Template:TOC right Important: This page will be used to document my personal mods over and above my Custom Installation of STEP. It is important to read the entire guide, especially be sure to grab the compatibility plugins at the end of the mod installation section.
Prerequisites
- My Custom STEP Install or similar.
Tools Used
- Mod Organizer v0.11.13 (Guide) - Manages, Tracks, and Sorts my mods.
- Wrye Bash v300 Standalone (Guide) - Creates Bash Patches.
- BOSS v2.1.1 (Video) - Orders Mods Properly.
- BOSS Userlist Manager(BUM) v6.4.7 - Allows you to make BOSS sort unrecognized plugins with a GUI.
- DDSOpt v0.8.0Pre4 (Settings) - Optimizes textures and extracts BSAs.
- TES5Edit v3.0.24 EXPERIMENTAL (Guide) - Cleans dirty edits from mod files.
Skyrim.ini Tweaks
Projectile Tweak
This tweak allows you to shoot targets further away.
Add the following under [Actor]:
fVisibleNavmeshMoveDist=12288.0000
Cart Tweaks
This tweak improves how carts drive around the world... good for the intro sequence and scenic carriages.
Add the following:
[Cart]
fWheelAngDamp=0.1100
fMass=240.0000
fFriction=100.0000
fGravMult=7.0000
Ranged Killmove Tweaks
This tweak increases ranged killmove chance to 100, obviously configure how you like it.
Add the following:
[VATS]
fVATSCastingAfterKillDelay=1.2000
uVATSRangedPercentSneak=100
uVATSRangedPercentGlobal=100
bVATSIgnoreProjectileTest=0
bVATSAllowNoKill=0
bVATSMultipleCombatants=1
bVATSForceRanged=1
SkyrimPrefs.ini Tweaks
Z-Fighting Fix
I highly recommend reading and applying a Z-Fighting Fix.
Mod Installation
As with my custom STEP install, I install in category groups when possible rather than a set order with the following priority:
Utilities -> Bug Fixes -> World Meshes/Textures -> Effects -> Sound -> UI -> Actor Meshes/Textures -> Animations -> Equipment Meshes/Textures -> Gameplay Changes -> Content -> Compatibility Fixes
Obviously, these categories are not always exclusive (textures included with meshes, etc). All mods are in LOOSE file format rather than BSA where available.
Utilities
None.
Bug Fixes
Argonian Decapitation Fix v1.0
Notes: None.
Brawl Bugs Patch v1.0
Notes: Do not have to use ESP if extracting to loose files.
Female Vampires Have Fangs v0.1
Notes: None.
Friendly Guard Helmets v1.2
Notes: Use "x2048" optional only. This allows guard head decapitations as well as shows guard faces.
Stolen Souls v1.0
Notes: None.
Relighting Skyrim v3.1
Notes: None.
World Meshes / Textures
101 Bugs HD v4.1
Notes: User 83Willows banned from the Nexus for 60 days. If you have this mod, use it.
AOF HD Tree LODs v1
Notes: Use Vurts version when available.
Better Embers v1.0
Notes: Fixes the purple coloration of embers provided in TPC.
Birds of Skyrim v0.6.5
Notes: None.
Bumpy Inn and Shop Signs v3
Notes: Use "Bumpier" version.
HD Bunnies Rabbits v6
Notes: None.
No Stretching v2.0
Notes: None.
Pets of Skyrim v0.3.1
Notes: None.
Soul Gems Differ - Full and Empty v1.4
Notes: Use Optional Soul Fragments with regular esp and the following settings:
Petty, Lesser, Common (Normal Glow):
Empty: Purple - Sparkle Full: Purple - All Purple
Greater, Grand (Blue Glow):
Empty: Blue - Ice Full: Blue - Aura
Black (Red Glow):
Empty: Black Soul - with hints of red Full: Black Soul - Bloody
Selections based on vanilla game with better textures. Overwrites TPC selections.
Effects
Destructible Bottles Extended v1.5
Notes: None.
Footprints v0.7
Notes: None.
Get Snowy v4.1
Notes: Requires Brawl Bug Plugin.
Lightning During Thunder Storms v19.0
Notes: None.
