Modding on the Spectrum

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Loredas the 30th of Sun's Dusk and the festival of the new moons is already well underway. This one will leave the hunters to their drinking and their stories. (They'll get much better before the weekend is over Anyway it is time once again for this one to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. You may wish to cover your tankards for a bit, this tends to get dusty, and Khajiit know not from free refills... There, much better no? Ah'vrie always likes to begin the weekend with happy fires, and a happy fire needs to breathe. Now to compost the ash, tend the garden, scrub the kettles, and bring fresh water to the boil... Glamorous no?

Our brew of the day is Miami espresso, and the biscuits are fudge brownies. Checking the hot sheets we have 40 new. Lot's of jiggle, not much substance, but let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa or two.

JET654 released GourdWine in the sleepgiant
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135161
"i create GourdWine in the sleepgiant 。you can get it and get 50 health" Pretty gourd jug... why not. Thanks

Mizu20 released Immersive Crossbow Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135179
"This mod seamlessly introduces lore-friendly iron, steel, orcish, dwarven, elven, glass, ebony and daedric crossbows and bolts into the world of Skyrim." Well the models are vanilla ugly. Your game your way. Thanks

khazhak released Husky Model for Wolves
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135181
"WILL NOT WORK with other mods' textures as improperly patched textures will appear blocky in-game." Love how the description is a warning LOL. Much better than vanilla and intended for use with Rougshot's skeletons. The old cat still prefers his port of True wolves of Skyrim in 2K, but thanks

littlehand6 released Just Another Proudspire Manor
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135167
"Proudspire Manor to be proud of!" Their second mod, to go along with Just another Breezehome. Simple edits, lots of statics, too many mannequins... worth a look. Thanks

ianyf released Immersive HUD - ESPFE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135176
"This mod removes iHUD ESP plugin usage by changing it to an ESPFE."
Requires Gopher's original mod. No mention as to having permission. Thanks?

We'll finish up with Madesi's Silver Ring by Ave
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/134984
"Replaces 'Madesi's Silver Ring' with a new unique model" Wow, for such a simple ring you only ever see for a few minutes it's probably one of her most complex normal maps. Very nicely done. A shame you can't keep it.

And that will do for today. The ale is fresh and the new batch of mead is ready. We're serving mudcrab scrambles as the early meal. Ah'vrie will see what is fresh in the markets before planning the late meal. As always there will be a hearty stew for those that need to ward the cold. The fires are stoked, yada yada. We-B-Open!

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Sundas the 1st of Evening Star and a cold, moonless predawn here on warm sands. 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 chocolate chunk. Checking the hot sheets we have 44 new, with all the usual jiggles, dangles, outfits and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa or two.

ArchAngel816 released Dawnbreaker Enhanced and Duskbringer Reborn Their first, Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135261
New 1h, and 2H models in 4k, and buffs thanks

GuterHeld released Obscure's College of Winterhold - Rocks LOD fix
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Gute ... ameId=1704
Thge also released a LOD fix for JKs Castle Volkihar which slipped through the cracks.

JellyFishInLoop released animation replacer for Ultimate Animated Potions NG
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135235
first person potion drinking animation. Requires OAR. Pretty smooth, thanks

TechAngel85 released ENBSeries Glow re-Maps
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Tech ... ameId=1704
"Provides patched glow maps for various mods that relocates their glow control from the ENBSeries WindowLight feature to the ObjectGlow feature." You'll want to read the mod page.

There was also an update for Real Water today, which is why the group link

LummoxJR released Little Library - New Books in Skyrim
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135278
"Littie Library adds additional flavor and recreational reading to Skyrim by introducing a selection of new books, written by me. Version 1.0 adds 25 new books to Skyrim. They cover a range of genres and are by different fictional authors, with care taken to be consistent with TES lore. Most of the books are standalone, but some are series, and some extend existing series from the vanilla game."

There was also an update to their previous Little Lessons - Neglected Books Teach Small Skills mod as well. Always fun to trip over new books. Have a cookie.

We'll finish up with Newmiller circlets3
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135241
"3 types of circlets, 16 colors each. Located near bridge in Riverwood. Female only, no beast races version. Different... We love choice. Thanks

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

Goooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Morndas the 2nd of Evening Star, and wage slave lament, the weekend is over. Hide if you can, or work if you must, it's Morndas again. The blessed moons were new, the hunters are still drinking, and the stories are getting better. Mammoths falling out of a clear blue sky. That one needs to change his bottle. 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 classic Ristretto, and the biscuits are Sweet Loren's sugar cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 38 new with the usual eclectic mix. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa.

tobi1999r released Common Tempering as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135333
"Adds improved Tempering for Iron, Leather and Bandit Equipment to the first Smithing Perk"
At first glance another for the pile, But the old cat approves of simply adding the missing keywords to the to the lowest tier of smithing. Why not? Have a cookie

iFanatical released Bows Redone - Long Bow and Short Bow... as their first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135360
"This mod splits bows into two categories: Long and Short."
If the author simply added the bows, and had the long bows slower with higher damage the old cat would give it a cookie, but fudging with specs so long bows do more damage but less criticals, and short bows do less damage but have higher criticals is a deal breaker. Pass, but thanks

ArcaneTourist released See Planted Items Fix as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135273
"You can now see what items are planted in Fertile Soil! Also includes popular UI fixes"

Honestly this mod was is the running for mod of the day. Instant download, 2 cookies

Let's see... siNchilll released Shield of Honor.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135369
Their second mod, their second new shield. Everyone needs a hobby. Thanks

Kheree released Unmoored - Skyrim Wayshrines
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/134945
More ESO fast travel crap. Not for old cats, but your game your way.

Almalesbian released Unique Shadow Torch
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135307
"Gives a unique name, weight and value to the Shadow Torch found in the basement of Hrodulf's House."

The torch is vanilla, weightless, lasts forever, and casts shadows in game. The mod just basically gives it a unique name. Thanks. The old cat would have never discovered it without this mod. (This one switches to wearable bug lanterns while still in Whiterun)

Pieter82 released Blacksmith Workbench Variants - Base Object Swapper
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135237
"Adds various diverse Blacksmith Workbench meshes using Base Object Swapper." Three benches, three clutter variants of each. Thanks, worth a look and a cookie.

Our mod of the day won the toss against the planted item fix... it was close, real close lol

Loss of Focus - Spell Interruption by AlchemicaMateria
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135359
"Casting magic is typically presented as requiring immense focus and concentration. However, hitting a mage in the face with a great sword doesn't seem to bother them at all. With this highly customizable SKSE plugin, you can interrupt mages as they are casting spells (or be interrupted yourself). Use the MCM to choose who gets interrupted and how."

You'll want to read the mod page, The old cat wishes there were pictures of the MCM.

This addresses an issue that has bothered players since 2011. The old cat can't even count the number of times he's shot a mage in the face with an arrow, and the mage still casts their 'whatever' with an arrow sticking out of their face From a player's perspective, this should have been a vanilla mechanic. They're even call them concentration and focus spells... But be careful what you wish for; the player is also affected by the mechanic by default... This one also get's two cookies

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

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Tirdas the 3rd of Evening Star and crisp predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have begun to wax through the first Crescents, and we hope the goddess of the hunt enjoyed her rest. Anyway, it is time once again for this one to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is brought to a boil...

Our brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits will have to wait on the old cat returning from the markets later. The old cat is leaning towards apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies today. Something to embrace the fall. We'll see.

Checking the hot sheets we have 44 new mods with the usual eclectic mix. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye over a fresh cuppa or two.

First a quick shout out to Obicnii for Cimmerian 3BA 4K
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135392
Finally a female barbarian outfit that has a very lore friendly 'vanilla' feel. Similar to the female foresworn outfits, but not quite as tribal. Ah'vrie could see orcs wearing this.

S2E2 released Statue of Dibella - Golden Bits as a first mod. Welcome
A poor attempt to add dangle to Dibella? no link needed

buresjakub2003 released The Heritage of Light - The City of Snow Elves
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135352
"This mode adds a new city lost in the Wrothgarian Mountains, where the story takes place. The Dragonborn first visits this place at the request of the last snow elf in the Forgotten Vale, but he/she is unaware that there is no way out of the town."

Returning after a two year sabbatical from Skyrim, this one picks up where they left off focusing on Snow Elves. This is part one of a proposed trilogy, and is voiced mostly with XvaSynth. English is not this authors first language so forgive the odd grammatical errors.

Kaedevirus released No Racial Abilities (No Racial Powers) as their second mod
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135411
Seeing as our googly challenged friend's first mod a few days ago removed all starting magic, not surprising. Another for the pile.

This next one the old cat does not understand at all...

kwamagg released Pause Game Anytime
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135412
"I felt like I was missing a mod that would allow me to pause, look around, think of next steps or just freeze the moment" Requires ConsoleUtilSSE NG and Papyrus Ini Manipulator.

Obviously opening any menu pauses the game, I'm assuming this does the same thing without opening a menu. Might be good for screen shots in combat but... Thanks

Let's get to the good stuff already

Rudy HQ - ENB Complex Material Mineral Pools Water
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135409
"Adds Dynamic Cube Maps to these meshes. Compatible with Water for ENB."
"This is some kind of a everlasting WIP project. At least until I get bored by this game "

Okay, the old cat likes this one. With 'Real Water 2' the shallow pools look more like shiny mud, and Water for ENB doesn't look much better. Too green for an old cat's taste. This is a nice alternative. Make sure it overwrites your water mods. Available in blue and teal. This one gets a cookie

Weetinte released Shadowmarks - Complex Parallax Addon
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135404
"Shadowmarks now make use of complex parallax material decal effect." A bit much, but subtle. We love choice thanks

kojak747 released T.R.E.E.S. (Tree Resize Enhancement and Environmental Scaling)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/134727
"Enhances Skyrim's forests by allowing you to customize the size of trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables, creating a more dynamic and immersive natural environment."

You'll want to read the mod page, and look at the gifs. Uses BOS to handle the size changes, and and provide randomness. 11 versions to choose from, no scripting involved so it is removable after testing... Some interesting options. This gets a cookie, but needs testing in game with the possible combinations of provided INI choices.

And finally, and old friend gets a true face lift...

Bathing in Skyrim - Renewed by Nuascura
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135288
"Renewed, cleaned, and enhanced Bathing in Skyrim. Allows you to bathe in rivers and shower under waterfalls. Improved with modern scripting affordances."

You'll really want to read the mod page... Lots of info. The old cat has no idea how this would play with a mod like Sunheim... Seriously needs testing in game, the old cat will be thrilled with the return of crafting custom soaps again. This one really missed spriggan soap. Much preferred over a voice of the sky cheat ring... Flagged for testing.

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 arm your bones. We-B-Open!

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Middas the 4th of Evening Star and you'll pardon a distracted old cat for not starting his chores sooner. Excuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is brought to the boil.

Our brew of the day is No. 20. Nespresso's premier blended roast, subtle but of so yummy. Unfortunately too expensive for an everyday cuppa. The biscuits are Ginger zingers. Checking the hot sheets we have 44 new from the usual suspects. let's see what catches the eye of an old cat over a fresh cuppa.

Maldaroth5E released YgneuS - Skyrim Reignited
No link needed. It's a huge unspecified download, with an equally huge "required" section
Your game your way. Thanks

XsyousX123 released No Fast Travel As Will
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135470
Well, it's different LOL. Disables fast travel by default, but you can craft scrolls that allow it 'with' 250 septims at the tanning rack, which is consumed if you fast travel. Thanks, the old cat just chooses not to fast travel, and pays the carriage driver when he does. Your game your way.

lv10001 released Hidden Unique Treasures
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135476
"Hidden Unique Treasures places hand-crafted items in out-of-the-way locations all across Skyrim." Who doesn't love a good treasure hunt. No information on the hidden items. Thanks

Dustmo7e released Breezeheimr -a Breezehome makeover
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135452
"A re-arrangement of Breezehome. Adds two new spaces." Not thrilled with some of the remodeling, but it's not the old cat's game. Worth a look. Thanks

SKOOOMASELLER released Chaining Frost - Ice Chain Lightning
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135479
"Adds a new Frost spell based on Chain Lightning" If it wasn't for the obscenely OP damage, this is actually an interesting idea. 4.6 million frost damage is a tad overkill. Pass

This one's for Ilja

shazdeh2 released Skyrim's Got Talent - Show in UI
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135473
"With Skyrim's Got Talent mod you can play instruments and gradually gain experience and get better at it. This mod let's you see how far you've progressed at that instrument, right in your inventory. That's it." See a need, fill a need. This one gets a cookie. Thanks

Let's jump to a few Retex mods

Achronos11 released Canis Root and Jarrin Root Retexture
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135482
"Retexture for the Canis and Jarrin root ingredients - 1024 or 512 (vanilla is 256)."
A definite improvement with the same poly count, and thorns that look like thorns at 1K? This one gets a cookie. Thanks

fxxkthisworld released Reimagined Mountain Flowers - Base Object Swapper
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135460
"This mod replaces blue, purple, red and yellow mountain flowers with blue lupine, periwinkle, poppy and dandelion" Supports seasons as well. We love choice, and the poppies and lupines are beautiful. Not thrilled with the dandelions, but that's from weeding a rather large lawn a while back. Definitely worth a look. Thanks

Skyking Mountain Flowers
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135459
Taste is subjective, worth a look, but this one's a bit of a

leostevano released CleverCharff's Bruma Complex Material
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135442
What it says on the wrapper. Some of the floor textures are questionable with parallax enabled. Not for old cats but thanks

And finally. We'll finish up with an interesting NPC overhaul

Foamimi's Misc NPC Visual Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/135029
"A visual overhaul covering 51 misc NPCs from vanilla and DLCs."
"Designed to be COMPATIBLE with... Bijin, and Pandorables"

I have to admit, she did a very nice job of these, unfortunately it will bump heads with a lot of other overhauls. The problem is they're scattered all over Skyrim so this one mod with bump heads with whole groups of other mods. Definitely worth a look. Nice bit of sculpting.

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!