Modding on the Spectrum

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Tirdas the 20th of Evening Star and a very crisp 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 Stockholm roast, and the biscuits are Bordeaux. Checking the hot sheets we have 34 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat over a fresh cuppa...

innerfreeman released Konahrik Ultimate as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/80988
"Simple mod that makes the dragon priest mask hunt more rewarding." Oh look, a mod that turns the Konahrik mask into a noobish god level cheat. How... expected PASS

treva888 released Simple Smaller Potions and Poisons
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81006
What it says on the wrapper... "~65% of vanilla size " Thanks

RubberSpaghetti released Spaghetti's Cities - Solitude
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/80986
"This mod provides a lightweight, compatible, and FPS friendly overhaul to Solitude!" Similar to their Whiterun overhaul, simply adds some crates, barrels, trellises... Thanks

Eldermaster28 released Bloodmoon Brodir Grove
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81024
"Restores Brodir Grove to it's Bloodmoon Appearance replacing the basic boring stones that Bethesda used." This one is still fixated on making Solsteim resemble Blood Moon. Your game your way... Why not.

StepModifications released Majestic Mountains Double-Sided Patch
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81018
"Double-sided meshes sourced from and updated in tandem with Majestic Mountains." This is a simple mod that sets the double sided flag on all of the MM meshes that need them. Load this after MM, but above other MM patches. (Compatible with EVLaS)

tarlazo released The Last Journey
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81010
"Removes the two dead merchants near Dragon Bridge after some time. --- ESL" Triggered by having the wife's journal in your inventory when you leave the location. The mod buries the bodies and removes the cart... About time. Thanks (Roberto promises this is his last "last" mod

And finally... Tis the season

Kreiste released Kreiste's Christmas Fantasy Outfit
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/80572
"Are you ready to jingle your bells?" And of course there's a skimpy version as well. It's not in the leveled lists... add by spawning

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 Middas the 21st of Evening Star. This is the longest night of the year, and with the blessed moons gibbous tomorrow, it is also one of the darkest winter solstices in recent memory. The old cat says make sure you have extra wood and candles handy this evening and keep your doors locked. Even the shaman are nervous. Stay safe, and be prepared, winter is officially here. The hunters are reading the omens as a sign that the festival of the new moons should have an extra day, and have already begun their... festivities. The stories should be VERY interesting this month. Anyway, the blessed moons have set, the paths are closed and it is time once again 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 a "reviving origins" release from the Honde valley in eastern Zimbabwe. It would seem Tamuka mu Zimbabwe, has joined the Maluka farm. Interesting floral and chocolate notes in the aroma. Not overly bold, very smooth, and a subtle finish. Ah'vrie thinks this will make an exceptional espresso/ristretto, but doesn't stand up to a lungo. Our biscuits today are Cantuccini biscotti. (You can hammer nails with them but YUM!)

Checking the hot sheets we have 43 new mods today with lots of jiggles, accessories, patches, and cheats as always. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa...

Synthalisk released Ring of Unlimited Magicka as a first mod. Welcome... Moving right along

SilentGamingGeek released Legendary Deep II as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81060
adds a treasure location at the deepest part of the vanilla ocean. requires Skyrim Borders Disabled if you don't wish to edit your own INI files. Useless but interesting

SaibanBern released Tavern band and music - custom version as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81086
"a custom version of Tavern band and music which adds khajiit bands to certain inns
I just changed the musics to something I prefer and thought sharing it could be fun"

LMAO!, Never going to give you up sung in old English. Well the originasl mod did have open permissions :steammocking: Pass

shehatescult released Zenith - a Semi-Realistic ReShade Preset (Their second)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81101
... "Semi-Realistic" is unfortunately a subjective term. Thanks, worth a look but pass

Jelidity released unnamed landscape texture tweaks mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81041
"Tweaks various meshes and textures for a vanilla style landscape. Includes some vanilla tweaks and some retextures for certain mods all in modular downloads so you don't download more than just the bits you actually want" 8 minor tweaks and patches. You'll have to look for yourselves as they are very subtle.

