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Template:Warning

Template:Notice Small A Real Explorer's Guide to Skyrim

Skyrim is a great game, but it suffers terribly from a lack of life overall. Does the great empire really only consist of mini settlements with some farmers in them?
The cities are too small and underpopulated. Most of the towns seem deserted. Even its capital, Solitude, is smaller than the average city in Oblivion.

A Real Explorer's Guide (REGS) will provide players with a mod compilation that will finally turn Skyrim into a country that feels alive, without derailing from the original game's style.
You will not find any over the top mods here. Mods that had overpowered, non-fitting or broken contents were stripped from those parts.

Our goal is to bring you a modlist which you would like to use permanently in all of your next playthroughs.
REGS attempts to hold true to the intended spirit of the game and is generally lore-friendly.

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Introduction

A Real Guide to Skyrim is a STEP hosted guide, designed with three goals in mind:

• Providing users with some of the best landscape, city and quest mods.
• Maintaining Lore-Friendliness, meaning mods that differ greatly from the vanilla feel of the game will not be listed.
• Focusing on compatibility with other guides and mods.

REGS is mostly modular. It is your choice to install a mod or not, although it is strongly recommended to install everything.

On compatibility

REGS has been made explicitly compatible with - but not dependent on - the following compilations:

• Skyrim Revisited: Legendary Edition (special installation instructions & conflict resolution guide available here)
• STEP (both Core and Extended)

REGS has been made explicitly compatible with - but not dependent on - the following mods:

• Better Fast Travel - Carriages and Ships (incompatible with Touring Carriages, choose one of the two)
• Interior Lighting Mods
• Touring Carriages (incompatible with Better Fast travel, choose one of the two)
• Unofficial Skyrim Patches

N.B.: If a mod is not listed here it doesn't mean it is incompatible. 99% of Nexus mods are compatible with this pack, though some might need conflict resolution Ask in the forum if you're not sure.

REGS is incompatible with the following mods:

• Chimneys of Skyrim: Expanded Towns and Cities already adds chimneys, using this with it will cause clipping (Use Hearthfire Chimneys which is part of REGS).
• Open Cities Skyrim: Open cities is renown for being incompatible with most, if not all, city mods.

REGS has limited compatibility with the following mods:

• Enhanced Lighting and FX The Exteriors module is not compatible with Lanterns of Skyrim. Install either ELFX Exteriors OR Lanterns of Skyrim, not both. ELFX is otherwise compatible with REGS.
• Extensible Follower Framework If using Nightingale Hall Restored, Karliah will miss some follower dialogue although she otherwise works as intended. Read the descriptions at the Nexus for more information.
• Requiem This mod is incompatible with Realistic Room Rental Enhanced. Choose one of the two.

Pre-Installation Setup

If you are using NMM or Wrye Bash, we strongly encourage you to switch to Mod Organizer.

You will need to install the following utilities:

• BOSS v2.2.0
• BOSS Userlist Manager(BUM) v6.7
• TES5Edit v3.0.31 Experimental

Last notes before you begin:

1. Ensure that your current setup is running stable. Whether it is STEP, SRLE or your own custom modlist.
2. Install the REGS mods after the last mod in your mod manager program.
3. Ignore all the BOSS warnings about any of the REGS mods.
4. Never clean a mod listed in this guide unless it is mentioned.
5. Only install patches offered by a mod when REGS doesn't warn you not do it.
6. Read every sentence, even if you think it doesn't apply to you.
7. Remember: REGS is modular. You can choose to install whichever mods you like.

Mod Installation

World Improvements

Foundation

Nernie's City and Village Expansion

Author: Nernie
Version: 1.25 (Loose files)
Optionals: None.
Special Instructions: Do not install the following file(s) and/or folder(s):

• NerniesOptionalFiles folder
• NerniesCityandVillageReadme.txt
• NerniesCityandVillageExpansion.esp

Mod Notes: This mod aims to make the villages and city exteriors of Skyrim feel more distinct, detailed and lived-in. For this guide, we will be using a modified version of the mods (available below), but we will still need the resources from the original mod.

