Needed some answers about certain mods please and thank you! "Long but please read!"

[MeltingAsh]

Specs

CPU - Intel - Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz

GPU - MSI - GeForce GTX 970 4GB 100 Million Edition

RAM - 8GB DDR3-1333

OS - Windows 10 Home

 

I haven't played Skyrim in years, played a bit on release, but never got very far. Now I wanted to give it a go with the new SE edition, giving it's a 64 bit, which people tell me is a lot more stable with mods. My main goal is to make the game look very nice. I don't want naked girls walking around, but I don't want people looking like they dragged their face on the ground all day either. I've been doing some research on top mods for the past 5 days, So my first question is,

 

What NPC mod would give me what I'm looking for? I've seen people praise Total Character Makeover, Bijin All In One, WICO, and Diversity. Which do you guys prefer? Is there a big difference in them? Do some only change a few NPC's while another changes all of them in the game? I've been having a lot of trouble trying to decide between these. Or would someone recommend a different mod?

 

Second question, I heard SkyUI isn't usable. But SkyUI 2.2 is, also heard of QD Inventory SSE, and heard of a SkylightUI, but can't find it on the website. Is SkyUI a lot better then QD Inventory? I've heard you need to do a few things to make it work with the Special Edition, and is SkylightUI real? And is it on par with the other two? Which have you guys been using?

 

Third question, I really liked Amazing Follower Tweaks SE in normal Skyrim (seen my brother using it and it looked really helpful). I love that it let you use multiple followers, but read someone saying it has some bugs in SE, and that EFF - Extensible Follower Framework, is better. Though it relys on SKSE more. Also read someone say Immersive Follower Tweaks is the successor to Amazing Follower Tweaks SE. But can't find it. Has anyone heard of this? And which do you prefer and why? Heard some say when you pick one, it can ruin your game changing to a different one, so I really want to get one and stick with it!

 

A few Mods I was thinking of adding are,

 

Warzones

 

Populated Cities Towns Villages

 

Populated Lands Roads Paths

 

Populated Skyrim Prisons

 

OBIS SE - Organized Bandits In Skyrim

 

Convenient Horses (Not sure really, seems to conflict with other mods I like)

 

Hearthfire multiple adoptions (Because I read somewhere you can only adopt 2 children, and I wanted to adopt them all for one of my mods(Dragon Keep I think), that lets you send the children there for like, a school thing. Sounded really cool, but it seems it has a lot of problems. So would I need this mod to adopt more then 2 children, or is there a better mod for this?)

 

BethINI (I read a few places I'd need this, to help clean the games files or something? Is this true, would I need this? Or was it made for old skyrim?)

 

Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim ( I really wanted to give this a shot, but was unsure, does it add new perks? Or does it replace the old ones? I'd hate to replace the old ones, since I've never really used them before. But these new ones look really cool. Does anyone know if it replaces or adds more?)

 

I really wanted to make the game feel a bit alive, but I'm unsure how some of these mods may conflict with each-other(Like Open Cities), and how my system may handle them. I think I might be able to just do trial and error with most of them, but the above questions I'd really LOVE some info on to give me a head-start and getting this all brought together. I'd really appreciate any and all help, thank you so much guys!!!

 

And just post any other mods you'd think I might enjoy, or that you enjoy yourself!

 

Thanks again!!!!

 

Current mods -

 

A Quality World Map

Aymar And Friends

Bandolier

Beards

Beautiful Boats

Bellyaches Animal And Creature Pack

Better Dialogue Controls

Better MessageBox Controls

Blackthorn

Book Covers Skyrim

Campfire

Castle Gonduin SSE

CC's HQ Caves

CC's HQ Mines

Clean Menu

Cloaks Of Skyrim

Cutting Room Floor

D13 Faster Get Up Stand Up

Dawnguard Fortress Improved

DCR - King Crusader Mega Pack

Diverse Dragons Collection SE

Diverse Werewolves Collection SE

Dragons Keep SSE

Draugr

Elysium Estate

Enhanced Blood Textures

Enhanced Lighting For ENB (ELE)

