.

And that will do for today. The ale is fresh, the new batch of mead is ready so drink up. We're serving Medallions of venison marinated in bandy and served over diced roasted potatoes drizzled with a tart jazbay reduction and a poached egg on top for the early meal, and a hearty dragon, carrot, and potato stew for the late meal.

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! :steamhappy:

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundas the 26th of Sun's Dawn and it's raining again here on warm sands. This is not natural, Ah'vrie will have to consult the shamans again. It must be a rouge wizard. Anyway, the blessed moons have set and it is once again time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are tended and fresh water put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Stiockholm Lungo, and we'll bake fresh biscuits in a little while, but the old cat misses his bagels. :steamsad: Checking the hot sheets we have 64 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa.

rockbuddy released Giants to Frost Giants as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85821
"Simply changes the giants' model to the frost giant from Dawnguard." ... Why?

Shizof released FEC - Effect Lighting Add-on
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85773
This is intended for use with VR for people that don't use an ENB. There are already particle light addons available. Thanks

Now for the contractors corner...

aproco released Izba - An Herbalist's Cabin in the Woods
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85455
"A tiny, custom asset, open-world log cabin in the wilderness" A little too cluttered, Hell the oven is bigger than the bed. The old cat is not thrilled with the texture choices either, but thanks.

Cursedobjects released Glorious Windstad Manor
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/76352
"Windstad Manor is now a home befitting of a grand homestead thats selfsustaining. Inspired by Lakeview Manor - As It Should Be." Worth a look. A bit over the top, but nice for an extended family. Not for old cats but thanks

Kulharin released Cathedral of Vilassian
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85816
"Combines Ruined Temple of Phynaster and Iceclaw Chapel into one dungeon in the Forgotten Vale." Less world edits, and higher level enemies... If it makes you happy

venjhammet released Narzak's Vault SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85763
"A new dwemer dungeon found along the velothi mountains that borders between Skyrim and Morrowind." It looks like this is a new dungeon, not a reused location from his other packs... Worth a read, a look, and a cookie.

EasierRider "ported" Luftahraan Dungeon Pack by Archon Entertainment
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85807
"Adds 5 dungeons, and 2 small worldspaces, from Archon Entertainment's canceled Luftahraan project to Skyrim. Implemented and remastered by EasierRider, with Wheeze's permission." You'll need to read the mod page, this mod picks a few of the locations from the cancelled project and imports it into SSE.

WeldingManDE released Cathedral - 3D Dragons Tongue with Glow Map and ENB Light
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85786
"ENB Light and Glow Map upgrade for DrJacopos awesome 3D Dragons Tongue!" The old cat likes Weldingman's mods, but honestly some things do not need glow maps :steamfacepalm: Your game your way...

PeerHorse released Cathedral Diverse Dragons Tongue
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85801
"Small mod to make all four variations of the great Cathedral - 3D Dragon Tongue by DrJacopo appear in the game using the magic of Base Object Swapper" Thanks, not compatible with the glowing version above

DarthBlender proves there is such a thing as too much free time, but we love choice
Happy Little Trees - Alternate Cut Stumps
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85799
"Replaces the TreePineForestCutStump01 or adds variants through Base Object Swapper."

7 varients in three flavors. Choose one, Darth's choices, or all choices. Thanks

markuskarttunen1 released 4 today
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files

They don't like ugly plants, Ah'vrie either... Who does? Get rid of reach fern, tundra scrub, Blackreach fern, and reach moss. Thanks

renthal311Art-hook01- 256x256 lowpoly
Not even worth a link... How the mighty have fallen :steamsad:

We'll give the top slot to Parapets today who has a thing for "i"s

Inventory Interface Information Injector
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85702
"Inserts interesting information, including item icons, into inventory interface. Importantly, its innocuous injection implementation intrinsically ignores independently installed interface improvements."

A new record for "I" mods LOL and never once used the I word. 2 cookies just for the description. Too funny

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked yada yada, We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Gooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Morndas the 27th of Sun's Dawn. Wage slaves lament, the weekend has ended. Hide if you can or work if you must it's Morndas again. The blessed moons wax through the first quarter tonight, but for now, the moons have set, the paths are closed and it is once again time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Istanbul Espresso, and the biscuits are Toll House. Checking the hot sheets we have 45 new with all the usual jiggles, dangles, patches and goofs. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat this morning over a fresh cuppa...