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Skyrim Sewers

Author: Viltuska
Version: 4.11
Special Instructions: This mod is already included in the REGS - Cities.esp that is available in the REGS Files which you will find at the end of the guide.
You should not activate this mod, but please endorse it nonetheless.
Mod Notes: Because every RPG should have sewers, and Skyrim is no exception.

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Windhelm Lighthouse

Authors: MannyGT
Version: 1.1
Special Instructions: This mod is already included in the REGS - Cities.esp that is available in the REGS Files which you will find at the end of the guide.
You should not activate this mod, but please endorse it nonetheless.
Mod Notes: After many hours of gameplay, I just figured out that Windhelm, a city with harbour, is missing a lighthouse!
Well... I've just added it and it's located in North-East of Windhelm (map marker available).

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[REGS - Cities]

Authors: Nernie, Viltuska, MannyGT, CJ
Version: 3.2
Mod Notes: This mod is actually a merged version of:

• A modified version of Nernie's Cities (by Nernie)
• The Skyrim Sewers mod (by Viltuska)
• The Windhelm Lighthouse mod (by MannyGT).
• Several additions and fixes (by CJ).

This mod makes changes to: Solitude, the Whiterun outskirts, and the Windhelm outskirts, plus it adds sewers to the 4 main cities.
Mod Prerequisites: Nernie's Cities

Cities

Better City Entrances

Authors: Zebra0
Version: 3.0.3
Mod Notes: Better City Entrances is a mod that brings more details around the gate areas of the main cities, since those feel so empty in the vanilla game.

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Better Docks

Author: Zebra0
Version: 1.7 (Better Docks FOMOD installer)
Installer Options:

• REGS Compatible Version

Mod Notes: As the name indicates, this mod changes the docks of the 5 coastal cities of Skyrim.

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Dawn of Riften

Author: BluePianoTwo
Version: 1
Mod Notes: This mod turns Riften into what it should have been from start: The city of the thieves’ guild.

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Dawn of Whiterun

Author: BluePianoTwo
Version: 1.4
Mod Notes: Dawn of Whiterun is 100% lore-friendly and focuses on making Whiterun the trading capital of Skyrim that it was meant to be.

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Dawn of Windhelm

Author: BluePianoTwo
Version: 1
Mod Notes: Notice a pattern yet? This mod makes Windhelm match the description that people ingame give of it, and is 100% lore friendly.

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Expanded Winterhold Destruction Ruins

Authors: Rhinala70 & phaota
Version: 2.22
Mod Notes: The Great Collapse is not presented well visually in-game. Winterhold is merely another small village, with a few damaged and abandoned houses. Yet the history of the hold tells you that this was once a major city in Skyrim that attracted travelers from across Tamriel. This mod expands the ruins to match the lore by adding several new buildings, a small (but neglected) market place and the remains of a great wall complete with gates.

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)

• ExpandedWinterHoldRuins.esp (ITM:6, UDR:12)
  

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Understone Keep Fountains and Rubble

Author: Venatoris
Version: 1.4
Mod Notes: Understone Keep Fountains and Rubble overhauls the three main open areas of the Keep and one back room. For ease of description the main areas are the Entry Hall, Main Hall, and Calcelmo's Hall. I wanted to improve the overall look and feel without straying from a vanilla theme.

BOSS Masterlist Update Required: (Updating Guide)

• Understone Keep Repair.esp BOTTOM Towns and Villages

Settlements

Expanded Towns and Cities

Author: missjennabee
Version: 8.4
Installer Options:

• Complete
• Complete - No inns
• Do not install Dragon Bridge South
• Inn Signs: User's choice
• Falkreath Textures: User's choice
• Do not install the Smelters Add-On

Mod Notes: The most comprehensive mod for changing the smaller towns. Unlike most other mods that aim to do the same, this one does it intelligently by hand placing a lot of elements, new buildings with functional interiors and working NPCs, instead of just putting trees everywhere.
REGS note: A custom version has been made by CJ2311. This version removes all the ETaC content that is not consistent with it's surrounding and also removes content that ruins your FPS. You can use the mod as is, both modular or complete. However, it is recommended to use the custom replacer that is listed further down below instead.