Pfuscher released Taproot
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81044
"Taproot retexture, slightly bigger mesh 31 kilobyte - No esp/esl

Well this is a first... It's from Pfuscher, but for once the old cat is not really impressed.

XilaMonstrr released two more "Optimised and upscaled" today
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
Blackthorn 4K, and The Scarlett 4K. Thanks, Don't stop now

And we'll finish up with something a little unusual for the old cat. The top slot goes to a heavy armor mod... And this one deserves it.

Dwemer Armor SE by 4thUnknown
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81043

"Most often, what they are trying to pass off as dwarven equipment is nothing more than a fake created by modern blacksmiths from parts of animunculi and melted scrap metal. The real Dwemer artifacts are very rare, under the protection of the Empire. Possession of them is illegal. But, do not worry too much about this. It is unlikely that the local guards know what the "Law" is. This modification adds several sets of Dwemer armor to the game. Explore the dwarven ruins to get them. Be careful, and good luck (:"

Okay the old cat is just going to come out and say it. Vanilla Dwemer armor looks like crap, blocky, way too heavy, and just plain ugly. The old cat has never considered wearing it in game, so my opinions are a bit jaded.

This armor looks like it was designed to be actual armor. And the old cat is also very impressed that this is "NOT" a replacer. You'll have to search the Dwemer ruins and collect the pieces. This is a new armor that deserves the top slot and a couple of cookies. Thanks

Xtudo released Dwemer Armor SE - My patches and fixes (And Dremora Markynaz Shields)
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/452087? ... files&BH=0

"ESP flagged as ESL.
arried on the Unofficial Skyrim fixes.
Added the "Warm" keyword to all the armor pieces, for the Survival mode.
The necklaces will be hidden by the cuirass.
Test chest removed.
Reduced the price of items.
It's fine to update mid-game."

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:

Gooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Turdas the 22nd of Evening Star and it would seem Winter has arrived with a vengeance across Nirn. Ah'vrie knew that three days of darkness following the Winter solstice was an omen. Whether for good or ill still remains to be seen. Brrr, it is much too cold for these old bones, shudders. Excuse please while the fires are stoked and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is a new Master origins release from Honduras. A subtle Arabica blend with a wonderful aroma, woody overtones, and a lasting finish. Not overly bold, but very smooth. This would make a very good everyday roast. The old cat is adding it to the reorder list. For biscuits today we'll finish up the biscotti and bake fresh when Ah'vrie returns from the markets.

Checking the hot sheets we have 42 new with plenty of jiggles, accessories, and goofs. Let's see if anything without a cup size catches the eye today.

mofailed999 released Bloody Draugr as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81148
"Change the skin colours of Draugr into blood red." This is a self port of an old oldrim mod. Your game your way, but... Shhh, Dont tell anyone but ancient desiccated blood isn't red.

TheTrueKensei released two first mods today. elcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
An armor mashup and a skinny to buxom BHUNP preset. Thanks

GreatDevourer released No Thieves Guild Grind Fixed
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81130
"A Fixed/Updated version of No Thieves Guild Grind." This is a ground up recreation of the mod which includes the script fixes by USSEP missing in the original. The author also includes 3 alternate progressions and the source code. Nicely done. Have a cookie

SuperDuperRon returns after 5 years to release Smithing Tutorial Skip
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81109
"Just a simple batch file that skips the tedious parts of the smithing tutorial"

Okay, the batch file adds two "completed" items and steps through the quests set stages in order. The old cat is not sure why a two minute quest is "tedious" but the command strings appear correct. We'll call this a specific and well crafted "cheat". Spend the two minutes you save wisely. Pass

rob18 released Immortal UI
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81054
"A fantasy UI replacer, skin for Dear Diary Dark and TrueHUD. Modular installation through the FOMOD" The old cat has to admit the color pallet for this Dear Diary dark skin is quite nice; like a dark forest green leather. requires both Dear Diary dark and True hud. Worth a look if you use both. Have a cookie for good taste.

