Modding on the Spectrum

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Loredas the 4th of First Seed and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. Wage slaves rejoice, the weekend has arrived and it is time once again for the old cat to tend his inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. You might want to cover your tankards for a bit. This can get a tad dusty... There, much better no?. Ah'vrie likes to start the weekend off with happy fires. It warms more than the room as his mother used to say yes she did. Now to compost the ash, tend the garden, scrub the kettles and put fresh water to the boil. The life of an inn keeper is glorious no? ...

Brew of the day is Indonesia and we'll bake fresh biscuits when Ah'vrie returns from the market later. There are plenty of Toll House for now. Checking the hot sheets we have 54 new with a cavalcade of bimbos, himbos, and even bloody dinosaurs. :steamfacepalm: Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat today over a fresh cuppa...

AlexMercer1998 released SSEEdit Armor Tools
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86164
"Make item price depends on armor. Make recipes. Make temper recipes. Add conditions."

Oleksandr created three scripts that are kind of interesting. one runs through your LO and adjusts all of the armor values to be in line with each other based on a material type. A second lets you create crafting recipes of any mod added items based on keyword and material, and the third creates tempering recipes the same way and includes conditions for enchanted items. Our Ukrainian friend gets two cookies. These are useful.

GOeast released 3 first mods today. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
Smaller Ash Piles, No Shot Trials, And their first mod (actually from yesterday) a bat file that automatically creates a generic NPC to follow you. Probably about as smart as the dogs :steammocking: Too funny. But welcome none the less.

lilson took on the vamps
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
Bloodline - Volkihar Family, and Blood and Ash. Certainly a distinctive look.

grvulture released Veydogolt - Green Tundra Grass
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86168
Not the first, but nicely done. Place below the original obviously. Thanks

markuskarttunen1 released Subdivide and Smooth - Volcanic Terrain
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86181
"Higher poly volcanic terrain, inlcuding sovengarde plateaus and soul cairn terrain meshes" The pictures tell the tale. Nice fixes. Have a cookie

Oh, too funny. We've got drama in the trenches...

Riften Temple Sconce Fix - Plugin Alternative for Major Cities Mesh Overhaul or Lux Orbis
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86189
This one is by Treeaboo. "A plugin-based alternative to wSkeever's 'Riften Temple Sconce Fix' to get around compatibility issues with Major Cities Mesh Overhaul and/or Lux Orbis without the need of patching the meshes by hand."

And

Riften Temple Sconce Fix - Pluginless Alternative for Major Cities Mesh Overhaul or Lux Orbis
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86244
This one is by silvermetal. "A mesh replacer for the sconce in Riften's temple that includes the base from wSkeever's Riften Temple Sconce Fix, making it compatible with Major Cities Mesh Overhaul and/or Lux Orbis without the need of a plugin."

The DRAMA... pass the popcorn LOL. The second one is a better method.

And finally something a little different in the spotlight

Body Language by KlausGamingShow
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86085
"Dynamically replace animations based on character's personality. Powered by dualsun's Pretty Idles."

"The twist is that it does so based on character's personality traits - aggression, confidence, morality and assistance. That means, with Body Language on, the people of Skyrim will let their nature transpire through their overall behavior."

Some of the more aggressive animations may clip a little with furniture, but over all I like the idea behind this. If you use Conditional armor type animations you will be doing some manual patching. So basically this mod sets conditions for conditional idles... Have a cookie

And that will do for today. The ale was delivered on time, and the fresh batch of mead is ready so Ah'vrie hopes you're thirsty. We're serving mudcrab scrambles as the early meal, and Ale braised sabrecat with twice baked garlic potatoes and sauteed carrots for the late meal. As always we'll have a hearty stew simmering all day for those that prefer it. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept and mopped. We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Gooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Sundas the 5th of First Seed and another crisp yet quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons will be gibbous tomorrow and full on Tirdas so if you haven't honed your silver weapons best get after it. Anyway, this one has an inn to tend so excuse please while the fires are stoked and fresh water put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Capetown Lungo, and the biscuits will be Oatmeal sour cherry, the first tray should be done in about 11 minutes. Checking the hot sheets we have 53 new with all the usual jiggles, dangles, patches and goofs. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa this morning.