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Immersive Settlements

Author: Pymous
Version: 0.55
Special Instructions: Only install the following file(s) and/or folder(s):

• meshes (folder)
• textures (folder)
• Immersive Orc Strongholds.esp

Mod Notes: Like Expanded Towns and Cities, this mod also adds new buildings and clutter to the smaller towns. For this guide, only the Orc Strongholds module of the mod will be used since everything else is covered by other mods.

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)

• Immersive Orc Strongholds.esp (ITM:8, UDR:0)
  

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Raven Rock Expanded

Author: uglydemon
Version: 2.6.9
Mod Notes: An expansion to Raven Rock, making it closer to town than settlement. Adding well fitting buildings and NPCs with unique schedules and AI, Morrowind style Banners, Ashlander camp, Travelers visiting etc.

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)

• RavenRockExpanded.esp (ITM:176, UDR:0)
  

Locations

High Hrothgar Overhaul

Author: MannyGT
Version: 1.0
Mod Notes: This mod adds some elements to the exterior area of High Hrothgar for a better visual experience.

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Immersive College of Winterhold

Author: Grantyboy050
Version: 2.2
Installer Options:

• CWI Core Files
• Dawnguard Patch
• Dragonborn Patch

Special Instructions: SR:LE users should follow these special instructions
Mod Notes: This mod attempts to bring some of the missing grandeur, magic and mystery to the College by adding a variety of new objects, activators, locations and books as well as improving the magical aptitudes of the faculty members.

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Nightingale Hall Restored

Author: kryptopyr
Version: 3.0
Mod Notes: Upgrades Nightingale Hall into a more liveable and functional space and allows Karliah to become a follower. Adds a portal to the Twilight Sepulcher, ability to level up Nightingale gear, and other features. These changes will occur after the completion of the quest Darkness Returns.

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Realistic Room Rental Enhanced

Author: perseid9
Version: 1.8.3 (RealisticRoomRental-Enhanced)
Installer Options:

• 02 RRR_3DNPC-Patch

Special Instructions: Requiem users should not install this mod.
SR:LE users should follow these special instructions.
Mod Notes: Overhauls all the inns and taverns, both aesthetically and functionally.

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Sky Haven Temple Merchants and More

Author: brokendeck
Version: 3.3 (Optional File only)
Mod Notes: This mod makes several additions to the Sky Haven Temple, without breaking immersion.

Enhancements

Drinking Fountains of Skyrim

Author: MannyGT
Version: 1.2
Mod Notes:

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Hearthfire Chimneys

Author: Scarla
Version: 1.0 (download only the ETaC Compatible Miscellaneous file by CJ2311)
Mod Notes:

BOSS Masterlist Update Required: (Updating Guide)

• HearthfireChimneys - ETaC.esp BOTTOM Towns and Villages

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Lanterns Of Skyrim

Author: MannyGT
Version: 2.5 (All In One - MCM Special Edition)
Mod Notes:

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No Snow under the Roof

Author: Prometheus
Version: 2.3
Installer Options:

• BSA - Static Mesh Improvement Mod
• Vanilla + Dawnguard + Dragonborn
• Falskaar - Dawnstar Dock

Special Instructions: SR:LE users should follow these special instructions.
Mod Notes:

BOSS Masterlist Update Required: (Updating Guide)

• Prometheus_No_snow_Under_the_roof.esp BOTTOM Landscaping
• Prometheus_NSUTR Falskaar Dock.esp AFTER Prometheus_No_snow_Under_the_roof.esp

World Additions

New Locations & Settlements

Amber Guard

Author: ThirteenOranges
Version: Latest
Special Instructions: Refer to the Steam Installation Guide
Mod Notes: Amber Guard was a small village in the Reach that has fallen to ruin over the last two centuries since the events of Arena.
The ruins of the village are home to a band of dangerous bandits raiding the roads of Whiterun Hold since the increased Forsworn activity has driven them from The Reach.

