(Ask) How mods work - the whole picture

[luciusmario]

Hi, I'm a relatively new to mods..

I want a better understanding on how mods work.

There are some aspects in this game thats completely oblivious to me.

 

For example, encountered file formats like:

.esp

.esm

.nif

.bsa

.hkx

.kf

What are this files ?

Can anyone explain these files and what it does ?

 

Then there are some questions like:

What is the correlation between bodies and clothes ?

What is animation and skeletons ?

What is the purpose of mod/tool called FNIS and GenerateFNISForUsers.exe ?

 

Is there any tutorials/guides explaining "the big picture" about mods and stuff ?

I know I asked too much, but please shed some light..

[Deleted1308005User]

"Is there any tutorials"

Literally thousands around the net. All you need to do is to use google a bit.

 

also:

http://www.creationkit.com/

[ghosu]

esp = a mod's plugin file, contains edits/values done/added to the game

esm = game's master files, for example the addon files are packed into esm's

nif = container that contains meshes (3D models) with shader effects, texture paths and so on

bsa = archive format, contains specific game files like meshes, textures, sounds

hkx = animation format used by the game, can be converted to...

kf = animation format, can be used in regular 3D editors like 3DsMax

 

The body of the character is a 3D mesh attached to the skeleton, clothes work the same way replacing body parts.

Animation...well, animation is animation - don't think that needs further explanation.

Skeleton (consists of bones) is the base of all characters/creatures...imagine it a s a running stickman, body/skin/armor/clothes are attached to it. Like in real life :D

 

FNIS: http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/11811 - everything you need to know is explained in the description.

Edited January 26, 2014 by ghosu