On the Slopes of the Red Mountain
Or Morrowind 10 Years Later.
Having raised two Nerevarines from 2002 to 2006, I eventually left the vastness of Vvardenfell, heading to Cyrodiil and later Skyrim (with a detour to the Wastes). But first love is first love, especially on a milestone anniversary, and TES 3 GotY is gathering dust on Steam...
The creation of "TES III 2012 edition" involved about 100 plugins from three well-known sites (FullRest - usually, the freshest versions can be found there; MTES; TESALL.RU), and reference materials were used from Chronicles.
The result is typically IMHO, does not claim anything, and all that.
Part I. Software
To start the conversation, there is The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition.
And about the same in the version from "Akella". Yes, you can get by with just one, and for example, install a localizer on the English version. I find it more convenient to copy the Russian version over the English (keeping the original launcher!); among other things, it allows you to keep the original voice acting.
Next, for convenience in installation and testing of the results, it is highly desirable to have:
• BSAReg - finds all BSA archives in Morrowind\Data Files and writes them into the [Archives] section in Morrowind.ini, and also removes entries about all deleted archives. In theory, you can do it manually, but why bother.
• TES Plugin Conflict Detector and TESTool - specifically for finding conflicts among connected plugins and attempting to resolve them. I prefer TESTool, but it’s best to run both utilities, especially with large builds.
• Woody's Texture Viewer - simply a viewer for DDS files, convenient for clarifying which texture from which retexture pack is preferred.
Also, the following may be useful:
I don’t use it. But many plugins with new complex scripts require MWSE.
• Morrowind Graphics Extender 3.8.2 rev.0178
• Morrowind Graphics Extender XE
A song with choruses. And essentially, a primary source of profane expressions while tweaking.
To start read here.
If everyone survived and you are looking for nuances, or if you didn’t survive - continue reading here. Especially useful may be: Shader Activation and Landscape Issues.
Personally, I use the regular MGE, as the shadows and other beauties from XE can put even a modern video card into a state of extreme contemplation.
And on my system, I still couldn’t enable the distant landscape. No matter how the generation parameters were set - in the game, apart from interface icons, nothing is visible.
Besides, MGE reacts painfully to the Steam overlay. When Steam’s popup windows appear, brief but significant graphical glitches occur, and the image may disappear indoors (it is also recommended to save outside).
That’s how it is. Nothing is rendered except shaders >_<
• BRPatcher v2.21 - a useful utility if you are installing mods with books and Book Rotate (to which, in fact, it is included).
Part II. Additional
Notes in the margins: This build has issues creating a new character (you can’t see a thing in the prison ship’s hold, possibly due to MGE). The simplest solution is to go through character generation in a clean game (+ head mods) and save the save file.
Fixes
• General Fixes Mod - version 5.4 as of now (includes GMST-Fix). Always install it everywhere.
• Landscape texture fix - Texture Fix + Texture Fix Bloodmoon
• Model fix - Mesh Fix + Mesh Improvements + Better Meshes
• Ring Texture Fix - a small fix for rings.
• Correct UV Rocks - corrects the texture mapping on rocks.
Official Add-ons
• Adamantium Helm of Tohan - a new helmet (the quest to obtain it is included).
• Ladies' Armor (may conflict with various new armor replacers from Domina and others)
• Unified Propylon Marker (improved version)
• Artistry
I would not recommend installing Siege at Firemoth, as it is boring, buggy, and not very appealing. It may conflict with Bloodmoon.
Faces and Hairstyles
• Huge set of faces and hairstyles from Westly
• Breton Faces by Emma #1 (and other faces from Emma, depending on racial preferences)
• RheddHeads_1C (from here)
Bodies
• Enhanced Bodies - version 2.2 with fixes, nothing extra.
• Textures for Better Bodies by Westly
• High-resolution textures for women's bodies for BB
I do not recommend installing Improved Heads by Menorra (does not correspond to the original; may have glitches, such as missing ear models) and Improved Beast Bodies (just consider them unnecessary, plus issues with unique animations). But you can try if you wish. Also optional are Redguard Faces by Illy - TESTool reported a lot of conflicts for me.
Weapons
• Smoothed Unique Iron Weapon Models
• Smoothed Eastern Weapon Models
Armor
• Divine Domina Part 1 - women's armor (in five parts + add-ons).
• Samurai Dragon Helm - I had a localized version from some old "navigator" disc. In any case, it pairs excellently with the outfit from the "Japanese House" and simply looks nice. Optional.
Clothing
• Improved Textures for "Improved Clothing"
• Clothing Textures (textures for robes and shirts)
• Kilts - adds kilts in the official colors of 5 clans: Duncan, Fraser, Macduff, Campbell, and Bruce.
• Alternative Texture for the Robes
Replacers and Retextures (Landscapes, Architecture, and More)
• Rich Textures - to be installed first, not high-res, but almost ideal as a base.
• Mournhold in High Resolution
• Retexture of Solstheim's Surface
• Connary’s Landscapes - Molag Amur
• Connary’s Landscapes - Grazelands
• Connary’s Landscapes - West Gash
• Connary’s Landscapes - Bitter Coast
• Connary’s Landscapes - Caves
• Connary’s Architecture - Dunmer Fortresses
• Connary’s Architecture - Daedric Shrines
• Daedric Texture Replacer (alternative to the previous one).
• Great Houses of Connary - Sixth House
• Great Houses of Connary - Redoran (only outside).
• Great Houses of Connary - Ald Scaar
• Redoran Wood Replacer (interiors).
• Retexture of Dwemer Architecture
• Shacks and Docks Retextured - improved textures for fishing huts and docks.
• Retexture of Lava and Smoke (for lava, the 4th option is recommended).
• Extreme Textures. Selectively: Imperial mushrooms (a must). Sky. Ascadian Islands. Hlaalu. Forts. Sewers. Creatures part 1 - 3
• Subtle Sunglare for Morrowind - sun.
• Vurt's Hi-res Skies and Weathers. I only took the weather settings for Morrowind.ini from here.
\[Weather\]
EnvReduceColor=255,255,255,255
LerpCloseColor=037,046,048,255
BumpFadeColor=230,239,255,255
AlphaReduce=0.35
Minimum Time Between Environmental Sounds=1.0
Maximum Time Between Environmental Sounds=5.0
Sun Glare Fader Max=0.5
Sun Glare Fader Angle Max=30.0
Sun Glare Fader Color=250,120,5
Timescale Clouds=1
Precip Gravity=575
Hours Between Weather Changes=4
Rain Ripples=1
Rain Ripple Radius=1024
Rain Ripples Per Drop=1
Rain Ripple Scale=0.3
Rain Ripple Speed=1.0
Fog Depth Change Speed=3
Sunrise Time=6
Sunset Time=18
Sunrise Duration=2
Sunset Duration=2
Sky Pre-Sunrise Time=.5
Sky Post-Sunrise Time=1
Sky Pre-Sunset Time=1.5
Sky Post-Sunset Time=.5
Ambient Pre-Sunrise Time=.5
Ambient Post-Sunrise Time=2
Ambient Pre-Sunset Time=1
Ambient Post-Sunset Time=1.25
Fog Pre-Sunrise Time=.5
Fog Post-Sunrise Time=1
Fog Pre-Sunset Time=2
Fog Post-Sunset Time=1
Sun Pre-Sunrise Time=0
Sun Post-Sunrise Time=0
Sun Pre-Sunset Time=1
Sun Post-Sunset Time=1.25
Stars Post-Sunset Start=1
Stars Pre-Sunrise Finish=2
Stars Fading Duration=2
Snow Ripples=0
Snow Ripple Radius=1024
Snow Ripples Per Flake=1
Snow Ripple Scale=0.3
Snow Ripple Speed=1.0
Snow Gravity Scale=0.1
Snow High Kill=700
Snow Low Kill=150
[Weather Clear]
Sky Sunrise Color=100,140,205
Sky Day Color=115,156,220
Sky Sunset Color=196,141,170
Sky Night Color=000,000,010
Fog Sunrise Color=187,100,023
Fog Day Color=187,222,255
Fog Sunset Color=181,095,019
Fog Night Color=015,049,069
Ambient Sunrise Color=095,090,073
Ambient Day Color=184,178,117
Ambient Sunset Color=051,038,006
Ambient Night Color=030,030,050
Sun Sunrise Color=179,119,023
Sun Day Color=220,198,133
Sun Sunset Color=092,052,022
Sun Night Color=008,008,019
Sun Disc Sunset Color=220,190,010
Transition Delta=.015
Land Fog Day Depth=.34
Land Fog Night Depth=.34
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=.1
Cloud Speed=.50
Glare View=1
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Clear.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=None
[Weather Cloudy]
Sky Sunrise Color=049,078,120
Sky Day Color=059,088,130
Sky Sunset Color=102,073,089
Sky Night Color=005,005,009
Fog Sunrise Color=133,122,082
;Fog Day Color=126,141,168
Fog Day Color=250,250,250
Fog Sunset Color=255,154,105
Fog Night Color=025,059,079
Ambient Sunrise Color=081,078,071
Ambient Day Color=245,255,255
Ambient Sunset Color=070,066,045
Ambient Night Color=023,026,029
Sun Sunrise Color=164,147,089
Sun Day Color=170,235,235
Sun Sunset Color=026,014,022
Sun Night Color=039,046,061
Sun Disc Sunset Color=255,189,190
Transition Delta=.015
Land Fog Day Depth=.72
Land Fog Night Depth=.72
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=.2
Cloud Speed=1
Glare View=1
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Cloudy.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=None
[Weather Foggy]
Sky Sunrise Color=150,150,150
Sky Day Color=120,120,120
Sky Sunset Color=030,030,030
Sky Night Color=020,020,020
Fog Sunrise Color=100,075,070
Fog Day Color=190,190,190
Fog Sunset Color=058,057,052
Fog Night Color=023,023,033
Ambient Sunrise Color=020,022,024
Ambient Day Color=089,090,092
Ambient Sunset Color=041,035,035
Ambient Night Color=022,023,028
Sun Sunrise Color=115,110,087
Sun Day Color=111,131,141
Sun Sunset Color=102,084,078
Sun Night Color=008,006,006
Sun Disc Sunset Color=223,223,223
Transition Delta=.015
Land Fog Day Depth=1.0
Land Fog Night Depth=1.9
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=0
Cloud Speed=.25
Glare View=0.15
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Foggy.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=None
[Weather Overcast]
Sky Sunrise Color=197,190,180
Sky Day Color=154,180,200
Sky Sunset Color=050,043,046
Sky Night Color=001,001,001
Fog Sunrise Color=153,092,031
Fog Day Color=174,201,218
Fog Sunset Color=128,092,043
Fog Night Color=021,026,036
Ambient Sunrise Color=072,075,078
Ambient Day Color=080,090,95
Ambient Sunset Color=039,035,034
Ambient Night Color=026,026,031
Sun Sunrise Color=087,125,163
Sun Day Color=107,144,153
Sun Sunset Color=085,103,157
Sun Night Color=003,003,003
Sun Disc Sunset Color=128,118,118
Transition Delta=.015
Land Fog Day Depth=.70
Land Fog Night Depth=.70
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=.2
Cloud Speed=1.5
Glare View=.05
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Overcast.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=None
[Weather Rain]
Sky Sunrise Color=071,074,075
Sky Day Color=083,083,083
Sky Sunset Color=033,033,033
Sky Night Color=010,010,013
Fog Sunrise Color=077,077,077
Fog Day Color=060,060,060
Fog Sunset Color=098,062,013
Fog Night Color=015,015,015
Ambient Sunrise Color=037,044,051
Ambient Day Color=040,040,052
Ambient Sunset Color=030,030,035
Ambient Night Color=016,017,020
Sun Sunrise Color=128,119,097
Sun Day Color=110,110,115
Sun Sunset Color=060,070,090
Sun Night Color=001,001,004
Sun Disc Sunset Color=128,128,128
Transition Delta=.015
Land Fog Day Depth=.8
Land Fog Night Depth=.8
Clouds Maximum Percent=0.66
Wind Speed=.3
Cloud Speed=2
Glare View=0
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Rainy.tga
Using Precip=1
Rain Diameter=600
Rain Height Min=200
Rain Height Max=700
Rain Threshold=0.6
Rain Entrance Speed=7
Rain Loop Sound ID=Rain
Ambient Loop Sound ID=None
Max Raindrops=2000
[Weather Thunderstorm]
Sky Sunrise Color=024,024,024
Sky Day Color=016,016,017
Sky Sunset Color=022,021,021
Sky Night Color=011,011,014
Fog Sunrise Color=066,061,050
Fog Day Color=018,021,025
Fog Sunset Color=033,033,033
Fog Night Color=024,030,030
Ambient Sunrise Color=018,018,018
Ambient Day Color=050,050,060
Ambient Sunset Color=020,020,020
Ambient Night Color=010,010,014
Sun Sunrise Color=091,099,122
Sun Day Color=045,045,080
Sun Sunset Color=016,025,050
Sun Night Color=001,001,015
Sun Disc Sunset Color=128,128,128
Transition Delta=.030
Thunder Frequency=.4
Thunder Threshold=0.6
Thunder Sound ID 0=Thunder0
Thunder Sound ID 1=Thunder1
Thunder Sound ID 2=Thunder2
Thunder Sound ID 3=Thunder3
Land Fog Day Depth=1
Land Fog Night Depth=1.15
Clouds Maximum Percent=0.66
Wind Speed=.5
Cloud Speed=3
Glare View=0
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Thunder.tga
Using Precip=1
Rain Diameter=600
Rain Height Min=200
Rain Height Max=700
Rain Threshold=0.6
Max Raindrops=650
Rain Entrance Speed=5
Rain Loop Sound ID=rain heavy
Ambient Loop Sound ID=None
Flash Decrement=4
[Weather Ashstorm]
Sky Sunrise Color=091,056,051
Sky Day Color=126,104,082
Sky Sunset Color=121,051,040
Sky Night Color=020,021,022
Fog Sunrise Color=087,053,049
Fog Day Color=038,032,025
Fog Sunset Color=101,052,039
Fog Night Color=010,010,010
Ambient Sunrise Color=026,020,018
Ambient Day Color=130,120,120
Ambient Sunset Color=074,010,009
Ambient Night Color=035,013,014
Sun Sunrise Color=184,091,071
Sun Day Color=228,139,114
Sun Sunset Color=185,086,057
Sun Night Color=000,000,000
Sun Disc Sunset Color=128,128,128
Transition Delta=.030
Land Fog Day Depth=1.1
Land Fog Night Depth=1.2
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=.8
Cloud Speed=7
Glare View=0
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Ashstorm.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=ashstorm
Storm Threshold=.70
[Weather Blight]
Sky Sunrise Color=002,000,000
Sky Day Color=019,018,018
Sky Sunset Color=004,000,000
Sky Night Color=003,000,000
Fog Sunrise Color=030,000,000
Fog Day Color=002,000,000
Fog Sunset Color=000,000,000
Fog Night Color=011,008,008
Ambient Sunrise Color=100,000,000
Ambient Day Color=255,240,200
Ambient Sunset Color=150,050,050
Ambient Night Color=030,010,010
Sun Sunrise Color=090,000,000
Sun Day Color=255,250,200
Sun Sunset Color=100,000,000
Sun Night Color=090,080,080
Sun Disc Sunset Color=100,000,000
Transition Delta=.040
Land Fog Day Depth=1.1
Land Fog Night Depth=1.2
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=.9
Cloud Speed=9
Glare View=0
Cloud Texture=Tx_Sky_Blight.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=Blight
Storm Threshold=.70
Disease Chance=.10
Thunder Frequency=.4
Thunder Threshold=0.6
Thunder Sound ID 0=Thunder0
Thunder Sound ID 1=Thunder1
Thunder Sound ID 2=Thunder2
Thunder Sound ID 3=Thunder3
[Weather Snow]
Sky Sunrise Color=100,090,080
Sky Day Color=202,202,202
Sky Sunset Color=096,115,134
Sky Night Color=021,025,029
Fog Sunrise Color=106,091,091
Fog Day Color=155,155,155
Fog Sunset Color=115,096,091
Fog Night Color=031,035,039
Ambient Sunrise Color=092,084,084
Ambient Day Color=093,096,105
Ambient Sunset Color=070,079,087
Ambient Night Color=006,007,009
Sun Sunrise Color=141,109,109
Sun Day Color=163,169,183
Sun Sunset Color=101,121,141
Sun Night Color=055,066,077
Sun Disc Sunset Color=128,128,128
Transition Delta=.015
Land Fog Day Depth=1.0
Land Fog Night Depth=1.2
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=0
Cloud Speed=1.5
Glare View=0
Cloud Texture=Tx_BM_Sky_Snow.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=None
Snow Threshold=0.5
Snow Diameter=800
Snow Height Min=400
Snow Height Max=700
Snow Entrance Speed=6
Max Snowflakes=750
[Weather Blizzard]
Sky Sunrise Color=091,099,106
Sky Day Color=121,133,145
Sky Sunset Color=108,115,121
Sky Night Color=027,029,031
Fog Sunrise Color=091,099,106
Fog Day Color=150,150,150
Fog Sunset Color=108,115,121
Fog Night Color=021,024,028
Ambient Sunrise Color=084,088,092
Ambient Day Color=093,096,105
Ambient Sunset Color=083,077,075
Ambient Night Color=006,007,009
Sun Sunrise Color=114,128,146
Sun Day Color=163,169,183
Sun Sunset Color=106,114,136
Sun Night Color=057,066,074
Sun Disc Sunset Color=128,128,128
Transition Delta=.030
Land Fog Day Depth=0.8
Land Fog Night Depth=1.0
Clouds Maximum Percent=1.0
Wind Speed=.9
Cloud Speed=7.5
Glare View=0
Cloud Texture=Tx_BM_Sky_Blizzard.tga
Ambient Loop Sound ID=BM Blizzard
Storm Threshold=.50
• Vurt's Ashlands Overhaul - the only thing I definitely install from Vurt's trees. Because it’s wonderful.
The other replacers in the Vurt’s Trees series:
Ascadia Island Trees II Replacer
Bitter Coast Trees II Replacer
Grazelands Trees Replacer [Japanese Theme]
Trees and Bushes of Solstheim Replacer
(or Solstheim Trees II Replacer, one of the two)
Beautiful, yes. But sometimes very much not lore-friendly (especially Grazelands and Highlands). Strictly at your discretion. Important: choose and install only one replacer for a region, as they conflict with each other. The mentioned above, i.e., the second versions are recommended.
The Visual Pack is not recommended Visual Pack as it does not match the original style.
Replacers and Retextures (Misc)
• Lord Vivec Replacer. I recommend the "conceptual" face without glow. Without the removing armor.
• Daedric Statues. Optional but looks good with the retextures of ruins (the color of the statues is up to taste).
• Retexture of Morrowind Creatures by Darknut
• Retexture of Tribunal Creatures by Darknut
• Retexture of Bloodmoon Creatures by Darknut
• Various Miscellaneous Connary - Small Chests
• Various Miscellaneous Connary - Urns
• Various Miscellaneous Connary - Webs
• Various Miscellaneous Connary - Crystals
• Various Miscellaneous Connary - Ceramic Plates
• Flask Replacer - replaces four flasks with transparent ones.
• Misc Items - the best models for lutes and skooma pipes.
• AOF Containers - improved textures for containers - barrels, buckets, bags.
• Bottle Replacer - replaces 15 bottle models.
• Bowl Items - the best models and textures for bowls.
• Goblet Items - the best models and textures for goblets.
• Fine Vials - retexture for all small bottles: sujama, flin, etc.
• Retexture of Alcohol (on top of the previous one).
• Pot Items - best models and textures for pots, as well as products made from red clay.
• Silverware Enhancer - replaces all silverware and candlesticks.
• Dragon Gold or Shiny Septims of your choice.
Yes, there are entire ready-made packages for replacing small items. For example from Connary, from Qarl, from EJ-12 (+ Part 2). In my opinion, the prettiest collection is the "hedgehog". But I still prefer to choose what I need from small separate replacers.
• Alternate Enchanted Item Icons or Magic Icon Border of your choice
• Better Dialogue Font - an improved version of the Magic Cards font, most commonly used in menu, dialogues, and journal. The replacer enhances clarity without changing the font size.
Gameplay
• Dynamic Mana Regeneration. Optional, but why not.
• scampgold - a homemade job. One minute in the editor: a couple of zeros to Scamp’s money from Caldera and unlocking all types of items he can buy. You can make dozens of runs to the trader, or just manage with one ^\^
Quests
• Writer
Books
• Complete Alphabet Book for Barbarians
• The Tale of the Cunning Trader
Convenient arrangement, festive covers, and, in fact, new books.
Miscellaneous
• Armor Mannequin - adds a buyable/sellable mannequin for armor. From here.
• Tent
• Lamp Posts (in Balmora).
• Windmill - adds windmills in the Caldera area.
Written with the help of:
– information and modifications from the sites FullRest; MTES; TESALL.RU;
Chronicles of Tamriel; Morrowind Mods by Falca
– text editor Notepad
– graphic editor PhotoFiltre
– author screenshots from steam-cloud
Magrat, accidentally for Gamer.ru
With the moral support of clan [clan]Two points on the Apgar scale[/clan] \_
Towards adventures...