Modding on the Spectrum

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Fredas the 18th of Frostfall and thank the divines the weekend is nigh. It's another beautiful predawn here on warm sands as for now at least the tyranny of the sun has broken. The blessed moons were full last night, and will be gibbous tonight so keep those silver weapons close and don't let your guard down just yet. For now anyway, it is time once again to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is again Roma, because yum, and the biscuits are Sweet Loren's chocolate chunk. Checking the hot sheets we have 29 new from the usual suspects. Not a not catches the eye today, But lets look over a fresh cuppa.

q10isarobot released No More Follower Bow
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131768
"Removes The Bow that is automatically Given to followers. Finally you can Have Melee only followers." Spoken like a true pointy stick swinger. Thanks

Sasspiria released ZZjays Skyrim Attire - Crafting - Light Armor Variants - Tempering
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131722
"Plugin replacer that adds crafting, armored variants and tempering recipes for those armored variants"

That's what Nirn needs, corsets that can turn a blade. Now you're Dovaess can be fashionable while kicking arse. We love choice. Why shouldn't your female character be able to fight dragons in a dress. Have a cookie.

Speaking of female characters...

Zhizhen Female Skin - BHUNP (NSFW)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/126305
"The Zhizhen female skin BHUNP 4K release version, which is slightly different from the 3BA version, and has been redrawn for better effects based on BHUNP's mesh UV distribution, but the overall style is similar."

Tastes are subjective, the old cat is not thrilled with the texturing, the normal maps or the reflectivity. Hard to describe, the close ups look more like tanned leather than skin. The old cat will pass, but worth a look. Thanks.

sothasimp released Deep Slumber - A Dwemer Bed Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131560
"A Dwemer bed replacer as requested, mid-poly with 2k textures. Optional BOS to exclude uninhabited Dwemer ruins."

Also not the first, The pads and pillows are very fitting. The pattern on the cover is pretty, but maybe too busy for a generic replacer. There is already a BOS version that excludes uninhabited ruins, So the folder tree already exists. It would be a relatively simple matter to add random variable textures and colors. In the old cat's eye, that would make this one a keeper. Worth a look and a cookie. Nicely done.

And finally a quick shout out to Deyvistain for releasing thier second mod
Performance Terrain Lod for Atlantean with Roads for ACMOS
"Performance Terrain Lod for Atlantean Green Tundra and brown montains option, Rally's Solstheim Landscapes and Water for ENB with Roads for ACMOS."

No link, they obviously don't realize exactly how load order specific LOD file generation is. The old cat does applaud the idea, and their offering instruction on how 'get away with' using high res parallax textures, generated roads, and Dyndolod on a potato... That deserves a cookie for the effort if not the result. The pictures tell the tale, this is seriously low res, but thanks. Potatoes need love too.

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!

Gooooooood morning Tamriel! amriel riel iel el...

It would seem this one is greeting an empty inn today. It just make mopping the floors a bit quicker. It is Loredas the 19th of Frostfall and wage slaves rejoice the weekend has arrived. It is an almost chilly predawn here on warm sands. Ah'vrie does apologize for being a tad tardy; his pet smooth skin was up late with his head in the stars again. Anyway, it is time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied, the vents cleared, and the fires rebuilt. Ah'vrie always begins the weekend with happy fires, and a happy fire needs to breathe... There, much better. Now to compost the ash, tend the garden, scrub the kettles, and bring fresh water to a boil.

Our brew of the day is Istanbul espresso, and the biscuits are Ginger crisps. Checking the hot sheets we have 41 new mods from the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa or two...

FaustStar released Wolf howl removed as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131841
"this mod has removed all the wolf howls, and is highly recommended to use with True Hunter and Less Aggressive Animals" Thanks, another for the pile. That short howl is of course is the only warning the game gives that you're about to be attacked by multiple wolves, so the recommendation for 'less aggressive animals' is a good one.

LambdaCDM released three first mods today. Welcome
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Lamb ... ameId=1704
unarmed behaviors, a patch for knotwork and untarnished UI, and what caught the eye

Body highlighter SKSE
"Press a key or controller button to highlight nearby bodies. Find bodies in tall grass!"
The old cat likes this one. It includes an INI that allows for altering the keybind/toggle, detection distance, and highlight color. Unlike the existing mods that do the same thing, this one is controlled by a key, so you only use it when you need it as opposed to every dead thing glows. Well done, this one gets a cookie. Thanks, tracking

Kanjs - Wabbajack Animated
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131811
"I remeshes and retextured The Wabbajack up to 4K, with some emissive animation and some particle effects!"

