No more empty topics?

[RareDwemerArmor]

I'm creating a quest on my mod but when I try to add the third topic of my quest mod, I realized there are no more empty topics left! How do you add more quest topics?

[Surilindur]

The trick is to not use the existing empty topics. I know it looks tempting, to have those EMPTY-labelled ones there for use already in the list, but they should never ever be used. The list only lists the already existing topics, and the EMPTY ones are existing actual topics - surprise surprise! Did not see that one coming, did ya! Haha! Just leave it to Bethesda to create an intuitive user interface. :laugh:

 

When you have the list with topics open, you should create a new topic inside the list. I cannot remember where the option is, exactly, but maybe right-clicking the list or scrolling to the bottom of it or something should reveal the option to "add new topic" or "create new topic" or something similar. The topic will be appended to the list at the bottom or top with an empty name, and you should then type in a reasonable name for the topic that suits your mod and the purpose of the topic. Then, when you have created a new topic in the list, and given a reasonable name for the topic, you can select your new custom topic to be added to the quest's topic list.

 

Assuming we are talking about the same list, that is, but I think I know which one you mean. I faced the exact same issue myself when I first started modding, until I realised that it actually is possible to add a completely new topic (which is what should be done) and that the EMPTY ones are actual topics, but with the name being "empty" for whatever reason (someone at Bethesda might know, or might not).

 

Hopefully that helps a bit. If there is anything else that needs further clarification, just ask. :thumbsup:

 

Edit: Also, if you have already edited the existing EMPTY topics, you can remove your edits with TES4Edit.

Edited February 15, 2018 by Contrathetix

[RareDwemerArmor]

Wow, thank you so much for your help! I didn't know that all I had to do was right-click an existing topic.

 

Unfortunately, I've already edited the EMPTY topics. So, what is TES4Edit and how can I use it to remove the edits?

 

EDIT: Nevermind, I've figured out how to delete the used topics on my own. Thanks again, Contrathetix!

Edited February 15, 2018 by RareDwemerArmor

[Surilindur]

No problem, happy to help! :smile:

 

TES4Edit should generally always be used to check a mod before uploading it for others to use (or before using it yourself) after the development of the mod is finished, because there might be something in the mod that should not be there or the mod might contain some errors of some description. For example accidentally making a minor edit on something unrelated (that might end up being a compatibility issue at some point, or otherwise breaking another mod that edits the same thing), adding something unnecessary to the mod that just takes up space and things like that are possible. The normal Construction Set from Bethesda (without CSE) will also make automated dirty edits for you even. Very helpful of it, I should say. :tongue: TES4Edit can be used to clean a mod before putting it to use. Gopher seems to have

available on YouTube, and also Mator

that might be handy when learning. The tool itself is available on Oblivion Nexus, for example: link. It takes some learning to use the tool, maybe, but I would argue that it will be worth it and the tool is actually very intuitive when you finally figure it out.

 

Also, some mods that are available may contain dirty edits and deleted references and things like that when the author has failed to clean the mod (for example if they are not aware of the tool, or if they just forgot), so as a mod user it is also handy to check mods with TES4Edit before using them. It is also worth keeping in mind that some "identical to master" records might actually be necessary (when doing automated cleaning with TES4Edit).

 

Good luck with your project! :thumbsup:

Edited February 17, 2018 by Contrathetix