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)

• tos_amber_guard.esp (38 ITMs, 0 UDRs)

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Apple Garden

Author: improbabile
Version: 2.0
Mod Notes: Contrary to what the name of the mod might suggest, this is a nice little addition to the area surrounding Honingbrew Meadery.

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Aurora Village

Author: Scarla
Version: 1.2
Mod Notes: A wonderfully designed town that blends in perfect with vanilla Skyrim.

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Cutting Room Floor

Author: Arthmoor
Version: 1.0.4a
Mod Notes: From the depths of the ether, or just the cutting room floor, comes forth several NPCs, some quests, and other miscellaneous content which was created but never implemented in the game. If ever you had the feeling that Skyrim was missing something, you were probably right! This mod should relieve a bit of that. They are mostly generic NPCs with no purpose, quests that were complete but cut for some reason, or just random bits of stuff to be found.

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Daggercross Alley

Author: alaken
Version: 1.1
Mod Notes: Small but immersive little addition to the Riften exterior area.

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Granite Hall

Author: ThirteenOranges
Version: Latest
Special Instructions: Refer to the Steam Installation Guide
Mod Notes:

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)

• tos_granitehall.esp (13 ITMs, 0 UDRs)

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Inns and Taverns

Author: menathadriel
Version: 1.7
Mod Notes: You know the story. You've been on the road since the sun was just starting to peer over the horizon, you're tired and thirsty but the nearest town is still many hours walk. If only there was a tavern next to the road where you could rest your weary feet and have a sip of mead...

Now there is!

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Lainter Dale - Hearthfire Edition

Author: ThirteenOranges
Version: Latest
Special Instructions: Refer to the Steam Installation Guide
Mod Notes: Laintar Dale is a small township in the snowy woods of The Pale. The place lies just off the main road between Whiterun and Dawnstar, hidden in the woods.
Laintar Dale, as it is today consists of a manor and out buildings (now privately owned) and the Laintar Dale Smithy, run by the orc blacksmith Murzush gra-Ushar.

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)

• tos_lainterdale_hf.esp (13 ITMs, 0 UDRs)

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Provincial Courier Service

Author: Arthmoor
Version: 1.2.1
Mod Notes: This mod is a simple immersion/realism mod that provides a small shack outside of Whiterun along the main road, next to Honningbrew Meadery.
When the courier is not tasked with delivering a message to you, he will be found in this shack living his daily life on a simple schedule.
If a delivery is needed, no longer will be be pulled from the ether like magic. Instead, he will simply begin his journey to find you from the shack.

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Snowbound Acres

Author: dj2005
Version: 1.3
Optionals: Snowbound Acres - Point The Way Compatibility Patch (for SRLE and STEP users only); Roadsign - HiRes Road Signs Version 3 Worn Text Version (for STEP Extended users only).
Mod Notes:

New Lands

Faction: Pit Fighter

Author: ThirteenOranges
Version: Latest
Special Instructions: Refer to the Steam Installation Guide
Mod Notes: Pit Fighter contains an all new faction to join, complete with NPCs, progression through the ranks, unique rewards and side quests.

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)
quest_pitfighter.esp (ITM:5, UDR:0)

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Faction: Pit Fighter Travels Add-On

Author: ThirteenOranges
Version: Latest
Special Instructions: Refer to the (Steam Installation Guide)
Mod Notes: Pit Fighter Travels is an Add-On for An Elder Scrolls Faction: Pit Fighter which provides multiple new pit fight locations and rewards as well as new creatures, weapons and armor.