The old cat has to admit, this particular animation is just brilliant. you'll want to watch the video as the pictures do not do it justice. Uncle Sheo would be proud. 2 cookies tracking.

DEEJMASTER333 returns with three today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/DEEJ ... ameId=1704
Slower leveling, increased blood, CW guards wear old uniforms.

The old cat will go out on a limb and guess Deej is doing the CW quests LOL. Thanks

PraedythXVI also released three today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Prae ... ameId=1704
Ores and ingots, Blackreach deposits, and Azura's Star and realm

The ores and ingots look very good in 2K and 4K with three texture choices

The Blackreach deposits are interesting. The soul gem geodes and glowing rocks are a bit more subtle. Needs to be seen in game, a little less fantasy. This one gets a cookie as well

Azura's star is a very unique take on the artifact. Think crystal snowflake. There is also a distinction between the look of the realm at the end depending on if you're working for Azura on not. There is also a spell to return to the realm and optional soul gem deposits to mine there for a reason to return... Interesting take, and the star is over the top beautiful compared to vanilla. This one gets a cookie as well.

We'll finish up with a shout out
TateTaylorOH released Stonehollow Overhaul for Wyrmstooth
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131619
Basically changes the thatch farm roofs in the town to slate which gives the place a very imperial vibe. A nice improvement and definitely worth a look.

And that will do for today. The fresh casks of ale was delivered on time, and the new batch of mead is ready so this one hopes you're thirsty. We're serving medallions of marinated venison on a bed of roast diced potatoes and caramelized onions with an egg on top for the early meal, Wyrm and chips for the midday meal, and ale braised sabercat with twice baked garlic potatoes and sauteed carrots for the late meal. As always we'll have a kettle of hearty stew simmering for those that need to ward the chill.

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!

Ah. This one hears a customer. Excuse please.

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Sundas the 20th of Frostfall and another chilly predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, and it is once again time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is put to the boil.

Our brew of the day is Istanbul Espresso, and the biscuits will have to wait for the old cat to return from the markets a little later. Checking the hot sheets we have 48 new with the usual jiggles, patches and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa...

Bradd135 released Angler Acquaintances Begone as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131903
An interesting take on eliminating the 'vanilla' fishing quests from triggering at the Riften docks. This version (2) eliminates the trigger box completely, but you can trigger the quest by speaking to either associated NPC. (Or by picking up a fishing rod anywhere else in Skyrim LOL) Version one had issues and only lasted a few hours...

Sorry, the old cat is still not a fan of this type of mod. You're much better off using a mod that allows you to hide quests you don't want from your diary rather that trying to force the game not to load them. You can't fight saint Todd. Not recommended, but thanks

RainsSE released Arcane Revolutions as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131922
" This mod introduces entirely new schools of magic, revolutionary mechanics, and deep customization, allowing players to reshape the world around them with ancient, forgotten arts"

You'll want to read the mod page. Only the ESP is included in the download, There are links to an external launcher that already raises red flags for the old cat. Plus the new mechanics also include all new layers of tedium... Needs testing in game. Not for old cats but thanks.

dbs156 released 2 for the 'automatic renamer' app this morning.
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/dbs1 ... ameId=1704
Interesting NPC Names: ...
Better Sorting Arrows and Bolts: This one is actually well done. It does use the automatic renamer app, and a config file, where most of the currently available renaming mods do have to be patched for mod added arrows. Thanks

linnbrown released Brisk-wind Den Buyable Whiterun Home
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131886
"Adds a small player home to the Plains District of Whiterun, purchasable for 1,500 gold"

Your very own one room shack in Whiterun... Makes Ysolda's place look big. If it makes you happy why not? Claims no exterior navmesh edits. Thanks

L3st4t released Mystic Elemental Cloaks
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131877
"A new vision of the Elemental cloaks Fire, Shock, Ice, wind with new High quality Visual and no esp" Very flashy effects. For the discerning mage that has to be the center of attention LOL. Worth a look and a cookie, no first person pics though. Thanks

Speaking of cloaks...

lDelta6l released Flame Cloak Warmth (CC Survival Mode)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131874
"Flame cloak now immersively provides warmth over time, similar to standing near a fire (CC Survival Mode only). Lightweight, fully configurable, ESL flagged." Thanks

Let's see... CinnaMewRoll put out a couple of new puppy patches
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Cinn ... ameId=1704
She does love her puppies. Thanks

And finally Tem's Houses - Carlotta's House
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131898
"Lightweight, vanilla overhaul of Carlotta's Home interior. ESL Flagged."