BunnyPriestess released Young Lovers - Expanded Voices (SE) V .03b as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85908
"Do you ever wish you could tell your wife you love her? Do you ever wish she would tell you the same? Ever wish she would get overly defensive of you in combat? Now she will! This mod adds fully voiced dialogue into the FemaleYoungEager voice type. It even works on modded NPCs!" Uses Elevenlabs to add voiced dialog to the young eager voice. Other voice types may be added later. This is compatible with RDO, NFF, EFF

Nice to see a little lore friendly NOT NSFW dialog supporting your love interest in Skyrim. The old cat's a softy so have a cookie. This is a WIP beta release, thanks

a156619101 released Better sleep bonus (fixed) as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85861
"Sleep now get better bonus effect, making sleep more necessary but not constrained."

Basically this adds a buff to regeneration rates based on bed type/location and increases the duration. (A tad OP, but works with needs mods to provide a days buff (16hrs) for a nights sleep... Could be argued as being reasonable) There's also a "vanilla" 8 hour game version. Worth a look, interesting mod for the early game. Have a cookie.

For our housing corner...

Majner1235 released Soul Cairn Respite
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85911
"player home located in Soul Cairn there are two ways to enter from Tamriel and Soul Cairn itself" Well it's convenient, though focused on crafting and who worries about crafting in necromancer hell? The old cat is not sure about the tundra entrance...

HDPastas released an unfinished Venator - Lumos
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85864
"New player home and weapons (quest & extras) for a vampire-hunter playthrough."

Only the quests and voice work haven't been done yet. Pass for now but thanks

You'll forgive an old cat for ignoring Wynvirn Castle by katiefrog01. How many bloody Noob copies of castle Volkihar loaded with mannequins and weapons plaques do we need? :steamfacepalm: this one is near Solitude no less.

Let's get to the good stuff already

PeerHorse released Diverse Cathedral Nightshade
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85880
"Diversifies the nightshades using the mesh and textures from "Cathedral - 3D Nightshade by DrJacopo" with additional textures from "Deadly Nightshades - A Cathedral 3D Nightshade Recolor Set by Nodiel71" using "Base Object Swapper by PO3". Now there are 11 different nightshade colors in the world." your game your way... thanks

And finally Legacy of The Dragonborn - Cube Maps Fixed by Wskeever
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85872
The pictures tell the tale... the original cubemaps were all 2d. Interesting how this changes the armor to look like plate... I always thought they were leather LOL 2 cookies for the fix.

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! :steamhappy:

Gooooood Morning Tamriel! amriel riel el l...

Hmm, quiet night it would seem. Oh well, Ah'vrie still greets the new day with hope. It is Tirdas the last day of Sun's Dawn and a crisp clear predawn as the storms move East into Morrowind. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it is once again time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Stockholm Lungo, and the biscuits are Verona. Checking the hot sheets we have 49 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat this morning over a fresh cuppa... Make it a double.

Scotty3001 released High Rock Jewelry - Treasure Hunt as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85963
"Adds 7 new enchanted High Rock-based jewellery items for any person willing to give a treasure hunt a go!" Not your usual first mod. Mod people have to play a while before they get board and add treasure hunts... Why not?

deinoz released two 'first' mods today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/6435726 ... files&BH=0
More Foods for sale - HearthFires we'll add to the pile
Spell Research - more potent alchemy elixirs. "Now elixirs will slightly surpass vanilla ingredients in terms of potency at tier 3" The upper tiers are a bit grindy... Thanks

Speaking of spell research... here's a little under the hood buff for future updates

AlchemicaMateria released Spell Extender - Additional Papyrus Functions (NG)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85968
"This is a ClibNG SKSE plugin that adds a handful of Papyrus functions focused around spells." It's a modders resource, read the page if you're interested in the functions.

bongodoctor released Open Sesame - Dungeons Unlocked
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85956
:steamfacepalm: Nope, not worthy. "This is very likely to break quests and should only be installed on a fresh save if you want to try it..."