Lets see... Spaghetti's Towns - Dragon Bridge adds a few banners and an ugly fence
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86302

grvulture released Yolos ENB
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86305
"A realistic ENB preset for Haze Weathers 2, Obsidian Weathers and Scandinavian Seasons." Desaturates the world, but favors lens flare and bloom. Nights aren't very dark either. Meh

nightmarezone released NITHI NPC Enhancement - The Reach
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86150
"A lore-friendly, completely standalone hold overhaul for Markarth and The Reach." covers 81 NPCs with fomod choices for all, just women, or just men. Worth a look.

Mandragorasprouts released Falmer Overhaul - New models and textures
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86338
"Replaces Falmer models and textures. NO ESP." Wow! These look awful in a good way. Mariam has done a really good job capturing the flamer vibe. Instant download for the old cat, but in 2K. Ah'vrie hunts them in the dark anyway have a cookie

Kanjs - Deers
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86349
"Kanjs Deers Textures up to 4K with an RMI (Rigged Mesh Improvement) Mod, similar to the SMIM" Hmm, they may use a slightly higher poly mesh, but they still look like vanilla crap. Oh well, thanks, but pass

renthal311 is evidently still trying to get the game to run on a phone
fencewoven lowpoly 1k 512 for low end pc
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86300
Utterly dissapointing... So sad :steamsad: He used to be the best.

Wizkid takes the top slot with two today...

Atlantean Landscape -The Reach- Complex Terrain Parallax
Atlantean Landscape -Field Grass- Complex Terrain Parallax
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files

Available in 2K and 4K with a subtle hand on the tessellation algorithms. There are a couple of settings in the current ENB binary that need to be enabled/added for complex parallax to work properly.

EnableTerrainBlending=true
EnableComplexTerrainParallax=true
EnableComplexTerrainParallaxShadows=true

While the old cat is not calling this an instant download, he IS considering scrapping his current build and switching over to parallax... Seeing as this would literally be a ground up build, Ah'vrie is thinking it over, but very close to pulling the trigger.

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 Morndas the 6th of First Seed and :steambored: AhhYah! Excuse please, the old cat is having trouble starting his day. 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.

Brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits are Oatmeal sour cherry. Checking the hot sheets we have 43 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat over a fresh cuppa...

AcesAndre released Less Extreme Survival System as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86393
"Simply removes the additional effects of the various stages of cold, exhaustion, and hunger." Sooo, basically nerfs survival mode. No loss of dexterity or movement, and no buffs for warmth. Your game your way, but this falls under why bother.

Temryuu released Thousand Foot Fall - Mage Home as a second mod.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86418
"The new purchasable home is located inside Solitude inside a newly added tower along the walls on the arch" Ah'vrie is not thrilled with the symmetry. If it was the same height as the other towers along the parapets the old cat would like it better. But thanks

Styyxus released Regen Adjuster SKSE - NG - Updated by LokiWasTaken
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86409
"I only made it work with the latest version of the game." And you have our thanks.

ferrari365 released Soul Cairn Script Tweaks
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86367
"Reworks 2 Soul Cairn scripts to improve performance by replacing inefficient while loops with RegisterForSingleUpdate. No ESP." The old cat is not a coder, but more efficient is always a good thing. Thanks

RokHel released HQ Vanilla Snow Elf Ruins Retexture
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86403
"Remasters vanilla textures into high quality versions. Staying true to original aim and feel" Wow, what to say. The stonework textures aren't... bad, the normal maps are seriously questionable. As to the doors... Frankly the old cat has never seen worse. Keep at it. PASS

CinnaMewRoll released Simple Functional Apiary - A bee mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86402
"Do you love bees? Or ever wanted a mod which brings a somewhat immersive way to farming honey? Look no further." Okay, the old cat likes a simple usable metrics and this mod is sweet. Catch and store bees in your apiary, and they will produce honey. :steamthumbsup: Simple and clean, have a cookie

Pieter82 released Higher Poly Vanilla Cave Lamps
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86397
"Higher poly meshes for the two vanilla cave lamp assets, with vanilla texture paths. Mesh replacer only, no plugin / ESP." And they even look good. Have another cookie

Lets see... MidHandGaming re-released their port of Become A Highway Man
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86374
The old one is still up from March 2022 so no idea why this port was re-released

Kanjs - Horker
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86401
"Kanjs Horker Textures up to 4K with an RMI (Rigged Mesh Improvement), similar to the SMIM (Static Mesh Improvement Mod), but for Rigged Meshes" This is their second mod in as many days. The old cat will take their word this RMI is an improvement, but it's certainly hard to see. Thanks

markuskarttunen1 released Subdivide and Smooth - Tundra Terrain
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86420
"High poly tundra terrain" New UV maps, cleaned up "funny" alpha layers. This is another mod the old cat is having trouble spotting any obvious improvements, but the underlying structure is important as well. Thanks

Let's finish up with some dead shrubs...