Another of the revisit mods. The old cat approves, expands the upstairs to give them separate rooms, moves the fire pit to a kitchen area... There is nothing not to like. 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 and the wenches will serve you. We-B-Open!

Goooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 21st of Frostfall and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. Wage slaves lament, the weekend is over. hide if you can, or work if you must, it's Morndas again. 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 brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is Stockholm Lungo, and the biscuits are Oatmeal Cranberry. Checking the hot sheets we have 32 new with all the usual jiggles, patches and pointy sticks. Lets see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa or two... Maybe three :steambored:

guzBluez released Sleep Gives Buff as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131972
Adds 30 H/M/S and 10% magic regen on top of the well rested bonus(s). Thanks, but Survival, Sunhelm... etc. will give you a better reason to sleep.

Sasspiria released Food Mod Integration - CID
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131969
"Distributes foods from various food mods to merchant containers via Container item distributor" Covers all of the base game inns, and the retching Netch. It's not a comprehensive food mod list, but thanks.

volodavkaa released Clear Ingots
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131936
"The mod will replace vanilla ingots with new ones" "It's a reworking of my old mod - Project-Better ingot"

That's two ingot mods for the pile this week. Thanks

wSkeever released Dwemer Water Wheels - Markarth - Wyrmstooth - BOS
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131933
"Replace wooden water wheels with Dwemer water wheels in Dwemer locations"

It did seem silly that the dwemer made these huge gear things in the cities, but the water wheels were wood. Why not, That's cookie worthy

krasnaaroza released Noble Proudspire Manor
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131970
"Noble Proudspire Manor.
An organ, a bathtub, a toilet, a printing press, paintings, tapestries, plants, and a beautiful static decor have been added. Added some useful items that will be respawn."

Worth a look, It goes for an upscale medieval look, but the old cat is not overly fond of some of the additions. And why bother with tapestries if you hid them behind book cases? Nice, but maybe not for old cats. Thanks

And finally, Skyking Thickets and Shrubs
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131959
"Replaces the vanilla thickets and dead shrubs with nicer versions. You'll find these in the Tundra and Snowy areas along with the Solstheim area. Not many flora mods hit these 2 plants, so this is what I made as a solution."

And they do look like very good versions of ugly bushes LOL. Thanks? LOL

That will do for today. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept. Have as eat by the fires and warm your bones. We-B-Open! :steamhappy:

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is tirdas the 22nd of Frostfall and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, and is once again time for this one to to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is from Indonesia, and the biscuits are Sweet Loren's lemon cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 41 new mods from the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa or two.

colinswrath released C.O.I.N. - Treasury Exchange
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131682
"Adds a fully voiced NPC to trade your ancient coins with to the Markarth Treasury House."

Thanks, this is a much needed mechanic for C.O.I.N. The old cat just avoids the mod. Maybe if the player's character was based in Markarth. Your game your way.

DarkDukla released Soulgem replecer by Vayura
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132029
"we have a replacement for the Soul Gems this time"
A more high fantasy spin on soul gems. Thanks, we love choice. Not for old cats, but worth a look.

Jelidity released More Morrowind-y Staff Enchanter
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132004
"A quick overhaul of the staff enchanter to make it use models for the staves from the Staves CC, rather than basic Skyrim ones, since the CC staves are based on the staves from Morrowind." Thanks. If it makes you happy, why not. Obviously requires the creation.

We'll finish up with two new 'Snazzy' mods by Gutmaw
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/gutm ... ameId=1704
Morthal Thaumaturgist's Hut, and Falkreath Gray Pine Goods

It seems Gutmaw fell into the interior ivy trap. Both locations look great, and the interior clutter is well done and fitting, but the old cat has never like covering the inside walls with ivy... Maybe if it was dead it wouldn't look so out of place.

Lets see... tamtastic released Transmute Iron Ore to Silver. Meh, another for the pile

Ah'vrie thinks we'll finish up with a new skill tree by JamesTParker
Lost Knowledge Skill Tree (Daedric secrets of the Thu'um)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132040
"This mod adds a new skill tree called "Lost Knowledge." You can level up the skill by completing Black Books. You can convert dragon souls into perk points for this skill tree. Each perk upgrades a single shout."

Shouts are already basically OP in this game. The new perk tree makes them much more so. It will unbalance the game, but if you're role playing a thuum master that may be the whole point. not for old cats but Thanks.

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

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Middas the 23rd of Frostfall and another crisp predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons wane through the quarter tomorrow, and will be new on the first of Sun's Dusk. The old cat is unsure what is worse; full moons on all hallows eve, or no moons at all? Anyway, it is once again time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked and fresh water is brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is Kazaar. A bold offering with a smooth finish and subtle chocolate notes. The biscuits are chocolate chunk. A nice pairing. Checking the hot sheets we have 38 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

TheRanger324 released Go Away Kids - No More Ooh You're A Wizard a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132107
"Sick of young boys asking you to turn them invisible whenever you use magic in front of them? I was! So I made this mod to shut them up!" Oookay... thanks
(Their next mod will be 'get off my lawn' )

Riverborn93 released Vanha Mies (village in Haafingar) as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132053
"Adds a small mining village at the crossroads between the road to Solitude and the path to the Thalmor Embassy" The old cat is slightly confused. It looks like the inn is in a barrow, and there are no pictures of the mine, but it's mentioned as a gold mine, and the added the owners mansion to rob... Okay this needs testing and definitely more coffee. Thanks?

js7037 released three PSBoss distribution mods (their first fell through the cracks)
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/js70 ... ameId=1704
Covers Spriggans, Ashspawn, and centurions. Your game your way... moving right along

Eudalus released No Hidden Armor Bonus
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132085
"Removes the hidden armor bonus that gives an additional 25 armor (3% damage reduction) for every piece of heavy or light armor plus a shield worn."

Intended to make the player a little "squishier" Of course they didn't realize it also make the low level baddies squishier as well. Not recommended, but your game your way.

And finally another relatively obscure 'fix' by wSkeever

Horse Save Load Fix
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132110
"Fix horse flying into the sky when loading save."

Well there's an issue the oild cat has not run into in over a decade, but then he never saves on horseback no he doesn't. Thanks

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are... don't drop your food. Have a seat and the wenches will serve you. We-B-Open!

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Turdas the 24th of Frostfall, and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons are waning through the final crescents, and will be new on the first of Sun's Dusk. Should make the feast of Samhain very spooky indeed. Anyway, 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 brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is Arpeggio, and the biscuits are ginger zingers. Checking the hot sheets we have 45 new with all the usual jiggles, dangles, and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

nexdud released Weightless Salt as a first mod. Welcome
The file was flagged as suspicious... Thanks, moving right along

WindreeKindheart released Ancient knowledge Enchantment as a second mod.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/110790
"Ancient knowledge make possible you put 3 enchantments on any item"

Funny, as obviously OP as this mod could be, the old cat really likes this. The Black Bow on Solsteim is Dwemer. Adding Ancient knowledge to a 100 enchanting score unlocking three enchantments for the late game seems oddly fitting... It's still OP, but have a cookie

JS Vanilla Circlets SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131813
"A complete remake of the vanilla Circlets. Comes in 1k, 2k and 4k resolutions."

New meshes, fixes clipping, accurate collision, custom gemstones, and parallax enabled. These really do look good. The old cat wouldn't have considered parallax for jewelry, but the pics tell the tale. Worth a look and a cookie.

Finally snozz2004 released Halted Stream.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132119
Their 14th overhaul. The old cat is not thrilled with the placement of the smelter or the clipped stairs into the mine. And the changes to the interior force you to weave your way around a newly added cavern to get to the actual mine. It does add a lot of new ore veins.

Your game your way. Thanks. Worth a look, but not for old cats.

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

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Fredas the 25th of Frostfall and thank the divines, the weekend is nigh. 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 brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is from Indonesia, and the biscuits are lemon cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 35 new with lots of jiggles, accessories, patches, and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches the eyes of an old cat over a fresh cuppa.

Tibor123456 released No more Flowers in Snowy Regions as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132221
"I always thought it was strange to see colorful flowers in totally snowy regions. So I decided to make them invisible." If it makes you happy why not. Thanks

Elaura released Mrs. Lovett's Mystery Meat Pies as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132197
"This mod changes the Meat Pie introduced by the Unofficial Skyrim Patch (USSEP) to Mrs. Lovett's Mystery Meat Pie and adds a recipe for this food item." Thanks... have a cookie

Several versions, in both replacer and standalone, in both ESP and ESL. This was well thought out, and quite nicely done. Tracking for now, the slow buffs to health and stamina over time are well balanced. The old cat will add the non replacer ESL to his next build.

Gentleman's Daggerfall RPG Character Traits
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132179
"Adds 19 distinct traits to flesh out your character, based on TES II: Daggerfall's excellent RPG character creation system." Their second mod after a three year absence. Thanks

This is over and above the games chargen, added after the fact whenever you choose, and you're not forced to balance, so for most people this will end up being just another set of OP buffs. It's a hard pass for old cats simply because some of the buffs are a little too nice.

sothasimp released Dunmer Dreams - A Dark Elf Bed Replacer
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131951
"A 2k mid-poly replacer for Dunmer beds. Not that the citizens of Solstheim spend much time in them, not when there's Miraak's bidding to do SMIMed vanilla and custom bedframe options with Use Those Blankets or BOS color variance."

The 2K upscale of the SMIM bed is welcome. The old cat thinks the alternate texture looks more Akaviri than Dunmer, but your game your way. We love choice. Thanks

QwibQwibMods released Simple Wearable Lanterns - Remastered
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132196
"A few years ago I released the original Simple Wearable Lanterns as a vanilla+ portable light source. This mod is a top-to-bottom remaster of that mod, including completely redone 3d models and textures, adjusted lighting and balancing, bug fixes, and leveled list integration for vendors."

Nicely done, it's a shame that none of the new lanterns created are from Skyrim. But they look well done. The recipes to craft require a few 'odd' ingredients. But you only need to craft them once. The old cat will stick with Chesko, but thanks.

Snazzy Interiors - Sarethi Farm by Gutmaw
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132149
"Overhaul of Sarethi Farm Interior (and a little of the exterior)" Very snazzy and well done as always. Though this one still really hates the stupid use of Ivy on interior walls

And finally we'll finish up with Dragons SE by 4thUnknown
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132218
"New models and textures for our favorite dragons." No plugin

Does not replace the Serpentine or skeletal dragons, or the loading screens. Definitely unique, but still quite recognizable. Definitely worth a look. he old cat is not fond of all the holes in the wing leather... Living creatures do heal over time, and some of them don't look like they should be able to fly. But overall, really well done and cookie worthy. We love choice and as a vanilla replacer, this should be considered. 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!

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Loredas the 26th of Frostfall, and wage slaves rejoice the weekend has arrived. The blessed moons have set, and it is once again time for Ah'vrie to tend the inn. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires are rebuilt. You might want to cover your tankards for a bit. This always gets a tad dusty, and Khajiit know not from free refills... There' much better no? Ah'vrie always likes to start the weekend with happy fires. They warm more than the room as his mother oft said. Now to compost the ash, tend the garden, scrub the kettles, and bring fresh water to the boil...

Our brew of the day is Inspriazione a Arpeggio, and the biscuits will have to wait on Ah'vrie returning from the markets. (He used up some of the fixings making our lovely Gnewna's cake) Checking the hot sheets we have 48 new with all the usual suspects. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa or three...

First a shout out to JobiWanUK for releasing Collision Dialogue Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132325
"Adds around 500 new voice lines for when you bump (sprint) into NPCs. Some mild NSFW/racist (towards game races, in line with what's already in game) language which can be disabled. ESL flagged."

This adds short generic AI generated dialog lines for when you bump into NPCs. It covers all voice types except children so as much as the old cat is not a fan of using AI generated voices, this is one instance where it sort of makes sense. There were no examples given.

Speaking of voices... See what the old cat did there?

hsoju released Shout Switch - Auto Power Equipper
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132285
"SKSE plugin which automatically equips a different shout/power after using a previous one" An interesting mechanic. You favorite only the shouts you want to add, and this mod will automatically cycle through the list. Thanks.

skelecat released Tavern Ambient Chatter Remover
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132286
"This mod uses an ESL-flagged plugin to remove the audio from the sound marker records." Not the first, But this one operates without a plugin. Thanks

Staying with a sound theme...

Clofas released Unique Shaders Sound FX
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/128556
"Uses Sound Record Distributor to add and replace ambient sounds attached to effect shaders." Make sure to listen to the included video samples. To be honest the old cat is not thrilled with some of the choices (Such as using the sound of a wind whistling for Soul trap) Worth a listen, Thanks

Moving on to textures we have Shavings of Sawdust by markuskarttunen1
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132319
"Retexture of sawdust. Includes complex parallax if you so fancy." Available in 1, 2, and 4K. !k is resonable, 2K looks better, and 4K is just silly but why not. This looks much more realistic than vanilla which tends to look more like bird droppings if you've ever bothered to look. This one gets a cookie, good eye, tracking.

Althinor released Thalmor comforts - Aldmeri Cultured Furniture
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132317
"The Thalmor agents in Skyrim may be there on the orders of the Dominion, but there is no reason their duties cannot be undertaken in proper comfort. The Embassy and Justiciar Headquarters have been refurnished with proper Aldmeri furniture to give the agents a living standard they should expect as agents of the Third Aldmeri Dominion."

By all means they should live in comfort right up until we slaughter them all... What? Oh, sorry... Looks very petty, love what you've done with the place. Have a cookie.

And we'll finish up with some new work by an old favorite. No introduction needed

Dragon Priest Staff by Ave
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132269
"This mod replaces the unique Dragon Priest Staff wielded by Nakriin"

Denfinitely unique, and very Ave. Always worth a look and a cookie. It's nice to see her producing new work. Hopefully we'll see more unique staves.

And that will do for today. Fresh ale was delivered last night, the new batch of mead is ready, and we're serving mudcrab scrambles for the early meal. Ah'vrie will plan the late meal when he sees what's fresh in the markets, but as always there will be a hearty stew simmering all day for those that need to ward the chill.

The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept and mopped. Have a seat and the wenches will serve you. We-B-open!

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundas the 27th of Frostfall and a beautiful predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moon have long ago set, and it is once again time for this one to tend the inn. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is Miami Espresso, and the biscuits are Sweet Loren's sugar cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 43 new mods with lots of jiggles, dangles, patches and pointy sticks as always. Let's see what catches the eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

JohnyBungalow1 imported Luna Skin for UBE 2.0 (from Daz3d, NSFW)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132366
"can be used for stylized and realistic-ish characters" Choice is always good. This skin is basically a slightly better 'plastic' skin. Worth a look, but not very realistic. Thanks

PatanDeAcero released SkyUI - Hide Quest Map Markers as a second mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132384
"Hide quest markers and undiscovered locations on the SkyUI map." Thanks my googly challenged friend, another for the pile.

Speaking of piles... Yet another attempt at at revamping chargen.

Classes of the Sky and Rim by MasterAskarus
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132369
"A Class Mod designed to perfectly blend into Skyrim's skill system. Start as one of my carefully crafted classes, or choose your own Major and Minor Skills. Select a Standing Stone, re-allocate attributes, and choose if you want to weight in your racial skills."

This one you really need to read the entire mod page. A lot of work went into this one, right down to the creation of nested menus. It adds layers of complexity for customization. It even alters your starting equipment based on your major and minor class. Ah'vrie thinks this one played much too much D&D... The attention to detail shows, but the old cat is not sure how much of a difference any of these systems makes to actual game play. You still level what you use, but if it makes you happy, go for it. Have a cookie for doing the work.

Another one that seeks to re-invent the wheel

Dragontongue - Shout Framework by hsoju
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132424
"A new way to use shouts that relies less on cooldowns, & more on a character's build/stats/playstyle"

From the author of Shout Switch, this 'framework' has shouts drain stamina/magic/health, until you get below a set level where cool downs will once again kick back in. You can pick 1, 2, or all three primary stats... Another mod that really requires you to read the entire page. This honestly feels like the author ran face first into game mechanics when trying to use their 'switch' mod, and looked for a way to make it function as they originally intended. Not for old cats, but thanks.

Casual Dog Animations (DAR-OAR) by CinnaMewRoll
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/132398
"New random idle animations for your good boys and also for more diversity."

If you actually like the dogs in skyrim, you're going to love these animations... Roll over, chase their tails, wag their tails, chew on the odd flee... What's not to love. This one gets two cookies and a scruff behind the ears.

And finally... something very unexpected. Not a mod, a resource for ENB creation

WeatherPainterAshley released Picta - Panorama Cloud System for ENB
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/131454
"Replaces the Vanilla Cloud System with a Hybrid Panorama and Vanilla Cloud System taking advantage of ENBSeries Sky Scattering Feature for a diverse and robust Cloud System. Work in Progress."

This system when incorporated into weather mods will allow cloud/storm systems to actually traverse the sky from horizon to horizon. Along with an implementation tutorial. The old cat is tracking this for now... Not for 'us' but very interesting work, uploaded for testing by ENB/weather preset authors. The old cat has a feeling we will be seeing this in a new generation of ENBs down the road. Thanks

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