Speaking of worthy...

Glanzer released Standing Stones Worthiness
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85965
"Prevents use of the Standing Stones until you've proved your worthiness" The old cat sort of likes this one, though it will mess with the exit from Helgen a little. Worth a look

digitalApple released Regional Fast Travel
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85952
"This mod will add more rules to fast travel requests."

First we get a mod that want's to remove quest locks, Then we get a mod that wants to add them to fast travel. The old cat is not sure why so many feel the need to lead weak minded fools by the nose. If you don't want to fast travel DON'T :steamfacepalm:

Faxo76 released BYOS - Build Your Own Soundtrack
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85921
"Build Your Own Soundtrack by adding your music." Requires manual editing/population, and conversion of your music files to the .xwm format. If it makes you happy

Hornophobic released Unique Racial Features (For Males only - NSFW)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85920
"Creates Racial Diversity by giving unique texture paths to vanilla races" Adds unique normal maps and unique diffuse maps for face, body, hands. Should be highly compatible. Worth a look, and a cookie

Grausam released Cloaks Of Skyrim Retextured SE Female Mesh Patch
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85932
"A simple mesh correction for certain female cloaks from Cloaks of Skyrim Retextured SE." Wait, you mean the cloaks were not supposed to float :steammocking:

laghettogames714 released Smoother Walk 2023-SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85946
Well, maybe not "smoother" what the mod does is slow the sprint speed down a bit to more of a power walk. It does look a little more realistic in third person. Why not.

let's get to the good stuff...

HQ Imperial Forts 4k-2k by MystiriousDawn
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85631
"Imperial Forts and dungeons retextured - 4k/2k res options as well as Parallax supported meshes and textures" Worth a look, the old cat is not thrilled with a couple of the stone textures, but MD does good work.

Atlantean Landscape -Pine Forest- Complex Terrain Parallax by Wizkid
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85925
"Pine forest landscape textures replacer with ENB terrain complex parallax (2k and 4k options avaliable)." First rate work as always, lots of pine cones. :steamthumbsup:

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

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Midas the 1st of First Seed. The blessed moons continue to wax and will be full again in a week so this is a good time to sharpen those silver weapons. The goddess' crazy puppies are not to be taken lightly. Anyway, it is once again time to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits are Bordeaux. Checking the hot sheets we have 42 new with a more eclectic mix for once, but plenty of jiggles as always. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat without a cup size...

jocem009 released Better Pelts as a first SSE mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86030
"Increases the amount of pelts dropped by animals and their individual value." One more for the noob pile for our Googly chalenged friend, but welcome.

Ja1zinZamp released Lumos - Light Casting Spell Sound Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85990
"Replaces the sound of the release of light spells with the (subtle) Lumos sound effect from Harry Potter. No plugin." Reminds the old cat of rubbing a finger around the rim of a crystal wine glass... Quite nice really. The vanilla sound is too similar to opening a chest. This one gets a cookie.

JechtShotMK2020 released Paradigm - A Quick Start Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85939
JechtShotMK9 and ThirdEyeSqueegee put out an interesting twist on what's normally a noob "classes" mod. This one not only affects stats, but also starting equipment. It also adds/edits starting spells for magic users and includes additional plugins for Enairim, or Simonrim builds. Obviously not compatible with ASLAL

"Upon creating your character, you will be prompted to choose from a list of 18 different classes, or you may choose to create your own by using the original Helgen Express starting options. The class you choose will determine your starting weapons, armor, spells, items, and gold."

The item list of equipment per class is in an article not on the mod page. Worth a read and a cookie.

giamel released Crafting Tutorial plus
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85999
"adds a few extra voice lines to the crafting tutorial and an improvised helmet I like" "A lore friendly excuse to get this helmet on game start and not just sell that stupid hide helmet back to them to hurt their feelings for the 3842 time." That brought a chuckle.