TES5Edit Cleaning Required: (Cleaning Guide)
quest_pitfighter_dlc01.esp (ITM:6, UDR:0)

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Falskaar

Author: AlexanderJVelicky
Version: 1.1.2
Optionals: Dawnguard Compatibility Plugin
Mod Notes: "Falskaar is a new lands mod that adds an entirely new worldspace to the world. It's accessed by a dungeon the first time, then by boat from then on out.
Falskaar's goal was to sharpen my skills in almost all areas around the board, with a focus in level and dungeon design. The result is that there is at least a little bit of everything.
There is a new land, places, people, quests, dungeons and more for the player to experience. It adds roughly 20+ hours of content, and favors all types of characters."

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Wyrmstooth

Author: Jonx0r
Version: 1.10
Special Instructions: Do not install the following file(s) and/or folder(s):

• Wyrmstooth.ini
  

Mod Notes: "A new voice acted questline that takes you across Skyrim to the large island of Wyrmstooth. Battle across new landscapes and through new dungeons in this professionally delivered adventure.
Theodyn Bienne, an imperial courier, will track you down starting from the Bannered Mare in Whiterun and will deliver to you an important message. The task seems simple enough; slay a dragon that's stirring up trouble. But things don't go that easily..."

New NPCs

Inconsequential NPCs

Author:
Version: 1.7b
Special Instructions: Do not use the "Inconsequential NPCs Enhancement" optional download on this mod. As it is not compatible with Immersive Armors v7.
Mod Notes:

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Interesting NPCs

Author: Kris Takahashi
Version: 3.05
Optionals: Dawnguard Meshes for Vampire NPCs + Hearthfires Patch v3_05
Mod Notes:

New Quests

Sea of Ghosts

Author: ThirteenOranges
Version: Latest
Special Instructions: Refer to the (Steam Installation Guide)
Mod Notes: The Sea Of Ghosts are the cold and dangerous waters on the northern coasts of Tamriel.
Among the mists and fog lie many secrets, treasures and stories long since forgotten.
Travel these dangerous waters with the crew of The Winter's Warmth, exploring many new locations throughout the Sea of Ghosts.

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Fight Against the Thalmor I - Adal Matar the Lost Stronghold

Author: MadFrenchie
Version: 1.1
Mod Notes: Fight against the Thalmor and discover a new storyline leading to The Lost Orcish Stronghold of Adal Matar.

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Fight Against the Thalmor II - The Cyrodiil Frontier

Author: MadFrenchie
Version: 1.1
Mod Notes: The Thalmor closed the Frontier to Cyrodiil... It is up to you to discover why. Or not.

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Fight Against the Thalmor III - The Aldmeri Domain

Author: MadFrenchie
Version: 1.1
Mod Notes: The Thalmor sent a member of the Aldmeri Council in Haafingar,to reinforce their influence on Skyrim.
Find your way to infiltrate the Aldmeri Domain, and Assassinate the member of the Council.

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Fight Against the Thalmor IV - South Dragon Bridge

Author: MadFrenchie
Version: 1.1
Mod Notes: The Thalmor landed in the town of Dragon Bridge, for you to discover why.

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Helgen Reborn

Author: Mike Hancho
Version: 105.3
Mod Notes: Adds a new questline to rebuild Helgen. It includes voiced NPCs, functional shops, and is made by Mike Hancho, who’s already known for his Fallout New Vegas mods.

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The Oblivion Realms Serie - The Gate of Solitude

Authors: MannyGT and MurderWrath
Version: 1.7
Mod Notes: "There are rumors of something weird in the air. In the surroundings of Solitude people says to have been witness of unusual sunsets in the middle of the day.
Just a blink of an eye and the skies were red. As quick as it happened it vanished later. People asked the Dragonborn to check on this."