DrJacopo released Cathedral - 3D Thicket and Dead Shrub
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86392
"A 3d replacer for the horrendous dead thickets and shrubs" Cool, high poly dead bushes...

kirara386 says How about we put them to work?

Mostly Dead Shrubs Thorny Thickets and Vanilla Thicket and Dead Shrub Replacements
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86414
"Combines Mostly Dead Shrubs, Thorny Thickets, and any other dead shrub and thicket replacement that use the vanilla EditorID." You'll want to read the mod page. Uses BOS to add variety to your dead plants, and why not. Have a cookie and 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! :steamhappy:

Gooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Tirdas the 7th of First Seed and the old cat hopes you've been heeding his warnings because the blessed moons are full tonight, and the goddess' crazy puppies will be out and about causing all sorts of mischief tonight so keep those silver weapons close and honed. Anyway, it's time once again for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our mos honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are tended and fresh water is put to the boil...

Our brew of the day is from Honduras, and the biscuits are Gingerman. Checking the hot sheets we have 43 new with all the bimbos, himbos, patches, and goofs we've come to expect. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa...

itspiri released Amma's Honeyside as a second mod. Welcome back
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86473
"Honeyside remodel fit for thieves and thanes alike." Meh, another TARDIS overhaul, but if it makes you happy why not.

KarlssonVomDach released Near vanilla Lakeview Manor
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86475
"Few modifications to the outside of Lakeview Manor " This one is being modest... they only changed that which we all pretty much agree needed to be changed. get rid of the predator spawns in the yard, lose the necromancer, stop the almost constant attacks, and de-couple the tanning rack from the animal pens. Nothing else... 2 cookies for restraint, and thanks

It would seem the dark imp Ilja has been petitioning the universe again... 2 responded

sinzzzz released One Touch Protected and Essential
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86455
"The protection attribute of unique NPCs can be cycled between None > Protected > Essential with a single touch." This is an SKSE64 plugin using either a hotkey or a spell

adrilex98 released Essential NPC as a second mod.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86485
"Turn skyrim NPCs into essentials with the setEssential command." Based on a discussion on AFK mods, released for feedback on who could/should be included. This uses a batch file to set the essential flag.

Console Vs. spell... Personally I still consider Run for your lives the gold standard (Nods to Arthmoor)

boringvlln released two more cooking mods today following up on Seasonal foods
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/3985840 ... files&BH=0
No Cooking in Taverns, and Tavernkeep Cooks. The first stops the player from cooking in inns, and the other adds dialog for the inn keeper to cook you simple meals if they aren't already on the menu. well, it is arguably immersive from an RP perspective, but not every inn has an old cat doing the cooking

Lets see... PSBoss put breasts on centurians :steamfacepalm: no link needed

GervantMods released Bust of Tiber Septim
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86407
"Another piece of immersion for your Skyrim" adds the bust to the emperor's quarters on the Katariah. Nice, but it better be lootable :steammocking:

wSkeever released Gemstones Remade - Legacy of The Dragonborn
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86507
Skeever has been slowly replacing the LOTD gem models for over a year. Adds a lot of variety, but some of the models are... questionable? Worth a look

LeoMaximus released Meridia Revised - A New Voice
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86483
"Hired the excellent VA Abigail Reno to revoice Meridia. You'll find her to have a less harsh, more calming, and maybe a little alluring voice." Available in two versions; with or without some background effects. Thanks, definitely a little less commanding. Have a cookie

Plotinus released HT Casting Regeneration Reposted for SSE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86472
A port of HackTank's Casting Regeneration from Oldrim. "Allows the player and/or NPCs to regenerate Magicka while they are still casting, charging, or channeling spells including staves" A small cheat for a requiem user. Why not.

