compact active file forms ID + esl flag

[Guest]

I used to merge armor plugins. However, some weeks ago I started to put several armors in leveled lists. But for testing these lists in the game, I have to constantly update the merged file, which causes my followers armors to vanish.

 

So, now I discovered I can use the "compact active file forms IDs" for armor plugins, and flag them as esls in Wrye Bash, practically eliminating the need for a merged file. So my question is: is it safe to always apply this formula to armor plugins, when they dont have quests and/or scripts?

[Varithina]

Providing they are small enough sure, though if you already have those armors they will vanish from your character.

 

Though what you might be better of doing, is continue merging the armor mods, and have the level lists patch separate, and esl that file instead.  Once everything is working it is easy enough to un esl the file and then add it to the merge it goes with, or at least it should be.  Do not forget esl files do have a maximum number of records they can hold, if you are esl converting using the ck when you try compact the form id, it will tell you if the mod is too big.

[Guest]

I did some testing today, and it seems safe to compact the form IDs for armor plugins, as they have very little data in it. No need for merges anymore.

It also compacted the leveled list container I put in each plugin.