PR09H17M4N319 released Peryah's Purveyors - An Eclectic's Mod (WIP)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86016
"Recreated my first mod ever, from 2011. Completely relearned the Creation Kit to do this over 10 years later." The trader is not finished yet, but worth a look. welcome back

NyXio released Polymorphy - SSE Port (by tilokan1337)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86038
This is a port of the original LE mod, which allows you to transform into any creature or NPC. Want to play as a dragonborn skeever? Your game your way LOL. Thanks

tarlazo ported Faldenthz by DomiNation1412
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86042
"Adds a Dwemer dungeon on the coastline north of Windhelm. --- ESM"
(Cleaned, fixed navmesh, removed wild edits, and changed the final "reward" into a reusable black soul gem... Oh, shiny, I want one :steammocking: Have a cookie. DLed

Lets see... A couple of patches worth mentioning

Guitarninja2 released RAE - Quest Requirements - ECSS Patch
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86008
"Patches Rebalancing Anniversary Edition - Quest Requirements to be compatible with Skyrim Extended Cut - Saints and Seducers." Thanks

Xtudo released Sons of Skyrim - My patches and fixes SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86018
"My own fixes and tweaks. Carried on USSEP fixes. Proper loading screens models. Desaturated textures. Ancient Dwemer Metal desaturated version, and more. 4K-2K. ESL."

PastChristmas released The Unbidden
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/80737
"A comprehensive overhaul of the zombies added by the "Plague of the Dead" Creation, the most important change being that they can now equip 90% of all vanilla clothes, armour and jewellery."

Okay, this is for the paid creation, or the full DLC, and buffs the hell out of the zombies but in interesting ways. You're going to want to read this through if you have the AE-DLC. Personally the old cat deals with enough zombies at work, but have a cookie

HELLJUMPERS21 released Hall of the Dovahkiin - A Standalone Museum
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85991
"This is a standalone museum for those that liked the museum in Mist Fall Keep but can be accessed from a hatch in the floor wherever the player puts it. This hall gives the player a wonderful place to store all the unique items found in Skyrim along with generic weapons and armor in 4 vaults."

You're own personal underground museum, accessible from where ever you decide to place three summonable hatches. We were just discussing this yesterday... funny how that works. Okay you get a cookie for mind reading :steammocking:

And finally the top slot goes to MD once again

HQ Fort Dawnguard 4k-2k by MystiriousDawn
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86006
"Retex of Fort Dawnguard. 4k/2k res versions with optional parallax supported meshes"

Similat stone and morter textures to her Imperial Forts retex of a few days ago. only here the textures look really good. The tessellation is subtle... The old cat likes this one. Clean and consistent. 2 cookies.

And that will do for today. Enough rambling, I see some customers are waiting at the bar. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept. We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Turdas the 2nd of First seed, and a stormy predawn here on wet, I mean warm sands. The blessed moons will be full in less than a week, you have been warned. Anyway, it is time once again for this old cat to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the say is Indonesia and the biscuits are Toll House. Checking the hot sheets we have 52 new with all the usual jiggles, dangles, patches and goofs. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat over a fresh cuppa... yeah, make it a double.

First a quick shout out to Jawz for publishing ENB location based weather system list
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86061
That should help standardize presets for use with weather mods.

Jehoram self ported Distinct Skyrim Landscapes SE by request as a first SSE Mod.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86065
"Changes to all Holds of Skyrim to make them more visually distinct." What isn't mentioned that a lot of the edits are to trees so this will be patching hell for anything other than vanilla. Adds/deletes/resizes trees based on region. Read carefully...

DJBobbie's Immersive Locales released as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86052
"Adds 15 immersive, excellently written and lore-friendly locations to the world of Skyrim." (If he does say so himself :steammocking:) Actually these are interesting and the old cat just might add them... but might wait on it a bit and check the posts again. It is a first mod after all. Have a cookie on account, and the writing better be excellent.

baudelairienne released 2 today
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
A Redguard preset, and Fair Skin edits - More Vanilla Skin tones. "Simple edits of the beautiful Fair Skin in order to get skintones closer to Vanilla." Nice, thanks

HyliosSykes released 4 more HS Riverwood mods today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/8867075 ... files&BH=0
Well, the ivy growing on interior walls is still ridiculous, but the old cat has to admit Hylios overhauls are getting quite good. The Riverwood trader might be a little better than JK's even. Worth a look and a cookie, but lose the damn interior ivy :steamfacepalm:

XilaMonstrr released Cathedral - 3D Dragons Tongue - 4K and Alt Resolution Textures
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86087
"Textures upscaled to 4K, and provided in a variety of lower resolution options" The original release looks great in game at 2K, but the old cat has to admit, they do look better in 4K, though you'd have to really zoom in to see it. Thanks, but pass

grvulture released Veydogolt - Green Trees and Stuff
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86050
"Green aspen, reach, tundra trees and related stuff." Ah'vrie thought these were intended to add seasonal support, but evidently they are simple replacers if you want green aspen... etc. Thanks

markuskarttunen1 released Subdivide and Smooth - Dirtcliffs
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86093
"High poly mine- cave- and dirtcliffs" Our friend from Finland is too modest. These are the most... Minimalist, dirt cliff retextures the old cat has seen. They're utterly bland. Devoide of all roots and debris... Just smooth clay and ground cover. The exterior dirt cliffs look great like that. The mine and caves... not so much. While a definite improvement, there are quite noticeable seams in the caves the old cat can't unsee but they might not be so bad with other texture mods. Seriously worth a look. The old cat is on the fence.

Janissaries released Real Dwemer Pipes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86055
"This mod significantly improves all the Dwemer Pipes meshes and gives them better shape, smoothness along with some UV fixes." High poly pipes... looks great, The old cat will have to test this with Ancient Dwemer Metal. Thanks, have a cookie

IWantATardis released 2 today
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
4K Dragon Skeleton, and Giant Hanging Bones Retexture and both are a trmendious improvement over vanilla. Ah'vrie is still using Gamwich's "rustic" dragon skeleton which looks a little gorier. But these have both really earned their cookies. Nicely done

And finally, an unexpected mod of the day. Sound the trumpets and summon the dancers!

Asedael released SB - Pressure Plate Trap Fix
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86053
"Patches rarely retextured nordic trap to make it look consistent with the rest of your modded game. Mesh replacer. No plugin." Okay now this should have been done ages ago. The vanilla textures are so noticeable you could avoid them without a torch... This is my first instant download recommendation for this author. Dust off another seat by the fire. 3 cookies for finally addressing that eye sore.

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

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Fredas the 3rd of First Seed and thank the divines the weekend is nigh. Excuse please while Ah'vrie tends to the inn. Time once again to stoke the fires and put fresh water to the boil...

Brew of the day is Stockholm Lungo, and the biscuits are Zurich. Checking the hot sheets we have only 36 new (The old cat looks to the hevens... Thank you!) Let's see what catches the eye that doesn't have a cup size over a fresh cuppa. Definitely a fresh cuppa...

Okay, not a whole lot catches the eye today. let's see

CloudAngel edited the crafting menus for his... collection, ah, pass

GammyMuffin released Snowberry Extract for Survival Mode
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86154
Thanks, that could come in handy for Sunhelm users as well. Sheesh, only 25 seconds? If you're going to craft a cheat at least make it useful. This should be a minute at least. You do have to build a fire when you get out.

SparrowPrince released ERM - Enhanced Rocks and Mountains
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85196
"This mod is designed to elevate your Skyrim experience by providing more detailed and immersive mountains and rocks"

Ah'vrie is not sure how he feels about this one. One the one hand at a distance it makes the rock to ground clutter less defined (more natural) But up close the transitions look very unnatural. obvious clipping, and almost liquid looking transitions. Thanks, but the old cat will pass

Dispensation released Wait in the Hall of the Elements
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86127
"Allows you to use the wait feature while inside of the Hall of the Elements at the College of Winterhold." See a need, fill a need. This one gets a cookie.

Kanjs - Atronachs - up to 4k
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86161
"New Textures for all three vanilla Atronachs. New Effects and Upscale Effects for the Atronachs." Not for old cats, there are better options available sorry

And finally this is a Not a Recommendation

CC Cleaner - Remove Quests from Creation Content by BlameDragon
"Removes cell, quest and worldspace records for some of creations."

None of these are the 4 SSE CC content. basically they chose 4 CC mods they didn't want, but wanted the resources of. It's only 2 weapons, and 2 armor sets, but the old cat is still unsure of this one, and at the very least, would recommend this only for a new game.

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, yada, yada, We-B-Open! :steambored: More coffee