3D stonewall by Renthal
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86479
512k again, and lots of Ivy. They look good, but don't match the farmhouse foundation stone color pallet too closely

That's about it for today, Dionysist released QW's Grass Patch Pre-Cache for LOD
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86457
"Pre-cache for grass LOD generation using DynDOLOD 3.00" Thanks, This one has single handedly removed the only remaining reason to downgrade... But the old cat does miss no grass in objects. Oh well.

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 9th of First Seed, and a another quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons are gibbous but keep those silver weapons close for another day or two. Never trust those crazy doggies. Anyway, it is time once again for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored quests. Excuse please while the fires are tended and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Milano intenso, and the biscuits are verona. Checking the hot sheets we have 51 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa.

DrPharmDawg is the latest to release another futile "Class overhaul" This is actually an updated simplified version of their original CORI. The old cat gets a kick out of all of the authors that insist on pretending Skyrim is D&D :steamfacepalm: If it makes you happy

Class Overhaul Re-Imagined
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86615
This one has some interesting tiers to their classes unlocked with class points earned every 5 levels. Any way you slice it, you'll end up OP at end game, just like every other 'system'

Blackread released Quest Start Tweaks
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86599
"Adjusts the starting conditions of a few vanilla quests to make more sense in a modded game." The Alpha and the Omega... Delays the letter from Falkreath until level 16 and imposes quest completion conditions on triggering the letter. (check mod page for quests) You can always start the thane favors in Falkreath anytime by speaking with the Jarl, only the letter is delayed. The ebony warrior will now trigger after Alduin, Harkon and Miraak are dead. Well thought out, but the old cat will stick with Timing is everything which does Sooo much more.

slavicpotato1 released Sprint Sneak Movement Speed Fix
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86631
"Fixes the game applying wrong movement speed if the character draws, sheathes or shouts while sprinting or sneaking. SKSE64 plugin." Nice catch, the issue has been around since oldrim, but this is the first SKSE based "conditional fix" Vs. a script based workaround. Thanks, have a cookie

agd25 released Defeat the Dragon Cult
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86625
Okay, this is simple and cute... When Parthy sends you off to get the dragon scroll, Esbern sends you a not telling you Alduin gathers strength from the dragon priests and they all have to be destroyed you can effectively defeat Alduin.

This is totally a head canon mod, all it supplies is the note, and map markers for the priests. It also alludes to the wooden mask. Perfect, though I question the map markers... Still, from an RP perspective 2 cookies

Lets see... AnInsaneMoose released Dwemer Steel - A Dwarven Metal Retexture
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86619
Turns Dwemer metal grey... Ooookay

xavbio has been making some very nice and consistent armor retextures for a while now, but the old cat usually skips "accessories" This authors "catalog of work" is worth a look
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
The blades armor retex today is very clean, includes mod added versions, and includes clean cube maps. Definitely worth a look.

Ryn's Azura's Shrine
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86592
"A large overhaul of the Azura's Shrine area and a new dungeon."

Okay, this is a big overhaul, and the old cat has "an opinion" which he will share but Ah'vrie wants you to check out the mod. The concepts are very sound, and the old cat is in agreement. However... While Ah'vrie really likes adding to the location to account for "hundreds" of Azura's faithful living and working there to build the shrine; the old cat has issues with Ryn using the Nordic ruin tile set to build it... The Red Mountain eruption was not in the first era. Just saying. The Undercroft is a perfect addition, but a full Nordic crypt on a mountain top ostensibly built by the elves? IMHO Ryn should have used the Solsteim temple kit pieces. No cookie, but an impressive bit of work, and worth a serious look.

We'll finish up with a mod close to the old cat's heart...

Relaxed Khajiits by tarlazo
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86610
"Sit, relax, sleep. -- ESP-FE" Adds a proper AI schedule to the caravans. Thanks Roberto, it's about damn time LOL Have a cookie, instant download

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:

Sorry folks... I somehow missed yesterday's post

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Middas the 8th of First Seed and the old cat is sensing spring is finally approaching. It will hopefully be open window weather soon here on warm sands. But for now, 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 put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Inspriazione a Milano, and the biscuits are Zurich. Checking the hot sheets we have 52 new mods with all the jiggles, dangles, accessories, patches and goofs we've come to expect. Let's see what catches the eye today over a fresh cuppa.

Vony256 released More Dragon Loot as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86513
"Adds Dragon loot other than bones." Because why wouldn't dragons eat enchanted weapons? Spicy! Not saying a word...