Juhra released two today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/5678439 ... files&BH=0
Both for Sweets and Such. One adds new items to the leveled lists, and the other used BOS to spread a little sweetness around Skyrim, and why not. Ah'vrie would give you a cookie, but you already have plenty

And finally the top slot goes once again to ToosTruus just because...
Hearthfires Homes Music Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81152
"Simple mod to have music in Heartfires Homes a little nicer." This also compliments Around the Fire - Skyrim Fan-Made Music by OrganicView which ToosTruus recommends.

And that will do for today. You'll forgive an old cat for ignoring "Christmas Latex" and yet another cookie cutter Coldsun bimbette. 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 Fredas the 23rd of Evening Star and thank the divines the weekend is nigh. Tonight is the new moon, and arguably the longest, darkest night of the year. This is the perfect time to gather with family and friends as there is strength in numbers and power in love. Nothing staves off the cold and dark like good friends and warm wishes. Anyway, 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, the kettles scrubbed, and fresh water put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits are Toll House (At least until the old cat makes it to the market today) Checking the hot sheets we have 35 new and... Well not a whole lot catches the eye this morning. Let's see what does...

Eldermaster28 is still fixated on bringing Bloodmoon to Solsteim... Everyone needs a hobby
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files

RubberSpaghetti is still spreading minor clutter around the cities... Markarth today
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81200

mrjentipede released a couple of patches
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files
No Random Dragon Attacks After Alduin is Defeated (requested mod), and Sprint with a shield. Meh, but your game your way

staalo18 released Caistorshold Isle (SE)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81164
"a fully equipped player home, a library containing all books of Skyrim, a dragon follower with full ride control, and more." Not for this old cat... but your cheat your way

wSkeever came up with a small quest mod for the holidays that uses Kreiste's Christmas Fantasy Outfit. Help Someone trapped Mrs. Claus in a snow globe! :steammocking:
Kidding, even the old cat enjoys the holidays

Spirit of Saturalia - A Christmas Quest
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81167
"A Holiday adventure to explore a magical snow globe"

And that will do for today... Ah'vrie is saving some cookies to put out with warm milk and a sprinkle of nutmeg for Saturnalia, but there are always plenty to go around for our friends and guests... Just don't touch Gnewna's stash if you value your digits... Ah'vrie does not want to spend Satunalia eve scrubbing blood off the floors :steammocking:

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:

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wises you well this Saturnalia eve. It is Loredas the 24th of Evening Star and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons are again gibbous this last day of the festival of the new moons, but by tradition the hunt will not be called on Saturnalia so the drinking continues. Hopefully the village won't starve before the new year. The stories are getting even more outlandish. Would you believe one of the hunters claimed to see a flying mammoth suddenly fall from a clear sky? Ah'vrie does not know what this one was drinking, but he won't be serving it at the inn no he wont. Anyway excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. You may want to cover your tankards for a bit, this can get a tad dusty... There, much better no? Ah'vrie always likes to start the weekend with happy fires and tomorrow is a day of celebration. Now to compost the ash, scrub the kettles, see what's ripe in the garden, and draw fresh water to put to the boil...

Brew of the day is... To be honest the old cat brewed with closed eyes this morning but the subtle finish and woody overtones tells the old cat he grabbed the new roast from Honduras. Yum! but more is needed... much more.

Checking the hot sheets over a fresh cuppa... (It was Honduras :steammocking:) We have 31 new with lot's of jingles but no bells. Let's see what catches the eye this day.

Aphiria released Vampire Crypt Player Home as a first mod. welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81274
Hmm, a vampire crypt player home located in Solstheim. and it includes a follower, two merchants, and a stash of potions and ingredients. Well the cave is recognizable, but they did a rather nice job with the clutter. Why not, Worth a look. have a cookie.

Bobby5enpai released Lighting Behavior Overhaul as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81255
? ... Oye! "Lighting that mimics how light acts in real life." in what universe? Your game your way LOL PASS

omena007 released Wooden Talos Statue as a first SSE mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81250
"Replaces in world Talos statues with a new model." Interesting concept. The old cat is not thrilled with the model, but it does look ancient. Why not. Your game your way.