Lightning During Thunder Storms - CoT Patch v2.1
Notes: None.
Player Headtracking v2.5
Notes: Requires Brawl Bug Plugin.
Rainbows v1.02
Notes: None.
Shooting Stars v1.02
Notes: None.
Sound
Better Animal Footsteps v1.0
Notes: None.
Clanking Armor v1.1
Notes: None.
Realistic Werewolves - Werewolf Sound Overhaul v1.4
Notes: Use "Feral" version.
Skyrim Audio Low Bitrate Fix v1.0
Notes: This file was taken down from the Nexus, if you've got it however, use it!
UI
EzEs - Colored Map Markers v6.1.78
Notes: None.
Immersive HUD - iHUD v2.0.2
Notes: None.
Actor Meshes / Textures
Apachii Skyhair v1.4
Notes: Also install male/female hair add-on and khajiit fix.
HQ Eyebrows v1.2
Notes: Use "Ultra Light" version.
Improved Eyes Skyrim v6.2
Notes: Use "Improved Eyes - Dawnguard" only. (i.e. "Special Race")
All in One Face v5.0b
Notes: Use "All in One Face v4_0b Face Pack for UNP body" and "All in One Face DawnGuard v5_0a Female Vamp for UNP".
If you do NOT like Dawnguards vampire faces and wish to retain your previous appearance with eye change, you may do the following:
1. Navigate to textures/actors/character/female and make a copy of both femalehead.dds and femalehead_msn.dds. 2. Rename the copies to femaleheadvampire.dds and femaleheadvampire_msn.dds. 3. Navigate to textures/actors/character/male and make a copy of both malehead.dds and malehead_msn.dds 4. Rename the copies to maleheadvampire.dds and maleheadvampire_msn.dds
DIMONIZED UNP Female Body v1.51
Notes: Use "BASE Main Body" version. Don't forget to download v1.51 texture pack and install texture of your choice. I recommend "Strip".
UNP Blessed Body v2.2
Notes: Use "UNPB-BBP v2-2x Pack Fixed" version.
UNP Fitness Body v2.3
Notes: Use "Main Body", "Main Body - Less Abs", or Main Body - No Abs" based on your preference. I use "Main Body".
Better Males v2.3.2
Notes: Use "Faces - GeonoxFacesWithoutBeard" and "Nudes - FavoredSoulMeshes". Selection options in packages as you like.
Dagi-Raht Khajiit Race (Body Textures Only) v2.1.7
Notes: Download main package.
We will be using this custom race's textures as our default Khajiit textures as UNP/Better Males do not provide beast race skins.
Three versions are available inside the archive: Normal, Spots, and Stripes.
Extract the following files from BASE INSTALL\Data\Textures\Actors\Character\Dagi\Female\:
femalehands.dds femalehands_msn.dds femalehands_s.dds
Extract the following files from BASE INSTALL\Data\Textures\Actors\Character\Dagi\Male\:
bodymale_s.dds handsmale.dds handsmale_msn.dds
Extract the following files from UNP compatibility\Base\Data\Textures\Actors\Character\Dagi\Female\:
femalebody.dds femalebody_msn.dds femalebody_s.dds
(Optional) Extract the following file from spots(UNP compatibility\Spots\Data\Textures\Actors\Character\Dagi\Female\) or stripes(UNP compatibility\Stripes\Data\Textures\Actors\Character\Dagi\Female\):
femalebody.dds
Then extract the following files from Better Males compatibility\(optional: Spots/Stripes)\Data\Textures\actors\character\Dagi\Male\:
bodymale.dds bodymale_msn.dds
(Optional) Extract the following file from spots(Better Males compatibility\Spots\Data\Textures\actors\character\Dagi\Male\) or stripes(Better Males compatibility\Stripes\Data\Textures\actors\character\Dagi\Male\).
bodymale.dds
Now, create an archive with the following contents using the extracted files above and install:
textures\actors\character\khajiitfemale\femalebody.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitfemale\femalebody_msn.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitfemale\femalebody_s.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitfemale\femalehands.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitfemale\femalehands_msn.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitfemale\femalehands_s.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitmale\bodymale.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitmale\bodymale_msn.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitmale\bodymale_s.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitmale\handsmale.dds textures\actors\character\khajiitmale\handsmale_msn.dds
UNP Khajiit and Argonian Hotfix v1
Notes: Use "UNP Argonian Hotfix" only.