Ethereal Cosmos

Footprints

Glorious Fort Dawnguard

High Quality Food And Ingredients SE

Hold Border Banners

Immersive Bookreading

Immersive Lockpicking

Immersive Citizens

Immersive Patrols SE

JK's Riverwood

JK's Skyhaven

L u n a

Leanwolf's Better-shaped Weapons

Lightning During Storms SSE

Luminescent Luna Moths

More Tavern Idles

More Werewolves SE

Nordic Snow

Open Cities Skyrim

Peltapalooza

Point The Way

Populated Cities Towns Villages

Radun Castle

Realistic Water two

Relighting Skyrim

Royal Armory

RSSE Children Overhaul

Rugnarok

Rustic Clothing

Rustic Clutter Collection

Rustic Cooking

SkyBirds SSE

SkyHUD

Skyrim Better Roads

Skyrim Flora Overhaul SE

Skyrim Is Windy

Smoking Torches And Candles

Snazzy Furniture And Clutter Overhaul

Sovngarde

Travellers Of Skyrim

Universal Race Scale Remover SSE

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch

Vivid Weathers

Wearable Lanterns

WEBS S.E.

Wet And Cold

Winter Is Coming SSE Cloaks

Winter Is Coming SSE Cloaks Patch

Winterhold

Edited July 27, 2017 by MeltingAsh

[nightscrawl]

I can't answer all of your questions.

 

1 Character mods. This will depend on the overall look you're going for, as they're all slightly different. They will change all NPCs in that things like default skin textures will be applied to everybody. Custom NPC face edits are a different story. I can't speak to those in great detail, but you might want to narrow it down by other requirements. For example, does one need other external mods to make it work, like ApachiiSky Hair, and do you like those hairs? Do they work with the vanilla body, or whatever body model you are going to use? You should also read through the comments to see if there are any issues that other players have experienced that might interest you. In the end, for an aesthetic mod like this, it comes down to personal preference for how the characters look.

 

Bijin only does women, and requires other mods to use properly. If you want something to install and go, I wouldn't recommend this. This also goes more toward the supermodel look, so that's not for everyone.

 

The latest version of Diversity (now stand alone with its own body textures), Total Character Makeover, and WICO all do the same thing. All of these have a slightly different look, so you'll just have to look through and see which one you prefer based on appearance. That's not entirely what you want to hear, but these aesthetic choices are all about personal preference.

 

Since you asked... I personally don't like mods that add hair, because all of the hair looks fake and out of place in Skyrim, mainly because they're all ported from other games, like The Sims. Because of that, I would choose between TCM or WICO, leaning toward WICO because I like a rugged look. I don't actually use a mod of this type, but use SkySight Skins for men, the WICO skins for women, and everyone has the same basic aesthetic. I also took the time in the Creation Kit to export faces of all followers, so they're all using custom warpaint and whatnot.

 

 

2 UI. If you HAVE to have Sky UI, then converting the 2.2 is the way to go. Here is an easy-to-follow guide -- it IS easy, I promise. Keep in mind that it's not going to work exactly the same as the full Oldrim version, with missing SKSE features, and also features that might have been added in later versions. But the nice thing is that, if you don't like it for whatever reason, you can just remove it without issues, since these are just edited swf files; there is no esp for 2.2. If you go this route, be sure to also get the more modern icon set here (if you prefer those).

 

QD Inventory is a nice replacement as well, but more minimal. The main difference is that SkyUI never did the crafting menu, while QD Inventory does. However, it does not do the magic menu, while SkyUI handles that. BUT, if you use QD Inventory alongside a custom favorites menu, there isn't a need to go into the magic menu outside of adding the spells to favorites.

 

I use QD Inventory. I'm a more minimal person, so I like the style of QD Inventory more. I also like that is does the crafting menu. Like with SkyUI 2.2, you can try QD Inventory and simply uninstall if you don't care for it, as there is no esp.

 

Skylight is not a sanctioned port. The author of SkyUI has not given permission for anyone to release any ports of the mod anywhere, this is why there is only a guide for editing 2.2 yourself, since that's fine.

 

 

 

Alternate Start is great. Even if you go with the default prisoner start, the benefit to using the mod is that you can create your character right on loading into the game, in a room with better lighting than the default start.

 

The Choice Is Yours gives you more control over accepting quests. Don't want anything to do with the Thieves Guild? Then tell Brynjolf to take a hike. You won't have the errant quest cluttering your menu.

[QuagaarWarrior]

FYI Bijin mods don't require other mods. They are standalone. I use them and really like them. Check the pictures on the mod page to decide whether it is the right look for you

[QuagaarWarrior]

In regards to follower framework mods, you're correct that uninstalling one mid playthrough is very risky.

When you think about having a follower will you be using vanilla followers or will you be downloading followers and using those instead?

If using vanilla I'd recommend immersive amazing follower tweaks

If using downloaded followers I personally wouldn't bother with a framework at all unless you're planning on having multiple followers (I don't do this as I feel it unbalanced the difficulty)

[scramjetbooster]

 

Skylight is not a sanctioned port. The author of SkyUI has not given permission for anyone to release any ports of the mod anywhere, this is why there is only a guide for editing 2.2 yourself, since that's fine.

 

 

 

 

 

Ahh, so that's why..

[thumbincubation]

I see you've already chosen some of the Populated mods. You might also try Populated Forts, Towers & Places. Like the others you have, and those you are about to add, it also plays well with Immersive Patrols. I don't know where you got them all, but Tonycubed2 has released the populated series for SE in individual modules, or in one big mod, depending on which would be easier for you. He also has a mod allowing for you to be ambushed during fast travel, one that does random enemy spawns in dungeons, and things to make the game more dangerous.

 

There is a newer mod out, called "NPCs travel," which adds yet more small "patrols" of the various factions, including stormcloaks, Imperials, vigilants, mercenaries, bandits, forsworn, even spriggans. I use it, along with the populated mods and immersive patrols, and they all seem to play nicely.

 

If you're already using campfire, I have a mod on my page that allows you to craft and carry 9 different storage containers. It requires Campfire to use, and the containers are placed/ used the same way the things you're used to using in Campfire. You can make multiples of each, leave a set home, carry the other set, access all your items in each container type, from either set. You can also stack them inside each other. It also allows you to use gathered wood to create and place barricades, pick them back up and take them with you.

 

I am using an older version of AFT, which I ported to SE for personal use only. I have no problems at all with it, though I believe some of the features I never use may not work on SE, like the dance animations. Forcing followers, using multiples, controlling their inventory, teaching them spells and setting combat styles all work as they did in Oldrim. Hope it helps some.

[MeltingAsh]

Thanks for the help everyone! Got some good info here, and I think it's time for me to start my play through, thanks again!!!

[MeltingAsh]

In regards to follower framework mods, you're correct that uninstalling one mid playthrough is very risky.

When you think about having a follower will you be using vanilla followers or will you be downloading followers and using those instead?

If using vanilla I'd recommend immersive amazing follower tweaks

If using downloaded followers I personally wouldn't bother with a framework at all unless you're planning on having multiple followers (I don't do this as I feel it unbalanced the difficulty)

I looked for the IAFT but can't find it. I found a normal skyrim version, but none for Skyrim SE. Does anyone have a link to the SSE IAFT?

 

Please and thanks!

[MeltingAsh]

I can't answer all of your questions.

 

1 Character mods. This will depend on the overall look you're going for, as they're all slightly different. They will change all NPCs in that things like default skin textures will be applied to everybody. Custom NPC face edits are a different story. I can't speak to those in great detail, but you might want to narrow it down by other requirements. For example, does one need other external mods to make it work, like ApachiiSky Hair, and do you like those hairs? Do they work with the vanilla body, or whatever body model you are going to use? You should also read through the comments to see if there are any issues that other players have experienced that might interest you. In the end, for an aesthetic mod like this, it comes down to personal preference for how the characters look.

 

Bijin only does women, and requires other mods to use properly. If you want something to install and go, I wouldn't recommend this. This also goes more toward the supermodel look, so that's not for everyone.

 

The latest version of Diversity (now stand alone with its own body textures), Total Character Makeover, and WICO all do the same thing. All of these have a slightly different look, so you'll just have to look through and see which one you prefer based on appearance. That's not entirely what you want to hear, but these aesthetic choices are all about personal preference.

 

Since you asked... I personally don't like mods that add hair, because all of the hair looks fake and out of place in Skyrim, mainly because they're all ported from other games, like The Sims. Because of that, I would choose between TCM or WICO, leaning toward WICO because I like a rugged look. I don't actually use a mod of this type, but use SkySight Skins for men, the WICO skins for women, and everyone has the same basic aesthetic. I also took the time in the Creation Kit to export faces of all followers, so they're all using custom warpaint and whatnot.

 

 

2 UI. If you HAVE to have Sky UI, then converting the 2.2 is the way to go. Here is an easy-to-follow guide -- it IS easy, I promise. Keep in mind that it's not going to work exactly the same as the full Oldrim version, with missing SKSE features, and also features that might have been added in later versions. But the nice thing is that, if you don't like it for whatever reason, you can just remove it without issues, since these are just edited swf files; there is no esp for 2.2. If you go this route, be sure to also get the more modern icon set here (if you prefer those).

 

QD Inventory is a nice replacement as well, but more minimal. The main difference is that SkyUI never did the crafting menu, while QD Inventory does. However, it does not do the magic menu, while SkyUI handles that. BUT, if you use QD Inventory alongside a custom favorites menu, there isn't a need to go into the magic menu outside of adding the spells to favorites.

 

I use QD Inventory. I'm a more minimal person, so I like the style of QD Inventory more. I also like that is does the crafting menu. Like with SkyUI 2.2, you can try QD Inventory and simply uninstall if you don't care for it, as there is no esp.

 

Skylight is not a sanctioned port. The author of SkyUI has not given permission for anyone to release any ports of the mod anywhere, this is why there is only a guide for editing 2.2 yourself, since that's fine.

 

 

 

Alternate Start is great. Even if you go with the default prisoner start, the benefit to using the mod is that you can create your character right on loading into the game, in a room with better lighting than the default start.

 

The Choice Is Yours gives you more control over accepting quests. Don't want anything to do with the Thieves Guild? Then tell Brynjolf to take a hike. You won't have the errant quest cluttering your menu.

While I was looking into WICO, I seen it had 3 download options. 2 were UNP, and UNP nude. I found the UNP mod, and was wondering, is it to make peoples bodys look more realistic? Or is it just for half naked and "sexy" mods? Is it a taxing mod for a pc? Or a rather light mod?

Thanks!

[nightscrawl]

While I was looking into WICO, I seen it had 3 download options. 2 were UNP, and UNP nude. I found the UNP mod, and was wondering, is it to make peoples bodys look more realistic? Or is it just for half naked and "sexy" mods? Is it a taxing mod for a pc? Or a rather light mod?

Thanks!

 

WICO has three versions: UNP, UNP Nude, and Vanilla (VNL). You can use the vanilla if you're not into body mods, which is what I use.

 

To your question, body mods can make the shape into anything you want, and are also required for nude bodies. You can go for more realistic, buffer women in-keeping with Skyrim's environment, or make one look like she's from Playboy. The main reason I don't use body mods is (1) I don't need to see them naked, (2) any custom body might not play nice with default armor and clothing, so you can get gaps where the head, feet, and hands join the body. If using a body mod, Bodyslide is recommended.

 

I don't want to mess with all that, so I stick with vanilla.

 

To your other question, it's not taxing in that they are only different meshes for the bodies to use.