Interior cells REALLY dark even without Darker Nights and ELFX

[neuroghast]

Pretty much title.

I have LOTS of mods installed, among them Darker Nights (1.7p7) and Enhanced Lights and FX (couldn't find the version).

Don't know how smart it was to have both at the same time (probably not much), but now I'm having this issue. It's pretty ok to find a dark cave, but not so cool to stop for a drink on a tavern like this. Outside everything seems fine.

 

Please note that those screenshots were taken AFTER deactivating, reinstalling and whatnot both mods. Actually, when I reinstalled ELFX I was CTDing every time I tried to load or start a game. :psyduck:

 

I don't know what other mod could have some influence on this. Maybe some that affects weathers? I'm honestly lost (in the dark).

Here's my pretty extensive load order. Note that some of the plugins are deactivated (indicated by the zeros).

 

 

GameMode=SkyrimSE

Skyrim.esm=1
Update.esm=1
Dawnguard.esm=1
HearthFires.esm=1
Dragonborn.esm=1
Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch.esp=1
BSAssets.esm=1
BSHeartland.esm=1
arnima.esm=1
RaceCompatibility.esm=1
PlayableGiantRace.esm=0
BS_DLC_patch.esp=1
Falskaar.esm=1
TravellersOfSkyrim.esm=0
Erudite.esp=1
Cutting Room Floor.esp=1
SMIM-SE-Merged-All.esp=1
Hothtrooper44_Armor_Ecksstra.esp=1
Simple AUA.esp=1
tpos_ultimate_esm.esp=1
mjhKhajiitSpeak.esp=1
Holds.esp=1
Palaces Castles Enhanced.esp=1
Castle Volkihar Rebuilt.esp=0
MagicalCollegeofWinterhold.esp=1
Summermyst - Enchantments of Skyrim.esp=1
Folkstead.esp=1
Reverb and Ambiance Overhaul - Skyrim.esp=1
Immersive Sounds - Compendium.esp=1
Immersive Jewelry.esp=1
Skyrim Immersive Creatures Special Edition.esp=1
SoundsofSkyrimComplete.esp=1
Nyhus.esp=1
Beasts of Tamriel.esp=1
DiverseDragonsCollectionSE.esp=1
Forgotten DungeonsSSE.esp=1
Morrowloot.esp=1
Jehanna.esp=1
The tunnel of 100 trials.esp=0
Undeath.esp=1
imp_helm_legend.esp=1
EconomyOverhaulandSpeechcraftImprovements.esp=1
BreezehomeByLupus.esp=0
Phenderix Magic World.esp=1
DBDawnstar Sanctuary SSE.esp=1
Man Those Borders!.esp=1
AKSkyrimUnderground.esp=1
NAT.esp=1
DigitigradeKhajiit+ArgonianRaptor.esp=1
Joy of Perspective.esp=1
skyBirds_SSE.esp=0
Hothtrooper44_ArmorCompilation.esp=1
Sea of Spirits.esp=1
Point The Way.esp=1
Clockwork.esp=1
Laundry.esp=1
SkyrimSewers.esp=1
TheScarlett.esp=0
mihailcorprusariumofsolstheim.esp=0
BecomeKingofSkyrim.esp=0
Skyrim Better Roads and Bridges - All In One - Merged.esp=1
Run For Your Lives.esp=1
Cloaks.esp=1
Cloaks - USSEP Patch.esp=1
More Inns (Special Edition).esp=0
Blowing in the Wind SSE.esp=0
fallentreebridgesSSE.esp=1
OutlawsRefuges.esp=0
HopesabandonSSE.esp=0
mihailgiantkingdom.esp=0
Daedralair.esp=1
Ars Metallica.esp=1
Cloaks - Dawnguard.esp=1
SkyrimRecycling.esp=0
Weightless Books.esp=1
BetterQuestObjectives.esp=1
PlantableNirnrootv03.esp=1
LvxMagicksFactionBooks-Morebooks Please2.5.esp=1
Circlets and Masks with all Robes and Hoods.esp=1
MihailSolstheimGuarsV1.esp=0
PaleMarsh.esp=1
Skullcave Island 2.5.esp=1
TheHideaway.esp=0
Bloodworm.esp=1
mihailsuthaypahmaralliancecamp.esp=0
Vigilant.esp=1
Eli_Halla.esp=0
Provincial Courier Service.esp=1
PatronGodsOfSkyrim.esp=1
Skyrim Flora Overhaul.esp=1
CaranthirTowerReborn.esp=1
mihailslenderman.esp=1
OrotheimCabin.esp=1
CBCraftableRobes.esp=1
mihailesobonecolossus.esp=0
DwemerNetwork.esp=1
Rayeks_End_SSE_1.0.esp=1
mihaillurcher.esp=0
GrahlsOnSolstheim.esp=1
Darkend.esp=0
ForgottenCity.esp=1
mihaillanddreugh.esp=0
mihailmmaminotaur.esp=1
More Map Markers.esp=1
EasierRidersDungeonPackSSE.esp=1
DwemerManorExotic.esp=1
mihailharvestereso.esp=0
Shadowgreen cavern.esp=1
magic of the magna-ge.esp=1
mihailbolgan.esp=0
HoldBorderBanners.esp=1
mihailguarsofsolstheimup1v2.esp=1
DetailedMineMarkers.esp=1
mihaildraconichydra.esp=0
middenexpandedlitesse.esp=1
Aethernautics.esp=1
TrueStormsSE.esp=1
LessDragons50.esp=1
LessDragons25.esp=0
LessDragons10.esp=0
BetterQuestObjectives-CRFPatch.esp=1
DraugrShoutLess.esp=1
Perfect Touch Them Essentials.esp=1
IcePenguinWorldMap.esp=1
Chesko_LoreBasedLoadingScreens.esp=1
BlendedRoads.esp=1
Improved Eyes Skyrim.esp=1
Improved Eyes Skyrim - Vamp.esp=1
KS_Hairdo's_Lite.esp=1
Improved Eyes Skyrim - Serana.esp=1
Beards.esp=1
NB-Scars.esp=1
HornsAreForever.esp=1
SoS_NAT_Patch.esp=1
SoS_TrueStorms_Patch.esp=1
Silent UI.esp=1
Search and Destroy.esp=0
HaladoonDarkBrotherhoodshield.esp=1
BosmerElderShadowArmor.esp=1
Tribunal Robes for SSE.esp=1
Black Mage Armor SE.esp=1
HN66_Earrings.esp=1
Alphabetized Books.esp=1
FaceMasksOfSkyrim.esp=1
CommonClothes.esp=1
ImperialFineClothes.esp=0
PCE - No Custom Music patch.esp=1
Boethiah's Ring of Shadows.esp=0
Dual Blocking for Idiots v1.35a.esp=1
Upgrade Soul Gems.esp=1
Cliffracers_Solstheim_SSE.esp=0
LightngDuringStorm.esp=1
WetandCold.esp=1
Realistic-Voice.esp=1
Backshields.esp=1
Character Creation Overhaul.esp=1
RealisticSpeedMovementWalkingSE.esp=1
Unleveled_Items.esp=1
Lethal Traps.esp=1
Believable Crime Report Radius.esp=1
TavernGames.esp=1
VampireSun.esp=1
mihailmmasithis.esp=0
DarkBrotherhoodArmor.esp=1
mjhKhajiitSpeakMod - Castle Volkihar Rebuilt.esp=0
mjhKhajiitSpeakMod - Cutting Room Floor.esp=0
mjhKhajiitSpeakMod - Falskaar.esp=0
PracticeSoulGems.esp=1
ParticleField.esp=0
Pillow_eng.esp=1
PickUpBooksSKSEDLCSEE.esp=1
Potions.esp=1
RaceCompatibilityUSKPOverride.esp=1
ShieldWard.esp=1
Aetherial Veins - Full.esp=1
Aetherial Veins - Reanimation.esp=1
Aetherial Veins - Staff.esp=1
Aetherial Veins - Scrolls Add-on.esp=1
Bound Armory Extravaganza.esp=1
MorrowindImports.esp=1
Move it Dammit.esp=1
shockselsweyrimports.esp=0
mihailnordicsentinel.esp=0
Ravengate.esp=1
mihailesocenturion.esp=0
mihailguarsREDONE-addon2.esp=0
mihailoldgod.esp=0
FNIS.esp=1
FennecRace.esp=1
Less Tedious Thieves Guild.esp=1
AMatterOfTime.esp=1
Skysan_GlassAW.esp=0
Skysan_Stalhrim.esp=0
Blowing in the Wind - SMIM Merged All Patch SSE.esp=0
Ish's Souls to Perks.esp=1
DragonLordSwords.esp=1
JokerinePenguins.esp=1
ValkyrieSwordShield.esp=0
Immersive Citizens - AI Overhaul.esp=1
more idle markers.esp=1
SoS_ImmersiveCitizens_Patch.esp=1
mjhKhajiitSpeakMod - Immersive Citizens.esp=1
Relationship Dialogue Overhaul.esp=1
RealisticWaterTwo.esp=1
RWT - People of Skyrim Patch.esp=1
AdventurersAndTravelers.esp=0
SPTConsistentOlderPeopleSE.esp=1
OpulentOutfits_2017-SSE AIO.esp=1
Populated Skyrim Prisons Cells.esp=1
TravellersOfSkyrim - Vanilla.esp=0
Simple Killable Children.esp=1
CFTO.esp=1
Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim.esp=1
EconomyOverhaulandOrdinatorPatch.esp=1
Multiple Enchantments - Ordinator Patch.esp=1
OrdinatorJzargoDialogueFix.esp=1
NexusSkyrimOverhaul.esp=1
NexusSkyrimOverhaul_Magic.esp=1
MLU.esp=1
EconomyOverhaulandMorrowLootUltimatepatch.esp=1
MLU - Summermyst.esp=1
MLU - Improved Closefaced Helmets.esp=1
MLU - Immersive Armors.esp=1
MLU - Ars Metallica Patch.esp=1
Alternate Start - Live Another Life.esp=1
Alternate Start -- New Beginnings.esp=1
BetterQuestObjectives-AlternateStartPatch.esp=1
RAO - Alternate Start Patch.esp=1
Bruma - Alternate Start.esp=1
mjhKhajiitSpeakMod - Alternate Start.esp=1
Racial Body Morphs.esp=1
The Paarthurnax Dilemma.esp=0
MIHAILDAGON.esp=0
SkyUI_SE.esp=1
more plants all extra.esp=1

 

 

Is this some residual issue of the mentioned mods or some other thing I have going on my load order?
Is there any way to fix it without reinstalling everything?

Any shed light on this matter (ok, this is the last one) is much appreciated! :tongue:

[Algabar]

Uhm, what's wrong with that tavern? Doesn't look unusual to me. Taverns in Skyrim actually ARE a bit dark. I mean, no large windows, only the firelight... Some people call that "immersive" ^^

I don't think there's a real "problem" like mod conflicts or something.

 

If you like lighter taverns, your best bet would be to look for an ENB preset, that has lighter interiors - or simply tweak the interior lighting settings of your favourite ENB yourself. You may also try to use NAT only or switch to a different lighting mod. "Enhanced Lighting for ENB" (ELE) goes quite well with NAT: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1377

 

ELFX has a tendency to emphasize contrast, meaning dark areas can get even darker. "Darker Nights" on the other hand shouldn't affect interiors.

[neuroghast]

Uhm, what's wrong with that tavern? Doesn't look unusual to me. Taverns in Skyrim actually ARE a bit dark. I mean, no large windows, only the firelight... Some people call that "immersive" ^^

I don't think there's a real "problem" like mod conflicts or something.

 

If you like lighter taverns, your best bet would be to look for an ENB preset, that has lighter interiors - or simply tweak the interior lighting settings of your favourite ENB yourself. You may also try to use NAT only or switch to a different lighting mod. "Enhanced Lighting for ENB" (ELE) goes quite well with NAT: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1377

 

ELFX has a tendency to emphasize contrast, meaning dark areas can get even darker. "Darker Nights" on the other hand shouldn't affect interiors.

 

Hey, thanks for your reply!

 

But are you sure this tavern is just like a regular Skyrim tavern? You can see some candles atop of those horns, I think it should be a little lighter hahah

I remember playing Skyrim on my PS4 and having houses, taverns and some other interior cells that where no way as dark as this :wacko:

 

Anyway, I tried ELE and it didn't help much.

There's a weird thing I totally forgot to mention at first, but it's something that makes me believe it's mod related. When I load a game, the interior cells look "normal" (at least, what I'd expect them to be) and a second later they get darker. I guess this sequence of screenshots illustrates this better than I explain: https://imgur.com/a/OPLvqfN

I was too slow to take the first one, as the interior was slightly brighter a milisecond earlier.

 

It's not game breaking by any means, but I get kind annoyed when I finally try to roleplay a good character and I'm forced to go to gloomy taverns and shops. My DB Khajiit mage would be much more at home in places like this haha :tongue:

 

EDIT: I started a new character and was messing around in 3rd person view until I realized there a strange shadow/line following my character LOS wherever I go. I don't know how to record a video, but this screenshot sequence might be enough. Note that the time is almost the same, so it's nothing to do with the sun moving in the sky. I tried to use the tree and the tree stump to show how it was following me around.

 

That's REALLY weird!

Edited June 18, 2018 by neuroghast

[Algabar]

As for the lighting changes: Probably a matter of loading. Something (NAT?) is still loading, while you're entering the cell and "kicks in" after a second or two. At least that's my explanation for the changes in the screenshots.

 

In general, load order is very important with lighting mods. NAT is quite high in your load order. Try putting it near the end and see, if this changes anything.

 

You also got some mods changing taverns and inns. Maybe there's in fact a mod conflict. Again, playing around with the load order might help. You can also try to create a "smashed patch" (= conflict resolution patch) with Mator Smash:

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/90987

 

Did you try without NAT? NAT is a very complete lighting overhaul, that changes exteriors, weathers - and also interiors and light sources. TBH, I'm not too big a fan of it. Weathers look no doubt impressive, interior and especially character lighting from NAT simply aren't my cup of tea... Maybe you could test a different lighting mod - just for comparison. IMHO, Vivid Weathers works very well with ELFX. I'm not saying you should switch to a different lighting mod. That's of course up to you. But seeing other options in comparison might help.

 

As for the "shadow" issue: Not 100% sure, but this looks rather like a fog issue than a real "shadow" problem to me. The screenshots seem to be taken in rather "foggy" weather. Fog especially in SE behaves very strange sometimes. Something all weather and lighting mods are struggling with. Especially for fogs near/on water, water mods also play a role. I managed to minimize situations like the ones on your screenshots with combinations of Vivid weathers or Obsidian weathers together with Realistic Water Two (I got two mod manager profiles , which I use for different characters). In both profiles, "realistic Water Two" is loaded after the weather mod. Unfortunately, at least from my experience, foggy weathers require some "trial and error" - not to mention the choyce of ENBs, which also have an influence...