Tales of Lycanthropy - Werewolf Overhaul v1.5
Notes: Use "02 New Werewolf Model and Textures - The Howling" only for now.
Underworld Dawnguard v1.0
Notes: Use "Underworld Dawnguard - Werewolf - Dark Lycan Eyes" main file only.
Vampire Lord Retexture v1.3
Notes: None.
WyldTats Warpaint Edition v1.1
Notes: Do NOT use the included esp file. Advanced users follow the below instructions CAREFULLY.
1. "ESMify" the DSpSoB.esp file using Wrye Bash. !IMPORTANT - This allows the CK to load it as a master file for the next step! 2. Load up "Neovalen Race Compatibility.esp" in the Creation Kit. 3. Select your race of choice and add the warpaint to the tint listing (instructions are in the optional download of WyldTats). 4. Save the esp. 5. "ESPify" the DSpSoB.esp file using Wrye Bash. !IMPORTANT - This lets BOSS re-order the plugin properly! 6. Enjoy your new tats!
Animations
Feminine Running and New Dash Animation v1.0
Notes: Use "Feminime Running Animation v1-0b BBP-Pack" main file and "Skyrim Sprint Animation" optional.
Victoria High Heel Walk Animation with BBP v1.0c
Notes: Use "Less Exaggerated Style" main file.
DSpSoB - Dual Sheathe plus Shields on Back v1.0
Notes: None.
Equipment Meshes/Textures
Dawnguard Crossbow Explosive Bolts Visualized v1.0.2
Notes: Currently the new bolt quivers are not close to the body, I've put in a compatibility patch request with both authors of this and closer quivers.
Accingite Vos - Shields HQ Retextures v1.0
Notes: None.
Daedric Armor and Weapon Improvement v2.5.5
Notes: Use "Blood Lite" version. Do NOT use the daedric_phelm.esp as it contains errors. Remove the following files to prevent overwrite of "Thinner Weapon Blades" and "Closer Quivers and Longer Arrows" from STEP:
meshes/weapons/daedric/1stpersondaedricbattleaxe.nif meshes/weapons/daedric/1stpersondaedricdagger.nif meshes/weapons/daedric/1stpersondaedricgreatsword.nif meshes/weapons/daedric/1stpersondaedricsword.nif meshes/weapons/daedric/1stpersondaedricwaraxe.nif meshes/weapons/daedric/daedricarrow.nif meshes/weapons/daedric/daedricarrowprojectile.nif
Dark Nemesis Armor - Ebony Reincarnation v1.1
Notes: Use replacer version.
UNP Female Armors v1.8
Notes: Also install UNPB Meshes pack under optionals.
UNP Dawnguard Armors v1.5
Notes: Install UNPB version.
UNPB-BBP Tavern Clothes v1.0i
Notes: Install "UNPB-BBP" package and also "Allow Amulet and Ring" optional.
UNPB-BBP Forsworn Armor v1.0
Notes: Install "ForswornArmor-UNPB-BBP Full Outfit" optional file only.
Hvergelmirs Armor Retexture v1.8a
Notes: None.
Hvergelmirs Shield Retexture v1.3
Notes: None.
aMidianBorn Book of Silence v01
Notes: None.
aMidianBorn Hide and Studded Hide Armor v1
Notes: None.
aMidianBorn Iron and Banded Armor v3
Notes: Upgraded from Book of Silence.
aMidianBorn Steel Armor v2
Notes: Upgraded from Book of Silence.
Deadly Serious Shrouded Armor v2.6
Notes: None.
Elegant Vampire Armor - Dawnguard v2.2
Notes: None.
Jester Outfit Retexture v1.2
Notes: Use replacer version.
Millenia Weapon Retexture Project v0.10a
Notes: None.
Shield of Ysgramor v1
Notes: None.
Cloaks of Skyrim v1.1
Notes: Use Cloaks.esp only.