Juwell returns after an extended hiatus with JLL's Honorhall Orphanage
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86580
"A visual overhaul of the Honorhall Orphanage in riften" Well, it adds a little post Grelod clutter anyway. Thanks

Maisa6000 released Rustic Furniture UV fix as a second mod.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86539
"Adjusts texture UV mapping for Rustic Furniture textures. See pictures." Okay, I know we're talking about a second mod, and we're also talking about Gamwich. While the old cat is on the fence about changing the leather/lattice top on the low table, all of the other fixes are well thought out and executed. It's hard to unsee some of these fixes LOL. Have a cookie

Juniper's Fort Dawnguard
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86361
"A cleanup of Fort Dawnguard as you advance the Dawnguard questline. 100% Less cobwebs! Install anytime!" It certainly looks more lived in... Have a cookie

Let's see... aerysthemaddovahking released Outfit for Courier
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86532
"Options for standalone craftable, outfitted vanilla couriers or custom couriers." Not a bad outfit, but the old cat likes Lilly's outfit better

DarthBlender released Susanna the Dead (NSFW)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86039
"Changes the two dead instances of Susanna during the "Blood on Ice" Quest. First encounter is bloody with wounds, second encounter in Hall of the Dead is wiped from blood. Uses the body shape you have installed. As of 1.1 it edits the sacrifice outside Altar of Thrond in the Dragonborn DLC." Not thrilled with the blood splatter, but your game your way.

renthal311 released impcandle01
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86555
"impcandle01 lowpoly 512x512" What is this, Shrek's earwax candle?

Ah'vrie continues to post this "crap" out of respect for the author's past brilliance, but the old cat is done. I'm sorry, but this looks like noob garbage. The bedroll looks great in game as a vanilla replacer, but nothing since is even worth the download. a shame really.

jpmetal released Solitude Lumber Mill Mesh
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86541
"I just added/patched somerandomguy83's Real 3D Walls and Xyberbat's Optional Round Farmhouse Post meshes unto Brumbek's SMIM Solitude Lumber Mill mesh since I noticed that the 3D walls and Round Posts are only applied to the Farm Lumber Mills." Obviously all of the above mods are required. The old cat has to admit it looks good, Have a cookie

Yuril released FYX - Eastern Empire Company Building
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86526
"Open fake windows, opens access to the terrace, fix bad placement of the bar and the roof, Fix some UV's. NO Esp" A definite improvement. Thanks, have a cookie

Blackread patches FYX - EEC Building - Navmesh - 3DNPC - TGCoS
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86544
Patches Yuril's ECC mod for use with 3D NPCs and The great city of Solitude. And thank you for that as well.

Blackread also released Whiterun Tablecloth Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86552
Replaces the tablecloths used in Dragonsreach and a few other places with more attractive models." And they look really nice as well. A viable alternative to Rugnarok Although a few color choices would be nice. This one gets a cookie as well.

And that will do for today. There's nothing that jumps up and grabs the top spot. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are... Don't drop your food. We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Fredas the 10th of First Seed and thanks the divines the weekend is nigh. The blessed moons have set, and thankfully we should now be safe from the goddess' crazy puppies for a while. Anyway, It is once again time to 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...

Our brew of the day is Venezia, and the biscuits are Zurich. Checking the hot sheets we have 57 new with all the bimbos, himbos, accessories, patches, and goofs we've come to expect. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat this day over a fresh cuppa. Definitely a fresh cuppa, maybe a double... The old cat was sampling a new DIPA last night and is a tad fuzzy headed.

Koji267 released ThievesLoveBigCities as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86690
"Go to the city at night using secret entrance, unseen by guards break into house of richest family in the city, loot their gold and jewelry and escape without anyone noticing. Thats the life of real thief."

Anyone who's first mod adds RP value to the game is okay in the old cat's eyes. Great mod for a thief based play through, however it fails Ah'vrie's eye... Aspen trees? in the tundra... really :steamfacepalm: That's as bad as ivy growing indoors LOL Have a cookie anyway for this not being a god level weapon, a cheat, or yet another player house in Riverwood :steammocking:

rgyx ported Essentialize Spells SE by RavingKeroro
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86643
"This mod is the equivalent of running "setessential <baseid> 0/1" on a target." And as such... Fair warning. Used sparingly, this could allow you to make a follower essential, used unwisely and you could break every quest associated with an essential NPC you just killed.
The old cat says; Use with forethought and selectively or destroy your game...

lautasantenni released Extra Enchantments
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86689
Lame title, this adds enchantment effect that were limited to potions in the vanilla game. Distributed through generic items added to leveled lists. Requires the use of Wrye Bash, or manual editing. Questionable, but your game your way.

