guide Skyrim AE for Beginners - V 3.1.0

[Guest]

16 minutes ago, olddragoon said:

so just to be sure im not messing tis up as ive been looking around for a while, i downloaded the newest sexlab, and have been modding skyrim for like 2 days, since i downloaded it 3 days ago. keeps giving me an error saying that both papyrusUtil.dll and the sexlabUtil.dll is incompatible, so i assume i need to downgrade skyrim right?

 

Welcome to the neverending process of modding.  If not for Aylis, I would have only have a basic 100  mod list.  Key for me as a user is to make sure EVERYTHING IS FOR THE SKYRIM VERSION YOU HAVE.  Evidently, most of the mods out right now have updated to work with the latest Skyrim version.  That means that it is up to you to search and find the right version.  Tape the Skyrim version in front of you somewhere and if there are different version for a mod, make sure to get the right one.  I'm feeling silly today so I will share how I did this.  I struggled paying attention to the version issues (emotions) so I taped a post it note with the version on my left breast just to bug me while I was loading mods.  It worked, I didn't forget to check.  Sorry if that was TMI.  Wouldn't suggest this for the hairy genders amongst us.  Good luck...

 

EDIT:  Downgrading is common.  I think you can safely downgrade to 1.5.597 but you will face the exact same issue.  GAME VERISION Specific mods.  

Edited February 4, 2024 by Miss Tee
More information

[olddragoon]

46 minutes ago, Miss Tee said:

Welcome to the neverending process of modding.  If not for Aylis, I would have only have a basic 100  mod list.  Key for me as a user is to make sure EVERYTHING IS FOR THE SKYRIM VERSION YOU HAVE.  Evidently, most of the mods out right now have updated to work with the latest Skyrim version.  That means that it is up to you to search and find the right version.  Tape the Skyrim version in front of you somewhere and if there are different version for a mod, make sure to get the right one.  I'm feeling silly today so I will share how I did this.  I struggled paying attention to the version issues (emotions) so I taped a post it note with the version on my left breast just to bug me while I was loading mods.  It worked, I didn't forget to check.  Sorry if that was TMI.  Wouldn't suggest this for the hairy genders amongst us.  Good luck...

 

EDIT:  Downgrading is common.  I think you can safely downgrade to 1.5.597 but you will face the exact same issue.  GAME VERISION Specific mods.  

yeah, i figured it out, though now when i load in and hit install, nothing happens lol. (i wait like 14 minutes

)

[Bigglsby]

4 hours ago, Miss Tee said:

Bless you.  I will roll back then.  Should I wait for a new game?  If it happens again (level 25) I may try to replace the file.  As a way to say thank you, I have an art sketch I can share if you like art.  PM if interested and thank you again.

 

I'm not sure if it's safe or not to roll back or not.  I'm never-ending rebuilding and fiddling, so I always start over.  I think at the time when I did it, I DID actually just roll it back though, and don't recall any issues.  I'm not sure if the scripts in the mod are changed, which could cause issues.  But I recall seeing that you're used to using resaver, so shouldn't be any huge risk.  Not like Skyrim is going to crash or anything, right?  :)

[Jessica_Degurechaff]

Now that i got a new pc (14900k + 4090) im going to try my hand at making a custom modlist just taking the bare minimum from Aylis guide.

Its there anything i should know? Did they updated Skyrim? Its nexus modders fine or still in turmoil over some drama?

[Bigglsby]

3 hours ago, Jessica_Degurechaff said:

Now that i got a new pc (14900k + 4090) im going to try my hand at making a custom modlist just taking the bare minimum from Aylis guide.

Its there anything i should know? Did they updated Skyrim? Its nexus modders fine or still in turmoil over some drama?

 

It's currently in new-update-hell, but if you're careful it's still functional.  I avoided the recent updates, but from what it sounds like, the major tools/mods have been updated...  Be aware that Aylis' guide hasn't been updated for a while, so there may be some adjustments you'll need to do that aren't currently reflected.  But if you keep aware of the mod pages requirements/recommendations, should be able to get through things with only minor adjustments. 