Winter Is Coming - Cloaks v2.1b
Notes: Install also "Cloaks of Skyrim Patch" optional.
Bandolier - Bags and Pouches v1.101
Notes: Also install Vampire Hotfix(Use reduced weight esp included).
Bandolier - Dawnguard v1.0
Notes: None.
Gameplay Changes
ABT - Arrows and Bolt Tweaks v3.0
Notes: Use "ABT - Progressive Damage (with Nord Hero Arrow)" and "ABT - Recover +25% Arrows and Bolts".
Alternate Start - Live Another Life v2.1.7
Notes: None.
Breaking and Entering v1.02
Notes: None.
Deadly Dragons v6.1.2
Notes: Install Loremonger Edition and also Bellyaches high res dragon texture pack.
Duel - Combat Realism v5.1.1
Notes: None.
Economics of Skyrim v1.3
Notes: None.
Extensible Follower Framework v3.5.6
Notes: None.
Guard Dialogue Overhaul v1.2
Notes: None.
Open and Lock Spells v1.2
Notes: None.
Legionettes v1.0.2
Notes: None.
Magic Duel v1.1.3
Notes: None.
Multiple Lycanthropy Regift v1
Notes: Do not have to use ESP if extracting to loose files.
Run For Your Lives v1.1.2
Notes: None.
Scenic Carriages v1.2b
Notes: Now compatible with Hearthfire thanks to Arthmoor. Thomas Kaira is also working on a "Hearthfire Edition" of Scenic Carriages.
Skyrim -Community- Uncapper v1.14.3.0
Notes: None.
Skyrim Monster Mod v10d
Notes: Also install Dawnguard patch.
Skyrim Monster Mod Replacers v10
Notes: FOR NOW, use the version that removes dinosaurs for v10. When available use "Lore Friendly Standard" version for v10.
SkyTEST - Realistic Animals and Predators v1.27e
Notes: None.
Tales of Lycanthropy - Werewolf Overhaul v1.5
Notes: Use both modules.
The Dance of Death - A Killmove Mod v3.3
Notes: None.
Wearable Lanterns - Lanterns for Caravans Add-On v1.0
Notes: None.
Wearable Lanterns - Candle Lanterns of the North Add-On v1.1
Notes: None.
Content
Blaze of Eventide v1.4
Notes: None.
Immersive Patrols v1.3a
Notes: None.
Lanterns of Skyrim - All in One - Dawnguard Patch v1.0a
Notes: None.
The 418th Step v1.2
Notes: None.
The Woodcutters Wife v1.1
Notes: None.
Compatibility Fixes
DSpSoB Compatibility Fixes and More v1.1
Notes: This is my compatibility files shared to the community. Install "Neovalen Custom Skeleton Pack", "Neovalen Black Hair is Black" and "Neovalen Race Compatibility Fixes" (whichever version you desire).
Final Steps
Now that mod installation is completed, we only have a few steps left to do.
Step 1: Run BOSS
This will download the latest master list and order your esp/esm files.
Step 2: Clean ESP/ESMs with TES5Edit *IMPORTANT*
Follow the guide here. Some of the mods in my load order contain multiple ITMs and UDRs which can be fixed using this method.
Step 3: Activate ESPs / Update Bashed Patch
Use mod manager of choice to activate ESPs. Start Wrye Bash and right click on the Bashed Patch, 0.esp and select "Rebuild Patch". Click skip for any pop ups calling to deactivate mods. Make sure only the Leveled Lists check box is checked, do NOT merge Patches or Alias Mod Names. This will merge the leveled lists from the installed mods so there are no conflicts.
Step 4: Create a TES5Edit Merged Patch
Load up your entire load order, select "Create Merged Patch" from the right click menu. Save it as "TES5Edit Merged Patch".
Step 5: Run BUM
This will allow you to set user rules for the mods not recognized by BOSS. Right now my userlist is:
ADD: Distant DetailHF.esp AFTER: Distant Detail.esp ADD: Stolen Souls.esp BOTTOM: Vanilla fixes ADD: TES5Edit Merged Patch.esp BOTTOM: Post Bashed Patch
Step 6: Run BOSS Again
This will now properly load your mods for use in game.
My load order from BOSS is as follows:
- Skyrim.esm
- Update.esm
- Dawnguard.esm
- HearthFires.esm
- SkyMoMod.esm
- SPIKE.esm
- ClimatesOfTamriel.esm
- Lanterns Of Skyrim - All In One - Main.esm
- MagicDuel.esm
- ApachiiHair.esm
- ApachiiHairFemales.esm
- ApachiiHairMales.esm
- XFLMain.esm
- lightingfix.esp
- Unofficial Skyrim Patch.esp
- Stolen Souls.esp
- Unofficial Dawnguard Patch.esp
- Unofficial Hearthfire Patch.esp
- Rainbows.esp
- Clanking Armor.esp
- Improved Combat Sounds v2.1.esp
- Rooster At Dawn v1.0.esp
- ClimatesOfTamriel-Dawnguard-Patch.esp
- MintyLightningMod.esp
- MintyLightningMod_COT_Patch.esp
- StaticMeshImprovementMod.esp
- Economics of Skyrim.esp
- 83Willows_101BUGS_V4_HighRes.esp
- Ars Metallica.esp
- Ars Metallica - Dawnguard.esp
- Ars Metallica - Hearthfire.esp
- Better Skill and Quest Books Names.esp
- Birdsofskyrim.esp
- BLESSINGS - Altar Descriptions.esp
- Breaking and Entering.esp
- Bring Out Your Dead.esp
- Catsofskyrim.esp
- Chesko_WearableLantern.esp
- Chesko_WearableLantern_Guards.esp
- Chesko_WearableLantern_Candle_DG.esp
- Chesko_WearableLantern_Caravaner.esp
- ClamsDropPearls.esp
- dbmisc.esp
- Death Cam Duration Options.esp
- Dogsofskyrim.esp
- DSpSoB.esp
- DungeonQuestAwareness.esp
- Immersive Battles.esp
- Immersive Brigands.esp
- Immersive Dawnguard.esp
- Immersive Patrols.esp
- Immersive Travelers.esp
- Immersive Werewolves.esp
- Lanterns Of Skyrim - All In One - Climates of Tamriel - default.esp
- Legionettes.esp
- PilgrimsDelight.esp
- Radiant and Unique Potions Poisons and Booze.esp
- ScenicCarriages.esp
- ShootingStars.esp
- SkyMoMod_lists.esp
- Skyrim Flora Overhaul.esp
- SMDropLitTorch.esp
- Woodcutter's Wife.esp
- Convenient Horses.esp
- Convenient Horses - Unique Frost.esp
- Destructible_bottles.esp
- Auto Unequip Ammo.esp
- Chesko_LoreBasedLoadingScreens.esp
- Footprints.esp
- iHUD.esp
- SkyUI.esp
- AllowAmuletRing.esp
- Cloaks.esp
- 1nivWICCloaks.esp
- 1nivWICSkyCloaksPatch.esp
- elegantvampirearmor.esp
- Elemental Staves.esp
- ExplosiveBoltsVisualized.esp
- Dr_Bandolier.esp
- Dr_BandolierDG.esp
- DeadlyDragons.esp
- Gildergreen Regrown.esp
- Run For Your Lives.esp
- SkyrimChimneysRW.esp
- The Paarthurnax Dilemma.esp
- Waterbreathing Breathless Emerge.esp
- BarbasLessAnnoying.esp
- Better Dynamic Snow.esp
- BlockSparkles.esp
- dynamic fires.esp
- FA Guard Helmet.esp
- Guard Dialogue Overhaul.esp
- Headtracking.esp
- masser Size x0.5.esp
- More Salt Please.esp
- dD-No Twitching Dragon Death Animation.esp
- NonEssentialChilds.esp
- Distant DetailHF.esp
- secunda Size x0.5.esp
- SkyTEST-RealisticAnimals&Predators.esp
- dD - Enhanced Blood Main.esp
- dD-Dawnguard-MonsterMod EBT Patch.esp
- Soul Gems Differ - E.esp
- AIMP - Antz in my Pantz.esp
- Chesko_Step418.esp
- dD - Realistic Ragdoll Force - Realistic.esp
- ToL_Core_by_Brevi.esp
- ToL_SKSE_by_Brevi.esp
- OpenUnlock.esp
- BFSEffects.esp
- DeadlySpellImpacts.esp
- Realistic crime report radius.esp
- Duel - Combat Realism.esp
- The Dance of Death.esp
- ABT - Progressive Damage (with Nord Hero Arrow).esp
- ABT - Recover +25% Arrows and Bolts.esp
- dD-No Spinning Death Animation.esp
- Black Hair Is Black.esp
- TheEyesOfBeauty.esp
- Neovalen Race Compatibility.esp
- XFLDialogue.esp
- XFLPlugins.esp
- Slightly Reduced Distance NPC Greetings.esp
- Blaze Of Eventide.esp
- moveitLWT.esp
- Alternate Start - Live Another Life.esp
- Animated Weapon Enchants.esp
- getSnowy.esp
- WATER.esp
- Blacksmithforge water fix.esp
- Cartographers Map Markers.esp
- Bashed Patch, 0.esp
- TES5Edit Merged Patch.esp
Step 7: In Game Configuration
These are my recommended mod settings configured in game, only changes that differ from default are listed:
Convenient Horses:
Controls: Multi-Tap Followers: Follower Horses ON
Magic Duel:
Speed: Fast Chance: Average Damage: 25%
Tales of Lycanthropy:
Animation: Full Sequence + Screams
The Dance of Death:
Killmove Chance: 100% Forced Perspective: Third Person Player Immunity: Enabled Last Enemy Condition: Disabled
Step 8: Enjoy!
Your done, have fun!
Mods Under Consideration (And Why)
Combination Vampire and Werewolf Mods
I have yet to actually play at length as a Vampire or Werewolf to determine the best mods in this category. These are my choices for now and should be fully compatible with each other. I have heard good feedback and once I have had a chance to play for myself they will likely return to the main load order.
Predator Vision - Vampire and Werewolves v1.0
Notes: None.
Vampire Lords and Werewolves Can Loot and Activate v2.0
Notes: Use "WW and VL Activation plus Map Feature" only.
Vampire Gameplay Mods
I have yet to actually play at length as a Vampire to determine the best mods in this category. These are my choices for now and should be fully compatible with each other. I have heard good feedback and once I have had a chance to play for myself they will likely return to the main load order.
Bat Travel Vampire Power v2.0a
Notes: None.
Better Vampires v5.7
Notes: None.
Serana Secret v9.6
Notes: None.
Werewolf Gameplay Mods
I have yet to actually play at length as a Werewolf to determine the best mods in this category. These are my choices for now and should be fully compatible with each other. I have heard good feedback and once I have had a chance to play for myself they will likely return to the main load order. Tales of Lycanthropy and Multiple Lycanthropy Regift remain in the main load order as ToL is essential and MLR has to be in place before completing companions quest to work properly.
Scary Vampire Lord and Werewolf v1.0
Notes: Use "Scary Werewolf - No Explosion" only.
Werewolf Perks Expanded - Dawnguard v1.51
Notes: None.
Magic Mods
Again, not enough playtime with these mods yet to "certify" them but feedback has been positive.
Apocalypse Spell Package v2.04
Notes: None.
Empowered Magic v3.8
Notes: Small Bug: Summon spells are permanent but when going indoors the pet is not dispelled (vanilla problem). Apocalypse Spell Package includes a "Unsummon" spell that helps with this issue.
The Revenge of Colette - Powers and Spells For The Discerning Adventurer v4.1
Notes: None.
My Characters
Morrigan
Race: Breton
Alternate Start: Helgen at sunset/night.
Profession: Witch of the Wilds (Conjuration/Illusion/Scout)
Inspiration: Morrigan (Dragon Age: Origins)
Perk Distribution:
1. Sneak - Stealth (1/5) 2. Light Armor - Agile Protector (1/5) 3. Archery - Overdraw (1/5) 4. Illusion - Novice Illusion (1/5) 5. Conjuration - Novice Conjuration (1/5) 6. Conjuration - Mystic Binding 7. Conjuration - Soul Stealer 8. Illusion - Animage