Let's see... laghettogames714 released Medieval Forts of Skyrim -SE-AE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81277
"Transforms all the boring 2011 forts into better more medieval structures." Well the old cat understands the concept, but the mashup of stone kits and kit pieces shoved into each other is hard not to see. This is not immersive. Hard pass, but keep trying

bluegun222 released Efficient Convienient Saw Wood Lumber Mills Switch Location
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81237
"Saw mills have an inefficient design, the switch is too far away, so I have moved them closer and added a couple seats to stop people getting in the way." ?

Ah'vrie is impressed that the author went to all the trouble to move a switch into a location where it makes no sense, and is reversed so the NPC clips their butts through the logs while pulling it. This one is no engineer... The original location makes more sense as it clearly represents a clutch to engage the water wheel, but what does an old inn keeper know. Pass

And finally Xyberbat released Optional Lava on Mount Vvardenfell
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81257
"Just a small texture. Makes someone believe there is lava coming from the crater rim." A small touch but why not. Have a cookie

It always amazes Ah'vrie the things we look at all the time and fail to see. IE: the parts of the mesh Xyberbat recolored were already there... The devs just left the lava the same color as the rock. Nicely done and worth a look. Now this needs ENB Particle lights added so the lava glows at night.

And that will do for today. The ale was delivered on time, the fresh batch of mead is ready. Ah'vrie added a touch of Snowberry to the mix for tomorrows celebration. We're having Mudcrab scrambles for the early meal, and a simple hearty stew for the late meal. Ah'vrie has much to do to get ready for tomorrow. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept and mopped. Have a seat by the fires and warm your bones. The wenches are a little busy helping the old cat hang the decorations so be patient.

We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 26th of Evening Star and the year now races to it's conclusion. Like many Ah'vrie will not be sad to see this year finally over. Anyway, the blessed moons are again waxing through the initial crescents. We have already lived through the darkest nights the year can throw at us, The omens for the new year are much more promising. Anyway, it's time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, the floors are swept, and fresh water is put to the boil...

Brew of the day is Inspirazione a Venezia, and the biscuits are Bordeaux. Checking the hot sheets we have 27 new with all the jiggles, dangles, accessories and cheats we know and love. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat this day over a fresh cuppa.

gooball60 released Classic Weathers as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81348
It seems Toby misses the default grey, wet, and ugly weathers of oldrim the COT used to make much worse... Now you can have grey wet and ugly in SSE as well. PASS!

Aphiria followed up yesterdays vampire crypt player home on Solsteim with a clutter overhaul for Severin Manor... ? poor girls seems confused LOL

Severin Manor IMPROVED
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81381
"I found Severin Manor to be quite lackluster and the other mods for it didn't add much more than Bethesda did therefore I made my own. Hope you like it! "

NocturnalSophiee released Convenient Soul Cairn
"Adds books to the Soul Cairn that teleport you from the portal to Valerica, and to each of the Keepers" Meh, not even worth a link.

DrJacopo released Cathedral - 3D Nightshade
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81284
"A 3D replacer of the horrendous nightshade plant." A little too cheerful for the old cat. I asked if there could be a "more ominous" variant. Worth a look and a cookie.

HugLefuer stopped making dirty books for a bit and decided to spruce up Bard's leap
Forsworns are not hoboes - Bard Leap Camp
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/79619
"A new forge, hircine altar, some new NPCs, better camps furniture and food, orchard, butcher tent." The old cat is not thrilled with the Milhail Shambles, or the shrine being added but your game your way.

Let's see... huhwhat23921 released NPC spells cost more
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81371
"An attempt to reduce the seemingly infinite spell spam of NPCs by changing one record which increases NPC spell cost by 2x or 4x." Well if you used a SPID mod that spreads new spells to the enemy NPCs you're probably going to want this. This will be helpful for a lot of people even though it's very easy to do yourself. Have a cookie

hsoju released Materia - A Magic Combo System
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/79723
"when you cast a spell you have favorited, once you are finished casting, you will equip the next spell. "Next spell" is entirely within your control. How you cast a spell is also within your control." Requires dynamic animation casting. It's been a while since the old cat played a true mage build, but the idea of being able to cue up a default spell that readies when your current spell is cast seems quite useful. Have a cookie, needs testing.