Kanjs - Cow
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86681
"Kanjs Cow Textures up to 4K with an RMI (Rigged Mesh Improvement), similar to the SMIM"

Ugh! Sorry Tobie, but mods are not supposed to make the critters look bloody worse. :steamfacepalm: You called this a retexture, so why does it look like you glued straw to the cow? We all know the original model was lame, but 4k just makes it look more lame. Where's that eye bleach?

Lets see... Doodlezoid released two community shaders features
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
Tree LOD lighting, and grass lighting. View these as an emulation/alternative to ENB complex grass, and complex tree LODs from DynDOLOD. Minimal performance hit.

Thanks, this will make people with weaker systems very happy. Have a cookie

lilebonymace released Safer Spikes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86659
"Makes spikes such as those in the pit at Halted Stream Camp safer to approach from the side." "This mod doesn't make the spikes behave realistically."

Does not remove damage, but you don't get injured touching a spike, just falling on one. The old cat has been bitten trying to sneak around them a few times. Realistic or not, Have a cookie. Nice little fix

grvulture released two today as well.
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/73940?t ... files&BH=0
Veydogolt - Extra Trees, and Natura ENB Patch for Haze Weathers 2

The old cat is currently testing Traverse the Ulvenwald, but Veydogolt was the next to be tested so color an old cat very interested in this. "Hand-placed new modeled trees all over Skyrim. 74 new tree types. 7,345 extra trees all over Skyrim."

(As an aside, if you look at the first pic on the mod page, you'll recognize the downfall of parallax done wrong. Look at the extreme tessellation of the pebbles on the stream banks)

IWantATardis released Hag Claw and Hawk Beak
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86714
"2 Ingredients redone, higher poly model and retextured." And unlike Kanj's cows, these are a vast improvement over vanilla models. Have a cookie. Flagging to download when I get to textures again.

RemmyKun released Improved Dragonfly for TMD Jars of Skyrim
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86678
"This mod replaces the vanilla dragonfly in "TMD Jars of Skyrim" with the beautiful dragonfly model from "Improved Dragonfly"." Thge old cat is still using 83 willows fixed models, but honestly Aviform's model is superior. Worth a look and a cookie. requires the original Improved Dragonfly mod as expected.

And finally our mod of the day... it's been a while. Beat the drums!

SUDs - Skyrim's Unique Drinks by icecreamassassin
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/85824
"Feel cheated about the Bee and Barb being the only place with specialty drinks even though alcohol seems to be THE central hobby for Nords everywhere? Well look no further! SUDs brings you a new signature alcoholic beverage for EVERY inn in Skyrim and overhauls the Bee and Barb drinks all with unique models."

Damn... Now Ah'vrie needs to come up with a couple of unique drinks for the coffee house... I'll call one "The cat's meow" Hot coffee serves with Colovian brandy, a touch of moon sugar, and just a splash of frothed heavy cream. Ah'vrie will have to work on a specialty mead drink, but his smoothskin needs to get to work so later for that...

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 Loredas the 11th of First Seed and wage slaves rejoice the weekend has arrived. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it's once again time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the ashhh pits are emptied, and the fires rebuilt. You might want to cover your tankards for a bit, this can get a tad dusty... There' much better no? A happy fire warms more than the room as Ah'vrie's mother liked to say. Now to scrub the kettles and put fresh water to the boil...

Brew of the day is Cape Town lungo, and we'll bake fresh biscuits when the old cat returns from the markets a little later. There are plenty of Toll House for now. Checking the hot sheets we have 55 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa... make it a double.

DremoraLord98 released RealBody - A Heavy CBBE Body Preset as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86788
"RealBody is my attempt at creating a heavier body type in Skyrim." Quite reasonable and realistic Will. Nicely done. This would be a good addition to Obody. Have a cookie

sifriel released Remove Smithing improvements as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86644
"I think is not very immersive that only the player can upgrade armors and weapons so I removed this option from the game" Admirable Rodrigo, only let us know how that works out when you fight a legendary dragon with a sword that does 26 damage :steammocking:
Your game your way.