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The Oblivion Realms Serie - Morthal Pain

Authors: MannyGT and MurderWrath
Version: 1.5
Optionals: ORS - ChaptersLinker update AND ORS - Dremora Update
Mod Notes: Continuation of the previous quest. No description provided in order to prevent spoilers.

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The Temple of Black Rock

Authors: MannyGT and MurderWrath
Version: 1.2
Mod Notes: "Close by Mzulft, lost since countless years, an abandoned site has been recently discovered, which leads to an ancient Nordic temple.
The smell of death gets intense and stronger approaching the ruins, an ancient evil rules this place and keeps forgotten treasures along with restless spirits."

BOSS Userlist Sorting

Generally speaking, the REGS patches and custom esp files should go near the bottom of your loader order but BEFORE any lighting mods you might have (ELFX, ELE, and RLO). Please do the following in the order stipulated here (depending on your mod choice you may or may not have all the files listed):

BOSS Userlist updating required: (Masterlist Updating Guide by Neovalen)

REGS - Resources.esm	BOTTOM	ESMs
REGS - Cities.esp	BOTTOM	City Overhauls
REGS Patch - 3DNPC.esp	AFTER	REGS - Cities.esp
REGS Patch - CRF.esp	AFTER	REGS - Cities.esp
REGS Patch - ORS.esp	AFTER	REGS - Cities.esp
REGS Patch - NSutR.esp	AFTER	REGS - Cities.esp
REGS Patch - NSutR + RRR.esp	AFTER	REGS - Cities.esp
REGS Patch - RWT.esp	AFTER	RealisticWaterTwo.esp
REGS Patch - ELFX Exteriors.esp	AFTER	ELFX - Exteriors.esp
REGS Patch - STEP Extended.esp	AFTER	SoS - The Dungeons.esp
Helgen Reborn - Cyrodiil Frontier Patch.esp	AFTER	Helgen Reborn.esp

Due to the important amount of BOSS userlist updating required, here is a "userlist.txt" file that you can append to your existing one to get all the BUM rules present in this guide.

Conflict Resolution

STEP - Core users: Necessary conflicts have been resolved and are included in the REGS esps.

STEP - Extended users: A patch has been made available in the FOMOD installer.

SRLE users: There is now a guide with special install instructions and conflict resolution available for SRLE. Please follow this link.

If you don't use STEP or SRLE but you use your own compilation, then you will have to do the conflict resolution by yourself.

Final Steps

• If you are using Alternate Start - Live Another Life by Arthmoor:

1. Run BOSS and rebuild the Bashed Patch. Also run FNIS and/or SUM if you use those tools.
2. Play the game.
3. When you wish to start Helgen Reborn, ensure that you have talked to the Whiterun Guards (yes, seriously) and played the game (or waited) at least 4 days after that. Verify there are bandits in Helgen. Make sure you do that before talking to the guy at Falkreath.

• If you are NOT using Alternate Start - Live Another Life by Arthmoor OR you want to play the vanilla start:

1. Disable Helgen Reborn.esp and Helgen Reborn - Cyrodiil Frontier.esp from the load order.
2. Run BOSS and rebuild the Bashed Patch. Also run FNIS and/or SUM if you use those tools.
3. Start a new game.
4. Finish the Helgen Sequence.
5. Save after getting out of the cave and exit the game.
6. Enable the Helgen Reborn.esp and Helgen Reborn - Cyrodiil Frontier.esp.
7. Run BOSS again.
8. Play the game.

Credits

• Nernie for her Better Cities mod and resources.
• Viltuska for his Skyrim Sewers mod.
• Ga-Knomboe Boy for his modder's resources.
• InsanitySorrow for his modder's resources.
• CJ2311 for suggestions, navmeshing and patching to make everything work together.
• Nearox for suggestions, SR:LE conflict resolution, and writing the guide.

Thanks

Thanks to the following STEP forum members for helping with feedback and suggestions for this pack: (In alphabetical order)

• Gandaganza
• Keithinhanoi
• Kelmych
• Malouz
• MonoAccipiter

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