And finally... Not thrilled with the specific values chosen, but the old cat loves the concept of the mod. This adds dialog choices for your follower that allow you to buy them a meal, or offer them money.

Spend or Share by bgdice
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/80252
"Spend some coin or share from your inventory, and give your followers a meal or drink."

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 Tirdas the 27th of Evening Star and a crisp 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 in for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are tended and fresh water is put to the boil.

Brew of the day is Miami espresso, and the biscuits are Bordeaux. Checking the hot sheets we have 26 new with the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa.

seshomaru212 released Cathedral 3D Nightshade - Burgundy Retexture as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81439
"A burgundy retexture of Cathedral 3D Nightshades by DrJacopo, made to resemble Mari's burgundy nightshades. Comes in 2k and 1k. Original green and gray colors were preserved. Happy holidays." Well, the old cat did ask Dr Jacopo for a more "ominous" color choice. And this is pretty close to blood red... Gues the old cat wasn't the only one that thought the original violet was just a tad too cheerful. Thanks, have a cookie

bloodboy0 released The Gray Cowl Returns - Reduced Cut
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81420
"A very basic reintegration for the Gray Cowl Returns creation, disabling the quest and placing it in a location central to the Thieves Guild questline as a reward." Another author that has a problem with unvoiced mods. Your game your way, but a cheat chest? Oh well.

gdDes released Nchuanthumz Teleport Spell
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81400
"Add a simple spell tome/spell to bring the player to Nchuanthumz (CC). Tome is in front of the first pillar on the left when the player loads into Nchuanthumz." Hmmm, the old cat is sensing a pattern here.

istayzoomin released Transcribe Spells - Convert Known Spells to Tomes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81382
"Adds a lesser power that removes an equipped spell from your known spells and adds its corresponding spell tome to your inventory. ESL flagged, plug and play with many spell mods, and easily configurable for any spell mod." Ah'vrie channels his best Nixon voice "I am not a cheat!" :steammocking: Yeah, it's that kind of day.

rako123 released ililili grass
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81396
Just about the ugliest "grass" mod this cat has seen... Where's the eye bleach?

Enough already... there must be a decent mod or two!

XilaMonstrr released two more upscaled and optimized mods
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/1266160 ... user+files
Scoped Bows, and Clockwork... That's better

Let's finish today with Rally's Market Stalls
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81282
"Texture and mesh replacer for all Market stalls in game. Also covers small vendor chests. Includes dozens of mesh fixes. Already SMIMed, compatible with ELFX"

Just meshes and textures. Matches the rest of Rally's clutter retextures so it blends seamlessly. Looks good with out being too... bright and shiny. On a day full of crap, this one gets 2 cookies.

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:

Goooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Middas the 28th of Evening Star and the final week of the year is already half over. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it is once again time for Ah'vrie the 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 Kahawa ya Congo, and the biscuits are toll house. Checking the hot sheets we have 28 new with bimbos, Himbos, patches, goofs, and cheats. Let's see if anything catches the eye without a cup size over a fresh copy.

darthrishun released One Rim To Rule Them All as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81455
"This mod adds an actual full and complete class system..." :steamfacepalm: Lot's to read, wake me when you're done. Why is it that so many noob modders think they can completely redesign the game?

HANKDTANK released Snowberry Lodge - A Player Home for Skyrim SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81413
Jacob's 8th player home :steambored: what? oh sorry, moving right along

FrankBlack released slightly Better Rock Cairns (WIP)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81481
"A mesh replacer for Skyrim's rock cairns. It updates the shape of them and fixes texture seams, while keeping them in a vanilla style." This is low poly version of a high poly mod to come... Looks interesting. Keep it up and have a cookie.

gooball60 released Palpable Baskets
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81470
"This is a simple, SMIM-inspired mesh replacer that enhances the 3D geometry of baskets to give them some more detail" Higher poly "vanilla" mesh with improved UV mapping. Subtle and nicely done. Have a cookie

The old cat does not usually touch on animations due to the need to actually see them in game. This is an exception. Ah'vrie has in the past tested Verolevi's animations and found them to be a little glitchy as well as looping poorly. Evidently Verolevi figured that out and has started re-doing their existing animations from the ground up. These new animations will be subdivided as well by armor type for use with Conditional Armor Type Animations.

