Sparklepaws

It's used for other things besides fur. Unless frost atronachs are furry. :biggrin: It's just a blurry version of the diffuse map in that case. Check the niftools skyrim modding forums for the texture thread, I am posting random stuff about the textures as I encounter it. It's these 'subsurface' shaders which are freaking me out. That sounds interesting, but I wasn't able to find the topic or forum. Would you mind posting a link for us?

Oh wow, I feel really stupid now. Yes, you're correct, the texture files are DDS, not NIF. Any possibility of a moderator changing the NIF to DDS for me? Skyrim does have the _g maps, so I've added that to the list =3

Skyrim's texture folder is littered with files that have underscores. I have a general idea what they do. Happy modding! texture_n Normal Map. This type of map is used to add details to an object without adding more polygons to the model. It saves space and creates a nice effect. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_mapping) texture_s Specular Map. Defines the highlights and shininess. (http://wiki.splashdamage.com/index.php/Specular_Maps) texture_d Diffuse Map. Defines the surface's main color. (http://wiki.splashdamage.com/index.php/Diffuse_Maps) texture_g Many thanks to Werne for pointing these out. They are glow maps for textures that have a glow to them. (http://bighouse.bungie.org/killingtime/Help_Schtuff/Glow_Maps.html) texture_p Parallax Map. The main purpose of these files is to provide greater depth to things such as walls, creating more realism without impacting performance. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallax_mapping) texture_e Environment Cube Map. See the wiki for this one, it's a bit complicated. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_mapping) texture_b Blurry? More research needed. texture_msn Model Space Normal map/Object Space Normal map. texture_sk/s Stands for "Skin". I'm not sure what purpose this file serves. Ghogiel seems to think that it's a sub-dermal layer, placed underneath the already slightly transparent textures. texture_em/_m/_envmask/_envmapmask Environment Mask Map. If anyone has any further knowledge, I'll be happy to add it here. There aren't many topics about this subject, so let's make it happen people! Credits: Werne - For reminding me that _g maps actually exist. Ghogiel - For great information on all maps listed. Throttlekitty - For pointing out the _b textures.

Will someone actually be keeping track of this?

Trust me when I say that until the Creation Kit is out, there's no easy way to mod anything.

Easy enough, I'll see if I can stir something up in my spare time this evening.

Hmm, this looks interesting. I'll work on it and see what I can come up with.