[Jessica_Degurechaff]

4 hours ago, Bigglsby said:

 

It's currently in new-update-hell, but if you're careful it's still functional.  I avoided the recent updates, but from what it sounds like, the major tools/mods have been updated...  Be aware that Aylis' guide hasn't been updated for a while, so there may be some adjustments you'll need to do that aren't currently reflected.  But if you keep aware of the mod pages requirements/recommendations, should be able to get through things with only minor adjustments. 

Oh no! Skyrim update? really? why they keep doing that, its there any way to go back from the update? i remember there was a mod for it a back when AE came out.

OH NO! did Aylis quit?

[Bigglsby]

10 hours ago, Jessica_Degurechaff said:

Oh no! Skyrim update? really? why they keep doing that, its there any way to go back from the update? i remember there was a mod for it a back when AE came out.

OH NO! did Aylis quit?

 

There are roll-back mods available to let you pick your version of choice.  So you don't HAVE to pick the current .1170 if you don't want to.  Same rules apply though with version picking.  Some current mods are using the new addressing system started with .1130, which makes them immediately incompatible with older versions of Skyrim.  But again, there is a mod for that too - which backports the new system to let older versions work with newer mods.  Yeah, it's a mess.  But it can be worked around.  If I were starting from scratch, I'd probably just go with the current version... it LOOKS like the major mods are updated.  From there I would just do without anything that wasn't.  But if you're repairing an old modlist, it'd be good to be careful about what you update.

 

As for Aylis - it's unknown.  They haven't been on in quite a while, but to my knowledge, nobody has heard of a reason.  Could just be taking a break, could have bowed out from the endless hours of the list.  We all hope for the best regardless the reason.  :)

[Varithina]

1 hour ago, Bigglsby said:

As for Aylis - it's unknown.  They haven't been on in quite a while, but to my knowledge, nobody has heard of a reason.  Could just be taking a break, could have bowed out from the endless hours of the list.  We all hope for the best regardless the reason. 

 

They were working on the fallout 4 guide last time I paid much attention, they may also now be going through this guide finding out what works and what does not, or as you said they could be taking a break, though I am sure I have seen them responding to other posts here on ll, could also be a combination of all three things.

[alaunus01]

1 hour ago, Varithina said:

 

They were working on the fallout 4 guide last time I paid much attention, they may also now be going through this guide finding out what works and what does not, or as you said they could be taking a break, though I am sure I have seen them responding to other posts here on ll, could also be a combination of all three things.

Last time logged in: Dec 16th.

Keep in mind there were some health issues Aylis had to deal with too.

[Jessica_Degurechaff]

6 hours ago, Bigglsby said:

 

There are roll-back mods available to let you pick your version of choice.  So you don't HAVE to pick the current .1170 if you don't want to.  Same rules apply though with version picking.  Some current mods are using the new addressing system started with .1130, which makes them immediately incompatible with older versions of Skyrim.  But again, there is a mod for that too - which backports the new system to let older versions work with newer mods.  Yeah, it's a mess.  But it can be worked around.  If I were starting from scratch, I'd probably just go with the current version... it LOOKS like the major mods are updated.  From there I would just do without anything that wasn't.  But if you're repairing an old modlist, it'd be good to be careful about what you update.

 

As for Aylis - it's unknown.  They haven't been on in quite a while, but to my knowledge, nobody has heard of a reason.  Could just be taking a break, could have bowed out from the endless hours of the list.  We all hope for the best regardless the reason. 

 

 

Well after a bit of installing the base mods that every mod list should use: Its SOMEWHAT ok to use the new version, but QOL mods that are really necesary but a pain to not have are missing, a ton of them are, honestly i think ill go thought the trouble of rolling back the update. 

[Guest]

Please forgive this temper tantrum and sorry for the post but I have been a pest asking for help trying to solve an animation issue.  When things don't work, you reach out and this community responds. 

 

Now, I need someone to call me a dumb "b..tch".  I don't use bad words so I need someone to do it for me.  I had the wrong version of Faster HDT SMP.  Loaded the one dedicated for 1.6.353 and I am on 1.6.640.   And yes, I'm a blonde again IRL.   I can say that about myself if anyone is offended.

 

Especially after encouraging people to check their versions.  Last week in fact.  Sorry but I am disappointed in myself and bothered so many people.   Please check your mod versions carefully if something doesn't work.  I should have followed Aylis advice on that issue.

 

Thanks to those that offered help.  Going to go hide from the world for a while after checking my mod versions again.  All I can say is never give up.  Take a break but don't give up.  This list works and is the best foundation I have ever seen.  

Edited February 6, 2024 by Miss Tee
new information

[Bigglsby]

49 minutes ago, Miss Tee said:

Please forgive this temper tantrum and sorry for the post but I have been a pest asking for help trying to solve an animation issue.  When things don't work, you reach out and this community responds. 

 

Now, I need someone to call me a dumb "b..tch".  I don't use bad words so I need someone to do it for me.  I had the wrong version of Faster HDT SMP.  Loaded the one dedicated for 1.6.353 and I am on 1.6.640.   And yes, I'm a blonde again IRL.   I can say that about myself if anyone is offended.

 

Especially after encouraging people to check their versions.  Last week in fact.  Sorry but I am disappointed in myself and bothered so many people.   Please check your mod versions carefully if something doesn't work.  I should have followed Aylis advice on that issue.

 

Thanks to those that offered help.  Going to go hide from the world for a while after checking my mod versions again.  All I can say is never give up.  Take a break but don't give up.  This list works and is the best foundation I have ever seen.  

 

Glad you were able to narrow it down - hopefully that is the real fix for you.  

 

I've had random version issues with FSMP for the last year or so.  One issue that I've never seen fixed (minor, but present), is that when giving an adopted kid a doll to play with - the kid will go invisible anytime holding/playing with the doll.  Last version that didn't have that happen was an old 1.49.  I've learned that kids just don't need toys.  But I keep fearing other random issues that I wouldn't otherwise be able to isolate. 

 

Good job.  :)

[Guest]

47 minutes ago, Bigglsby said:

 

Glad you were able to narrow it down - hopefully that is the real fix for you.  

 

I've had random version issues with FSMP for the last year or so.  One issue that I've never seen fixed (minor, but present), is that when giving an adopted kid a doll to play with - the kid will go invisible anytime holding/playing with the doll.  Last version that didn't have that happen was an old 1.49.  I've learned that kids just don't need toys.  But I keep fearing other random issues that I wouldn't otherwise be able to isolate. 

 

Good job. 

Thank you.  Such an encouraging response.  I was devistated when I saw what I did.  Such a simple mistake.  I''ve never seen the invisible doll but I haven't adopted a child in a long time.  Not since Vortex.  Thank you for not calling me the "B" word.  It was an emotional post that shouldn't have happened.   Thank you again and good luck  giving your children knives instead of dolls.  I think you can gift a weapon from what I remember.  Tina

[Alexi-1]

Alright I got all the way up to bashed patch. Did a few sections all at once (Gameplay up to the end) though and I'm getting a crash but only after exiting racemenu. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction?

 

https://pastebin.com/ifNcHnns

 

EDIT: Should mention I skipped the Sexmods section too. My plan here was to get the rest of it working THEN start with the sexmods (which will probably include other stuff because I've experienced how buggy some of them can be in the past).

Second question: I noticed that the Nemesis section of the guide says you should tick "Precision" in Nemesis, I assume this is to do with the "Precision - Accurate Melee Collisions" mod on Nexus. But this mod is actually not anywhere in the loadorder, at least I can't see it. Was this in an earlier version of the guide and then later removed without the mention in Nemesis being removed?

 

EDIT2: Answering my own crash problem. It's something in "The Great City of Winterhold Patch Collection", disabling that stops the crash. Just have to figure out exactly what's in it causing the issue.

 

EDIT3: It is specifically the Sons of Skyrim patch in The Great City of Winterhold Patch Collection. Disabling that esp solves it.

 

EDIT4: For anyone that cares. The problem isn't the above patch it's actually that these 2 mods in the list are for an older version of Sons of Skyrim but the patcher is for the new version:

"Sons of Skyrim 3BA Unibody Conversion" https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/86273

and

Xtudo's "Ancient Dwemer Metal - My patches - Sons of Skyrim" https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/38845

Edited February 6, 2024 by Alexi-1

[Guest]

9 hours ago, Alexi-1 said:

Alright I got all the way up to bashed patch. Did a few sections all at once (Gameplay up to the end) though and I'm getting a crash but only after exiting racemenu. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction?

 

https://pastebin.com/ifNcHnns

 

EDIT: Should mention I skipped the Sexmods section too. My plan here was to get the rest of it working THEN start with the sexmods (which will probably include other stuff because I've experienced how buggy some of them can be in the past).

Second question: I noticed that the Nemesis section of the guide says you should tick "Precision" in Nemesis, I assume this is to do with the "Precision - Accurate Melee Collisions" mod on Nexus. But this mod is actually not anywhere in the loadorder, at least I can't see it. Was this in an earlier version of the guide and then later removed without the mention in Nemesis being removed?

 

EDIT2: Answering my own crash problem. It's something in "The Great City of Winterhold Patch Collection", disabling that stops the crash. Just have to figure out exactly what's in it causing the issue.

 

EDIT3: It is specifically the Sons of Skyrim patch in The Great City of Winterhold Patch Collection. Disabling that esp solves it.

 

EDIT4: For anyone that cares. The problem isn't the above patch it's actually that these 2 mods in the list are for an older version of Sons of Skyrim but the patcher is for the new version:

"Sons of Skyrim 3BA Unibody Conversion" https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/86273

and

Xtudo's "Ancient Dwemer Metal - My patches - Sons of Skyrim" https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/38845

Thank you for your efforts and finding the discrepancies between the List and the current mod versions.  I did try the New Sons of Skyrim but quicly reverted once I began to have issues.  Not really a big deal to me.  The old version looks fine to me.  I know not to be tempted to upgrade now.   

[Guest]

13 hours ago, Bigglsby said:

 

Glad you were able to narrow it down - hopefully that is the real fix for you.  

 

I've had random version issues with FSMP for the last year or so.  One issue that I've never seen fixed (minor, but present), is that when giving an adopted kid a doll to play with - the kid will go invisible anytime holding/playing with the doll.  Last version that didn't have that happen was an old 1.49.  I've learned that kids just don't need toys.  But I keep fearing other random issues that I wouldn't otherwise be able to isolate. 

 

Good job. 

If you want to know about invisible dolls, I wrote this about what it feels like at times.  Invisible as never seeing the real me.  It's a poem. https://ufile.io/dhnipqb2

 

 

[Alexi-1]

7 hours ago, Miss Tee said:

Thank you for your efforts and finding the discrepancies between the List and the current mod versions.  I did try the New Sons of Skyrim but quicly reverted once I began to have issues.  Not really a big deal to me.  The old version looks fine to me.  I know not to be tempted to upgrade now.   

I narrowed it down even further. It was the Unibody Conversion, this mod replaces the Sons of Skyrim esp with its own (based on the old version of the mod), it has compressed records which is where the hard crash is coming from.

Can't be resolved without the mod author updating that mod or someone else doing new conversions for the added extra armours in the newer version of Sons of Skyrim.

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, Alexi-1 said:

I narrowed it down even further. It was the Unibody Conversion, this mod replaces the Sons of Skyrim esp with its own (based on the old version of the mod), it has compressed records which is where the hard crash is coming from.

Can't be resolved without the mod author updating that mod or someone else doing new conversions for the added extra armours in the newer version of Sons of Skyrim.

Miracle worker.  Truly.  Such effort.  Thanks for sharing....

[Evolutionmonkey]

For the High poly head vampire fix do I need to reinstall? or install an entirely new copy of the mod in that place?

[trgdolors]

29 minutes ago, Evolutionmonkey said:

For the High poly head vampire fix do I need to reinstall? or install an entirely new copy of the mod in that place?

You just reinstall the same mod. It may seem weird, but by following the directions, the ESPs on the MO2 right end up in the correct places.

Edited February 7, 2024 by trgdolors

[trgdolors]

23 hours ago, Alexi-1 said:

the Nemesis section of the guide says you should tick "Precision" in Nemesis

Yes, I see that Precision reference. I don't think Aylis ever included Precision in the guide. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Maybe it almost made it in? Many of us use it, though. Precision is trying to do a lot, and can have issues, but I consider it a must-have mod. Similar to TDM. Aylis didn't put TDM in the guide, though a few people suggested it over the years.

 

But what has been cool about this guide is that, once you get the basic guide working, there has been a general acceptance to adding other mods to it. You might or might not get help on other mods here. But there hasn't been the dogmatic expectation to follow the guide to the letter that other communities sometimes have.

[Alexi-1]

2 hours ago, trgdolors said:

Yes, I see that Precision reference. I don't think Aylis ever included Precision in the guide. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Maybe it almost made it in? Many of us use it, though. Precision is trying to do a lot, and can have issues, but I consider it a must-have mod. Similar to TDM. Aylis didn't put TDM in the guide, though a few people suggested it over the years.

 

But what has been cool about this guide is that, once you get the basic guide working, there has been a general acceptance to adding other mods to it. You might or might not get help on other mods here. But there hasn't been the dogmatic expectation to follow the guide to the letter that other communities sometimes have.

Yeah I put TDM in already too. Also 3d directional sound. Both change things so much.

Right now the only problem I'm having is a pubic hair bug. After adding in the sexmods there seems to be permanent pubes on the player character which will result in double pubes if you select any in racemenu. Not sure what it's coming from, gonna have to go through disabling when I can be arsed if nobody knows which one it might be.

The RS Children patch is also unnecessary, something in game threw up a warning while MCMs were loading that it needs to be uninstalled it which is nice.

 

EDIT: Actually it turns out that there was pubic hair that shouldn't be there before (a landing strip) but the sexmods change it to a bush instead. Probably selected it in one of the early body mods but I'm not sure which.

EDIT2: Best guess right now is that it's something to do with SOS pubic hair because it changes colour.

EDIT3: I'm an idiot and don't actually have a bug with pubic hair at all. Just didn't realise this is in the SOS mcm

EDIT4: RS Children patch error was from Fertility. Reinstalled, deselected patch. Problem solved.

 

Edited February 7, 2024 by Alexi-1

[Rey_Vegeta]

Do you people use this guide npc replacers or have others installed in your games?

[wollboi]

I use the ones in the guide, but Coldsun's new ones look really good.

Edited February 7, 2024 by wollboi

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Rey_Vegeta said:

Do you people use this guide npc replacers or have others installed in your games?

First, I use Easy NPC to merge the NPC replacers.  It works well for me.  Replacer list in load order (left side M02)

 

Modpocolypse NPCs - every single npc in the game.  If I add a mod that adds NPC, I add that pack from Modpocolpyse as well.  Example Great village of Old Hroldan.

Male NPC Overhaul with patches.  All named males or most of them.

NITHI male/female replacer packs

BB Dark Brotherhood

Pandorable Sovngarde

Kallies NPCs

Project Cougar mods - all

Coldsun Visions

Children of the Pariah

 

If you can't tell, start with replacing NPC and customize as it loads the later mods.  Ends with the CS Visions and the Orc mod.  This way every NPC is guaranteed a new face.  Easy NPC will allow you to select which replacer amongst all of these mods for any npc.  The mod you want to see in game mostly,  load later in MO2.  Makes it easier to select the replacer you want.  Takes time to look at 4000 npcs  through Easy NPC but its' worth it to me.  If you simply select build  in Easy NPC after clearing any compatibility issues, (will be a few), should select the latest mod in the list to show in game.

 

Creates a merge patch which I tweak somewhat in xEdit to make sure.  I find a few tweaks needed. normally.  Takes some time to build and then use the test setting to tweak.

 

AFter the merge, all NPC replacers will be disabled.  Some exceptions but testing will find them.  Example, CS BBLS replacer mod.  Need CS BBLS active for it to replace them. Normally you will disable all of the replacer mods.  Just use the Merge patch.  Doesn't need the original mods active.  Disable all of the AI patches for the replacers as well.  They are added to the merge.

Edited February 8, 2024 by Miss Tee