Leviathan Animations II - Male Idle Walk And Run
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81463

Leviathan Animations II - Female Idle Walk And Run (snuck past the old cat a while ago)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/80760

The videos look much smoother, and the Leviathan sprint remake will be coming soon. The old cat's next build will probably be embracing conditional animations. Worth a fresh look, and a couple of cookies. Thanks Levi. Keep it up, these seem much smoother.

Speaking of conditional mods...

FarmingDarkness released Let Your Hair Down
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81444
"Automatically switch your hair style in interior locations. Allows you to set an 'Up' and 'Down' hair style (via the MCM) that automatically switches depending on the location you're in" This is a nice addition to an RPG build. Worth a look and a cookie (even if the rat nest dread locks in the pic couldn't possibly become the chosen "down" style :steammocking:

lilebonymace released Robber's Gorge Fixes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81495
"Fixes issues with Robber's Gorge robbers robbing you incorrectly."

Read the page for the whats and whys of the fixes. To be honest the old cat always just chalked up the errors to "stupid bandit NPCs" and never realized there were missing dialog options, as the bandits "always" agroed and the old cat was "always" forced to kill them all... A dozen years later and Ah'vrie is still learning about the game. Have a cookie

And finally, our mod of the day... four years in the making. Sound the trumpets!

Brynjolf and the Riften Guild - Birthright by ThadeusCalvin
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81471
"You’re a Nightingale, and it’s time to clean house! Brynjolf must have time for you now, and surely you can help Rune with his hopeless search for his origins. This is a huge quest mod, fully voiced by both original characters and beloved NPC’s, with thousands of lines of dialogue, four dungeons and a romantic character arc for a certain ginger"

"This is the BETA version, released after nearly a year of ALPHA testing. I hope you will have a few laughs and decent battles, and a good helping of patience as it is polished by your kind feedback."

Elizabeth ... You rock girl. It's about time someone showed some real love to the guild. This needs beta testers, and a little patience while a few loose threads get polished. 2 cookies for now and hopefully more to come. 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:

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Turdas the 29th of Evening Star and the old year races to it's demise, and this year the old cat will not be sad to see it end. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and it is once again time for the 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 LeCap (Capetown Lungo) and the biscuits are Bordeaux. Checking the hot sheets we have 60 new mods with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eyes of the old cat this day over a fresh cuppa... Definitely a fresh cuppa

Raycor released Riverwood Shack SE as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81561
Yup, exactly what you'd expect and exactly where expected. We'll add it to the pile. Thanks

Okay, let's get these out of the way...

MihailMods released 4 more today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/3783463 ... files&BH=0

Enodoc released 6 CW mods today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/4498685 ... files&BH=0

Let's see... BraveHayMan released two today
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... user+files

First, An alternate to Ill Met by Moonlight that disables / replaces the vanilla quest and requires a fresh start. The second is an interesting dynamic cheat mechanic that has caught the old cat's eye, but needs fleshing out by a more experienced modder. The concept is "wearing armor while moving around "IS" a learning experience. So marching around in full armor should give a very slow increase to armor skill. The old cat likes the concept, but questions the implementation. Worth a look though.

OC3 released Better Alchemy Tables
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81545
"A retexture of the Vanilla Alchemy table." Hmm, Ancient stove Vs. a wood base with a white marble insert... The old cat it not thrilled with the wood textures on the table, but worth a look. (The old cat will stick with his edited Gamwich textures)

giamel released Nature Calls Facilities
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81507
portable, placable, craftable potty facilities for sandboxing NPCs.

