Modding on the Spectrum

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Loredas the 13th of Evening Star, and wages slaves rejoice, the weekend has arrived. It's another chilly predawn her4e on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, and it is once again time for this on to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied, and the fires are rebuilt. You may want to cover your tankards, this can get a tad dusty... There, much better no? Ah'vrie always likes to begin the weekend with happy fires.

Our brew of the day is Maluka mu Zimbabwe, and the biscuits will be classic sugar cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 53 new mods, mostly jangles and patches. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa.

Jalper1 released their school project Excuse me
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166761

By0cire released AntiStaggerLock - Punching-Bag No More as their second mod.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166866
"AntiStaggerLock prevents stagger-lock by adding smart cooldowns for physical and magical stagger. Keeps combat fluid, fair, and challenging without removing stagger entirely" Thanks

Vinom Aela Replacer (NSFW)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166946
"This is my first foray into the NPC replacer realm so fingers crossed there are no issues." Instills confidence doesn't it lol. Perfect if you're into anime schoolgirls... moving right along

GUNDAMmk0 released Mark Unique Items - SkyPatcher
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166925
"Uses SkyPatcher to add an asterisk ("*") prefix to the names of all unique items"

I'm not sure why, but If it makes you happy...

xYZeroYx released Simple Screenshot
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166908
"Choose the folder for screenshots, file format, combo keys with gamepad or keyboard/mouse for both screenshot and hide ui, it will save all the screen so it can you to show ENB menu, reshade and others.

Could come in useful for non steam games, you'd still have to convert them with steascree to post them here. Thanks

krivedk123 released Keep it Clean - Water for ENB patch
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166983
"Resolves a conflict in DefaultWater, preserving Water for ENB visuals while keeping Keep It Clean bathing and dirt mechanics intact."

Not the first, but if it works it works. Thanks

iWayren released Game Priority SE AE - CPU Optimization
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166976
"Automatically sets the priority of game process in Windows system. Tells system to allocate more resources to the game application. Have positive effect on game input, prevent stutters caused by other processes and slightly increase FPS"

Also not the first, but cleanly executed. Have a cookie

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 you bones. We-B-Open!

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundas the 14th of Evening Star and another chilly predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons will be new next weekend, and the hunters are already making plans. For now however, the 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 from Indonesia, and the biscuits are gingerbread. Checking the hot sheets we have 54 new from the usual sources. Mostly Jangle and patches today. Let's see what catches and old cat's eye

jackthynn released Dilirogue Combined as a first mod, Welcome.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167038
"Patches Dilirogue by Ellxe to combine the modular pieces into the Vanilla Armor+Boots+Gloves."

Thanks, you still won't get the matching set bouns without the keywords added, but we all start somewhere.

ValleyS1314 released No Screen Overlay - AutoSisme as their first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167057
"It will disable the screen overlay when using some magic like Clairvoyance."

That could come in handsy, thanks

TSarGR released TS - Half-Moon Mill Restored
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166988
"This small ESL mod restores Half-Moon Mill into a functional settlement after the vampire NPCs occupying it die."

If it makes you happy. Not for old cats, This one hate the addition of bandit stockade fences where they serve absolutely no purpose. I have a better idea, don't kill Hert .

TELLYAWHATGAMES released Extra Potions
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167030
"This mod adds some new potions you can make and new ingredients! It also makes the grain mill more useful!"

Now you too can grind up all those valuable elemental salts to create mediocre poisons... Your game your way LOL.

TheGalant1 released Follower Enchantment Clarity
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166998
"When enchanting, enchantments which NPCs are able to utilize will have their names marked with an asterisk (*)"

Finally someone useful is around (Channeling my inner Sidgear) This one the old cat likes. It's suprising how few enchantments are actually used by NPCs. At least now you know at a glance which ones will actually buff a follower before you make their armors. This one gets a cookie.

And finally, we'll finish up with Goam Elven Ears - Redone by goampuja
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/165502
"3 new female elven ears for Racemenu
- many sliders to customize in Racemenu
- various skin patches"

Finally you have small, large, and huge elf ears, all with extensive sliders. Your game your way, as it should be... no matter how silly LOL. Thanks, have a cookie. We love choice.

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

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 15th of Evening Star, and a quiet predawn 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 flames...

Our brew of the day is from India, and the biscuits are ginger. Checking the hot sheets we have 47 new mods with lots of jangle and patches. Let's see what catches the eye today.

LCK081 released Spell Slow Effect Redesign as their first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167080
"This mod modifies the slowing effect of all spells to avoid stupid sprinting animation."

What you don't like the 6 million dollar man running animations? shocking

KaminaDrill released Everdamned - a new generation Vampirism overhaul, their first welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/162489
"Features a new dedicated Vampirism skill tree, Blood as resource, meaningful roleplay opportunities, robust Combat Draining with new animations and much more."

This one never embraced Vamps or werewolves, but if it makes you happy why not. Thanks

tarlazo released Followers Sit on Carriages (by request)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166738
"An offshoot from Convenient Carriages. After choosing a destination, your followers walk to the carriage and one of them sits upon it." Only works with vanilla carriages, conflicts with all overhauls Even Tarlazo questions this mod as a standalone.

Mordivier2 released Waking Nightmares For Good Guys - Neutralize Option
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167091
"If you're a hoarder like me and don't want to kill Erandur, but still want the Skull of Corruption for your shiny collection, then this mod is for you!"

A cheat by any other name... everything plays out as normal, but with the mod installed, the staff magically appears in your inventory... well a tamer version of it.

roymend released Sensei - A Hand to Hand Addon
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167103
"An overhaul of the Hand to Hand damage scaling and equipment"

Your game your way, The mod makes sense to keep unarmed viable for the long game, but how hard do you think you can punch. Not for old cats, but thanks

LvxMagick released Skyrim System Logger
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167083
"Skyrim System Logger is an SKSE plugin for Skyrim Special Edition that logs runtime systems and common player/world activity to a session-based log file. It’s designed for troubleshooting, debugging, and helping authors/users capture what’s happening in-game without needing Papyrus logging spam."

LOL, papyrus logging is so bad we need another logger no one can read to fix it This one reserves judgement... needs testing in game. Thanks

jaredvalentine released HD Minewood and Impwood - Retexture and SMIM
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167097
"A SMIM'ed retexture for all wood in mines and imperial forts. No ESP"

The old cat is already using a very similar mod, This looks good, but maybe a little too clean. Worth a look, and a cookie. Thanks

And finally, the old cat usually shies away from mods that edit landscapes, but this might be an exception

DrainvolOFF released Man's Best Friend - A Meeko's Shack Overhaul - Fixes and Patches
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167114
"Landscape edit, NavMesh rework, object alignment, patches, minor fixes, and a touch of my perfectionism"

The old cat liked the mod by TheOneTrueFuzzBeed, this mod alters the landscaping to make it fit in better, and does a nice job of it. Pictures tell the tale. Worth a look.

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!

A minor addendum... I broke these out in the forum, so I'll post them here as well.

I'm thinking I should break out all the holiday mods, I don't want to be the Grinchborn, but I have no idea how to treat replacing the gildergreen with a Christmas tree, or using SPID to distribute topless Santa robes, or ribbon bikinis to serving wenches.

Christmas in Whiterun by SKYKLF
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167136
I hope Kyne has a sense of humor

Christmas Banner Resource also by SKYKLF
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167138

Rose Santa with Outfits for SPID by Eflat63
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167115

Alluring Wenches Wardrobe II - Xmas Jingles (~nsfw)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/166586

Good now I don't need to add them to the review, and the fur isn't turning green. Have fun decking your halls. I'll wake the cat in a bit

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Tirdas the 16th of Evening Star, and another chilly predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons are waning through the final crescents and the will be new again on Sundas. Anyway, 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 Inspirazione A Napoli, and fresh biscuits will have to wait on Ah'vrie's return from the markets. Checking the hot sheets we have 34 new mods. Mostly jiggles and patches, but a handful caught the eye. Let's have a look over a fresh cuppa...

We'll start with two by RainyMidnight with apologies as one fell through the cracks
https://www.nexusmods.com/profile/Rainy ... ameId=1704

Simple SKSE Item Cheat Menu, "Very simple SKSE plugin utility for viewing items and adding them to the player inventory." Ah'vrie missed this one. Simple, clean, and runs in the MCM. Similar to others, but cleanly executed and worth a look. Thanks

Clean Crafting: "An SKSE plugin that hides crafting recipes in the UI unless you possess at least one required ingredient." Should be compatible with all mod added recipes, the only downside is sometimes a certain old cat likes to search the menus to figure out what he needs. It's a trade off between smaller menus, and ease of use. Thanks.

Aelover released No Combat or Riding Save
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167190
"Saving in combat or while riding a horse is pretty bad for your playthrough. This prevents it, works with all game versions, and is less performance intensive than some other mods."

The old cat has never personally had issues saving on his horse, but doesn't generally make a habit of it either. Saving during combat is definitely problematic. Another of the reasons using quick saves is so bad as well. This is useful as a reminder if nothing else. Thanks

AllieWadeMods released Sofie Doesn't Sleep on the Snow
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167172
"Let Sofie sleep inside of the Candlehearth Hall instead of out in the cold"

This gets the Aww! mod of the day award. A fix for Lucia is coming next. There was a recent mod that made little camps for them, this is a good alternative. Have a cookie.

peid released Vampire Ability - Enthrall
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167225
"New vampire ability. Seduce your victim, and once they trust you enough you can trick them into becoming your mindless thrall. Flagged esl."

Where to start? Ah'vrie loves the concept of a vampire seducing an NPC into becoming a thrall. That goes all the way back to Nosferatu. Unfortunately this wasn't a new Ostim mechanic to add a follower package to any NPC you choose if seduced as a vampire. This mod gives you a dialog option to make any 'confidant' as stupid as a Skyrim dog. Pass

We'll finish up with yet another thieves guild armor overhaul, this one by GabeEmperor

Thieves Guild Armor Ultimate Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167162
"Replaces ALL armor sets of the thieves guild, making every set distinc/unique, including Linwe & Summerset Shadows"

Not a bad set, the old cat is not thrilled with the guildmaster armor compared to the others, but worth a look.

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!

Gooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Middas the 17th of Evening Star, and another crisp 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 Venezia, and the biscuits are fudge brownie cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 37 new mods in the usual eclectic mix. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa...

kqwtoqwkt released Meet Anwen and Orla as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167278
"This mod upgrades these NPCs and adds only followers faction, but not standalone NPC."
If it makes you happy, why not. Thanks

CatharsisDevotedFollower released Aretino Residence Makeover as their first. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167247
"a small mod that rearranges Aventus Aretino’s house and adds a letter from his mother"

Basically cleans up the clutter a bit and adds a second bed. Thanks

siruan released 4 SPID outfit mods as their first mods. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/profile/sirua ... ameId=1704
Some interesting choices, thanks

rustyshack11223344 released Immortal Blood Volumes II and III
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167275
"This mod adds two spell tomes that give the player direct control over vampirism—both creation and cure—usable on NPCs in the world."

Make anyone an vamp, and cure them on a whim... Chaotic fun indeed. Thanks?

We'll finish up with Giorma's Realistic Weathers
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167230
"a handcrafted weather overhaul for Skyrim Special Edition focused on believable lighting, natural color balance, and consistent atmosphere across all times of day."

Taste is subjective, These settings don't really feel more natural to this old cat. Too bright, hazy, and with noticeable bloom where it doesn't quite feel 'right'. Thanks, your game your way. Ah'vrie will pass.

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 Turdas the 18th of Evening Star, and a very chilly predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it's 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 Istanbul espresso, and the biscuits are still fudge brownie cookies. It's too good a pairing to pass up on Checking the hot sheets we have 37 new from the usual eclectic sources. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

Edmund0x0 released SmallBanditCamp as their first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167330
"This is a small mod adding a new camp near Ivarstead, it reward the player with a unique weapon and some great treasures"

From the location, they have a wispmother as a neighbor. Could be interesting. Thanks

SwordMaster77W released two today.
https://www.nexusmods.com/profile/Sword ... ameId=1704
Nature of Skyrim bundled as a single mod, and some unfortunately very lame dance animations as a main menu vid. Your game your way, Thanks

DrainvolOFF released A Dunmer In Dismay - A Drelas Cottage Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167308
"Landscape edit, NavMesh rework, object alignment, patches, minor fixes, and a touch of my perfectionism."

The edits do look good. The old cat should remind everyone that these edits are for the modded locations not vanilla.

kuroishitam released Guards Don't Patrol During The Storm
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167296
"A simple mod that makes the guards don't patrol during rain storm or snow storm."

This one was definitely never in the military You dress for the weather but you stand your watch. Your game your way, but this is NOT immersive.

sothasimp released Publican's Perch - A Modular Bar and Shop Counter Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167277
A selection of 2k/4k bar and shop counter replacers with optional location-based BOS variance.

We do love variety, and we love choice. This mod provides both. You can use the full BOS version, or choose from several individual replacers. This one gets a cookie. The only hitch is the intricate detailed carvings don't really fit in with some of the vanilla locations. You'll recognize that all of Sotha's inns use recognizable overhauls. The old cat might use a couple of the separates for the more affluent locations VS the full replacer, but we love having the choice. Well done.

We have two mods in contention for mod of the day

Mephala's Favor by JamesTParker
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167283
"Join or destroy a small cult of Mephala worshipers in the Rift. Make offerings to the Queen of lies in return for Spider and betray themed powers! This mod includes an entirely new perk tree, four fully voiced NPCS (With real human voice actors.) A new location, a few very small quests, and some new merchants, spells and powers."

Vamps and werewolves have their own perk trees, why not betrayers LOL. Arachnophobes need not apply. You'll want to read the entire mod page. It's an interesting 'fork' missing from the vanilla game, and the fact that you actually have to 'buy' Mephala's favor as well as do her rituals to gain perks... A nice touch, and not cheap. The mod uses real voice actors, and that makes the old cat give it special attention. This one gets a cookie

Blackspine18859 released Sunhelm - Followers Needs and Needs Based Fast Travel
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/167280
"Followers can now experience hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Includes an option for needs based penalty spells to apply to them as well. Additional new feature: Needs-Based Fast Travel, which requires hunger, thirst, and fatigue be fully satisfied to fast-travel. ESL flagged."

You really need to read the mod page. Requires a new game, but it's very well thought out, even if the old cat has issues with needing to be well rested to fast travel. Fed and hydrated on the other hand makes perfect sense.

Followers will take meals when you do, and if on the road they share YOUR resources. The upside is at Inns and Player homes... etc. They do not. So Stopping at the inn for a full meal becomes a very inviting option... which of course it already is. This does alter Sunheim scripts which is why a new game is required. Needs testing, but the old cat will probably add this even though he rarely has followers in toe. Needs 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!