Basic Modding Guide for a General game Plus Optional Mods

My hope is that this guide can help those mod their game using the proper tools and techniques. This guide is meant to be a basic mod list aimed mostly at players that have played before but can be used by new players as well.
Unfortunately Steam and Bethesda are not entirely truthful about the proper methods to mod your game. Hopefully this guide can be helpful in making Skyrim a little better especially for returning players that just want a few new looks and tweaks.
First lesson to learn is mods are not Plug and Play.

Introduction

The goal of this guide is to provide a simple modding experience but still using the proper tools and techniques. I also intend to build on the Vanilla game for a general playthrough without a lot of mods requiring additional tools. More focused guides will come that will build on specific guilds and questlines. Such guides will include Vampire, Werewolf and more focused guides.

You will see by my selection of mods I wanted to foucus on enhancing the cities and towns, weapons, armors, and the variety of enemies you may meet.

Discussion Thread
I have created a discussion thread which can be used to discuss anything related to the guide. It will also be used to list any changes.
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/152390014787536104/?tscn=1480112043

Using the information in Ilja's pinned thread I will present the tools needed as well as direct links to that information.
Players Spreadsheet
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/594821545176386165/
Information within will be linked throughout this guide. it is that good and provides information that I could not hope to explain as well.

DLCs

This guide is made with the assumption you own all 3 DLC add-ons or the Skyrim Bundle(formerly Legendary Edition). Many of the mods are dependant on all 3 but some can be downloaded with different versions. reading the mod page and the files page can identify which DLCs if any are needed.

Mod Organizer

Even though I will link videos and discuss specific information related to MO it does not mean you can not use NMM if you absolutely prefer to. See the Managing Your Mods section for more information

For a more advanced and amazing guide you need to use
CFS111's Modding Guide
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/361787186420173059/

Initial Setup, Nexus Mods and Managing Your Mods

As stated earlier mods are not plug and play no matter what you may have heard or seen. To do it properly and to have some sense of stability you need some tools and some techniques. This is the exact order on which I install skyrim.

Reinstalling or making skyrim vanilla again.

By following the guide below you can ensure your skyrim reinstall or folder is clean from all left over files and remnants that could interfere with your game.
Resetting Skyrim to Vanilla or A Clean Reinstall:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/357285562484690267/

Nexus Mods

Trust me you do not want to use Steam Worshop mods ever again. If you never have used the Workshop mods you never want to start. It is well known the Workshop is broken and nobody seems to want to take responsibility to fix it. See the Players Spreadsheet for Nexus vs Workshop information.
http://www.nexusmods.com/games/?
Contrary to some beliefs and a misleading sign-up page be aware that Nexus is FREE. There are paid packages for users but the basic is FREE.

Managing Your Mods

There are 4 methods to manage your mods. The following list will outline the methods from my personal favourite and widely used by those wishing a heavy modded game to the last being my least favourite.

Mod Organizer (MO)
MO is considered the most powerful of the managing methods allowing you the most control of your modded game. It does however come with a higher learning curve over NMM but once installed and the basics are learned you will be able to do things NMM can not do. This guide will be focusing on modding your game with MO.
Gopher's tutorial series for MO (YouTube Playlist):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE7DlYarj-DcLS9LyjEqOJwFUQIIQewcK

Nexus Mod Manager (NMM)
NMM is easier to install and to use but allows much less control than MO. The downfall of NMM is that when installing mods they are installed directly into your Skyrim data folder. MO functions differently in the way it installs mods to a virtual folder leaving your data folder untouched resulting in a much more stable Skyrim over time. Even though this guide is focused on MO you can still use NMM and the mods and tools presented.
Gopher's tutorial series for NMM (YouTube Playlist):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE7DlYarj-DdGbu7-Chui4ZQuZZCGbpWl

Manual Installation
By manually installing your mods you can gain control similiar to NMM but with alot more work than MO takes to learn. You will be reinstalling Skyrim very frequently.

Steam Worshop
This is my least favourite method because the Workshop has been unreliable for a long time. The workshop itself fails to load mods and has even uninstalled and unsubscribed mods. Also the mod makers can pull their mod at any time resulting in you losing the mod. they can also change the mods which will be automatically updated to your game. Sometimes these new changes will conflict with other mods that worked just great before. Please stay away.

Tools Needed and Download Links

This section will outline the tools and download links needed for a basic modding experience.

Mod Organizer

As mentioned there is some learning to do when using MO. Using Gopher's video tutorial series does make it easier.
Mod Organizer Download
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1334/?
Gopher's tutorial series for MO (YouTube Playlist):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE7DlYarj-DcLS9LyjEqOJwFUQIIQewcK
starting with the introduction to Mod Organizer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ZQpzf_iAE&list=PLE7DlYarj-DcLS9LyjEqOJwFUQIIQewcK

Load Order Optimisation Tool (LOOT)

LOOT is used to sort your load order in a manner that is easier for Skyrim to run. While LOOT does a great job 99% of the time there are times when mods should be placed in a particular place in your load order. I will point out any of these instances for this guide.
LOOT Download
https://loot.github.io/
To learn about LOOT and load order you should watch the following videos by Gopher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzsBKYUrcbE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzoyWugzZAw

WryeBash(WB)

WryeBash is also a mod manager tool but is used to create a patch to merge your levelled lists of enemies, weapons, armors, etc so that they appear in the game. Gopher's Vids do not show how to add WryeBash through MO but it is the same as LOOT.
WryeBash Download
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1840/?
Gamer Poets WryeBash Installation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_2651580685&feature=iv&src_vid=W1Es06MtAZM&v=wkmTZP1SyIA
Gamer Poets Creating the Wryebash Patch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1Es06MtAZM
It is not needed to change the settings as described in the video but you can if you want. Do not worry about any mention of skyproc or any other tool mentioned to go below the bashed patch
Creating the patch:
-Sort your load order with LOOT.
-Open Wrye Bash.
-WB has created a file Bashed Patch, 0.esp to end of your load order. This load order is visible in your left hand panel of Wrye Bash.
-Right click Bashed Patch, 0.esp with your mouse. Select Rebuild Patch...
-You may have files that are marked not to be merged. The prompt will warn about these files. Disable them in prompt view and you are good to go. You do not need to take another step with them, because Wrye Bash does not disable such files from load order. It only leaves them unmerged, as intended.
-If Wrye Bash asks about disabling merged files, then say Yes. The content of those files will be added to Wrye Bash.
-Let patcher to run.
-Consult Load order and resource priority basics for further instructions.

TES5Edit

Cleaning your mods are not necessary but highly recommended. I will link further information on why you should and links to how you will clean them. Merging of files and other things possible in TES5Edit will not be linked or discussed here as it is not needed for this guide.
Modding Myths and Advanced Tips by Nazenn
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/619573787397876592/
Scroll down to post#2 for the Information On why it is important but read the rest as it may all be beneficial to be aware of some things for further help.
TES5Edit
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25859/?
Gamer poets XEdit Start to Finish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F19Do8HAl4
I do not make backups as described here however some users might want to. It is not a bad idea and will not affect your game in any way.

If you prefer a written guide for cleaning the master files this is a very good one.
Guide for Cleaning Skyrim Master Files from smr1957
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=700525972

First Steps - Initial Setup

By using the information above these are the things you need to do before installing your mods:

Step 1 Clean System

You should make your Skyrim Folder clean by properly uninstalling and deleting Skyrim from your system. I am linking this again because it is very important to get a clean skyrim folder and game.
Resetting Skyrim to Vanilla or A Clean Reinstall:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/357285562484690267/

Step 2 Install Skyrim

Install Skyrim, preferrably outside of the program files. Whether you install steam outside of the programs as well is optional but recommended.
Once the game has been downloaded start the game and proceed to the play/load/continue screen and exit. this creates the initial .ini files needed for skyrim to run. I suggest validating your master files.
Note: at this time you might consider backing up your skyrim Folder. Simply Copy and paste the Steam/SteamApps/Common/Skyrim folder to your desktop.

Step 3 Install MO

Decide how you will install your mods and which mod manager you will use if any. This guide will reflect how Mod Organizer is used. Nexus Mod manager could follow the same basic process but any NMM support will not be available on my end. Install MO according to the Gopher vid.
Mod Organizer #1 - Installation and Initial Setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYY1OV2_ZTk
When told to run the game you should follow along with him and either download the mods that he uses or if worried about download data you could download USLEEP ( Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch). You will need this at some point anyways. Run the Skyrim Launcher through MO to test the game and Alt-Tab out during the cart ride.
NOTE: I do recommend that you open the setting tab and then the plugins settings. Open the Basic Diagnosis plugin and double click the true on the check Mod Order until the drop down arrow appears. Change this to False. I suggest this because MO will check your load order and give errors on occasion. You could select fix and MO will order your LHP in an order that it wants to. It seems easier than Manually like I will have you do later but at times you will not want MO to sort the LHP because it will go against the way you want to resolve conflicts discussed later in the guide.

Step 4 Install Skyrim Scripter Extender and SkyUI

Using the below video you need to install SKSE and SkyUI. Setup the SKSE executable as instructed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGKhdiJYBqo
Mod Organizer #4 - Installing Scripted FOMODs, SKSE and SkyUI. Once Installed activate the SKYUI and the USLEEP(If you downloaded in step 3) mods in the Left Hand Panel(LHP). you will see the Right Hand Panel(RHP) now has 2 files added. make sure these are checked. Test the game with the SKSE launcher through MO and exit once you know the game runs.
NOTE: You will also need to create a SKSE.ini file. To learn how to do so and learn more about memory, SKSE and why you need to create the ini file follow this link.
SKSE, memory and skse.ini
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/540740500921363665/

Step 5 Install LOOT, TES5Edit and WryeBash

By using Gopher's vid you can install LOOT and TES5Edit but he does not cover Wrye Bash. For that you can watch the Gamer Poets vid belowor follow the same procedures as you did for the others. You can run all 3 right now to test they work but doing anything beyond that is useless right now except cleaning the master files which will be covered in the next step.
Mod Organizer #7 - Third Party Programs & SkyRe ReProccer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28__bjAKo4M
The reproccer section is not needed for this guide but remember it for mods you may choose on your own.
Gamer Poets WryeBash Installation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_2651580685&feature=iv&src_vid=W1Es06MtAZM&v=wkmTZP1SyIA

Step 6 Cleaning the master Files

It is highly recommended to clean the master files. The longer you play the same game the chance of these errors having an ill effect on your game increases. Make sure your LHP and RHP are sorted like the following. Click and drag up and down to set them in the proper order. If not there may be Issues. Alternately you could run LOOT, sort and apply but at this stage it is easier to do so manually.
Skyrim
Update
Dawnguard
Hearthfire
Dragonborn

Gamer Poets Cleaning the Master Files
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F19Do8HAl4
or if you prefer a written guide use this guide
Guide for Cleaning Skyrim Master Files from smr1957
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=700525972

WARNING

Do not clean other mods unless instructed to by the mod author. This may make some mods not function properly leading to even more issues than if you didn't clean the Master Files.

OPTIONAL - ENBoost

This is a more advanced technique however the once installed properly you will not need to do anything more with it. The Description page has a far better explaination than I could give.
Crash fix ENBoost by Boris Vorontsov
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73618/?

For a wriiten guide I suggest you use this one.
Enboost Installation By avrie05
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=815662314
This is a simplified guide for installing ENBoost correctly. It is by no means a comprehensive guide, but will get you running quickly with the proper basic settings.(avrie05's Descirptiion)

Mod Limit and Selection of Mods

Unfortunately Skyrim has a limit of 255 plugins. Anything above this esp/esm limit and the game will crash. By selecting every mod I present in the main guide and the Optional sections you will go over this limit.
Either by picking and choosing amongst the optional mods or by slecting a certain playstyle you should be able to stay under the limit.

But I Want Them All

There is a way to add more mods to your game. It is called merging your plugins. I will not(can not) provide additional support however I will link you the information I have.

Merge Plugins by Mato
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69905/?

On that mod page you will find this video to help you merge your plugins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S6cpCwTezE

Optional Mods

First thing to understand is that almost all mods are optional. The mods I list outside of the optional sections are simply the mods I think represent a certain feel I am trying to convey. They are still optional but by not selecting some of the mods you may need to adjust some of the compatibility patches I also link and advise to use.

I tend to play mini games revolving around 1-2 quest lines or objectives like collecting all the Stones of Berenziah or collecting all the Dragon Priest Masks. With each game I remove mods and add others and I encourage others to do the same whether you use the mods I present or going out on your own.

Mods Part 1- UI Mods and Bug Fixes

Now that you have installed skyrim, downloaded the tools, cleaned your Master files and watched the videos you can begin modding your game. Let me say once more and for the final time this guide assumes you are using MO but can also be used by NMM and manual installers but I will not be able to support those not using MO.

Using Profiles

Before adding mods I prefer to make a new profile. name it Vanilla or something else to indicate it has only the base game files active. Make another profile and name it something like Bug Fixes. you will switch your profile to this and add the following mods. use the following video to use profiles. By using different profiles you can have mod setups designed for different play styles such as; a general game, vampire character, archer, mage, etc..
Mod Organizer #5 - Profiles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnI4_Drp298

Installing the Mods

When installing the mods I list I advise you to download and install them in the order I list. at times I seem to add mods out of the section they should be in. This is intentional as many mods are dependant or have patches for other mods.

Video 1
you will use this video when installing most of these mods. It is for the standard non FOMOD mods. Unless other wise stated you would use this video.
Mod Organizer #2 - Installing Basic Mods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3po0b9g3Cw

Video 2
You will use this video when installing FOMOD mods. When a FOMOD needs to be installed I will say so and you will refer to this video.
Mod Organizer #4 - Installing Scripted FOMODs, SKSE and SkyUI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGKhdiJYBqo
The majority of UI mods and Bug fixes are listed on Ilja's guide Small list of little big mods for Skyrim located here http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/34094415774892758/
The order in which you install these mods does not matter for the most part and for those mods that do require a specific placement I will try to point that out.
You should have already installed SkyUI and if not installed, now is the time to install USLEEP. Now is also the time to install Alternate Start mods.

My Must Have Mods

The following mods are essential for me no matter what other mods I use or no matter how I play.

Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch(USLEEP) by Unofficial Patch Project Team
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71214/?
Download and install the main file version 3.0.7

SkyUI by SkyUI Team
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/3863/?
Download and install the main file version 5.1

SkyUI-Away by Bethesda Game Studios
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/29440/?
NOTE: SkyUI-Away is optional and is only needed if you do not like the look of the new menus offered by SkyUI. Being an interface mod this mod can be installed and deactivated at will. For convenience place this mod in the LHP right below SkyUI.
Download and install the main file version 5.0

Alternate Start - Live Another Life by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/9557/?
Download and install the main file version 3.1.5a

New Beginnings -- Live Another Life Extension by flo27
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70959/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2.4

UI and Bug Fixes- ESP files

Installing in this order will place these mods in the LOOT optimised Load Order, at least for now.

Unlimited Bookshelves by da5id2701
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10891/?
Download and install the main file Unlimited Bookshelves 2.2
Note: Be sure this loads directly after USLEEP

Acquisitive Soul Gems Multithreaded by eyeonus
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/65975/?
Download and install the main file version 4.2

Hearthfire Display Case Fix by Krucify
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/40400/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0

Modern Brawl Bug Fix by Enai Siaion
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/77465/?
Once you have installed this and made sure you have enabled MO to handle BSA files (you should have done so in the MO setup video guide) you can deactivate the esp file. MO will use the BSA exclusively. If you keep the ESP activated there will be no ill effects.
Download and install the main file version 1.04

Multiple Floors Sandboxing by Dovahklon
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57376/?
Download and install the Bashed Patch Compaible main file version 1.0B

Potema CTD Fix by Cedrick Hammerfist
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/24290/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0

Vampire Lord drain with Serana Fixed by Thivus
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/21933/?
Download and install the main file version 1

UI and Bug Fixes- Non ESP Files

These Mods do not have ESP or ESM files and usually ordered alphabetically at the end of the Load order above the Alternate Start mods.

Better Dialogue Controls by ecirbaf
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/27371/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2

Better MessageBox Controls by ecirbaf
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/28170/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2

Bug Fixes by meh321
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76747/?
Download and install the main file version 1
This includes the Lip Sync Fix

Enchantment Reload Fix by egocarib
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52717/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2

Fast Travel Timescale Fix by Hexaae
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19389/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0

Female Facial Animation by nao4288
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35303/?
Download and install the main file version 1.5

Mfg Console by kapaer
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/44596/?
Download and install the main file version 1.1

OneTweak by virusek
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/40706/?
Download and install the main file version 2.1.0.1

Optional UI Mods

The below mods are not used in this guide however they are importantant to know about.

Invisibility Glitch - Eyes Fix by KingsGambit
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/23916/?
Download and install the main file version 2.0
Note: This fix is part of Immersive Wenches which is included in this guide. Only use this mod if you decide for some reason not to use the Immersive Wenches mod.

Skyrim -Community- Uncapper by Elys
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1175/?
Download and install the main file Skyrim -Community- Uncapper v1_15_2_0
Note: This guide does not use this mod currently however future updates or future guides most likely will. If you know how to use this mod you can by adjusting the max character level, max skill level, skill multiplier gain and more as you see fit.

Conflicts

Now that you have several mods installed you should start taking a look at potential conflicts and problems. As of right now there are no problematic conflicts. The + and - signs indicate that the mod is either being overwriting or is being overwriten respectively. As far as MO is concerned conflicts are neither bad nor good and it is upto the player to decide these things on their own and reorder the mods in the LHP as the user wants the conflicts to be resolved.
For a further and better explaination watch Gopher's vid on Conflicts and how to resolve them.
Mod Organizer #8 - Conflicts and Priorities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVSy_5M3NTc

Mods Part 2 - Additional Bug Fixes and Adjustment Mods

The following mods are not quite bug fixes but they do expand on certain aspects and adjust certain gameplay functions, some even add in unfinished content present in the vanilla game.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

SIM - Skyrim Interface Makeover for SkyUI (Fhaarkas Font Mod) by Fhaarkas
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/479/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD version 5.1.0b
When Installing make your desired choices.

Bring Out Your Dead by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14178/?
Download and install the main Legendary Edition file version 3.0.0

Cutting Room Floor by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47327/?
Download and install the main Legendary Edition file version 2.0.3

Run For Your Lives by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/23906/?
Download and install the main file version 2.1.0

When Vampires Attack by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/28235/?
Download and install the main file version 2.0.6

Traps Make Noise - More Dangerous Traps by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/31799/?
Download and install the main fileTraps Make Noise and Are Dangerous version 2.1

Wiseman303's Trap Fixes by wiseman303
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55100/?
Download and install the main file version 2
When installing the FOMOD select both noisy and dangerous options.

Realistic Ragdolls and Force by dDefinder
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/601/?
Choose the desired force option and install version 1.9

No Spinning Death Animation by dDefinder
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17214/?
Download and install the main file No Spinning Death Animation v1_3 MERGED

D13 Faster GET UP STAND UP animation vanilla friendly by DarkAngel13
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17491/?
Download and install the main file D13 Faster Get up Stand up animation front and back fixed version 2.0

VioLens - A Killmove Mod by Reko
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/56980/?
Download and install the main file version 2.11
When Installing the FOMOD select BSA and Legendary. After pressing next select JContainers to install and select the install button.

Consistent Older People by Winterlove
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19730/?
Download and install the Usleep compatible version 3.1a
Note: this mod is optional but it is needed a couple times for patches in other mods. With Immersive armors many older NPCs have more revealing armor and this mod just makes sense.

Skyrim Coin Replacer Redux by Neovalen
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/48195/?
Download and install the main Legendary Edition file version version 1.2.2
Note: this mod is optional but it is needed a couple times for patches in other mods. This mod distributes coins of past eras. To me it makes sense to use it.

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Wiseman303's Critter Fixes by wiseman303
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54485/?
Download and install the main file version 1.06
When installing select Overview, Screenshot1 and 4. press next. select nothing here unless you really want to select the ones you do not have selected. I have never had a need to admire or dislike torch bug meshes but someone might.

Kill The Orchestra by alt3rn1ty
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52462/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD Kill The Orchestra V3.1
When installing you can make the same choices as alt3rn1tyon uses as stated on the description page or go out on your own.

Request Bard To Take A Break by ZombieBobie
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/21194/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0

A Quality World Map and Solstheim Map - With Roads by IcePenguin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/4929/?
Download and install the Main file FOMOD A Quality World Map - New Installer version 8.4
When installing you can press the previous tab to see previews of options. See below for instructions on Clear skies 9.0
As an option the mod has a newer version 9.0
You have a couple options and unlike 8.4 they all have esp files now. I will stick with 8.4 however a new Clear Skies 9.0(NO ESP) file is available. Install 8.4 but do not select the clear skies in the FOMOD. Merge the Clear Skies 9.0 file.

Auto Unequip Ammo by Alek
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10753/?
Download and install the main file Auto Unequip Ammo v5_0

Belt-Fastened Quivers by Chesko and Ninivekha
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35717/?
Belt-Fastened Quivers 1.3 Release version 1.3

Immersive HUD - iHUD by Gopher
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/3222/?
Download and install the main file version 3.0.03

Jaxonz Utilities by Jaxonz
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60910/?
Download and install the main file version 1.52
Note this mod is optional because alot of people just won't know what to do with some of the new MCMs. Visit the mod description page and visit the seperate mods this one mod merges. I am sure everyone will find a use for it at some time.

Loot and WryeBash Patch

Running LOOT and WryeBash is essential in making sure your game will run as smothly as possible and to ensure all your levelled lists will correctly run in game. It is necessary to run both programs everytime you add mods to your game that have esm or esp files.
Texture, interface and script only mods can be placed manually as none of these mods will be recognized by either program. this is where understanding conflicts is essential and by knowing what each mod may over write you can sort these mods to do what you wanted them for in the first place.

LOOT

This is the first time you will run LOOT to actually sort your mods. By using the below video you will learn to sort the mods in a way the game can better understand and prioritize your mods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzoyWugzZAw

Once you have sorted the mods using LOOT you should now organize the LHP to match the plugins tab in the RHP as close as possible. In the RHP you will see the following plugins in this order
Skyrim.esm(greyed out)
Update.esm(greyed out)
Dawnguard.esm
Hearthfire.esm
Dragonborn.esm
Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch.esp

In the LHP make sure the mod order is as follows. you will see the skyrim and update has no mod. that is OK.
Dawnguard
Hearthfire
Dragonborn
Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch

By going down the RHP you will hover over each plugin to see which mod the plugin belongs to. Once known you will find the mod in the LHP and order it to match. Continue to move down the RHP and matching the LHP. You will notice some plugins belong to a mod already ordered by another plugin. that is fine. As long as the Mod in the LHP matches the correct ordering of the first pugin in the RHP.

WryeBash

Now that your mods are sorted you need to create a bashed patch using WryeBash. this will combine all the levelled lists so that everyone of those mods will be available in game. With out the patch you will only get the last mod in the load order that affects a given levelled to show in game. Use the below vid to create this patch.
Gamer Poets Creating the Wryebash Patch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1Es06MtAZM

You should run LOOT and create a new bashed patch after installing any new mods that have a plugin. Texture, script and interface only mods that do not have a plugin must be reordered according to preference of conflict resolution and do not require running LOOT or a bashed patch every time.

TESTING

This is also you first real test with actual mods installed. Run the SkSE launcher through MO. It does not matter what your name, race, gender or how you look when creating this character. you will not be keeping this one yet. Activate the statue and select anything. You may want to select a local patron or some other Whiterun location. This location and the exterior of the hold walls will be changing soon. Look around both areas just for 2-3 minutes popping in and out of taverns and out of the city and even run to the bridge to the East of Whierun. No CTDs is great.

I also advise testing your game after installing any mod. this testing process to make sure the new mods are doing what they are supposed to do is crucial to identify as soon as possible. Removing, reordering and reloading of the save before your new mod may be needed. 100 hours after installing a mod and realizing you are not getting the desired effect can be annoying.

SAVING

You are now ready to move on to your real character and as such can delete any of these test saves that may have been generated upto this point. I also suggest turning off all the auto saves functions. On occasion these saving options have been known to cause slow performance and other issues.
It is not a good idea to rely on these auto saves anyways as they can quickly be replaced by going in and out of buildings or by having other loading screens forcing the auto save. If there is an issue with your game and you must reload before accepting a quest or meeting an NPC you will not have a recent save.
It is also recommended to not use quick saves either for the same above reasons. Just remember to manually save often through the system menu. you will thank me if and when such problems should arise.

After each section and adding the mods suggested you should make a save and hold onto it incase the new mods are not working correctly.

Mods Part 3 - Character Creation Mods

This is where you start thinking about the character you will use for your game. It has taken a long time and effort to get here but it is worth it.

Profiles

Using the techniques learned earlier you should now copy your profile and rename it something to signify that it is for your Character. Your name, the characters name or anything else you want. Some people may want make a new profile for each step in the guide for each new character however I prefer to make one profile for each new character after the bug fixes and building on that one profile from here on.

Saves

At the end of every section you should make a save before moving on to the next section. Once all sections are completed you will have the option of starting your real game from that last save or by deleting all the saves and starting the game with all mods installed.
Most people will say starting with all your mods installed is a bad idea but by using Alternate Start and taking time for all MCMs to register you can exit the tiny cell you are in and be fine with all your mods from the start.
If you plan on using the last section save you should now make your character for real otherwise just blast through the creation process.

Character Creation Mods

These mods are listed here as they are mainly useful at character creation.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

RaceMenu by Expired
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/29624/?
Download and install the main Race Menu file version 3.4.5
and merge the optional Overlays Plugin version 2.5.0

Disparity -- Player Character Class - Race and Gender Diversity by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63354/?
Download and install the main file version 2.1
Note: you must activate this mod in the MCM. See the MCM section.
Warning: Test your attack speed in a test game. Speed atribute may cause problems in certain mod combinations. Fixing this requires selecting the proper box from MCM that removes all speed changes added by Disparity from races and classes.

ApachiiSkyHair by Apachii
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10168/?
Download and install the main file version 1.6.Full
as well as download and merge the optional files for an even greater variety:
ApachiiSkyHairFemale_v_1_5 version 1.5
ApachiiSkyHairMale_v_1_2 version 1.2
As an option you can download the optional file ApachiiHelmetWigs_v_1_0 version 1.0(this file will clutter up your Crafting menu)

Superior Lore-Friendly Hair - HD textures by skyrimaguas
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36510/?
Download the all in one installer version 2.03
This FOMOD contains all options and implemented by you on installation. Make your selections and look at the hairs in game. If you do not like what you see you can rerun the installer and make different selections.

Beards by Hvergelmir
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/28363/?
Choose the desired resolution, download and install the main file v4.1

Brows by Hvergelmir
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/30411/?
Choose the desired resolution and download and install the main file version v3.1

The Eyes Of Beauty by Gabriel Mailhot as LogRaam
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13722/?
Download and install the main file version 9
Download and merge the update and optional files:
TEOB Special Elves Edition version 10.0.1
Eye of Beauty NPC eyes texture replacer version 6.1
Skin Texture version 1.2
The Eyes Of Beauty Dawnguard Update version 7.1

Better Beast Races v2 by Xenius
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/944/?
Choose the standard resolution main file Better_Beast_Races-2_00 version 2.0
or the Lite low resolution main file Better_Beast_Races-2_00-Lite version 2.0L

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Moonlight Tales - Werewolf and Werebear Overhaul by Brevi and Al99
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35470/?
Download and install the the main file version 2.33
and merge the optional KrittaKitty Eye Pack Version 2_33

Better Vampires 7.8 by Brehanin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/9717/?
Download and install the main file version 7.7
When installing FOMOD file the only option you should select if wanted is the Vampire Lord drain attack fix removing the area of effect.

Predator Vision - Vampire Werewolf and Khajiit by Gopher
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/22274/?
Download and install the main file version 1.3
Note: The vision can be forced onto any race but that could be considered a cheat.

Khajiit Speak - Complete Dialogue Overhaul by Matthew Harper
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14513/?
Download the main FOMOD file version 4.0beta2
Note: Install this mod after all other mods have been installed as the patches needed will automatically be recognized but not available until those mods are installed..
Note: This mod should only be used if you play as a Khajiit.

Randomized Word Walls by Sjogga
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/43409/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0
For those knowing where every word wall is and which word is learned. You may want to randomize which word you receive. I am placing this mod here as it must be activated before the first word wall is approached.
Note: you will be given a spell which will randomize the words when cast.

Testing and Saving

I recommend that at the end of every section you use LOOT to resort the mods you just added and also to make a Bashed Patch with WryeBash. with out doing so some things may not appear in game properly until you do so.

Remember to save and then test your mods in game.

Mods part 4 - Weather, Water, Lighting, Sounds and Flora

These mods will add to and enhance the vanilla and sometimes lacking experience of the base game environment.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Wiseman303's Flora Fixes by wiseman303
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70656/?
Download and Install the main file version 2.01

Skyrim Flora Overhaul by vurt
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/141/?
Download and install the file named Skyrim Flora Overhaul 2.5b - No grass. I do not use any optional mods. If you want to download and install some of those mods after viewing the game you can. You can remove the mod and reinstall the main file should you not like the tall and/or bent trees. I repeat, I do not use any of the optionals.

Unique Flowers And Plants by navajothkk
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58091/?
Download and install the main file version 1.3
and the optional performance textures if needed. Install the main file and after testing the game you could install the performance textures and test again. if you prefer the normal textures based on looks or if you do not gain any performance you can remove the mod and reinstall the main file again.

Unique Grasses and Groundcovers - Nature and Landscape Enhancement by Josh Ezzell
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/42370/?
Download the main FOMOD file version 2.0.0
Download and merge the optional ClippingFixer Beta version 1.0.0
Download and merge the optional Fall Forest Leaves Texture Replacement version 1.0
When installing the FOMOD select the texture wanted followed by density and/or no road coverage. I always choose the no roads but density and textures are your choice depending on looks and performance. you can always test, remove the mod and reinstall for new options.

Climates Of Tamriel - Weather - Lighting - Audio by JJC71
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17802/?
Download and install main FOMOD file version v5.0
When installing I suggest installing this mod several times in a row selecting different lighting options each time. This will install all the optional files allowing you to quickly run around and exit the game looking at the nights and the interiors to decide what is best for you. Activate in the RHP the files you want to look at and once you have made your decision open the mod information and the optional esp tab and move the unwanted esp files up into the optional section.

Realistic Water Two by isoku
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/41076/?
Download nd install the main FOMOD file version 1.11
If you want you can install the optional ultra high non-enb Textures. I do not use the optional file.
When installing select your desired resolution and the default compatibility and hit next. As assumed you have the legendary/bundle edition so select the legendary combination but nothing from new lands or waves. selecting anything from the other section is your choice. I choose none.

Sounds of Skyrim - The Wilds by Cliffworms
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10886/?
Download and install the main FOMOD file version 1.13.
Download the Compatibility patch version 1.13
NOTE: unfortunately this is not packaged for Mod Managers so you must manually download and then install this patch through MO's Install an archive button. Refer to Gogher's vid on Installing Mods. See below on how to install the SOS mods.

Sounds of Skyrim - The Dungeons by Cliffworms
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/8601/?
Download and install the main FOMOD file version 1.23.
Download the Compatibility patch version 1.23
NOTE: unfortunately this is not packaged for Mod Managers so you must manually download and then install this patch through MO's Install an archive button. Refer to Gogher's vid on Installing Mods. See below on how to install the SOS mods.

Sounds of Skyrim - Civilization by Cliffworms
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/20193/?
Download and install the main FOMOD file version 1.02
Download the Compatibility patch version 1.02
NOTE: unfortunately this is not packaged for Mod Managers so you must manually download and then install this patch through MO's Install an archive button. Refer to Gogher's vid on Installing Mods. See below on how to install the SOS mods.

Installing SOS
When installing the Compatibilty patches you need to install all three. it is your choice if you want to merge these mods together into one compatibilty mod, install them into the SOS mod they were made or for you can install them seperately.
If what you read confuses you I suggest installing them individually.
I also suggest that you install all the options for each mod. You will only need the Climates of Tamriel patch however in the future you may want to add the other mods or I may create other guides using them. You can open the mod information page and navigate to the optional esp tab and move the unused patches into the optional section. Move them back when or if needed for other mods.
You will recognise which patches are not needed once installed by looking at the RHP and noticing the error icons. You know those big red triangles I hate so much.

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

SkyTEST - Vision by EtaYorius
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/31632/?
either download and install the main file SkyTEST - Vision - Full - v1.10
or one of the optional files.
I have this mod here because some lighting mods adjust the transition from light to dark to a very ralistic length of time. This mod allows you to offset that time and/or remove it outright.

Moon Glow by isoku
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/50696/?
Download and install the main file Moon Glow v1_01

Wonders of Weather by isoku
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64941/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD Wonders of Weather v1_01
When Installing decide if you want more or less rain splashing or leave the default settings.

Lucidity Sound FX by Foggypath
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73838/?
Download and install the main file Lucidity Sound FX v1v
you can also merge Foggypath's self made sounds Lucidity Sound FX - New Sounds v1j

Optional Texture Mods

Be sure to see the Gamwich Texture mods for the Ethereal Mods to liven up the skies. I am happy with the moons but there are a lot of moon textures on Nexus. Take a look yourself and maybe you will find one to your liking.

Vibrant Red Snowy Thickets by achintyagk
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70366/?
Download and install the main file Vibrant Red Snowy Thickets Version 1.0

Testing

It is time once again to test the mods you activated. By starting in whiterun you will be able to go in and out of taverns, run to the waterfall to the East, semi quickly go to caves to check the lighting.

Mods Part 5 - Towns and Cities

Now it is time to remake the boring towns and cities with new looks, people and gameplay. It is advised to install in the order listed as some mods require other mods to be active or you will get the red triagle of fustration in the RHP (missing master files).

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Lanterns of Skyrim - All In One by MannyGT
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/18916/?
Download the MCM all in one main file version 2.5
You can also choose the 1.5 or 2 times brightness. in fact you can download both and test with each file and without either to see what you like depending on the night levels selected in COT.
Once you have tested you can move the unwanted esp into the optional section of the mod information page. Open the information page and select the Optional esp tab and move the unwanted esp up into the optionals.

Complete Fast Travel Overhaul by Kinaga
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68221/?
Select and install the complete main file version 1.1

Expanded Towns and Cities by missjennabee
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13608/?
Download and install the complete main file version 14.0
Install and select the following uptions in the FOMOD:

• MCM,
  
• W/O Inn Changes,
  
• LOD only if you can handle it,
  
• Extras: All,
  
• Horse Saddle and Dawnstar Walls of your choice

Once the main file is installed you need to download and merge the Update file version 14.2.10
and select these options in the FOMOD:

• ETAC Complete,
  
• Complete W/O Inns,
  
• Extras: All

After installing the main file and updating you need to activate the ETAC mod in the LHP and merge the patches file version 14.2.8
and select these options in the FOMOD:

• Alternate Start,
  
• Cutting Room Floor: Complete with whiterun Exterior,
  
• Helgen Reborn (if the optional mod is also installed),
  
• Lanterns of Skyrim: complete with Whiterun Exterior,
  
• Environment: None

Dawn of Skyrim (Original Collection) by BluePianoTwo
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58275/?
Download and install the main file Dawn of Skyrim Collection 1.2
Merge the main file Fishmonger Texture Quick Fix
and the main file Upgrade to 1.3 version 1.3

JKs Cities - Lite and SuperLite by Nazenn
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71018/?
Download the main file JKs Cities - Lite and SuperLite - Installer - 1.3
When installing choose the lite or super-lite version. For the optional Dawn of Skyrim you must decide if you want a lite compatibilty version or the full compatibility version based on your PC limits and how cluttered you want the cities to be. For maximum compatibility it is suggsted to use the lite compatibility patch.
NOTE: The Towns Beta option on the second page of the FOMOD is not compatible with other mods in this guide. I have tried but there are far too many incompatibilities. Dawnstar possibly being the worst however I did not visit other areas extensively. On its own it appears to be great with maybe a few things not being great (sorry Nazenn). DO NOT USE THE TOWNS BETA.

JK's Whiterun by JKrojmal
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/56639/?
Download and install the optional JK's Whiterun Outdkirts V1.2
Note: For this guide you only need the optional file. Yes, the mispelled file name is not my doing and instead mispelled by the author.

Better Docks by zebra0
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14087/?
Download and install the Optional file Better Docks All in One - No Dawnstar
The mod maker has a mod including the docks and entrances in one file however because of conflicts revolving around Dawnstar I do not advise using that better series mod.

Better City Entrances by zebra0
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/48855/?
Download and install the all in one main file version 1.0
The mod maker has a mod including the docks and entrances in one file however because of conflicts revolving around Dawnstar I do not advise using that better series mod.

Trade and Barter by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/34612/?
Download and install the main Hearthfire Edition file version 1.2

Trade Routes by taleden
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/49369/?
Download and install the main FOMOD file version 2.0
Make sure the ETAC patch if wanted the Helgen Reborn patch options are selected.

Perseids Inns and Taverns - Realistic Room Rental Enhanced by perseid9
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25029/?
Download either Main file: Basic version 1.7 or the Enhanced version 1.8.3
The Enhanced version appears fully compatible however you may want the Basic version making no changes to the inns. When installing the Enhanced version do not select any patches.

Immersive Wenches by Kozuke Hajime
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51189/?
Download and install the Immersive Wenches version 1.5.4
and merge the Immersive Wenches -Apachii hairs- Patch version 1.5.4
as well as merging the Immersive Wenches -Realistic Room Rental Enhanced Patch- version 1.5.4
Note: The use of this mod replaces the Invisible Eyes Fix Mod, which is a popular fix and recommended as Immersive Wenches has that built in to it.

Guard Dialogue Overhaul by Eckss
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/23390/?
Download and install the main file version 1.4

Recommended Texture Mods

Covered Carriages by Forzane
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/37084/?
Download and install the main file version Covered Carriages version v1
or the Covered Carriages - Less Shiny Roof Version-Optional file version v2.4
you may want to see the shiny version first. You only need 1 of these files.

Designs of the Nords by KEBW1144
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13429/?
I only use the main file Designs of The Nords - Banners version 1.5
and do not use the optional swanky version but if you want to you could try it.

Fences of Skyrim - No more flickering fences by Therobwil
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58980/?
Download and install either the main file Fences of Skyrim version 2.0
or the main file Fences of Skyrim - Barbed Wire Edition version 2.0
I do not use any of the optional but you could try them out.

Signs of Skyrim by Autan Waspeez
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57578/?
Download the main file Signs of Skyrim - no SMIM needed. V1.2
followed by the update file Thautmaturgists Hut mesh fix
and the optional file Warmaiden Sign
This mod would do the same thing as Gamwich's Signage mod so do not download that one.

Mods Part 5B - Optional Towns and Cities

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Helgen Reborn by Mike Hancho aka Balok
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35841/?
Download and Install the main file version 105.3
NOTE: Because you have the Alternate Start mod installed you can install this mod right away, otherwise you would need to wait a bit.
This is mentioned under the Patches for the mod Expanded Towns and Cities but is optional.

Illustrated Panels Towns V1o5 by YURIL
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/23886/?

Immersive Laundry by Nerd of Prey
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58084/?
Download and install the main file Immersive Laundry 1.0
and merge the update file Immersive Laundry 1.0

NPCs Protected Redux by Blattgeist
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/53602/?
Download and install the FOMOD NPCs Protected Redux version 2.08
When installing choose either the normal protected mod or the uncapped followers version. Select the Cutting Room Floor and consistant older people addons.
Note: If you use the mod Deadly Dragons listed later you can avoid this mod as that mod does have an option to set NPCs essential.

Khajiit Merchants Buy Stolen Items by Nofumasa
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/37104/
Download and install the main file version v1.0
I like this mod for times I want to steal but not be a part of the Thieves Guild.

Gildergreen Regrown by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12254/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2.6
This is an option for when doing the Divine's quest for Danica-Puresprings in Whiterun.

Books of Skyrim by MannyGT
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55607/?
Download and install the main file Books of Skyrim version 1.1
Note: ETAC Compatible for Solitude

Cake O'Clock - Hearthfire Bakery by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57821/?
Download and install the main file Cake O'Clock Bakery 1b - Alternative Location
Note: ETAC Compatible for Solitude

The Honey Spirit - Liquor Shop in Solitude by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58822/?
Download and install the main file The Honey Spirit v1
Note: ETAC Compatible for Solitude

Bau Pet Supplies for Skyrim by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69234/?
Download and install the main file Bau Pet Supplies for Skyrim v1 - Hearthfire
Note: ETAC Compatible for Solitude

Optional Texture Mods

Be sure to see the Gamwich Texture mods for other texture mods. use individual mods or install them as I describe. Either way there are some great texture mods to choose from.

Windmills Resized by Pfaffendrill
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/30026/?
Pick either of the main file or the optional file version 1.1
I suggest downloading and installing the resized smaller version to avoid the clipping issue.

Trade tents from Hiro Solitude by Hiro
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58627/?
Download and install the main file Trade tents from Hiro

ALTERNATIVE

Arthmoors Villages and Towns mods
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/users/684492/?tb=mods&pUp=1
This is a direct link to Arthmoor's mods. This guide does not take into account any of his town mods however they are very good and I feel I needed to mention them however by using ETAC and other mods there will be major conflicts in the town areas.

JK's City and Town Overhauls
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/users/1305814/?tb=mods&pUp=1
This is a direct link to JK's mods. Much like the Arthmoor's mods this guide does not use any of the main files and only uses the whiterun outskirts file however these mods do need mentioning. They do tend to be very demanding of your PC system. This is why I have linked and use the JK's Cities-Lite and Super Lite by Nazenn.

Mods Part 6 - Other Locations

These mods will cover other locations, some new and others are enhancements to existing areas.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Immersive Dawnguard Dayspring Pass by Ahzaab
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/30086/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0

Legendary Cities - Tes Arena - Skyrim Frontier Fortress by Jabr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47989/?
Download the Main all in one installer version 3.0
Select the all in one option and install
Download and merge the patch for Cutting Room Floor version 3.0

Skyrim Better Roads (SkyBeRoads) by SilentResident
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57612/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD version 1.3
Select all roads and bridges when installing.

Hold Border Banners by Thicketford
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/43493/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0

Point The Way by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/33393/?
Download and install the main file

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

The Ruins of Skyrim by Nesbit
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73840/?
Download and install the main file The_Ruins_of_Skyrim_V2.0
Note: I have not fully tested this mod with the core mods I present.

Seedy Merchant by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/37527/?
Download and install the main file Seedy Merchant version 1.00
If wanted you can download the optional file Seedy Merchant 1-1 version 1.10

Riften Fish Market by Garnet
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63764/?
Download and install the main file Riften Fish Market Rustic version 1.1
Merge the update file Riften Fish Market FaceGenData version 1.0

Detailed Mine Markers by Degrelescence
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58930/?
Download and install the main file v1.1

Unique Border Gates by duinnin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52296/?
Download and install the three named files below and merge them into one mod.
UniqueBorderGates-All version 2.2
UniqueBorderGates-All-MoreImmersiveDawnguardEntrance version 2.11
UniqueBorderGates-All-PointTheWay version 2.1

Skyrim Borders Disabled by nhskill
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35815/?
Download and install the only file available. This mod is required to fully explore the above mod. Keep in mind that the borders of Skyrim are now removed allowing you to adventure into the boring and useless world beyond. After a few minutes of doing nothing you will return to skyrim not having any desire to return the world beyond Skyrim.

Optional Texture Mods

Be sure to see the Gamwich Texture mods for other texture mods. use individual mods or install them as I describe. Either way there are some great texture mods to choose from.

Real Ice ALL-IN-ONE by Yuril
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/5388/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD Real Ice ALL-IN-ONE Installer by morpheas768 version V3
When installing use the preview pictures to make your choices.

HiRes Legible Road Signs by SPARTAN VI
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/436/?
I use only the main file Hires Road Signs Version 3
but the optional file with the worn text is fine as well.

Real Roads for Skyrim by dukefx
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55518/?
Download the main BSA file version 1.01
and then the optional file for Dawnguard and Dragonborn version 1.01

Revamped Standing Stones HD by jiffy
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35804/?
Download and install the main file version 1.10
This mod does the same thing as Gamwich's Standing Stone mod so I did not include that one in this guide.

Mods Part 7 - Weapons, Armors and other Items

These mods will help fill out the clothes, armor and weapons lists so hopefully you encounter differently armed and protected enemies in every battle.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Immersive Weapons by Hothtrooper44 - Ironman5000 - Eckss
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/27644/?
Download and install the main file version 1.5

Immersive Armors by Hothtrooper44
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19733/?
Download and Install the main file version 8

Immersive Armors for NPCs Revisited by GrandBulwark
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54650/?
As assumed you have all DLCs, download the Dawnguard version 2.2

Weapons and Armor Fixes Remade by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/34093/?
Download and install the main file version 5.2
When installing the FOMOD select Skyrim Legendary, all options and then hit next. Select the compatibility patch for Immersive Weapons.

Clothing and Clutter Fixes by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/43053/?
Download and install the main all in one file version 1.7

Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/49791/?
Download the main file version 1.7
and merge the miscellaneous Immersive Creatures patch version 1.1

Wearable Lanterns by Chesko
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17416/?
Download and install the main file version 4.0.2
Note: this mod will create a SKSE file in your MO Overwrite Folder. You can first create a mod by right clicking on the Overwrite folder and selecting create mod. Name it something like SKSE-"character name". You will want to move the contents of subsequent plays by opening the Overwrite folder to drag and drop the contents into the SKSE mod.

Cloaks of Skyrim by Noodles
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12092/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2
along with the optional file for Dawnguard version 1.2
Once the mod is installed you can deactivate any esp and esm files and allow CCOR to handle everything. See the MCM section.

Winter Is Coming - Cloaks by Nivea
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13486/?
Download and install the main file WIC Cloaks NMM 2_3
When installing select the main plugin and the main cloaks patch.
Once the mod is installed you can deactivate any esp and esm files and allow CCOR to handle everything. See the MCM section.

Bandolier - Bags and Pouches by Dragten
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16438/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2
Once the mod is installed you can deactivate any esp and esm files and allow CCOR to handle everything. See the MCM section.

JaySuS Swords by JaySuS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1002/?
Download and install the main file version 13C
and merge the update file version 13D
Once the mod is installed you can deactivate any esp and esm files and allow CCOR to handle everything. See the MCM section.
Note: Loot will give a couple warnings until the files are moved into the optional mods section. we will do this in the finishing touches section.

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Omegared99 - Armor Compilation by Omegared99
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10277/?
Download and install the compilation version 3.6

Black Mage Armor by Reko
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/9645/?
download and install the main file version 3.2

Arise - Chapter 1 - The Black Sacrament by AmethystDeceiver
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/5696/?
Choose the resolution you want of the main file version 4.1
when installing you will choose your body style. Standard if no body mod is added and then select the option of the Brotherhood replacementyou might want.

Honed Metal -NPC Crafting and Enchanting Services- by SkylineR390
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51024/?
Download and install the main file version 1.08
This mod allows you to buy crafting services from merchants. Using this mod may make the mod Smithing Perks Overhaul essentially useless.

Order My Items by alexbull_uk
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51733/?
Download and install the main file OrderMyItems_v1-2
I recommend this mod when using the mod Smithing Perks Overhaul

EK_RingLimiter by ekroemer
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/26355/?
Download and install the main file with MCM support version 1.02
This mod allows you to set the amount of rings your character can wear.
Note: This mod can easily be abused. Please show some self control. I think 8-10 rings is way more than enough if I pump up the difficulty level to max.

Optional Texture Mods

Be sure to see the Gamwich Texture mods for other texture mods. use individual mods or install them as I describe. Either way there are some great texture mods to choose from.

Mods Part 8 - Bandits, Dragons and other Creatures

Thse mods will make Skyrim a much more dangerous and wild land. Not only will you encounter new enemies that will be more dangerous but the spawn amounts will increase. I will list optional mods at the end of the section but I will also include a recommended but optional section.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Skyrim Immersive Creatures by lifestorock and jackstarr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/24913/?
Download and install the main file version 6.5.2b
When installing the FOMOD select both the main and DLC2 mod files. The other patches are not needed.

OBIS - Organized Bandits In Skyrim by Indigoblade and the OBIS Team
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/31264/?
Download and install the main file version 2.01
merge the update file version 2.02
and merge the optional file AltStartLiveAnotherLife-DG-Faction Patch version 1.0
Lastly merging the OBIS CCOR and IA8 Patch version 1
Unfortunately the CCOR/Immersive Armor patch must be added as an archive mod merging into the existing mod.
Note: I do not use the OBIS Patrols due to additions made to the exterior of Whiterun.

Immersive Patrols by Scrabbulor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12977/?
Download and install the file named DLC Aggressive IP 2.0.3

Monster Mod by Dogtown1 and Ironman5000
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35631/?
Choose between the normal version 4.0 or the lore friendly version 4.0
If you download the lore version you also need to download and install the update file.

Diverse Dragons Collection 2.0 by opusGlass
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76750/?
Download and install the main file named Diverse Dragons Collection 2.0 version 2.0.0

SkyTEST - Realistic Animals and Predators by EtaYorius
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10175/?
Download and install the main file version 1.56.03

SkyTEST Integration Project by evrymetul
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/46495/?
Download and merge the following patches into one mod.
SkyTEST Immersive Creatures version 2.3b
SkyTEST Monster Mod V4 version 3.6b
SkyTEST USLEEP version 1.5

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Deadly Wenches by Kozuke Hajime
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60625
Download and Install the main file Deadly Wenches version 1.2.4
Note: The mod Immersive Wenches is required and linked in the cities and Towns section.

SkyTEST - Harder Creatures by EtaYorius
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12481/?
Download and install the main file SkyTEST - HarderCreatures v1_05
Manually download and merge as an archive the following files.
SkyTEST - Harder Creatures - Dawnguard
SkyTEST - Harder Creatures - Dragonborn
Note: Do not merge this mod with SkyTEST - Realistic Animals and Predators. Load this mod after the original mod. This mod will make the creatures substantially harder. Lowering the difficulty by one level might be appropriate.

Giantess - Monster Mod Plugin for More Female Giants by Nerd of Prey
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55576/?
Adds female giants to the ranks of giants scattered across Skyrim. Monster Mod required. Download and install the Main File version 2.0

Immediate Dragons by P13Darksight
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/9621/?
Download and install the main BSA version 3.0
This mod should only be used if you want nothing to do with the main quest but do want dragons roaming Skyrim.

Genesis - Dynamically Increased Enemy Spawns and Enhanced Loot by SOT Team
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/67811/?
This mod is optional because it has a tendecy to spawn creature far above your level. Great for requiem but not for everyone. Installing between level 15-20 seems appropriate to me.
Download and install the main file version 1.5
along with the Dragonborn DLC update file version 1.6
If you decide to install this at some point you should install the patches below.
Genesis - Skyrim Immersive Creatures Patch
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68009/?
Genesis - Monster Mod V13 and V4 Patch
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68038/?

Populated Skyrim HELL EDITION by Presented by Sands of Time Team
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73315/?
Unfortunately this mod can also spawn much higher enemies than yourself. this is a collection of mods adding spawned enemies to roads, forts, dungeons, prisons and cities. Installing between level 15-20 seems appropriate to me.
Download and install the main file version 2.4

Optional Texture Mods

Be sure to see the Gamwich Texture mods for other texture mods. use individual mods or install them as I describe. Either way there are some great texture mods to choose from.

Dragon Animation Replace by yousukeve
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60934
Download and merge both files DragonAnimationReplace1_3
and DAR1_3_StandingBreathAnimation

Sabrecat Animation Fix v2 by testiger2
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/45919/?
Download and install the main file sabrecat idle v2

Sabre Cat Sound Overhaul by BlackDeath1996
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/75389/?
Download and install the main file BlackDeathSaber version 1.1

Mods Part 9 - Followers, Family and Horses

These mods aim to make the most important people in your life a more enjoyable experience. I rarely make a home actually worth living there and when it comes to player homes I normally do not like those that are handed to players with everything they could ever want.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Convenient Horses by Alek
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14950/?
Download and install the main file version 5.0
I do not use any optionals but if wanted you could use faster sprint, unique Frost and the alternative skin textures.

Extensible Follower Framework by Expired
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12933/?
Download and install the main file version 4.0.2

Come together N Out of the way - Nausicaa-S Tweaker by Nausicaa
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/33562/?
Download and install the main file Nausicaa Tweaker 1_2 Main

Follower Trap Safety by Alek
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/11609/?
Download and install the main file Follower Trap Safety v1_3

Better Stealth AI for Followers - No Torch while Sneaking by kryptopyr and nbtc971
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16531/?
Download and install the main Dawnguard required file version 3.4

A Simple Marriage Mod by CardinalBiggles
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/30339/?
Download and install the BSA main file version 1.7
When installing the file install this mod as a bain installer and select the Hearthfire version.

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Arissa - The Wandering Rogue by Chesko and Nikkita
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/53754/?
Download and install the main file version 2.2.2
and the optional Arissa 2.x - Convenient Horses 5.0 Compatibility Patch

INIGO by Smartbluecat
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/40960/?
Download and install the main file INIGO V2_3

InigoMCM by CDCooley
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70035/?
Download and the main file InigoMCM_V23
Either merge this mod with Inigo or as a seperate mod.

Hoth by hothtrooper44
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/24666/?
Download and install the main file version 3

Anna NPCs 3_0 by Anduniel and Shrike
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58357/?
Download and install the main file Anna NPCs 3_0_4
and merge the main update file Anna NPCs 3_0_4a Update

Skyrim Unadoption Mod by VitchRazor AKA WitchRiser
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47259/?
Download and install the Main file version 0.2.1

Dismiss Steward by BiggerDigger
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/34515/?
This simple mod allows you to dismiss your personal steward (Hearthfire). You will be allowed to rehire the same person or hire another one.

Build Your Own Home by Supernastypants
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/18480/?
Download and install the main BSA file version 1.82
and merge the update file version 1.82
I like this mod because of its customizable build system allowing me to build an adventures house, vampire lair and a lot of other options.

Build-Your-Own-Home Bridge by Triaxx2
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/29720/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2
Note: this is optional but does compliment the above mod.

The Scarlett - A Buildable Ship by Ld50365
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71106/?
Download and install the main file The Scarlett V1.1
I like this because you first need to clear an area of bandits and then rebuild the ship by buying/finding supplies to craft and rebuild areas of the ship and of the cave in which it is found.
Note: another great feature is that it can travel to a few spots. the downside is minor but it may conflict in some areas in a small way with Better Docks.

Relationship Dialogue Overhaul - RDO by cloudedtruth
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/74568/?
I download and install the main file Relationship Dialogue Overhaul - RDO FinalA for the full version.
Download and merge the optional patches and select the patches for EFF v4.0.2 , Usleep/Cutting Room Floor and the CACO patch.

Followers Share Knowledge - a player perk mod by GrandBulwark
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54784/?
Download and install the main file version 2.1
This is for vanilla followers and for those that think the vanilla followers are terrible companions.

Optional Texture Mods

Be sure to see the Gamwich Texture mods for other texture mods. use individual mods or install them as I describe. Either way there are some great texture mods to choose from.

Mods Part 10 - Combat, Magic and Shouts

These mods will affect combat, magic and shouts.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Difficult Archery by Askeladden
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/56022/?
Choose between the four main files depending on how much to reduce enemy accuracy. I like the #2 file based on the other combat mods as well as the bandit and spawning mods.

Combat Evolved by CrushBoss -raulfin -GhostAgent
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/56147/?
Download the main file Combat Evolved - Modular version 2.4b
When installing the modular FOMOD you need to select
all Base Options,
Combat Evolved Damage(not hardcore),
and Stealth as none(this will be covered by another mod).

Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim by Enai Siaion
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16225/?
Download and install the main DLC required main file version 9.20

Bound Armory Extravaganza - the MCM version by Various Artists
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/79686/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2

Thunderchild - Epic Shouts and Immersion by Enai Siaion
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/41376/?
Download and install the main file version 4.05

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

new-enchantments by Carrier of Echoes
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/75221/?
Download and install the main file.

Ultimate Combat by tktk
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36006/?
Download and install the Main file version 2.7
This is compatible and recommended to be run with Combat Evolved however the difficulty of enemies increase dramatically.

Deadly Dragons by 3JIou and Redshift
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/3829/?
Download and install the main file version 6.4.1b
In the FOMOD select next leaving the install as normal instead of the lore friendly version
(otherwise you won't have new dragons).
Note: in the MCM you can set important NPCs as essential. This is another method to help protect those foolish but stupid people running into combat.

Ultimate Dragons by tktk
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55206/?
Download and install the main file version 2.1
This mod is compatible with Deadly Dragons and even recommended.

Dragon Soul Relinquishment by Alek
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/27531/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2

Knock - An Open Lock Spell by Drakmyth
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36073/?
Download and install the main file version v1.1
Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim has an unlock spell but is at expert level. this spell can be acquired at an Alteration skill of 25 and only works on locks lower or equal to your Alteration.

Optional Texture Mods

Be sure to see the Gamwich Texture mods for other texture mods. use individual mods or install them as I describe. Either way there are some great texture mods to choose from.

Enhanced Blood Textures by dDefinder
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD Enhanced Blood Textures 3_6c NMM
When Installing choose the patch for MMv4-IC-DG-DB. next choose the desired resolution and color you want.

MultiLayer Parallax Soul Gems by MadCat221
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/65531/?
I use the rainbow version of the main file MLP Soul Gems v1_0_2 Rainbow Colors
along with both optional files Azuras Star MLPized and More Colorful vanilla blue subsurf texture

Mods Part 11 - Gameplay and Skills

This section covers Gameplay changing mods and Skill mods that change skills but not in a dramatic way like some skill overhaul mods do.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

Harvest Overhaul by Omeletter and Xubarku
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16553/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD version 2.8.2.0
When installing you need to select the Dragonborn and Dawnguard option and the creatures Overhaul for Dawnguard and Dragonborn.

Stealth Skills Rebalanced - Sneak - Lockpicking - Pickpocket by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/28418/?
Decide between the full version 1.5
or the lite version 1.5
and install. Read the page for a description. Either file will enhance the sneak gameplay enhancements left out from other mods earlier in the guide.

Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69306/?
Download the CACO main file version 1.2
along with the Script update version 1.2.1
and the Optional CACO Patches version 1.2.1
Install the main file and merge the script file as normal. When installing the patches file you can either install all the patches and then manually move the ones you do not need into the optional section of the mod (easiest method) or choose the ones you only need for this guide. the files needed for this guide are:

• CACO_CoinReplacer_Patch.esp
  
• CACO_ETaC_Patch.esp
  
• CACO_InvisibilityEyesFix_Patch.esp( if you use this mod and not Immersive Wenches)
  
• CACO_SkyrimImmersiveCreatures_Patch.esp
  
• CACO_SkyrimImmersiveCreatures+DLC2_Patch.esp
  
• CACO_USLEEP_Patch.esp

Smithing Perks Overhaul - Remade and Updated by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/33959/?
Download the all in one main file and install the FOMOD version 3.4
Select the Both Dawnguard and Dragonborn option and choose a perk tree. See the mod page for a description. I usually choose between the three new trees and more often between #2 and #3.
Note: If using the mod Honed Metal this mod becomes essentially useless as you may not craft anymore not needing a better system.

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Simply Knock by Chesko
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73236/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0.8
NOTE: This mod will create SKSE files in your overwrite folder. You should have already created a SKSE mod in the LHP and will copy these skse files into that folder.

Sands of Time Sleeping Encounters Standalone Module by The SOT Team
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/49307/?
Download and install the main file version 1.6

Improved Skill Books by elGrecoLoco
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/9960/?
Download and install the main file version 1.1

Unread Books Glow by duggelz
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10012/?
download and install the main file version 2.2.0
Books glow, which may be a little annoying at times however you will be able to see those skill books you may have missed before. through the MCM you can adjust which books glow.

The Alchemist Handbook CACO Edition by Ero
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76725/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0
and merge the update file version 1.1
This mod adds two books describing the new effect of the mod CACO. They are located at the Alchemist shack. Download and install the main file as well as the update merging them into one mod.

Missing Totem Puzzle Pillars by Madcat221
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/27411/?
Download and install the main file version 1.0
For those that have played so much that they know the solution to all of the pillar puzzles. This will force you to look around again as they icons have gotten a face lift.

Mods Part 12 - Quests

These are quest mods that will alter quests already in the game and/or have a small quest related to vanilla material. There is no plan to add mods that are completely new quest mods and/or ones that add alot of new material.

Essential Guide Mods

These mods are essential to the main guide contents. They are mods that help me create a certain feel but in a lot of cases are required for patches associated with other mods.

The Notice Board by MannyGT
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70142/?
Download and install the main file version 2.2
You can download the Console Board file manually should you have any issues with the quests.

Notice Board - Dragonborn DLC - Better Solstheim Quests by AndrealphusVIII
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70588/?
Download and install the main file version 2.1
You can merge this file with The Notice Board mod

Simple fix for The Notice Board by MannyGT (Rescue citizen and Escaped prisoner missions) by Memnochs
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/79296/?
Download and install the main file version 2.24
I suggest merging this mod into The Notice Board overwriting that esp file.

Optional Mods

These mods are optional to the Main Guide Contents. They are not essential for patches associated with other mods. They do still help me reach a desired feel for the game.

Timing is Everything - Quest Delay and Timing Control by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/38151/?
Download and install the Main file version 2.02
Note: Through the MCM you can adjust the Vampire Attacking Towns essentially turning them off to save the brave but foolish citizens of skyrim.

The Paarthurnax Dilemma by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/18465/?
Download and install the main file version 1.2.9
This mod removes one of the few choices in the game that has any consequence.

Stackable Stones of Barenziah with Optional Quest Markers by thegeekofalltrades
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/49056/?
Download the main file with MCM support version 1.0
Finding these without this mod or through the use of a wiki this quest is very difficult.

Mods Part 13 - Textures/Animations

I have waited until now to talk about textures because I hink it is important to see things before adding textures so you can decide if the textures mods I add are to your liking or not. The majority of mods do not have any esp/esm files or scripts attached to them so they are safe to remove or add to any game. I will advise you differently if and when applicable.

High Resolution Texture Packs

I can not and will not recommend the official texture packs included in your Steam download. They are not well optimised and have had very bad results for some people. Using other mods will get you the same and better look with better performance.
Do not delete these files from your computer though as if you are forced to verify/validate your master files/cache, these files will be downloaded again. Simply not activating them and leaving them alone will have no negative effect on your game.

Coflicts

Once again you may need to further understand conflicts and how to resolve them. If there are any questions it is best to watch gopher's video on conflicts
Mod Organizer #8 - Conflicts and Priorities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVSy_5M3NTc

Texture Overhauls

Following are two large texture overhauls. the use of both may be redundant but as you will see installing the first mod followed by the second and then by any additional mods you can over write certain aspects of the preceeding mods. At the time of this writing and in my current game build I have only the gamwich mods installed starting with the performance mods and then picking several others and overwriting if needed.

Optimized Vanilla Textures
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57353/?
It is highly recommended you use these textures as they are of high resolution but optimized allowing for possible better formance than the standard base game textures allow.

aMidianBorn Book of Silence
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/24909/?
As an alternative and/or addition to the Optimized Textures mod above. It may even be a better option as it has seperate files allowing you to choose which textures need to be replaced.

Gamwich Mods

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/users/5712421/?tb=mods&pUp=1
This is a direct link to all of Gamwich's mods. By selecting different texture mods from the rustic series of mods to the rugs, cheese and every thing else including the performance mods you can replace the mods linked above to reach a unique looking Skyrim. There are 51 texture mods to choose from however I use a few mods that cover the same thing. I will list the Gamwich mods I use in the next section entitled Gamwich Texture Mods.

Optional Texture/Animation Mods

The above mods may be enough for anyone to enjoy a newly retextured game however for me the small things are what really makes the game take a new look. By looking at the mod pages linked you will see what I mean. Install any of these that you may want after installing the mods above.

Light Foot - Jumping Animation by 5poiler
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69240/?
Download and install the main file Jumping Animation 1.7

IMAGINATOR - Visual Control Device for Skyrim by MyGoodEye and Gopher - with help from Vivanto and Deapri
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13049/?
Download and install the main file IMAGINATOR - Visual Control Device w MCM - Beta version V2
I often refer this mod as the poor mans ENB. With its presets and costomizable MCM you can achieve a small amount of what an ENB can provide.

Ruins Clutter Improved by raiserfx
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14227/?
Download and install the main file Ruins_Clutter_Improved_NMM_v2-9

Static Mesh Improvement Mod - SMIM by Brumbek
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/8655/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD
Decide if you want the full or lite version with or without the Dragonborn DLC.
Load Smim after Ruins Clutter. Use the conflict resolutions techniques for other mods. if in doubt allow Smim to load after.

Animated Dwemer Lift Load Doors by DoubleBrewski
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/34399/?
This mod adds a brief animation to the Dwemer Lift Load Doors found all over Skyrim. Most of the Load doors (Doors which load into a new cell, such as the Gates of Whiterun, Markarth, etc.) do play a short opening animation before game loads the next area, and now the Dwemer elevators have a little something extra to make them seem more real.

Book Covers Skyrim by DanielCoffey and doccdr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35399/?
Choose between original or desaturated textures of version 3.6
See the image section for comparisons

Book Covers Skyrim - Lost Library by DanielCoffey
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57120/?
Choose between original or desaturated textures of version 1.7
For lack of a better place to put this entry right now here it is.

More Dramatic Alduin Retexture by lightningo
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54070/?
Download and install the main file More Dramatic Alduin version 1.1
As an alternative and less dramatic retexture you can select any of the other files instead but for the full effect and make Alduin a special dragon I use the full version.

Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks by pondcypress
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/15052/?
Download and install the main file Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks - Main File version 5.0a
A an option you could download these esp free texture files seperately but I like them all.

Necromancer Amulet Replacer by testiger2
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63607
Download and install the main file Necromancer Amulet v1_0

Shiny Ore Veins by Quarn
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32030/?
Download and install the main BSA file version 1.0.0
Once installed you should deactivate the esp file and allow MO to handle the BSA.

Surile and Argonian Wine Recolor by JadeRoyale
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/41752/?
Download and install the main file Surilie and Argonian Wine Recolor version 2.0

Talos Shrine Redone by MadCat221
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73773/?
Download and install the main file Talos Shrine Redone version 1

OH GOD BEES - More Bees-More Hives-HD Textures by lesi123
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/65372/?
Download and install the main fileOH GOD BEES - HD Textures version 1.1
Note: you can also merge the main file OH GOD BEES - More Bees and Hives version 1.0
if you want more bees and hives placed throughout Skyrim.

Gamwich Texture Mods

This may appear to be alot of files to download but they are much smaller files than the big overhaul mods. They also allow you to pick and choose which mods to use. They can also be used along side the bigger mods and once placed below those mods in the LHP MO will overwrite those textures that come before.

NOTE: If this is the first time you are installing these mods you may want to install them individually to ensure you like the looks and can handle the available resolutions. If you are sure you want these mods I suggest that you install them in bunches and merge them into easier to manage mod amounts. You can always delete the installed mod and reinstall for individual or in bunches as you see fit.

Gamwich Clothing, Armor, Etc.

These mods cover high resolution clothing and armors.

Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/42360/?
The main all in one file is all you need for 1k textures. Look to the optional files for 2k textures.

RUSTIC FORSWORN
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73515/?
Choose the resolution you want.

RUSTIC CLOTHING
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69784/?
Choose your desired resolution. you should have 4 files downloaded: skyrim and 3 DLC files.

Gamwich Rustic Creatures and NPCs

These mods are for high resolution Creatures and NPCs.

Bethesda Performance Textures - Animals and Creatures
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/43921/?
Download the allin one main file and if you want the optional 2k Draugr Armor.

RUSTIC GARGOYLE
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/77778/?
Choose your desired resolution.

RUSTIC DEATH HOUND
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/77415/?
Choose the standard or dark version and the resolution of your choice.

RUSTIC DRAGON CORPSE
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/65663/?
First decide if you want the standard clean, gory/clean or the optional cleaner version and then pick the resolution. I go with the main Rustic Dragon Corpse version.

RUSTIC CHILDREN
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63353/?
Becuase I use the Rustic clothing mod you will choose one of 3 main Body files depending on your resolution wanted. It is your choice if you want any of the optional files.

Gamwich Large Rustic Items

These mods are for larger rustic items or things associated with the large items(windows).

RUSTIC MONUMENTS and TOMBSTONES
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68884/?
Download and install the FOMOD. When installing select the desired resolutions and the smim/vanilla meshes.

RUSTIC WORD WALLS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68561/?
Choose your desired resolution.

RUSTIC WINDOWS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54302/?
You should select the Skyrim/Dragonborn version depending on the resolution wanted.

RUSTIC FARMHOUSES
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/53986/?
Choose the regular or reduced resolutions.

RUSTIC NORDIC MURALS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/65602/?
Choose your desired resolution.

RUSTIC WOODPOST and LIGHTPOST
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/72915/?
Choose the main file matching the rsolution you want.

Gamwich Miscellaneous Rustic Items

These mods cover the smaller rustic items.

RUSTIC ELDERSCROLL
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73287/?
Choose the desired resolution and then if wanted an optional retexturing when reaing the scroll.

RUSTIC OVEN - Hearthfires
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68387/?
Decide if you want the standard or sparrow dome version and the the wanted resolutions.

RUSTIC COOKING STATION
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/62800/?
Choose your desired resolution.

RUSTIC POTIONS and POISONS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/62701/?
Choose the desired resolution.

RUSTIC CLUTTER COLLECTION
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/62506/?
Choose only the desired main file depending on resolution wanted. this mod collects several other mods into one collection. those other mods have not been included in this guide.

RUSTIC ALCHEMY and ENCHANTING TABLES
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/62328/?
Choose the desired main file depending on resolution wanted.

Gamwich Other Mods

These mods cover items not associated with the Rustic Series.

RUGNAROK
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64830/?
Choose the desired resolution.

PELTAPALOOZA - Pelts of Skyrim Expansion
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60412/?
Choose whether you want the full (9 rugs) or the lite (6 rugs) version.

BLOODSTONE CHALICE REBORN
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63551/?
Choose the main file of your choice and if wanted a darker blood optional version and/or an overflowing blood version.

IMMERSIVE LORE-FRIENDLY CHEESE AND CABBAGE
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/62603/?
Choose the desired resolution.

ONE MOUNTAIN - To Rule Them All
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58666/?
Download and unstall the all in one FOMOD. When installing you do need to select the Realistic Water Two Patch but that is all.

Gamwich Etherreal Mods

These mods will retexture how you see the sky.

ETHEREAL CLOUDS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/56279/?
Choose your desired resolution from the main files.

Ethereal Cosmos
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47173/?
Choose the version you want once looking at the images page for comparisons. I like the twinkle version.

ETHEREAL AURORAS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51869/?
Only one file to choose from and yes this mod is compatible and recommended to be used with the above mod.

Gamwich Optional Mods

EASIER LOCKPICKING - Without Cheating - Nordic Retexture
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/53071/?
I am linking this as optional simply because there are many good lock retexturing mods and you might want to look at them as well but this one is as good as any others.

Better Signage - Inns and Shops
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51272/?
I prefer the optional mod Signs of Skyrim linked elsewhere however I feel this deserves to be mentioned and considered. it is your choice.

OPTIONAL - Vampire or Werewolf

This section is mainly focused on if you want to play extensively as either a vampire, vampire lord or werewolf. Of course these mods can be used without playing the game exclusively as one of the above listed styles.

Predator Vision - Vampire Werewolf and Khajiit by Gopher
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/22274/?
Download and install the main file version 1.3
Note: The vision can be forced onto any race but that could be considered a cheat.

Vampire/Vampire Lord

As you might be able to tell I like being a vampire.

Better Vampires 7.8 by Brehanin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/9717/?
Download and install the main file version 7.8
When installing FOMOD file the only option you should select if wanted is the Vampire Lord drain attack fix removing the area of effect and the patch for Royal Bloodlines should you use that mod(recommended).

Royal Bloodline - Vampire Lord perk tree - abilities - and more by xyks and Tx12001
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/22565/?
Download and install the main file Royal Bloodline Vampire Lord Perk Tree Version 2.5 BETTER VAMPIRES version 2.5
Note: I did not install any Optional mods however the mod author does give neat options as well as some files should you have issues with certain functions. It is upto you to test for yourself and download these files should you need them.

Castle Volkihar Rebuilt by Arthmoor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/65502/?
Download and install the main file Castle Volkihar Rebuilt version 1.1.2

Elegant Vampire Armor - Dawnguard by DianoraRose
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/21701/?
Download and install the main file Elegant Vampire Armor version 2.2
and merge the optional file Updated ESP version 2.2
Note: you can also choose the other optional files should you want. Merge these files into the main mod. I currently have both but maybe not for long. Normally I avoid linking retexturing of specific armors however I feel this mod simply makes the armor a little more flashy while staying true to the vanilla style.

Lustmord Vampire Armor by AmethystDeceiver
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25852/?
Choose either standard or high resolution textures and download the main file version 1.2

Humanoid Vampires - Vampires use normal faces and Serana's eyes variant by Darth Sidious
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58139/?
Humanoid Vampires 1.3
Download and install either Version, 1.1 or 1.3. I chose version 1.3 to make them look as human as possible.
Download and merge the optional file Humanoid Vampires 1.2-No Eyes Edit allowing previous mods to control the eyes.

Keeper Carcette Vampire Follower by DimensionLord1
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/74075/?
Download and install either main file. I chose the alternate appearance to go with the other human looking vampires.

Ygrid The Vampire Follower by Darth Sidious
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70663/?
Download and install the main file Ygrid The Vampire version 1.0
Note: I suggest installing this mod only after starting the Abandoned House quest.

Morinth - Vampire follower and potential spouse by Darth Sidious
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/50862/?
Morinth - Vampire follower and potential spouse version 1.02
Note: I am not a big fan of where she is placed but it is a minor thing.

The Karlov Brood - Vampire Followers by kavula
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/66095/?
Download and install the main file of your choice version 1.2
Note: you do not need either CBBE or UNP. the files are stand alone. I do not like the placement or the high starting level but if you install this mod mid game or just do not use them until later it is fine. This may be the only male vampire mod that do not require an additional body mod.

Lucy And Louis - Adoptable vampire children (vanilla-RS-TK Children version) by Darth Sidious
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55908/?
Download and install the main file Lucy And Louis - Adoptable Vampire Children version 1.1

BLOODSTONE CHALICE REBORN by Gamwich and Nazenn
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63551/?
Choose your main file resolution version 1.1
followed by any optional file such as darker or overflowing blood

Serana

These mods are Serana specific and can be used whether you are a vampire, member of the Dawnguard, or if you play any other way. These mods are taking into account I have not added any body type mods to this guide.

A better Looking Serana (Vanilla) by DeclanWilliams97
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60624/?
Download and install the main file A Better Serana

Serana Dialogue Edit by ThatGuyYeah
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52283/?
Download and install the main file SeranaDialogEdit v 021 - Redux Edition

Werewolf

Moonlight Tales - Werewolf and Werebear Overhaul by Brevi and Al99
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35470/?
Download and install the the main file version 2.33
and merge the optional KrittaKitty Eye Pack Version 2_33

Companion Guild

Enhanced Skyrim Factions - The Companions Guild by DreamKing
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/22650/?
Download and install the main file REQUIREMENTS-ONLY VERSION version 0.1.1

Dawnguard Guild

I have not spent much effort on playing as a member of the Dawnguard. I have so much more fun being a vampire than hunting vampires.

These two mods below are geared towards the Dawnguard but can be used by anyone. they are compatible but it may be lore breaking having the same people running 2 different stores on the opposite sides of Skyrim. They have seperate merchant chests but the Reborn mod will overwrite some files. That is fine. Install the reborn mod as a seperate mod after the original and ensure its esp file is below the first version. You decide.

The Dawnguard Brotherhood by UWShocks
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52224/?
Download and install the main file Dawnguard Brotherhood v1_1

The Dawnguard Brotherhood Reborn by UWShocks and Kelsenellenelvian
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73808/?
Download and install the main file The Dawnguard Brotherhood Reborn version 2.2.2
Note: this mod is 98% compatible with all the city mods I have but in front of the Solitude door are a couple crates. They do not block your way to enter but they are clipping into the door. You can either leave things alone with no further worries or use the disable command I discuss in the Troubleshooting Section.
Note: This mod does conflict with the optional mod The Honey Spirit - Liquor Shop in Solitude by Jokerine listed in the optional cities section so if you choose to enhance solitude with that mod you should not use this one.

Holmwood - house for a vampire hunter by Elianora - powerchimp1
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51791/?
Download and install the main file Holmwood onepointfive version 1.5
For a low resolution option download and install Holmwood LQ version 1.4LQ instead
For alternative eyes for the dog merge the file Blue-eyed Blade into either home mod
For a brighter home merge Holmwood Super bright version 0.9 to either house mods

OPTIONAL - Thieves Guild

These mods are a collection of individual mods I feel make the Thieves Guild worthy of playing an entire game based on being a thief and a member of the thieves guild.

Thieves Guild Requirements by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14157/?
Download and install the main file Thieves Guild Requirements version 3.0
and merge the optional file Compatibility Patch - Localized Guild Jobs version 3.0
Note this mod contains the features of the mods Sell Unusual Gems and Shadowmarks Improved.
Note: Be sure TG REquirements is above Localized TG Jobs

Localized Thieves Guild Jobs by LukeH
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14509/?
Download and install the main file LocalizedGuildJobs version 3.04
and merge the update file LocalizedGuildJobs_UPDATE
Note: there are additional files only if you should have any of the bugs they are for.

Thieves Guild Former Glory Enhancement by TFKAndroid
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57143/?
Download and install the main file TG Enhanced v1.61

Thieves Guild Followers - Sapphire Rune Vipir Thrynn Garthar Ravyn and Etienne by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13057/?
Download and install the main file Thieves Guild Followers version 2.0

Brynjolf and Vex -- Thieves Guild Followers by kryptopyr
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13059/?
Download and install the main file Brynjolf and Vex as Followers 1_2

Thieves Guild and Nightingale Sleeveless Armor by QuickFox
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/8461/?
Download and install the main file Thieves Guild and Nightingale Sleeveless v1_7

Additional Armors
There are many mods retexturing the Thieves Guild armor. You should look for your self and make your own choices for retexturing the armors if you want.
Personally I like the Black Mage Armor mod for many playstyles, a thief is just one.

OPTIONAL - Dark Brotherhood

The Dark Brotherhood Resurrection Part 1 by Jake Washenfelder
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25941/?
Download and install the main file BetterDarkBrotherhood version 1.9

Dark Brotherhood Reborn - Dawnstar Sanctuary by aluckymuse
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/20700/?
Download and install the main file Dark Brotherhood Reborn - Dawnstar Sanctuary version 1.0.7

Save the Dark Brotherhood by PrinceShroob
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54244/?
Download and install the main file Save the Dark Brotherhood version 1.2

dark brotherhood forever moved to misc by jman
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10194/?
Download and install the main file Dark brotherhood forever misc version 1

Dark Brotherhood Expansion - Raven Rock Sanctuary by RMPotter
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/62331/?
Download and install the main file DBE - Raven Rock Sanctuary version V2.0
Note: Do not enter the sanctuary until the main DB questline is finished. I suggest installing and activating the mod after finishing the quest line.

Sanctuary Cleanup - Unlimited Torture Victims by Anon1Anon
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/11743/?
Download and install the Old Version file Sanctuary Cleanup v1_1

Dark Brotherhood Initiates Replacer by Master Sacha
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/11401/?
Download and install the main file Initiates version 1.00
As an option you can replace the replacements with replacements by downloading the misc file. Male will replace male and female will replace female. I suggest Installing the main file and the optionals as two or even three seperate mods allowing you to activate and deactivate the mods and esp files as you want. If you merge these files the textures required for each will overwrite the respective genders.
Or just stick with the main files. They are great as is. I love this mod.

83Willows - 1 EYE OPEN - creepy Nightmother and Coffins by 83Willow
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/4762/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD version 2.5
Choose the eys wanted followed by the foffin colors and look.

Additional Armors
There are many great mods that retexture or enhance the DB armor. You should search for yourself and choose any that is right for you if you want to.

One option might be this mod. I have also added it the Armor section of the main guide.

Arise - Chapter 1 - The Black Sacrament by AmethystDeceiver
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/5696/?
Choose the resolution you want of the main file version 4.1
when installing you will choose your body style. Standard if no body mod is added and then select the option of the Brotherhood replacementyou might want.

OPTIONAL - College of Winterhold

These mods are a collection of mods I think make the College of Winterhold a fun and useful place. I usually do not start as a new member and instead choose the option of a patron at the inn when using the alternate start mod. This will allow me to select the enchantment I want on the college robes with Better College Application.

Better College Application by Gandaganza
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60061/?
Download and install the main file College Application - No-Plugin Version version 2

Immersive College of Winterhold by Grantyboy050
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36849/?
Download and install the main file Immersive College of Winterhold version 4.1
Note: do not select any patches but decide the saturation of your book covers.

Wakened Winterhold Statue by AnTiWoMaAgNoT
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55952/?
Choose your resolution and then decide if you want the cape flying or not. I do not use the optional files to lower the intesity of light from the globes. This mod above all else may be my favourite especially at night.

The College of Winterhold - NPC Improvement by redtox
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/67359/?
Download and install the main file College NPC improvement v2

Mage College Dorm Doors - Player Privacy by Thicketford
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/43213/?
Download and install the main file College Dorm Doors version 1.0

The Midden - Expanded by EasierRider
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/38484/?
Download and install the main file The Midden Expanded version v1.03
Noe: you can use the lite version if you want the home options removed but you could always just ignore those options with the full version.

College of Winterhold Staff Enchanter and Merchant by ConnorTaylor97
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/48035/?
Download and install the main file College of Winterhold Staff Enchanter and Merchant version 1.0

College Guards and Saarthaal Miners and Terek by kvatchcount
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69399/?
Download and install the main file College Guards and Saarthaal Miners and Terek version 1.6
Note: only install the optional file should you want Terek to survive his occasional trips to the whiterun hall of the dead. He appears in Breezehome and really has no purpose. I tend to use him to feed on or I just disable him(see the troubleshooting section).
Most of the time when playing the mages guild exclusively I do not buy breezehome so I never see Terek.

Robes Retexturing
I will let you search for retexturing mods if wanted as everyone has their own personal thoughts on what looks great.

OPTIONAL - Life of a Bard

Being a Bard in Skyrim is all about roleplaying. I always see Bards as utilizing the Shouts in combat or adventuring in general but also pleasing a crowd with a soothing song at the local tavern or hall. Adding the mod Thunderchild works well along with the addition of survival mods.

Become a Bard by Pevey
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/65636/?
Download and install the main file LPBards_5_0_6
Note: This file was recently unhidden on Nexus. Should it be hidden again you could download it from Steam for a supported version. This works just fine.

UIExtensions by Expired
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57046/?
Download and install the main file UIExtensions v1-2-0
Note: This mod is required to get ful functionality of Become a Bard

Bards Lute by Demidekidasu
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/23216/?
Download and install the main file Bards Lute v10 version 1.0
Note: This lute is playable but useless except you shift to god Mode for the 30 seconds while playing the lute. I loved going into a massive bandit den and start playing while my 5 followers thanks to EFF took care of the enemies. I call its use The Song of Immortality.

Wearable Bards Lute and Retex by Dragonis0
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25969/?
Download and install the main file Wearable Bards Instruments - Lute Only

Jen's HD Instruments by Jen
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/59057/?
Download and install the main file Jen's HD Instruments version 1

A lute from Witcher 3 by PandoraTremere
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73326/?
Download the Main file A lute
and merge the optional file For Become A Bard
followed by merging the file Wearable Lute
Note: Load after Jen's HD Instruments

Revenge of The Bards College by Pietpompies
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/38379/?
Download and install the main file Bards re-unite version 1.1.0

Bards Questing in Tombs by Dysfunctional Mod Team
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16161/?
Download and install the main file Bards Questing in Tombs 1_1

Player Beds at Bards College by EnlilofNippur
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32989/?
Download and install the main file BardsCollegeBed

and/or

Bards College Bed Ownership by hasanalicik
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/29194/?
Download and install the main file Bards College Bed Ownership version 1

One With Nature - Dynamic Animals and Creatures by lesi123 and White Shadow
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54090/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD One With Nature All-In-One version 2.2
When Installing sekect the SkyTest and Dawnguard/Dragonborn options.
Note: I admit this mod is more a druid type thing however a nature bard could be a thing. Right now there is not a better place to put this optional mod.

OPTIONAL - Survivor Man/Woman

For those that want to get back to nature. When combined these mods will turn Skyrim into a survivalist paradise. Use them all or pick and choose.

Campfire - Complete Camping System by Chesko
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64798/?
Download and install the main file Campfire 1.10.3 Release
Note: when using this mod you are able to disable the Modern Brawl Bugs Fix as Campfire has that built into it.

Frostfall - Hypothermia Camping Survival by Chesko
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/11163/?
Download and install the main file Frostfall 3.3.1
When Installing select the SkyUI option.

Wet and Cold by isoku
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/27563/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD Wet and Cold v2_02
When Installing make your optional selections.

iNeed - Food Water and Sleep by isoku
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51473/?
Download and install the main file FOMOD iNeed v1_602
When installing decide if you want the dangerous disease addon.

Hunterborn by dragonsong
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/33201/?
Download and install the main file Hunterborn version 1.5
and merge the Optional file Hunterborn Patches version 1.5.2
Note: you can install all the patches and hide the one you do not need. Using the rest of the guide you will need the CACO and Wearable Lanterns Patches.

Additional Info
Many other mods throughout the guide will enhance a survival game. Mods such as Cloaks and Winter is Coming-Cloaks, Wearable Lanterns and the entire Mods part 4 - Weather, Water, Lighting, Sounds and Flora section.
More over the economy mods such as Trade and Barter, Trade Routes, Perseids Inns and Taverns - Realistic Room Rental Enhanced, Complete fast travel Overhaul will make city life more Dynamic by trading your wilderness treasures and maybe more costly to spend a night at an inn.
Convenient Horses is extremely useful in that your horse can carry supplies and as a last resort be dinner.

OPTIONAL - Festive and Fun Mods

Holidays by isoku
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64820/?
Download and install the main file Holidays v2_0
and merge the Optional file Holidays - ETaC Patches

The Merry Snowberry - Holiday Decorations and Food by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47524/?
Download and install the main file The Merry Snowberry v2-1
As an option you can download the file requiring you to possess a book before being able to craft the recipes.

BadGremlins Hearthfire Halloween Shop by badgremlin - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70566/?
Download and install the main file Halloween Shop version 1.0
As an option sell an additional item merge the optional file addon version 1.1

The Golden Rose - Valentine Decorations and Food by Jokerine - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/50964/?
Download and install the main file Valentines Clutter version 1.00

The Bloody Tankard - Halloween Decorations and Food by Jokerine - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/59483/?
Download and install the main file The Bloody Tankard v1

BadGremlins Merged ESPs by BadGremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80710/?
This mod is a collection of esp files for his various item search mods. You will still need to download the mods linked below however you can choose to not install the esp files or simply move them into the optional section in the mod information.
I do suggest installing all the mods into one mod called BadGremlin collection or something you will remeber and understand. The original mods can be downloaded from these pages:
BadGremlins Skill Bobbleheads by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/74173/?
BadGremlins Skill BobbleHeads Set2 by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80204/?
BadGremlins 2013 Snowglobe by BadGremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/49208/?
BadGremlins Snowglobe 2014 by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60981/?
BadGremlins 2015 Snowglobe by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71658/?
BadGremlins 2016 Snowglobe by BadGremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80464/?
BadGremlins Great JarHunt by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25956/?
BadGremlins Captured Fairies by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/62340/?
BadGremlins Trophy Heads by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69522/
BadGremlins Something Fishy by BadGremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63537/?

BadGremlins SnowGlobe Search by badgremlin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/26383/?
Download and install the main file BadGremlins Snowglobes version 1.0
Note: This mod is in addition to the other mods presented above.

Seashells by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58164/?
Download and install the main file Seashells v3

Read Books Aloud by Chesko and Sjors Boomschors
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/46088/?
Download and install the main file ReadBooksAloud version 1.0.1
Either choose not to install any skywind/skyblivion files or hide them in the optional section.
and merge the optional file ReadBooksAloud - Skyrim - 3 DLCs version 1.0.1
Note for even more enjoyment use the next mod as well

Read Books Aloud - Various Audio Book Files by Wrayne
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60615/?
Download and install all three main files version 1.0

Free Hug Mod - A mod for love by T3nd0
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51657/?
Download and install the main file FreeHugMod1_2

OPTIONAL - House Mods

I personally do not use these however some of the greatest people in the worl linked them to me whaile linking a lot of other mods. On behalf of those individuals I present to you some house mods.

Salmon Shack by MannyGT
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/42708/?
This is just a shack, the Salmon Shack! It's located near the Solitude Sawmill, on the tiny island.
It's a perfect hut for those who play Skyrim in inmmersion mode and for those who like to be an adventurer.
Note: This is a mod I would use because you do not get alot of things with it.

Round Window Cabin - Player Home by LOLICEPT
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/72138/?
It's a very simple, cozy home, with a nice view of Whiterun. It has all the crafting stations you would need.

Ranger Cabins by Jakarius
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14400/?
Download and install the main file Ranger Cabins 2_0
Note: this mod is not navmeshed for followers.

The Riften Garret by sa547
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/42254/?
Need a place to crash in while at Riften, but can't afford Honeyside yet? Or wish for an extra home for followers? Or that you want a home that can satisfy most of your needs? Built into the Snowshods' manor is the Riften Garret.
Note: I would use this one on certain Roleplays or at certain points of a game. It does come with everything making it less appealing to me but the Behind the scenes story given to the mod is great.

Designer Homes by Blessingwindwalker
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/77323/?
Download and install the optional file Designer Homes Merged version 3
You could install the main file with esp plugins for each house, keeping the ones you like, deleting the rest and merging the ones you do like.

Live Anywhere - Constructible Shacks by gezegond
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/61752/?
Download and install the main file Live Anywhere - Constructible Shacks version 2.0.0
and merge the Update file Wood Chopping Fix version 2.0.1

OPTIONAL - Other Locational Makeovers

High Hrothgar

I have already suggested using Thunderchild in a previous section allowing some modification of High Hrothgar however the following mods are Compatible with the proper files and further enhance the area. It is not very family friendly but through EFF you can have alot of followers hanging out there. It is afterall a very large and empty area.

High Hrothgar Overhaul by MannyGT
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/41580/?
Download and install the main file High Hrothgar Overhaul version 1.0

High Hrothgar Overhauled by Calarand
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54474/?
I suggest using the optional files for Thunderchild Compatibility merging them into one mod
HH Interior and Lighting - Thunderchild compatible version 1.0a 11:32, 30 May 2014
HH Suite and Pool - Thunderchild compatible version 1.0a

Little Immersive Mods You Did Not Know You Needed

These mods are for the little things you might not have even noticed if there was not a mod made to correct it. Title suggest by cfs111

SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED

Contribution by smr1957 plus a ton more throughout the guide. Literally a ton!!!

Sound Hammering Sounds by sialivi
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80655/?
"NPCs performing house repairs or maintenance on the mast of a ship will no longer make the sound of hammering on metal. Instead it will make an appropriate wooden sound."
No .esp - just a sound replacer.

The 418th Step by Chesko
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19107/?
The second of The Five Songs of King Wulfharth tells us that High King Wulfharth (Ysmir) rebuilt the 418th step of High Hrothgar some time in the sixth century of the 1st Era when it had been damaged by a dragon attack. There is no evidence of this in-game, however, which I thought was strange given Wulfharth's direct connection to Talos. Such a step should be honored as a treasured artifact of a place where Talos himself once walked amongst men.

HAVE PITA ON LYDIA - Hoamaii Meat Sandwich by Hoamaii
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57435/?
This is just a texture replacer for the half-loaf of bread in the animobjects animation. Textures are only slightly more detailled than Vanilla's - no big deal.
Now when your character will be playing the "eat" animation, this should be considerably more sustaining. May Hircine be with you.
NOTE: I suggest this file even though every file is texture only this will replace all breads.
Hoamaii_MeatSandwich_TextureReplacer: This replaces the Vanilla bread textures. No need for any other file, the animobject will use this as well. Should you want ALL loafs of bread in Skyrim to be modified to sandwiches, including the animobject, use this instead.
NOTE: No ESP file

Wine and Beer In Tankards by Hoamaii
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/59260/?
In all taverns, houses and castles, tankards remain desperately empty. Put an end to that curse right now! Let wine and beer flow freely in each and every tankard in Skyrim, let the taverns' audience finally raise their glasses in joy and face the mountains weather with fire in their veins!
NOTE: No ESP file

Filled Pots by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32573/?
This mod adds food to pots, one item at a time of course. The foods are all cooked, and range from vegetables, to meats, soups and stews. Raw foods, and items like bread, drinks and fruit are not included.

Clapping or applaud change by Kanaru
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/59128/?
Tired of the slow, sad/sarcastic clapping NPCs do when a beautiful song ends?
Well, wait no more, this mod changes the animation to one of the alternate applaud animations, not only they will raise their hands and clap fast, you will hear the difference in the sound.
NOTE: I suggest the main file Random Clapping version 1.1(ESP file)

Respectful Guard Animations by JeremeW5257
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52326/?
This mod adds the "salute" animation to some of the guards comments, when they interact with you. I tried to make is at immersive as possible, so anytime they pay you a compliment, express gratitude or sympathy, or refer to you as someone of power, they will "salute" you when they talk.
Download and install the optional file Respectful Guard Animations Patch for Guard Dialogue Overhaul
Note: this is because I have Guard Dialogue Overhaul installed

Stop being a creepy stalker Aerin by MrPingy
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/11899/?
Ever bother you how Aerin would follow Mjoll around breathing down her neck? You got married and he followed you to your new house, then stood there watching her sleep? This mod will fix that.

Haming's bed in Froki's Shack by FarrinRacer
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71698/?
This mod adds a bedroll for Haming, the orphan from Helgen to his grandfather's shack. Animation markers added to bedroll and bed for them to sit at and not just the table anymore.

Imperial Mail - Post and Banking Service by NorthHare
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63247/?
it's not long before you're lugging around huge weapons that you'll never use, but would look great on your wall at home. Register with the Skyrim branch of the Imperial Mail and you can have inconvenient shiny things delivered to a selection of taverns across mainland Skyrim for later collection. Delivery costs are dependent on distance and the weight of the parcel.
If you're looking for employment, the Postmaster General at the Central Office is currently hiring couriers for the Express Letter Delivery service. Every delivery that you make will earn you money, and deliveries made within 24 hours will earn you a bonus and bring you one step closer to promotion. Be aware that you can be demoted if you really mess up!
SWEET!! Testing needed before I add this officially.

Isharas Key Ring by IsharaMeradin
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51383/?
Provide a "key ring" to hold whatever keys you want.

Dressed Hearthfire Doll by uni_SL
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/75362?
The dolls of Skyrim are now clothed with one strange doll added.

12th century Bookfont by MaGlas
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/72159/?
This is an Bookfont-replacer for all of Skyrim´s books. Every letter has been handdrawned.

Full Tables of Dragonsreach by dailyplanet
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/74280/?
(He's the Jarl, he should at least be able to put some food out)

You Hunger by evrymetul
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/49421/?
(Because there just shouldn't be all that food out there just waiting for you to eat it)This mod has 3 goals, increase the difficulty of basic needs mods such as Realistic Needs and Diseases and iNeed - Food Water and Sleep, decrease the Skyrim food and wine epidemic to a reasonable level, and increase performance.

Carrots of Skyrim by Ro84
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70499/?
This mod adds planted Carrots across Skyrim to many farms.
Download and installCarrots of Skyrim (WMFF version) version 1.0.0 Because this guide uses the mod WM's Flora Fixes

Fat ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥s in Skyrim by Foster
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/57875/?
This mod will add several Fat NPCs to Skyrim. Some are existing NPCs, others are new. Bandit and Forsworn camps now feature Fat NPCs as well.

Spriggans Drop Wood by DrMonops
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71601/?
There is a Campfire version and non Campfire Version. Campfire is linked in the Survivor mods.

Bard Flute Music - Touhou by JackDigital
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/4149/?

Alternative Bards Lute Songs by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35248/?

Alternative Bards Drum Songs by Jokerine
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35201/?

MCM - Mod Configuration Menu(WIP)

By pressing the esc key and selecting the systems tab you will be able to access a special menu called the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM). Some mods include a special feature allowing you to customize your mod while in game and for the most part change those setting at will.

As you will see I have a lot of available MCMs to customize. For the most part they can be left as is but a few do require activation. I encourage you to view the MCMs and try different settings to determine what you might like.

I would go through each one with you discussing every selection I make and why but that would take forever and leave my hands crippled. Besides it is fun to experiment and learn on my own and hopefully you experiment as well and have fun doing it.

Better Vampires
You could leave this mod alone and once infected and/or you become a vampire the mod will activate as normal. If you want to begin the game as a vampire you can do so by navigating to the troubleshooting page and reset your vampirism or vampire lord.

Disparity
This mod must be activated before it will have any affect on your game. First thing is to confirm your race and once that is done you must either select a class or make a custom one. adjust your starting spells if wanted and confirm your race. You can then make further racial and gender selections to change how those areas are affected throughout the game.

Complete Crafting
the most important thing here is to navigate to the Enable Mods page and select the five options not selected: JewelCraft, Bandoliers, Cloaks, JaySus, and Winter is Coming. You can choose them to be in the crafting menus and/or distributed among the NPC lists. Other options are available on the other pages as well allowing you to nearly customize every aspect of the mod.

Complete Alchemy
I want to point out the Misc page as this page has a basic hunger and fatigue option. it is not hardcore like other mods but does add a little more life to the game. Something else you may want to consider if you like the idea of cannibalism is to select the option Mark Harvested NPCs as eaten. If you decide this is something you want you must also navigate to the Harvest page and select the Allow Cannibalism option. Make further changes as you see fit.

Harvest Overhaul
To enable the HO Creatures mod full access you must make this selction. I also select the Lite version for every Harvest Mode. If you enable the Hunger and Fatigue of Complete Alchemy you might want to leave it alone. See what the default setting are like and come back and adjust if needed. You can also make a few other adjustments as well like the frequency of gems. Show some moderation if you want or max the settings. they are not too outlandish but you will be much richer than you would be with out the options.

Harvest Overhaul Creature
By default this MCM does nothing more than the vanilla game. I usuaually enable all options because the whole point of this mod is to enhance the recipes from animals once you have harvested them.

Genesis
You must activate the mod before using but can deactivate it at will if wanted. Adjust the spawns as you seem fit. you can always come back and adjust again if they are not to your liking.

Jaxonz Real Names
You can leave this alone but you will notice unnamed people will have names now nd also have job titles such as guards. You can disable this or keep it but now you know why they have weird labels when looked at.

Jaxonz Smart Looter
I usually disable this mod or atleast limit it greatly. I choose to Loot things myself exploring, picking up and looting bodies myself. Adjust this mod as you seem fit.

Nausicaa's Tweaker
By selecting the Come Together page you can adjust how closely your followers will be together. I usually leave this alone but at times I have played with it. You can also adjust how far they will move back and how quickly they will do so when stepping into them. I usually go for the farthest and quickest options in the Out of the Way section.

OBIS
You must adjust the spawn amounts. I suggest keeping this number to 3-4 maximum. Bring a follower and fight for your life. If this number is too mnay you can readjust this number at anytime.

SSOB
you must select the only option here to have the Stones of Berenziah identified on your compass once you have initiated the quest to find them. you will still have them stack until you initiate the quest even if you choose not to select the option.

Timing is Everything
This MCM allows you to adjust the level requirement for certain events or quests to start. It is upto you if you want access to all Daedric quests, putting off dawnguard and the vampire attacks, or when you want the Hearthfire DLC to start.

Trade and Barter
You must first activate this mod for it to have any use. The only options I choose are under the Merchants page and they are the Gold Fluctuating and the respawning rate for merchants. I select the fluctuate option while leaving the numbers alone and I select a one day respawn rate to reflect a better economy.

Ultimate Combat
You can adjust the Hardcore Damage option to turn up the damage on you and NPCs resulting in a much deadlier combat game. Do not select the Hardcore Stealth as stealth is handeled by another mod.

Final Setup and Finishing Touches

It has taken a long time to get here but you are almost ready to spend countless hours Dragon hunting and possibly being hunted yourself. There are some final touches though.

Patches
Make sure all the patches are selected in the RHP. As of now all required files have been added and any patches not selected at the time of the mods installation should be added to the plugins list.

LOOT
make sure you have run LOOT, sorted and applied. Once you have done that make a final check making sure you reorder the LHP to the order of the RHP matching the mods list to the to the first esp/esm file in the plugins tab.

Unnecessary ESP and ESM files
Several mods have been included that once the mod has been installed and the LHP properly sorted you can deactivate the plugin files. These mods will be handled by MO or by CCOR. Leaving them in the RHP will not hurt but you could move them into your optional files section of each mod. These Esp/Esm files are:
JSwords.esm
Modern Brawl Bug Fix.esp
Cloaks.esp
Cloaks - Dawnguard.esp
1nivWICCloaks.esp
1nivWICSkyCloaksPatch.esp
Dr_Bandolier.esp
Shiny Ore Veins.esp
Note: Adding the word RESORCE to the name of each mod will remind you that the mod does have esp/esm files in the optional section. (tip learned from CFS111's guide)

WryeBash
You can now Make the final Bashed Patch. You may have noticed Wrye Bash offers several tweaks that can be made. By opening the Tweak settings on the left side you will see a list of options. I suggest raising the crimes for fines for crimes by ten times the listed value.
I also use the Max Training option to raise the amount of training sessions I can receive. You could raise this to 99 allowing almost infinite levelling simply by training with enough money. a better and more reasonable number might be ten. Early on you will not be able to afford this many times and later this many times will not raise you a full level.
I do not touch the rest but have experimented and used other options in the past.

Play the Game
You are now ready to play the game. Once in game you still need to do one more thing.

MCMs
Make sure you have read the Mod Configuration Menu section and made the adjustments you want to begin the game with. Also make sure you have activated the mods you need to.

Trouble Shooting

I have tested the vast majority of these mods together for a very long time as they are my favourites but a few I have used sparringly. I will continue to test as I am planning to play a full game as soon as I publish this guide.

Clipping or Items Blocking Your Way
The biggest issue I have noticed is some mods affect the same area as another mod. I have eliminated the majority of mods from my initial list to cut down on these things. One area is the Solitude Docks. If you use the Ship house mod and move it to solitude it will be sitting ontop of at least one smaller boat and crowding another. You may not even notice that. You may however encounter a tree from time to time in the middle of the road. You can either ignore it or fix it.

One method of fixing these issues is to use a console command. I highly discourage the use of Console Commands if you do not fully understand what you are doing and the problems that could arise. That said the Command Disable is relatively safe if you make a save before using the command. If something goes wrong you can reload that save.

Skyrim:Console

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Console
disable
Don't render the selected object (includes actors.)
The object will be made invisible, collision will also be turned off and AI won't process on the object, but scripting on the object will run (unlike Oblivion, where it would instantly crash to desktop, the player can't be disabled). Also see enable.
enable
Render the selected object (includes actors.)
Undoes disable, making the object and its collision and AI appear in the world again. Also see disable .

• -First open the console with the ` key(right below the esckey)
  
• -Select the object and view the information on screen. The mod Mfg Console will give you a detailed description of the item. if this isn't the item you want disabled try again.
  
• -Once you have the object selected in the console type disable. the item should disappear. if the item you did not want remains immediately enter the command enable to return the item and try selecting again.

WARNING:

Once you have selected a new object or exited the game you can not reenable the deleted object. REload if you want the item back.

Unofficial Elder Scroll Pages- UESP

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Skyrim
This web site has all kinds of info on NPCs, Quests and a lot more. No matter if you have modded your game or not Skyrim can bug out. Before complaining to me about a broken quest or an NPC doing weird things you need to research this web site.

Steam Skyrim Discussion Forums

http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/
After using the uesp.net pages, making a google search, searching the skyrim forums and reading any mod pages you think is responsible I advise you to open a new discussion. The entire community can help you far better than I can alone. Link this guide when explaing your problem if you want and let me know you have opened a new thread and posting the link here so I know that you have a problem.
I will do my best to help but sometimes the game itself is to blame and not any outside influences.

Thanks, Hugs and Kisses

Ilja
Above all else Ilja must be commended on his initial guides and the help he gives to those in the forums and elsewhere. He communicates with mod authors and continues share his knowledge in several forms.

Nazenn
Nazenn has created many guides and does a lot of testing and communicating with Mod Authors trying to make skyrim mods stable as they possibly can be. He also helps those in forums and has made some great mods. When possible I rely on the information he presets and in an arguement of what is and is not about tools or technical issues will always get my trust.

CFS111
By making a great guide and helping those among the forums CFS111 motivated me to help the best way I can. By upgrading my intelligence to downgrade his guide I think I can.

smr1957
While helping those in the forums I also linked his written guide for cleaning the master files and for linking me many mods and hopefully once I get sorted out alot more.

Grimus
For helping me and others in the forums and for linking several things to me saving time and energy.

Black Album
Linking alternative file selections and being the first to download and give serious feedback among helping others within the forums.

Gopher
Gopher for making great videos that assisted me when first adventuring into the world of modding. I would always prefer to link his vids but some are outdated and some things have no videos for them.

Gamer Poets
They made a very advenced and ambitious guide called the Step Project. I linked several videos from this modding guide. You may want to check it out but keep in mind it is very advanced.

Mod Authors in General
If it wasn't for the people that make the mods, tools, and everything beyond the Steam download I highly doubt Skyrim would still be as popular as it is and I doubt it would still be my favourite game. So to everyone, big or small, that has made a mod, a tool or something else I thank each and everyone of you.

Performance Mods

Many of the Texture mods and even other mods offer a variety of different resolutions. Depending on your system you will choose what is best for you however keep in mind that properly optimized 1k textures can give better performance than the poorly optimized vanilla textures.

If you have FPS issues you should give the below mods and techniques a try. Some things are for advanced users involving editing of ini files and/or tools to monitor your performance. I will first link the easier techniques that even I can do nad follow up with more advanced options.

Advanced Tips : Memory, .Ini's and Myth Busting (v2.6)
by Nazenn
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/619573787397876592/
This link contains much of what I will present but it is filled with useful information I could not hope to match. Nazenn has linked several other things I have not because I do not understand them or how to use them. See his guide for those things.
The author has stated this discussion is dated and indeed some of the links are broken/hidden but the technical info is valid and worthy of reading.

Easy to Follow Techniques and Mods

Skyrim Settings
http://www.gamingpcbuilder.com/pc-performance-guide-skyrim/
By using this guide you might be able to achieve the same or better performance than the low vanilla settings allow while achieving more detail. By running the Steam Launcher you can customize the settings. Play until you come to the load/play screen to be sure Skyrim has saved your settings.
Launch your game through the MO SKSE Launcher to view your new settings. Test them and readjust the settings if need be. Nazenn advises in the original discussion linked above to follow the Helgen Cave to Riverwood as this route intersects several cells and will allow you to monitor your performance easier than elsewhere.
To test this use Alternate Start mod and select hunter in the wilds.

Skyrim Project Optimization
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32505/?
This is a performance mod initially created for lighting overhauls but will give better performance for everyone while inside many interior areas. It does his by not rendering things outside of the players sight. this mod should be considered even if you do not have any issues.

TESV Reduced Texture Pack
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47/?
Most but not all of the vanilla textures have been reduced to half of its original size.

Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/42360/?
is a mod that takes the Bethesda hi-resolution textures for these three categories and resizes and enhances them for maximum performance while maintaining as much detail as possible

Bethesda Performance Textures - Animals and Creatures
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/43921/?
Much like the above mod but for animals and creatures. Hi res textures for performance? yes, you can actually get better performance with properly optimized textures

Interior and Dungeon Fog Remover
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/736/?
Replaces most default "fog" meshes with blank ones. (This means the fog meshes actually contain no polygons, not just lowered alpha channel.)

Remove Interior Fog V2
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/29253/?
This mod removes the distant fog in all interiors. This is fully compatible with Interior and Dungeon Fog Remover

Remove Underwater Grass and other stuff too
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55240/?
This mod could give a small FPS increase by removing underwater grass and other things that you probably will not notice. Personally I find the under water areas underwhelming anyways and spend as little time there as possible.

Skyrim Performance PLUS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/6387/?
This is a series of mods designed to improve performance by lowering the resolution of snow, rain along with falling leaves and pine needles. The rift is the most intensive area for the above things. there is also an option to remove these effects completely.

Low Res Particles and Flora - LRPF
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/53692/?
This is a series of mods that can be downloaded for the following effects:
- Low Res Smoke v3 / Low Res Smoke v3 Xtreme
- Low Res Fire Effects and Spells v1
- Low Res Plants and Flowers v1
- Low Res Sparks and Shock Effects v1
- Low Res Snow and Frost Effects v1
- Low Res Impact Decals v1
- Low Res Blood v1

Remove Smoke
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58424/?
This mod removes the smoke particles coming from most smoke emitting fire sources through out Skyrim by replacing the textures with transparent ones.

Colorful Lights - No Shadows - More FPS
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10789/?
Pretty lights, no shadows, more FPS, simple esp file, no ini or cfg tweaking. Every single light source was opened in the CK and adjusted.

LightingShader Tweak - Huge FPS Gain
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/59533/?
These changes are primarily intended for users who have a low or mid-level computer.
FPS gain is also much more important in interior locations, especially where there are light sources. Look at the screenshots for an overall idea.

ULG - Ultra Low Graphics Mod for low-end PCs (TESV)
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17137/?
This mod could be considered a last resort to playing Skyrim. It reduces and removes almost everything resulting in a very ugly game but should you have an old pc this could be the only way to play.

Advanced Techniques and Mods

Skyrim Performance Monitor
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/6491/?
I list this as advanced because It involves some learning and setup. Users of MO need to set file paths to the MO SKSE launcher and not the vanilla launcher or the normal SKSE launcher.
To understand the 3.1GB limit and how to setup the performance monitor you should watch this video by Gopher. It is also linked on the Nexus download site.
Skyrim 3.1gb Crash Limit & Skyrim Performance Monitor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyTDCCCYuZk

INSS - Improved New Skyrim Shadows
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/283/?
This is not a mod but a series of ini tweaks. you can download the file but the description page has all the information needed. This download file is for mid ranged PCs however there are links to other settings if you prefer those.

Crash fix ENBoost
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73618/?
This is not a mod in the normal sense but files to help better manage memory limitations among other things. Check the web site for download and installation instructions.

Third Party Programs

HiAlgo BOOST
http://www.hialgo.com/SkyrimFAQ.htm
"HiAlgoBoost for Skyrim" is an acceleration engine for Skyrim(tm). With HiAlgoBoost you can:
1) Play Skyrim smoothly with higher settings, more effects and mods.
2) Play Skyrim on a laptop with high-end GPU in power-save mode, extending the battery life and preventing GPU overheating and fan activation.
3) Play Skyrim on a laptop with low-end graphic card.
By playing Skyrim through this program you can switch between 100% and 50% resolution. see below for screen shots.
100% resolution
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=805290231
50% resolution
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=805290243
If you think you could use it read the FAq on the link provided.
Warning: Do not use on a heavily Modded Skyrim. There will be a delay of sounds, Scripts, and pretty much every thing but on a light load and low settings you might get a playable Skyrim.

OPTIONAL - Body Types and Animations

This a major WIP and will be continued shortly and overtime but for now I need to place some mods here so I do not lose track of them and so I remember to work on this more advanced optional section.

XP32 Maximum Skeleton - XPMS by xp32
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/26800/?
or
XP32 Maximum Skeleton Extended - XPMSE by Groovtama
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68000/?

Simple Sit Idle Animation by gekkou1992
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/42656/?

Fores New Idles in Skyrim - FNIS by fore
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/11811/?

[smr1957]

A manual save is yes - when you hit escape and select save. And, you may want to start a dedicated thread in the forum that you can post any questions that you have and always use when a question does come up, as these comments here are limited in the length that they can be. Just start the thread, post a link here so that It can be found, and that way not only myself, but others can help (as well as myself and others subscribing to it so that we see whenever you post)

[Kad]

oh, [she says with max mods.... looks like new game is coming Again, no wonder !!
What actually is a MANUAL save - I just ESC . Lots and have all the save options ON, I have wondered about the MCM, had a look thru but since I didn't understand it, I just let it be.
I have tried to read some tutorials.. but they just get way too complicated real fast, like here with the MO [sorry] I know it's me, as it's always been like that. sadly. I really need hands on teaching. It was like that at school too.
I will go back, start again as much as I can and see how things go... Just don't expect to have heard the last of me -
Many thanks for replying and advice.

[smr1957]

Also, start small - just add a few mods at a time, test, and then play for a while to ensure there are no issues - don't fall into the trap of adding a bunch of mods and then trying to play. And, very important!!! For most mods, once they are added, they cannot be removed and play continued on that save - you have to roll back to a save made before that removed/disabled mod was installed, or start a new game - absolutely no ifs, ands, or buts about it. So make sure you make a manual save before adding anything, and save often (manually) while playing.

If you have any questions, or are unsure of something, just start a discussion and ask in the forum first - it is easier to prevent a problem than it is to fix one - especially where Skyrim is concerned. Good luck and have fun!


And the "have fun" part is the most important of all!

[smr1957]

Hi CatLady! Glad you found us as well! The best thing to do, is to ready through the following - even if you know some of the things it is still good to refresh your memory:

Start with:
Player and Modding Resources by Ilja http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/594821545176386165/
VERY IMPORTANT if you wish to successfully mod your game

Once you have reviewed the above, you can refer to this resource for links to guides, tutorials, vids, and other important information:
HELPFUL LINKS AND REFERENCES
http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/1482109512314623696/

[Kad]

oh wow... so so glad I found you all...
been playing on/off for several years I recently had to get a new computer and start again... I have always used the provided data files and steam mods, I am getting braver with Nexus but have no idea other than hit download on both. MO is way too complicated for me but your list does include several I use now I have some idea on which order to put them in, I have Oldrim and Hearthfire only so much of yours I already know won't work. thank you for this and so much for sharing.

[smr1957]

Really don't know of any program offhand that could do that - I personally just have my lists in my manager, and the downloaded copies in another folder or on a memory stick. There probably is some way to write a program that would auto download a list (an there way even be one already) - but I myself don;t know.

[Stitched]

I don't know Mod Organizer at all (been using the dreaded NMM in the past) and wanted to know if it was possible to save out "lists of links" for a given mod list. This guide is pretty damn thorough but like a lot of guides, there are a hundred or so mods that people are told to try out but find it staggering nobody has created a way to save a list of mods to use in a mod manager for download purposes.

[smr1957]

While basic modding principles apply to both Oldrim and SSE, this was written for Oldrim, before SSE had even come out, hence care must be taken if trying to apply this to SSE. For more information, guides, tutorials, and other important and informative links, I suggest you see:
HELPFUL LINKS AND REFERENCES
https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/2828702372997628701/

[Nickiono]

Does this guide work for the special edition aswell? I hope so because it is a really informative guide

[Radio Dead]

So, I've gotten to the part where you make the Authentic collection and I can't seem to figure out how to merge the files like you say needs to be done. Some explaining would be appreciated :D