(Now someone needs to code pooping into Survival, Sunhelm, and RND :steammocking:)

Haladoon released Dragon Statues 2k-4k Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81573
"Changes Vanilla Dragon Statues and Metal Dragon Statues found in Skyrim and in Ruins. 2k and 4k with 2k normals." A definite improvement. Worth a look. and a cookie

shish15 released True Nordic Mountains - HD Mountain Textures - 8K 4K 2K 1K
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81530
"Perfected UHD Photorealistic Mountain Textures - 2 Colours, Grey and Dark Brown. Works with Majestic Mountains. 8K 4K 2K and 1K Resolutions. Parallax compatible."

The old cat will withhold judgment, Nicely done, but a few visible seams and stretching. The chosen textures just don't look worn enough for the old cat. In this case (imho) the tessellation makes them look less natural not more. Still worth a look, but "perfected" Not

And our mod of the day... Summon the dancing girls

Tegoth's Realistic Skin Overhaul Synth EBD (NSFW)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/75129
"This is a retexture of all character's skin's using real body scans and photogrametry technologies. Focus about Realism and high quality details."

You're going to have to make up your own minds. These textures are intended for use with SynthEBD (A mutagen based NPC skin distribution and randomization system) For the most part they skin textures look great, but certain of the pics focused on middle aged women seem mismatched. (IE: wrinkled faces and hands on smooth bodies makes the old cat question the distribution of tint masks)

Personally Ah'vrie will be waiting on Gnewna's opinion on these skin textures.

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 Fredas the 30th of Evening Star and thanks the divines, the weekend is nigh. Tomorrow ends with the death of another year, and the beginning of the new year. Let's make it a good one for everyone. 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 Amaha awe Uganda, and the biscuits will be Toll House (in about 11 minutes Checking the hot sheets we have 45 new with all the bimbos, himbos, patches, and cheats we've come to love. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa...

Mathies02 released Riders of Whiterun as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81621
"Riders of Whiterun is my first ever mod. I've always felt that Whiterun was missing some riders, afterall they have a horse as crest. So I decided to add them myself. One rider patrols from Whiterun to Riverwood, to Rorikstead (Shoals Farm) and to Loreius Farm respectively."

What can an old cat say... see a need, fill a need. This is the heart of modding. Thanks. (Now go back and add a second "military" stable and riders barracks. The poor horses need a roof.

gooball60 released Bucket Enrichment as a follow up to Palpable Baskets
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81601
"This mod gives the buckets of Skyrim some much-needed attention in the areas of fidelity and detail." Not the first, but thanks.

eberkain is pumping out patches... 4 more today
https://www.nexusmods.com/users/3392011 ... files&BH=0
Survival, OWL, CCOR, and LUX (The old cat is well aware that these are all load order dependant, but the author did package all of the patches as separate files... Thanks

Nicoroshi released Rock Grass Remover
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81627
"I just changed the density of Rockgrass01, rockgrasssnowobj01, and rockgrasswater01 to 0. For Folkvangr I did the same for Rocks_Generic_01, and Rocks_Generic_02."

This makes the ugly little groups of rocks go away without causing errors in NGIO, and DynDOLOD. The old cat almost threw it on the pile, but this one gets a cookie

Drengin released The Winking Skeever rework
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81617
"Improving The Winking Skeever tavern building in Solitude. Updated the appearance of the building, added chimneys and many various details , redone the roof, fixed some mesh issues." What is says on the wrapper... Nicely done as well. Have a cookie

lilebonymace released Rock Traps Trigger Fixes
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81587
"This mod fixes some issues with bandit falling rock traps at Pinewatch and Knifepoint Ridge. They're still sh@t, but a bit better. I've wrote new scripts for them." Thanks worth reading the description for the fixes as well. Have a cookie

XilaMonstrr released Mihail's Rabbit Replacers - Optimized Textures
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81616
:steambored: What:steammocking:, oh thanks (LOL Kidding)

Hold the presses... ChronoTrigger77 has surfaced after a prolonged absence

Dwemer Armor SE - CBBE 3BA
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/81602
"Detailed CBBE 3BA Conversion of 4thUnknown's excellent Dwemer Armor SE. Maintains (and requires) Xtudo's patches and fixes." Well I knew the armor was really good, but didn't think it was good enough to pull Chrono out of retirement... Wow. Have a cookie

There's no real mod of the day today. Sooo, 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: