Can't edit object effects with main dlcs

[AccidentalAwesomeness]

I want to change the effect of +1 Charisma from the Armor of the 87th Tribe to +3 Endurance, but when i go to close the GECK and save my changes it asks me to select a plugin file. If I try to select the esm file for Lonesome Road, it says that can't be done as it's a master file, which is fine. I try to use the bsa file though and the GECK will freeze, my loading cursor will pop up, and the GECK will minimize, sending me right back to where I was.

 

I've edited object effects for other mods before such as the effect for Marko's Coat from New Vegas Bounties 3, I haven't done it with a main dlc or esm in general before though. How would I go about this?

 

Edit: I was able to edit the object effect of the Sierra Scorched Power Armor when I was using dragbody's Fallout 4 Power Armor mod. Even more reason for why i'm so confused.

Edited October 11, 2018 by AccidentalAwesomeness

[Deleted53139156User]

You don't want to overwrite any of the main .esm's base game or dlc ever in any way. Make the changes to a new esp merged it into something if you need space in your plugin list.

[AccidentalAwesomeness]

Can you link me to how I would do that? Also thanks.

Edited October 11, 2018 by AccidentalAwesomeness

[madmongo]

When you want to edit something from the main game, what you do is load up the GECK with whatever DLCs are required. Then make your change, as you did. Instead of closing the GECK, just hit the save button. The GECK will prompt you for a plugin name. Put whatever name you want to call your mod. Your new mod will now make the changes to the armor (or whatever else you want to change).

 

Once you are done making changes, exit out of the GECK. Make sure you activate your new mod using whatever mod manager you are using.

 

If you want to make changes to your mod, open the GECK and make your mod the active file for editing.

 

This works for modifying things in esm files from other mods as well. It's not just for the main game.

 

It is possible to edit an esm, though you definitely should not do it for any esm that came with the game (Fallout.esm and all of the DLC), and it's generally not a good idea to do it for other mods either. You can install the GECK power-up, which will allow you to edit an esm directly from the GECK, or you can use FNVEdit to change the esm to an esp (you'll have to change the file extension to esp yourself), then edit the mod, then use FNVEdit to convert the mod back to an esm.

Edited October 12, 2018 by madmongo