Edryu released 2 today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/1284507 ... files&BH=0
Horse Whistle Key Lite, and MCM Power Attacks (third attempt?).. Thanks

code1k released 2 new additions to landscape fixes for grass mods
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
Falskaar, and COTN patches. Welcome back... Thanks

Blubbos Solitude
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86739
"A mod that adds trees in Solitude, which I created myself." Denis does love his trees. There's an included patcvh for JK's, but it will need patching for LOTD. Thanks

Wizkid released Atlantean Landscape -DirtCliffs- Parallax
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86784
DirtCliffs parallax textures replacer (2k and 4k options avaliable). The old cat wishes there was a no roots option for this. Great work as always, and another instant download, but the old cat has always hated those thrice damned eyesore roots. Worth a serious look as always, and another cookie.

And finally we'll give GrVulture the top slot today

Undo Water Changes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86793

"There are many mods that change the Skyrim water records. This can conflict with mods such as Realistic Water 2 or Water for ENB. With this mod you will revert the water records to their default values and remove any conflicts from your load order."

Water mods touch so many bloody records... Load your water mods very low, and run this just above them, and it makes sure the expected records are where they belong... Okay, it's a simple concept and frankly the old cat is surprised someone didn't do this about a decade ago.

Perfect timing as the old cat is loading water today. Downloaded for testing, and have two cookies. Thanks Chris, you rock

And that will do for today. The Ale was delivered on time, and the mead is fresh. We're serving medallions of venison marinated in brandy and served with caramelized onions over roast diced potatoes with a poached egg on top for the early meal. Ah'vrie will wait to see what's fresh in the markets before choosing the late meal, but as always there will be a hearty stew simmering as well. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept and mopped. We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundace the 12th of First Seed and a quiet 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, and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Milano Intenso, and the biscuits are Chessmen. Checking the hot sheets we have 54 new with enough jiggle to make Jello jealous as always. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat over a fresh cuppa this day.

ToxicHazard17 released The Display Rooms as a first mod welcome
"Each Room/Floor is a Long Hallway full of 150 Mannequins and 150 Display Cases. There are a total of 25 Floors at the moment, for a total of 3,750 Mannequins and Display Cases! (I know, its a lot.)" ... No link needed

MooseTetrino released ENB Lights for Vanilla Fires as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86801
"I absolutely love ENB Light. However, I use Seasons of Skyrim SKSE and the automatic snow shader from that does not play well with Embers HD."

The old cat uses Wizkid's ultra fixed version of EmbersXD/HD, and just added seasons of Skyrim in his current test build ... tracking, Thanks

blalbab released Random KS Hairdos HDT SMP for NPCs SPID as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86800
"This mod adds random KS Hairdos with physics to every female NPC via SPID."

... ? Not sure the old cat would trust or even want random physics wigs distributes, but your game your way. Thanks (At least this one is not sidifying the population as well:steammocking:)

silni1 released Regeneration Ring as a first SSE mod. Welcome
23 mods for FO4 and this one released a 5X HMS regen buff. No link for you

mikulash released Bywater Cottage - a Riverwood playerhome as a first mod. welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86824
Oh look, a Tardis farm house in Riverwood as a first mod. how... original :steammocking:
kidding, Nicely cluttered, lots of alchohol. Welcome to the community

shinzori released High Poly NPCs Patches as a first SSE mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86796
"An assortment of patches I made while adding High Poly NPC Overhaul into my modlist " this was written for the Moonshadow modpack

Oppenheimer116 released Atronach Scale With the Player as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86835
"Allows the Flame, Frost, and Storm Atronachs to scale with the player" A tad OP but the concepts are sound. Worth a look for a mage build. thanks, you can have a cookie

ThinkInk69 released Optional Quick Start - No Starting Gear as a second mod. Thanks
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86846
"Optional replacement for Optional Quick Start that optionally removes the starting gear the original mod not-so-optionally contains." LOL, the old cat likes this one. Have a cookie

unamazement released 2 today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/3277931 ... files&BH=0
A pocket home, and an Atronach Follower. Why not. Thanks

PrincessMely released Color - Menu Themes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86839
"Add a splash of color to Skyrim’s UI and menus" Pretty, but not compatible with SkyUI

Let's see...
zhongjiedong patched Riften Docks Overhaul to remove fishing as a dependency
Yuril released a set of meshes as a modders resource Thanks

HamsterSensei12 released Size Matters
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86837
"This mod uses Base Object Swapper scale transforms to adjust the size of various objects that are often thought to be either too big or too small." This is just two INI files. One for the player to edit and choose what to scale, and the other with Hamster's preferences. A fairly complete list, worth a look.

