Modding on the Spectrum

Gooooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Middas the first of Morning Star, and we welcome in the new year at the inn. Hard to believe this one has been sweeping the floors here for so long. Ah'vrie has seen the birth of 10 years at the inn. Good food, good mead, and great friends is all an inn keeper needs... Well occasionally a mop and broom. It's been a pleasure keeping the fires stoked. Ah'vrie would like to Thank everyone for making it special. Enough, this one has fires to stoke...

Our brew of the day is No. 20. Might as well ring in the new year Nespresso's best, and it should pair well with Tate's ginger zingers. Checking the hot sheets we have 40 new mods. Let's dive right in and see what catches the eye...

RickFastly79 released Tundra Shrub Remover as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137795
Not the first, but it does what it says. Thanks

akakuz released Solstheim Thalmor with Glass as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137785
"This is my first mod. The mod makes Thalmor npcs in "A New Source of Stalhrim" only uses Glass items regardless of the player level. This will distinguish them from locals of Ravenrock instead of a bad fashion mixing a leather armor with Elven items." Your game your way. Why not? Thanks for sharing.

HeZijie released SFM tweak - Dress up dignifiedly and reasonablely as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137766
"A small tweak to eliminate the nudity moment while switching outfits. Your followers will properly accept the equipment you give them, in a dignified way." See a... need, fill a need LOL. Thanks, nothing wrong with a little modesty

Soberrobot released Riften Honorhall Orphanage Extended as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137754
"Adds an option to purchase an upgrade for Riften Orphanage after Grelod is gone which overhauls the orphanage with new areas, activities and behaviors for the orphans. For example you can play games with them or give them gifts or enable chores around the orphanage. Many of the new options can be toggled on and off to your preference."

About time It is a first mod, and a total Tardis 'upgrade' adds classrooms, training areas, a swimming pool... All underground of course. LOL. Nice first mod. Have a cookie

Lets see... Skyking Snowburst - 4K Complex Parallax Snow
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137775
"A complete retexture for the snow landscape textures throughout Skyrim. Offered in 1k, 2k, or 4k, Snowburst features parallax and complex parallax support plus compatibility with Blended Roads, Terrain Parallax Blending Fix, and Parallax Gen."

Santa came a bit late this year... The old cat will be testing this one in game. Looks good and the tessellation looks subtle and well blended. The old cat has not added snow and ice mods yet. Perfect timing. You can have a cookie as well.

We'll finish up with a little bit of Cartography

BecomingNplus1 released Detailed Landscapes - Hold Border Banners Renewal (B)S)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137790
"Mod recreates 'Hold Border Banners' entirely with Base Object Swapper (BOS)"
And why not. Thanks

Atlas Map Markers Overhaul by Almalesbian
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137793
"Atlas Overhaul aims to bring the locations of the original Atlas Map Markers more in line with vanilla Skyrim's naming conventions, with a focus on lore consistency! Includes an overhaul of the CoMAP markers for Atlas, the base game and Anniversary Edition."

A nice finish to the first review of the year... Skyrim always seems to call us home. Now you can find your way a little better.

The fires are stoked, the kettles scrubbed, and the floors are swept and mopped. may the new year bring you all peace, joy, and happiness. Now get out there... Thar be dragons to hunt, and We-B-Open!

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Turdas the 2nd of Morning Star and a crisp 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 flame...

Our brew of the day is Kahawa Ya Congo, and the biscuits are chocolate chunk. Checking the hot sheets we have 58 new mods with the usual eclectic mix of jingles, dangles, patches and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches the eye of an old at over a fresh cuppa... Definitely a fresh cuppa

SvenTX released 15 Notification Messages for Dear Diary Dark Mode as a first mod Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137833
Interesting first mod. Thanks

The old cat uses Configurable Notification Messages by MaskedRPGFan. 15 is a bit much. Ah'vrie is currently playing with 6 configured

uriahheep1959 released three today
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/uria ... ameId=1704
Seems nostalgic for ugly textures and the midnight sun lol. Your game your way. Thanks

WalkerInShadows released Hephaestus
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137800
"Hephaestus is a comprehensive weapon and armor overhaul that builds off the system introduced in Immersive Jewelry - breaking down ingots into bars and tabs and using those to craft items. This, along with the creation of alloys, allows for a much greater variety of materials, which makes smithing more interesting and immersive."

There is a difference between immersive and tedious. This one looks tedious, but then their alchemy overhaul from two weeks ago was tedious as well. Your game your way.

themikatoon released Medieval Immersive Wenches Posters
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137865
This one missed the point two years ago when they first replaced the posters. And missed the point again... Protect the slavers? Hard pass on this one, again

Dustmo7e remade/released Noble Breezehome with a Guestwing
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137862
"A new version of an older mod, Breezehome with a Guestwing. Most pieces of furniture have been changed into noble versions and underneath Breezehome resides a swimming pool." To be honest, the old cat was not thrilled with the original mod from 2020. Your game your way. Thanks

And finally This one actually caught the eye. We don't often see new mechanics introduced as a first mod. This one would need serious in game testing, but as a die hard archer this deserved a closer look

Simple Range Table - Proximity Based Ranged Damage by sc2strateg
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137526
"SImple Range Table adjusts damage output with ranged weapons based on proximity to the target. The goal is to encourage the player to close the distance with the enemy by introducing a simple risk vs reward dynamic via proximity damage bonuses and distant damage fall-off. As a side effect, this also reduces the lethality of enemy archers at large distances."

Ah'vrie does like the concept. The equation used is based off ordinator, and has too much of a swing. 5% per 10 feet... The old cat would probably tweak it to 2.5% per 15 feet. This one needs serious in game testing to get a viable balance. Arrows don't noticeably change kinetic energy that much over distance. While the concept is sound, the relative numbers will probably need tweaking for balanced game play.

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 Fredas the 3rd of Morning Star, and thank the divines the weekend is nigh. The blessed moons continue to wax through the early crescents, but for now they have set, and 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 put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is Umatima wa Uganda, and the biscuits are Oatmeal Cranberry. Checking the hot sheets we have 48 new with enough jiggle to keep the spirit of DJ Red at bay, all he needs are a few more voice actors... Anyway, let's dive in and see what catches the eye that doesn't have a cup size. Fair warning, noobs have taken center stage today.

latvianfarmer17 released Well Room as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137954
"This is just a simple mod I made whilst learning how to use the Creation Kit" We were all young once. Welcome to the dark side. Bwahahahaha

Mikezet12 released Perk Point Book ESL as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137971
I made an ESL version of Inigo21 "PERK POINT BOOK"

This is what happens when you install skill tree overhauls like Ordinator without a plan. LOL At least it wasn't a house in Riverwood.

gravityzcatz released Simple Winterhold Rebuild as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137977
"Inspired by the long gone Qaxe's Winterhold mod, which used to be a permanent resident of my own mod lists, this mod was very much a product of my frustration at the lack of a mod that rebuilds the existing ruined farmhouses in Winterhold."

See a need fill a need. The old cat remembers Qaxe's Winterhold from oldrim, and likes this one's thinking. Nicely done, this one gets a cookie. Thanks

Heoilok released Shadow Line Removal as a first mod. Welcome
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137968
"This fix removes the shadow lines that moved across the screen in Obsidian Weathers as the camera moved."

Ah'vrie will have to check for that in game. Thanks. There is also an INI entry to minimize the same effect on water if needed. Tracking because the old cat won't remember the name Have a cookie

Horus04 released Lost Crafting Secrets
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137965
This one showed such promise too. Oh well, our googly challenged friend adds another to the pile, and this one goes farther than most. Who needs boss fights,or adventuring, or even to play the game, when you can simply craft 'everything' Your game your way, not my game, not my way, but thanks.

And finally, Poellafrire released Vanilla Whiterun Road Redone
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137921
"A texture remake of the Whiterun's roads aiming to respect the original look and feel while improving details. Parallax supported."

This one gets it... the pattern is complex enough to avoid obvious tiling. Looks a bit 2D, but the overall look is quite fitting. We love choice, thanks, have a cookie.

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

Goooooood Morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Loredas the 4th of Morning Star and a quiet predawn here on warm sands. This one was up late actually hunting dragons for once and apologizes for being tardy. The blessed moons have long set and it is past time this one tended the inn. Excuse please while the ash pits are emptied and the fires rebuilt. Ah'vrie likes to start the weekend off with happy fires, and a happy fire needs to breathe. You may want to cover your tankards for a bit, this can get a tad dusty, and Khajiit know not from free refills... There! Much better no? Ah'vrie's mother used to say a happy fire warms more than the room. Ah'vrie misses her... Anyway, now to compost the ash, check the garden, scrub the kettles, and put fresh water to the flame.

Our brew of the day is from Indonesia, and the biscuits are classic sugar cookies. Checking the hot sheets we have 54 new mods and a scant few caught the eye. Let's dive in over a fresh cuppa or two...

upp1er released Super Enchanter as a first mod
"Simple mod that changes effects of perks Fire Enchanter, Frost Enchanter, Storm Enchanter, Insightful Enchanter, Corpus Enchanter from 125% to 200%, perk Extra Effect from 2 enchantments to 3. Inspired by SmithyPete's Six Enchants per Item." no link

ThunderPerfectMind released Expanded Ingredient Availability
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138062
"Expands availability of ingredients from Dawnguard, Rare Curios, and Saints & Seducers to additional merchants in Skyrim and Solstheim. Optionally expands availability of ingredients from Beyond Skyrim: Bruma, The Cause, Goblins, and Plague of the Dead as well." Another for the pile... Not the first.

JJerem released HAG - Occult Orphan Rock
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137996
"An overhaul of the Orphan Rock location. Reimagined with a horror theme, and adds a small dungeon."

Your game your way. The old cat's only complaint is the tree is twice the size of the gildergleem. Breaks all the lore for the tree. Hard pass for old cats, but interesting.

Chlamydia1 released A simple Blue Palace terrace
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138075
"This mod adds a small terrace to the empty rooftop of the vanilla palace building. The door for the terrace is in the Blue Palace staircase (the left side staircase if you are using JK's Blue Palace). Just pretend it leads to another staircase that then takes you to the roof. "

Pretty... keep working at your craft, and you won't have to pretend it's a finished mod

And finally micyey ported by Pymous to SSE as an AIO

Immersive Settlements SE AIO
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138022
"This lore-friendly mod aims to improve player immersion by expanding Skyrim settlements."

The old cat has to admit, this is the first expansion mod that really seems lore friendly. adds one or two houses in each location with matching architecture... Worth a look. The old cat won't bother if the buildings aren't also occupied, so pass, but well done.

And that will do for today. The Ale was delivered on time and the new batch of mead is ready. We're serving medallions of marinated venison on a bed of diced roast potatoes and caramelized onions with a poached egg on top for the early meal, and Ale braised saber cat with sauteed carrots and twice baked garlic potatoes for the late meal. 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 old cat needs another cuppa. We-B-Open!

Gooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Sundas the 5th of Morning Star, and another crisp pre-dawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, the paths are closed, and 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 put to the flame...

Our brew of the day is Inspirazione a Napoli, and the biscuits are ginger zingers. Checking the hot sheets we have 49 new from the usual suspects. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye this morning.

jeremiah1499 released MyHouseFalkreath as a test file. No pics, no info.. no link. But it's a first 'mod' so welcome to the dark side Bwahahahaha

Curtainosphere25 released Magic Anomalies Weakened - SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138154
"Magic Anomalies now level at 1x your level with a minimum level of 1 and a maximum of 25. Therefore, a level 14 character will end up facing level 14 Magic Anomalies." Simple and clean... Those damned things are always tanky. Thanks

RogueUnicorn00 released iLluminous Elementals
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138128
"Adds real light to elemental creatures using Light Placer " Which of course requires community shaders... etc. The old cat will stick with ENB for now, but it is good to see alternatives getting developed. Thanks

Weird when the modding universe seems to reflect your current game...

Iconic's Meridia's Beacon
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138070
"Retexture for Meridia's Beacon and related beacon clutter, optional multilayer parallax beacon in many different colors." (Ah'vrie sort of likes the teal colored one... needs to be more reflective/refractive. The upscaling looks good. Thanks.

Windstad Mine - Skyrim Special Edition - Experimental by Ziron999
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137982
"A fix for next generation graphic areas. Many next gen areas conflict with building mods. This creates a new canvas for artists with landscaping being fixed."

The old cat's issue with Windstad mine is with landscape fixes for grass mods, and was resolved with a simple load order correction. However there is still an issue which seems linked to Ranger cabins. There is also an issue with Ryn's Ustengrav, but the old cat doesn't use that one. Every game is different, this 'fix' is being created for a mod list.

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!

Gooooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. it is Morndas the 6th of Morning Star, and hide if you can, or work if you must, it's Morndas again. It's a quiet predawn here on warm sands. The blessed moons have set, and it is once again time for this one to tend the inn for our most honored guests. Exacuse please while the fires are stoked, and fresh water is out to the flame...

Our brew of the day is Istanbul espresso, and the biscuits are oatmeal cranberry. Checking the hot sheets we have an eclectic mix of 44 new mods, Not much catches the eye. Let's see what does over a fresh cuppa.

This one brought a chuckle to an old cat on a Morndas. Gets a cookie just because LOL

tcbflash released No Fall Damage for Mammoths
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138198
"Flying mammoths can now land softly without dying or getting hurt. (Vanilla or Skytest Realistic Animals versions available)" Wins the Skyrim conservation award

GOsteW released Less Annoying Spriggan Health Regen
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138168
Nerfs their health regen to 50%, and allows them to take damage while healing. your game your way. They can be annoying especially in groups, but that's also what keeps the battles fresh. The old cat will pass, but thanks.

Otellino released Functional Road Signs
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138212
"Functional Road Signs is a small, lightweight mod that gives you a new way to fast-travel to settlements throughout Skyrim; by interacting with Road Signs!" You'll still have to travel there once for the sign to 'work' Basically a more immersivce way to click on the map marker. Your game your way. The old cat prefers his horse.

olivierbest released Drengin's Blue Palace - Only Mesh - Parallax Version
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138189
"parallax version of Drengin's Blue Palace - Mesh Only Replacer " It's not a mesh swap the old cat uses, but thanks

Styyxus released Enchant Expensive Items
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138230
"Simple mod that makes enchanting more expensive items worth something. Enchantments on expensive items are 20% stronger"

Okay, The old cat may still be nursing his second cuppa, but please, the strength of the enchantment is based on how expensive the item is? Oddly enough the old cat could see an argument for a metric where certain types of enchantments store more mana in the presence of a flawless gem? But not just a blanket buff based on price. Your game your way. Thanks

And finally a totally unexpected mod of the day, even for old cats... Bad followers

MW Scums Of Sacrifice - Purposely Awful Followers by Lexa0100
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/137928
"Because I wanted some NPCs ready to be offered in sacrifice to Boethiah and/or Mephala, that the world would be better off without."

Finally a valid reason the old cat would bother with a follower. Now your stupid beast of burden can also be a lamb to slaughter. This one gets a cookie, might be a poison cookie though

And that will do for today. The fires are stoked, yada, yada, We-B-Open!

Goooooood morning Tamriel!

Ah'vrie wishes you well. It is Tirdas the 7th of Morning Star, and congratulations on surviving another Morndas. 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 flame.

Our brew of the day is Istanbul espresso, and the biscuits are classic sugar cookies (The old cat baked a tray or two too many Checking the hotsheets we have 39 new mods with the usual eclectic mix of jiggles, patches, accessories, and pointy sticks. Let's see what catches an old cat's eye this day...

We'll start with a couple of 'what were they thinking' mods.

outtamercy recolored Nordic Carving - Great Portal of Dragonsreach
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138293
The recolor looks okay, but the original mod is not for old cats. Redbag's original import of the carving behind the Jarl's head looks extraordinary. adding them to the arches looks silly. Your game your way. Pass

Andyross1962 released Complete Solitude Docks and Exterior
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138227
" Complete overhaul and reworking of Solitude docks and city exterior.
Lore friendly, includes Docks, East Empire Company Warehouse, Lumber Mill and Katla's Farm"

We love choice, and the buildings and waterfront look great, but this one is obviously not a sailor. You don't park boats bow first, then park another boat behind them. LOL. That being said, the old at likes this version of the docks, but would disable at least 6 of the boats. Thanks

iimlenny released Nord War Horn 2K-8K
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138292
"This is a Mesh and Texture Replacer for Skyrims Nordic War Horn in 2K-8K"

The old cat had thought Lenny was finally past making ugly. And not only ugly, but what good id a war horn you can't sound that also stabs you in the nose? Hard pass on ugly and useless.

mizunakun released Meridia will do anything. No link for this one.
" I have duplicated the beacon and bestowed it on all living beings except you.
You are the only one without a beacon. Claim your beacon now. Now!"

Okay, let's get to some of the better choices

Dpi663 released Nimhe - Dangerous and Poisonous
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138023
"Now Nimhe will be more dangerous than ever! New Arena, two phases of the fight! Fear Nimhe! After defeating her, be careful, I warned you!"

Arachnophobia sufferers are not going to like this one... Nimhe is not only tougher, but her children join the fight, and later try an take revenge... This could be fun. but it's an early mod, and a bit over the top. Worth a look. Inigo approves.

thesignedpainter released Invisible Bandoliers and Pouches
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... mods/92976
"This mod makes the bandoliers invisible for MAXIMUM FASHION COMPATIBILITY"

But, but, but, Every woman knows it's the accessories that make the outfit Kidding aside a little invisible buff to carry weight. The author warns if you have any issues at all with the balanced version, to unpack the BSA and overwrite the mod with loose files.

Okay, okay, let's get to the good stuff...

gutmaw has released two more snazzy interiors.
https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/gutm ... ameId=1704
Winterhold is the current flavor of snazzy. Birna's and Kraldar's houses got snazified. Beautifully done as always. Worth a look, and a cookie

And finally we'll close up with a tale of two grass mods...

napoleonofthestump released BIOMES I (part 1)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138300
"Another grass overhaul, this time modular for mixing and matching with other excellent grass mods! Part 1 features the Reach, Marsh, and Volcanic regions."

The old cat has to admit this is a nice set of regional mixes, and the fact that they are being released as modular biomes means you can mix and match, and also add them to existing grass mods... This one caught the old cat's eye. Tracking for now, but worth a look and a cookie.

(Rom, take a look at the individual texture qualities for us if you would please.)

Lastly we have Freak's Floral Solstheim - A Cathedral Grass Overhaul
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecial ... ods/138161
"Freak's Floral Solstheim brings you absolute diversity and style like none other to the region of Solstheim. Like its brother FFF, the aim of this mod is to redo Solstheim's grass in a way that immerses you to the max. The entire region will feel brand new and will make you feel as lost as you were the first time!"

Well this one certainly has no ego problem LOL. The grasses look wonderful, but the colors are desaturated and could use a touch of green here and there even in the ash wastes. Over all beautiful work considering this is only their second mod. Freak's Floral Fields was a hell of a first. Tracking the author for now.

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!