The Road Ahead-Unofficial Step Guide Addon

SkyrimSE vTRA-1.0

Changelog   |   Release Date: September 22, 2024

The Road Ahead - an Unofficial STEP Guide Addon

by: D1Z4STR

NOTE

This is the current version of the The Road Ahead - an Unofficial STEP Guide Addon. Please report any problems or confusing instructions on the forum topic.

WARNING

This addon requires the Step SkyrimSE 2.3 Guide to be followed first. Please read all mod page descriptions for what they do and always double check your work.

“Often, the path less traveled is overlooked. Yet, with willpower and a desire to grow, will you dare to journey down The Road Ahead?” - D1Z4STR
The Road Ahead is an Unofficial STEP Guide Addon that includes various mods that I feel add some extra depth to the game.

The Road Ahead is going to be restructured and on put into a different scope of direction. Around half of the guide is going to change. A ready announcement will come later on the forum page.

Almost every mod contained within is optional, and you have user freedom. Some mods will need certain Extenders or Resources, so keep that in mind. You will see detailed information in the mod tables below as you proceed to read through the guide. The approach and goals are to make this simple, easy to follow, and not need to complete extra steps i.e. regenerating LOD, etc.

Please feel free to contact me if you see issues, have criticism, and think of improvements to the page, etc. Thank you.

step 1

Mod Organizer 2 (MO2) Settings & Profile setup

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Read me!

It is recommended for the following to be set in Mod Organizer 2:

1. Click 'configure settings and workarounds' ---> Mod List tab

2. Check 'Show mod list separator colors on the scrollbar' and Check 'Profile-specific collapse states for separators'

3. Click OK

You should complete this next step to separate Vanilla STEP/Default profile and The Road Ahead. In MO2 at the top row of icons click 'configure profiles' and complete the following:

1. You should see a profile named Default (if you have changed it when installed STEP, then that's okay as well, use your baseline profile)

2. Check the 2 boxes for 'Use profile-specific Save Games and Game INI Files'

3. Click close (MO2 sets the 2 options to the profile)

4. Reopen the 'configure profiles' menu and ensure both boxes we checked earlier are checked

5. Click copy on the right and enter STEP - The Road Ahead

6. Click ok and the new profile will appear in the profiles list

7. Click on the new profile and then click select at the bottom!

STEP 2

Separators

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Mod Installation Considerations

If no notes or recommendations are provided for a particular mod, always install the Main File, any Update Files if neccessary.

After installing a mod, ALWAYS enable the mod and any related plugins in MO unless otherwise instructed.

Mods are listed in alphabetical order within each ModGroup and any deviations from this are purposeful to achieve the desired outcome.

Mods should be arranged in MO in the order that they are listed to ensure other mods further down the list overwrite/override those occurring before them.

Always install plugins (ESLs/ESMs/ESPs), unless otherwise noted. When there is a choice to use an ESL, always choose that UNLESS continuing a playthrough using a previously-existing save game (ESL-flagged plugins can 'break' a save that relies on a ESP or ESM version of the same plugin!).

Always follow LOOT's advice regarding mod cleaning and sorting unless otherwise noted.

Do not extract BSAs unless specifically instructed to do so.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Reminder - Steps for Creating MO2 Separators

1. Click at the top of the mod list pane.
2. Select [Create Separator], and give the separator a name.
   • Create a new separator for each new Mod Group while working through the Guide.
   • Separator colors can be customized by right-clicking on any separator and selecting Select Color.

ModGroup Separators

The Road Ahead recommends using the following separators shown and placed in order in the image below. The start of the Road Ahead separators will be right after STEP's LOD separator shown in its reference image in step 4. I have also pre-packaged them to save time. Open the zip file and extract into your STEP - MO2 mods folder (where the other mods and separators are for STEP). (removed for the time)

The Road Ahead Separators

Reference Image:

STEP 3

The mod list installation

02-Extenders

Mods that expand on the inherent functionality of a game or another mod without themselves affecting content

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Andrealphus' Papyrus Functions		Required for Andrealphus' Bleedout Revamp

				ConsoleUtilSSE NG		Required for Autorun

				Powerofthree's Papyrus Extender		Detailed Instructions available
Required for Hunters Loot, Rock Traps Trigger Fixes, and Simply Order Summons FOMOD Instructions Main DLL ◉ SSE v1.6.1130+ (Anniversary Edition) Install

03-Resources

Mods solely providing assets intended specifically for use by other mods without themselves affecting content

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				AnimObject Swapper		Detailed Instructions available
Required for Sharpen Other Swords II FOMOD Instructions Main DLL ◉ SSE v1.6.629+ ("Anniversary Edition) Install

				B612 - my little asteroid of useful UI components		Install Main File only - Required for Alchemical Appraisal Services

				Base Object Swapper		Detailed Instructions available
Required for Catches Cook on Campfires - Base Object Swapper and Diverse Catches - Base Object Swapper Fish Racks and Nocturnal Moths FOMOD Instructions Main DLL ◉ SSE v1.6.1130+ ("Anniversary Edition) Install

				Description Framework		Required for Vanilla Item Descriptions

				FormList Manipulator - FLM		The optional files are not needed - Required for Andrealphus' Bleedout Revamp

				JContainers SE		Required for Spell Organizer - Hide Remove Delete Erase Forget Spells Install SKSE 2.2.6 / SSE (SAE) 1.6.1170 Main File

				Keyword Item Distributor (KID)		Detailed Instructions available
Required for Cooking Categories Improvement (Constructible Object Custom Keyword System - Fixes) and Vibrant Weapons EAE FOMOD Instructions Main DLL ◉ SSE v1.6+ ("Anniversary Edition) Install

				Rogue's Gallery		Required for Show Follower Carry Weight, Show NPC Disposition Relationship Rank, and Show Mount Carry Weight Install Main File / Optional file not needed

04-Foundation

Baseline mods that should be overridden by other mods AND/OR that make widely-accepted programmatic changes expected by other mods

No mods defined.

05-Animation and Physics

Mods that affect animations or physics

No mods defined.

06-Models and Textures

Mods that replace existing models or textures

No mods defined.

07-Sounds and Music

Mods that affect sounds or music

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Blackreach Eerie Ambience		Detailed Instructions available
Listen to sounds comparisons on mod front page FOMOD Instructions Sound Selection Sound Selection ◉ With Birds - user choice ◉ Without Birds - user choice (preferred) Other Sound Options Nirnroot Options ◉ Nirnroot Replacer (Crimson Only) (preferred) Blackreach Water Loop ☐ Blackreach Water Loop - user choice Silence Music ☐ Silence Music - do not tick Install

				Distant Dragon Roars		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Distant Dragon Roars Pick Your Version ◉ No Dragons After Alduin (preferred) Install

				Distant Rolling Thunder		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Choose your Plugin Plugin Choices ◉ Light - best for Cathedral Weathers (preferred) Format ◉ wav (preferred) Choose frequency ◉ 1% (preferred) Install

				Ghostly Helgi Voice		The optional files are not needed

				Potema Revoiced		Optional file not needed

				The Black Door Revoiced		User choice of Main File A or B. Sound comparison is on mod front page. Optional file not needed.

08-Character Appearance

Mods that affect the appearance of the player character or NPCs

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Majestic Greybeards

09-Fixes

Mods have a programmatic component that fixes various bugs and/or inconsistencies

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Dual Casting Fix		Detailed Instructions available
Required for Blade and Blunt - A Combat Overhaul FOMOD Instructions Main DLL ◉ SSE v1.6+ (Anniversary Edition) Install

				Equip Enchantment Fix		Install bottom Main File

				Esbern Voice Consistency Fix

				Imperial Soldiers Using Wrong Shields Fix		Install both files separately

				Mihail's CC Goblins Overhaul - Compatibility Tweak		If using Mihail's CC Goblins Overhaul (installed in next mod section)

				Mihail's CC Goblin's Standalone-ified		If using Mihail's CC Goblins Overhaul (installed in next mod section)

				Motionless Rocks Killing People Fix		Install Main File only

				Nilheim BQ Fix

				Rock Traps Trigger Fixes		Requires powerofthree's Papyrus Extender from mod section 02 Extenders In the FOMOD ignore all and click install. Other patches should be greyed out since we are not using those mods.

				Vampire Allies Factions Fix		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Vampire Allies Factions Fix Options ◉ USSEP Install

10-Gameplay-General

Mods that affect general or multiple gameplay mechanics

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Alchemical Appraisal Services		Requires B612 - my little asteroid of useful UI components from mod section 03 Resources

				Andrealphus' Bleedout Revamp		Detailed Instructions available
Requires the following Extenders 02 and Resources 03: Andrealphus' Papyrus Functions FormList Manipulator - FLM powerofthree's Papyrus Extender Install only the Main File

				Dynamic Mercenary Fees		Install the Main File only

				Improved Innkeepers

				Less Bandit Wizards

				Mihail's CC Goblins Overhaul

				Novice Bolt Spells		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Patches for Spell mods Spell Patches / Perk Patches ☐ Unticked (for all) Install

				Spell Organizer - Hide Remove Delete Erase Forget Spells		Requires JContainers SE from mod section 03-Resources

				Survival Control Panel		Does nothing without Survival Mode activated - Install the Main File only

11-Gameplay-AI and Combat

Mods that affect AI, stats, or combat mechanics of NPCs

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Arena - An Encounter Zone Overhaul		Install the Main File only. If you want the optional file, then install it separately.

				Blade and Blunt - A Combat Overhaul		Detailed Instructions available
WARNING This is a combat-AI and stamina management overhaul that may deviate from vanilla more than is expected or desired. For a more subtle and vanilla-friendly combat-AI experience, do not install this mod. Please see alternative Realistic Combat AI (installed later). Also, both of these mods can be installed together, and LOOT will sort correctly. FOMOD Instructions Main Step Module Files ☐ No Kill Moves user preference; recommended Unchecked ☐ Vanilla Difficulty Modifiers user preference; recommended Unchecked Disable Optional Features Stamina Changes ☐ user preference Install Locate Scrambled Bugs in the MO left pane. Right click the mod, and select "Information..." to open the mod information window. Under the Text Files tab, modify the following two settings in ScrambledBugs.json: (with your text editor program) "applyMultipleSpells": true "powerAttackStamina": true Lastly, LOOT sorts Blade & Blunt (B&B) before Reasonable Movement Speed. This is user preference. If you want B&B movement values follow the LOOT rule below (same setup if you installed Default Face NPCs Fixed) LOOT rule setup as follows: Run LOOT in MO2 Locate Blade and Blunt in the left pane of LOOT Right click then click Edit metadata A new screen will appear, in the middle of the screen it will say Blade and Blunt, look directly below that and click the Load After tab Click add new row at the bottom A new (kind of hard to see) row will come up under where it says 'filename' click in that box and start typing the word 'reasonable', it will find Reasonable Movement Speed for you then click it to set it in the new row Click save in the middle right hand side of LOOT (should have an outline color around it) Complete! We will sort plugins at the end of the guide but if you sorted it will not hurt at this point.

				Encounter Zones Unlocked SE		Install the top Main File (AE) only

				Ghosts Mechanics and Shaders Restored - Addons		Detailed Instructions available
Install the Main File only Lastly, if you wish to have Philter of The Phantom changes from this mod then you must load it lower than CACO. This is user preference. LOOT rule setup as follows: Run LOOT in MO2 Locate Ghosts Mechanics and Shaders Restored - Addons in the left pane of LOOT Right click then click Edit metadata A new screen will appear, in the middle of the screen it will say Ghosts Mechanics and Shaders Restored - Addons, look directly below that and click the Load After tab Click add new row at the bottom A new (kind of hard to see) row will come up under where it says 'filename' click in that box and start typing the word 'complete', it will find Complete Alchemy & Cooking Overhaul for you then click it to set it in the row Click save in the middle right hand side of LOOT (should have an outline color around it) Complete! We will sort plugins at the end of the guide but if you sorted it will not hurt at this point.

				Housecarls Pre-Thaneship		Detailed Instructions available
Install Main File only 1 LOOT rule is needed to correct a small conflict with Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes with its Ambient patch and a CR patch for this is unnecessary. We need to load Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes below Housecarls Pre-Thaneship. This LOOT instance will work a little different. LOOT will actually place Housecarls Pre-Thaneship above Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes and not the other way around since Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes can't move that far down the list. LOOT rule setup as follows: Run LOOT in MO2 Locate Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes in the left pane of LOOT Right click then click Edit metadata A new screen will appear, in the middle of the screen it will say Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes, look directly below that and click the Load After tab Click add new row at the bottom A new (kind of hard to see) row will come up under where it says 'filename' click in that box and start typing the word 'House', it will find Housecarls Pre-Thaneship for you then click it to set it in the new row Click Save in the middle right hand side of LOOT (should have an outline color around it) Complete! We will sort plugins at the end of the guide but if you sorted it will not hurt at this point.

				Hunters Loot - and skin animals		Requires powerofthree's Papyrus Extender from mod section 02 Extenders

				Locational Encounter Zones

				NPCs Take Cover - Smarter Anti-Cheese AI

				Press E to Heal Followers		Requires Dynamic Activation Key which is installed in section 16 Interface. Only install the Main file for now.

				Realistic Combat AI		This can be installed as standalone, or it can be installed with Blade & Blunt

				Relaxed Khajiits		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Relaxed Khajits Relaxed Khajits ◉ Default - user choice ◉ Bedrolls - user choice (preferred) Install

				Simply Order Summons		Requires powerofthree's Papyrus Extender from mod section 02 Extenders

12-Gameplay-Economy

Mods that affect currency, rewards, values, rates, or any other economy-related mechanics

No mods defined.

13-Gameplay-Immersion

Mods that help to improve game immersion and role-playing scenarios

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Better Court Wizards

				Catches Cook on Campfires - Base Object Swapper		Requires Base Object Swapper from mod section 03 Resources

				D.E.A.D. - Draugr Enemy Asset Diversity		Detailed Instructions available
Optional - Hide 1 file from Draugr.by.Kajuan in STEP 2.3 - textures/actors/draugr/draugr_n.dds FOMOD Instructions Optionals and Patches Optionals ☐ Disable Quest (leave unticked) Patches ☐ Bruma Patch (leave unticked) ☑ Umbra Patch Install

				Diverse Catches - Base Object Swapper Fish Racks		Detailed Instructions available
Requires Base Object Swapper from mod section 03 Resources Install the first main file Optionally - Install the second main separately if you rather have the fish tied than nailed to the racks (do not use if you are using Fully Harvest Hanging Carcasses and Coin Purses) Install the update file separately This mod can cause some very minor clipping. On each game load the swapping/randomization of racks changes.

				Extended Bandit Dialogue

				Immersive Khajiit Caravan Mules		Install the Main File only

				JS Badges of Office	1K/2K	Install only 1 Main File

				Married NPCs Wear Wedding Bands (SPID - Left Hand Rings)		Install the Main File only

				Nocturnal Moths		Detailed Instructions available
Requires Base Object Swapper from mod section 03 Resources FOMOD Instructions Versions Options ◉ Regular Patches Other ☑ Lanterns of Skyrim MCM Version Install

				Relaxed Vendors		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Relaxed Vendors Version ◉ MCM - user choice (If you want to configure and randomize the dialogue frequency in a MCM) ◉ Basic - user choice (preferred) Install

				Settling of Squad - Set Follower Home		Detailed Instructions available
Do not install optional follower patches FOMOD Instructions Step 1 Optional ☐ Unchecked Install

				Sharpen Other Swords II - AnimObject Swapper		Requires AnimObject Swapper from mod section 03 Resources

				Store Entrance Doorbells		Detailed Instructions available
Install Main File only 1 LOOT rule is needed to correct a small conflict with Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes with its Ambient patch and a CR patch for this is unnecessary. We need to load Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes below Store Entrance Doorbells. This LOOT instance will work a little different. LOOT will actually place Store Entrance Doorbells above Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes and not the other way around since Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes can't move that far down the list. LOOT rule setup as follows: Run LOOT in MO2 Locate Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes in the left pane of LOOT Right click then click Edit metadata A new screen will appear, in the middle of the screen it will say Acoustic Space Improvement Fixes, look directly below that and click the Load After tab Click add new row at the bottom A new (kind of hard to see) row will come up under where it says 'filename' click in that box and start typing the word 'Store', it will find Store Entrance Doorbells for you then click it to set it in the new row Click Save in the middle right hand side of LOOT (should have an outline color around it) Complete! We will sort plugins at the end of the guide but if you sorted it will not hurt at this point.

				Thalmor Don't Report To Stormcloaks		Install the Main File only

				The Clever Prisoner		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions The Clever Prisoner The Clever Prisoner ◉ Default Version - user choice - if not using Truly Neutral Prisoner (few mods lower in the guide) ◉ TNP - user choice (preferred) Install

				Trespass

				True Hunter - fewer animals per square meter		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Main Mod Version ◉ MCM - user choice (preferred) ◉ No MCM - user choice Install

				Truly Neutral Prisoners		Install the Main File only

				Upgraded Items in World Spaces and Interiors

14-Gameplay-Quests

Mods that alter aspects of quests and/or related lore

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Don't send me there again (dosemetha)		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Main DLL ◉ AE (newer versions) Install

				Face Sculptor Expanded

				No Need to Ask... Bounty is Served

				Thane Me Slower - Becoming Thane requires more Favors

15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks

Mods that affect the player character's or NPC skills and perks or related leveling

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Mundustar - Personal Standing Stones Overhaul

16-Interface

Mods that affect any aspect of the user interface

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Constructible Object Custom Keyword System		Install the top Main File only

				Cooking Categories Improvement (Constructible Object Custom Keyword System - Fixes)		Requires Keyword Item Distributor (KID) from mod section 03 Resources - Install the Main File only

				Dynamic Activation Key		Detailed Instructions available
Requires powerofthree's Papyrus Extender from mod section 02 Extenders User choice of installing the Main File or the newer Optional File for DLL NG Edition (preferred). Both files achieve the same thing and there is an optional controller config if you need that (install as a separate mod).

				Dynamic Activation Key - MCM		Detailed Instructions available
This is NOT needed if NOT using DAK (installed previously) Download the file that matches the chosen version of DAK (i.e., DLL NG)

				Dynamic Activation Key - Addons Collection		Detailed Instructions available
Install only if using DAK (installed previously) Install the Main File and then download the Optional File, and merge it.

				Show Follower Carry Weight		Requires Rogue's Gallery from mod section 03 Resources

				Show Mount Carry Weight		Requires Rogue's Gallery from mod section 03 Resources and the previous mod above Show Follower Carry Weight

				Show NPC Disposition Relationship Rank		Requires Rogue's Gallery from mod section 03 Resources

				Simple Activate SKSE		Detailed Instructions available
FOMOD Instructions Main DLL ◉ SSE v.1.6.629+ ("Anniversary Edition") Install

				SkyUI - Survival Mode Integration		Does nothing without Survival Mode activated

				Vanilla Iten Descriptions		Requires Description Framework from mod section 03 Resources. Only Install one file - Optional File (preferred)

17-Locations

Mods that programmatically add new or alter vanilla locations

No mods defined.

18-Lighting and Weather

Mods that affect lighting and/or weather systems **installation is optional**

No mods defined.

19-Utilities

Mods that generate derived mod output from load-order-specific assets

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				Autorun		Detailed Instructions available
Requires ConsoleUtilSSE NG from mod section 02 Extenders The following command lines will load at game start and do the following. These are preferred. You can choose which you want to include: SetGS fCombatAimProjectileRandomOffset 40 - gives archer NPCs a 40% inaccuracy rating vs the default 16% Set TAIF_Settings_GreetPlayer to 2 - this is from Tavern AI Fix mod please read its mod page on how you wish the command line to look (values between 0-2 / 1 is default to TAIF) Set TAIF_Settings_ShowRoom to 0 - this is from Tavern AI Fix mod please read its mod page on how you wish the command line to look (values between 0-2 / 1 is default to TAIF) Once you have decided on the above, proceed to adding the below Open the mods autorun.txt and place the following text inside then save: SetGS fCombatAimProjectileRandomOffset 40 Set TAIF_Settings_GreetPlayer to 2 Set TAIF_Settings_ShowRoom to 0

20-Patches

Mods that programmatically resolve load-order conflicts

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

				D1Z4STR's Patch Hub		Detailed Instructions available
Install D.E.A.D. - Ghosts Mechanics and Shaders patch (if using D.E.A.D.) Install Upgraded Items - Unlimited Bookshelves - USSEP patch (if using Upgraded Items in World Spaces and Interiors)

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] More Patches Read Me

Please also download the following mod patches (if you are using the corresponding mods)

(AndrealphusVII Bleedout Revamp)

ABR - Press E To Heal Followers https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/49240

(D.E.A.D.)

D.E.A.D. - USSEP Patch https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/87506

(Press E to Heal Followers)

Patch for CACO https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/101823

21-Post-Processing

Mods that affect post-processing graphics **installation is optional**

No mods defined.

Final Sorting and Cleaning

If plugins have not been sorted this session, run LOOT once again. Examine the plugins in LOOT for errors or warnings (ignoring the game's default masters at the top of the list). Ignore any reported missing compatibility patches or other warnings.

• Ensure all applicable mods are ticked in the left pane of MO.
• Ensure all plugins are ticked in the right pane of MO.
• Sort the load order using LOOT whenever plugins are added/removed.
• Update LOOT (the program and masterlist) whenever updates are available.

STEP 4

Mod Configuration (MCM)

Mod configurations not mentioned below are recommended to be left at their defaults or up to user choice.

• Remember to follow Step Skyrim Special Edition Guide Step 8 MCM guidelines first
• Additional iHUD MCM preferences - in Activation tab, untick 'When looking at activatable' and tick 'Wielding melee weapon'. Do not use Link ALL SkyUI Widgets, it can be buggy. If you are using SkyHUD, in the iHUD MCM it is recommended to untick fast fade of health, stamina, and magicka (STEP ticks these) per SkyHUD guidance
• Additional moreHUD MCM preferences - In Enemy's Level tab, untick everything under enemy meters ;)
• Additional Trade and Barter MCM preferences - In Barter Rates tab, tick 'Modify Barter Settings' and under Presets click Medium (this gives more a little more challenge to economy)
• In the True Hunter MCM, I chose to leave everything at default

STEP 5

Final Tips & Resources

• How to group favorited weapons/spells with SkyUI
• Useful Skyrim Console Command List
• Useful Information on resetting/removing NPCs - use at your own risk
• Skyrim Interactive Map | Map Genie

Credits

I would sincerely like to thank:

• z929669, for hosting me alongside the community, helping me with the process and implementation of this guide, and with the many coding tips along the way.