And finally... HyliosSykes released HS Wilderness - Anise's Cabin
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86865
yeesh, that ENB used in the pics ... :steamfacepalm: Red belly mine fog in the basement, and didn't even repair the roof. The old cat will pass, but your game your way

and that will do for today. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept. Enjoy what remains of the weekend. We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 13th of First Seed and wage slaves lament the weekend has ended. Hide if you can or work if you must, it's Morndas again. TheBlessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it's 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 brought to the boil...

Brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits are Verona. Checking the hotsheets we have 57 new... of course we do LOL. Let's see what catches the eye this day over a fresh cuppa. Definitely a fresh cuppa and a double at that.

Pilauli released Transmute Improvements - Make Silver by Default as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86920
"Makes the "Transmute" spell prioritize making silver instead of gold" Sooo, single cast makes silver, dual cast makes gold... Okay, an interesting take on gold being a little to easy to make in the early game for a very green mage. Now at least you have to be capable of dual casting. The old cat approves LOL Have a cookie. Nice first mod Dled to endorse

soraii released I am Argonian as a first mod. welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86929
"To be honest it just saddened me every time Madesi called me landstrider " See a need fill a need. Sloppy work by the devs if the factions don't recognize their own... Thanks

The regulars will realize that the old cat has been completely ignoring the "clouds over" mods. Mharlek1 released an all in one... they still look silly, no link for you

minimecha released 4 CBBE/3BA conversions. Thanks
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/20418929?tab=user+files

GammyMuffin released Cooler Ancient Knowledge
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86922
"Adds in an alternate path to learn how to make Dwarven equipment via the Ancient Knowledge perk" For those who don't use Morrowloot Ultimate. (Like the old cat) Thanks, this makes returning the cube worth doing earlier. Dled

Honorable mention... ?

V3kku released the mead mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86940
"This mod adds a bunch of meads that have effects that come from their ingridients." and no other information given... a followup to added shines to mead? PASS, have another drink

Let's get to the good stuff...

lilebonymace and Wizkid released Fully Harvest Hanging Carcasses and Coin Purses
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86751
"When you harvest hanging dead animal carcasses they disappear. Harvested coin purses don't have collision. Fixed collision of hanging salmons." We love these guys DLed

RokHel released Northern Ice Unofficial Update - IMR edition
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86897
"Updating in quality and many other improvements on the popular ice retexture by T4GTR34UM3R"

Okay, you have to look for yourselves, I'm sure a lot of work went into this... these "improvements" look awful. No transparency, no refraction, no sub surface scattering. The original textures look much better... HARD PASS

disitinerant released Parallax Addon for Rudy's HQ Nordic Ruins
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86900
"This is a parallax addon with the goal of enhancing the existing beauty of Rudy HQ - Nordic Ruins SE, by adding the illusion of depth and irregularity to the underlying models, and improving how light and shadow appear in these mysterious locations." Well said, and nicely done. This one gets a cookie. Worth a look.

And for our mod of the day...
Pieter82 has addressed one of the old cat's biggest pet peeve. Sound the trumpets

Dirt Cliffs to Rock Cliffs
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/86885
"Dirt Cliffs will make use of your Mountain textures instead of Dirt Cliff textures. Also removes the 2D roots and makes the remaining 3D roots higher poly. Mesh replacer only. No plugin / ESP. "

FINALLY! an alternative to the ugliest mesh in the entire game. We've had mods try to hide it with ivy, other mods that removed the roots altogether, and because the mesh is used externally as well as in caves none of them looked natural in all situations. At least now we have another choice... Turn that ugly crap into ... wait for it ... a rock! uncle Sheo would be proud. A worthy fix. one root remains, and it was made high poly.

It's a personal thing with the old cat but 3 cookies and a seat by the fire for doing what should have been done a decade ago. Rocks! who would have thunk :steammocking:

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: