Authoring Problem - Request help from other creators.

[DomDate]

Although a Noob, I'm well over 500 hours into modding for Skyrim - so I'm not a complete Noobie. I started off learning the ropes with 2 mods never intended for release, and once I felt confident that I had at least a reliable understanding of Creation Kit, I began work on my major *dream* project. A separate world-space focused on role-play rather than scripted Bethesda quests. After 3 complete play-throughs of Skyrim and it's DLC, I just want to be able to run wild in the best sandbox I've ever played without constantly bumping into intrusive quest-lines I already know by heart. My world-space is being designed with careful consideration to popular pre-existing role-play mods such as Tundra Defence and Create Your Own Faction. I'm keeping it as modular as possible so that it has room to grow.

 

There-in lies my problem. After 30 hours of trying to solve this problem, I'm no closer -- and one of the mod's main intended features depends on solving this. (The Mod it's self is coming up on 250 hours of development.)

 

*None of the content I create as a plug-in for my main mod is appearing in-game.*

 

Example 1: if I create an NPC-based working house-staff for a pre-existing building as a separate plug-in option, they don't show up in game (I assume the patrols, markers etc. also are absent).

 

Example 2: I wish to provide General Stores functionality as a separate download so people will have the option of forgoing additional dependencies if they wish. So my add-on adds GS containers to my pre-existing worldspace. Except, the content isn't appearing in-game.

 

I remember reading somewhere once that I need to convert my Mod to an ESM then back to ESP to make this work, but I can't locate the link now, when I need it. I also hope for a better solution, as that seriously extends testing time requirements.

 

And yes, a planned plug-in is adult featured. To be specific, a slave auction port and growing community township, with which I hope to expand the playground for the many great Slave Mods found here on LL.

 

Today is my birthday (Friggin' 48), it would be a great present if someone could point me in the right direction.

 

Thank's all!

[mybrainhurts]

If you're trying to make a plugin for your mod you need to esm-ify your mod first. If you're making a plugin for your mod and General Stores then you need to esm-ify both your mod and GS. Wrye Bash does this with extreme ease, just be sure to turn them both back into esps again when you're done.

 

(Edited for clarity. I hope. )

[bahow]

It should be obvious but is your esp active? And happy birthday.

[spoonsinger]

Today is my birthday (Friggin' 48), it would be a great present if someone could point me in the right direction.

 

Thank's all!

 

You saw Star Wars in original release, in a cinema at the 'time'. No idea about your problem, but just think you were lucky to have been born when you were.

 

 

(ps If you didn't see Star Wars then, but saw 'The Rescuers' instead, you have my sympathy).

 

(pps Happy Birthday).

[DomDate]

If you're trying to make a plugin for your mod you need to esm-ify your mod first. If you're making a plugin for your mod and General Stores then you need to esm-ify both your mod and GS. Wrye Bash does this with extreme ease, just be sure to turn them both back into esps again when you're done.

 

(Edited for clarity. I hope. )

 

Wrye Bash... That's what I needed to know. Thank you.

 

Is it safe to leave the files as ESMs over the entire course of development (another 6-8 months, estimated), or are there errors and other considerations which I would need to monitor for that would require me to constantly convert back for testing purposes? The main mod and a couple of initial plugins (like the General Stores support) need to be developed in tandem for design purposes.

 

EDIT: Nm, Answered my own question. Forgot that I couldn't edit ESM files.

         Thanks for the pointer. Everything is working fine now. 

 

It should be obvious but is your esp active? And happy birthday.

 

Heh. ;P ...and thank you.

 

You saw Star Wars in original release, in a cinema at the 'time'. No idea about your problem, but just think you were lucky to have been born when you were.

 

 

 

 

 

(ps If you didn't see Star Wars then, but saw 'The Rescuers' instead, you have my sympathy).

 

(pps Happy Birthday).

 

 

When I was ten years old, we were packed into a big yellow bus and drove into the city to see an advanced screening of Star Wars. It contained an early scene of Biggs and Luke on Tatooine which made Biggs' later death scene more dramatic.

 

I was also forced in the same year to accompany my little sister to "Raggity Anne and Andy", so I do deserve your sympathy too. Especially since my cousin was in the adjoining theater watching Ralph Bakshi's Wizards.

[Veladarius]

You can leave the file as an esm as long as you like but if it is load order sensitive be aware that mod managers may move it up with the other esm's.