User talk:TheSpectator

Priory of the Nine - UI
Hello there, Spec! New to the site, and I was just browsing through the info on the 'Knights of the Nine' campaign. I noticed that the screenshot you took of the Priory's map location appears to have a smaller, easier-on-the-eyes font than the default map. Are you using a UI mod or a map mod, perhaps? If so, which one? (Or is it maybe just an image taken from the Xbox 360 version? :-P) --WhiteFangRMB 09:29, 26 July 2007 (CDT)WhiteFangRMB


 * Welcome WhiteFang! I actually did not take that screenshot; someone else uploaded it, and then I downloaded, cropped it, and uploaded. But, I do know which mod that is after a bit of searching myself, since I've been looking for a new UI mod to replace BTmod. The mod is Darnified UI. I also use Immersive Interface (which I love), along with a standard colored map mod. I've also tried WZ inventory, which I like the concept, but I had some issues with actual implementation. Other UI's include MajorJims UI and DarkUI. Hope that helps! --theSpectator  talk 12:07, 26 July 2007 (CDT)

Dude! Thanks for the insight. Those UI mods look a *lot* nicer and generally more 'refined' than BT_Mod. I was beginning to think I was the only one with any qualms about using that mod (which I've been using for some time, simply for the smaller fonts). I will almost certainly be switching to Darnified UI and Immersive Interface after I've gotten my hands on 'Shivering Isles' this week and finished patching. By any chance, do you know how the person in those screenshots customized their Main Menu screen to use a background image other than the 'scrolling map' from the opening titles? --WhiteFangRMB 14:45, 26 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Though I don't know any specifics myself, there are a couple of mods that allow you to change that background or disable, as well as other mods to change loading screens and their quotes. Try a couple of mod sites (TESSource being most popular, though there are many others).--theSpectator talk 17:13, 26 July 2007 (CDT)

Spec - Any idea if BT_Mod has to be installed/configured prior to installing/configuring DarNified or Immersive Interface? I thought I read somewhere that either one or the other were built around the code of BT_Mod. Also: Found a wicked replacement for the Main Menu background video ... but the link didn't work. I don't suppose you've ever heard of the 'Broken Warrior menu replacement?' --WhiteFangRMB 13:52, 27 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Actually, I don't think you need BT mod to use Darnified or Immersive Interface. I haven't installed Darnified yet as I just fixed my computer last night, but I know for sure Immersive Interface doesn't need BT mod. As for that "Broken Warrior menu replacement," I haven't heard of it. --theSpectator talk 18:02, 27 July 2007 (CDT)

Fun With Mods ... Or Lack Thereof
I figured I would start a new topic since I've already drastically departed from the subject of "Priory UI."

I followed all of the instructions for installing DarN, II, and DarkUI mods, and made sure to complete ArchiveInvalidation before starting up Oblivion. The game does not start at all now.

For a while, I tried going back and reinstalling the aforementioned mods in a different order. Oblivion would launch, and the menu screens looked gorgeous ... until I clicked on anything under "New" or "Options," at which point the game crashed. Now, after doing my best to remove the components of DarkUI, and reinstalling DarN separately, the game doesn't even launch without immediately crashing back to the desktop.

I don't really know how to ask for help with this particular issue, since I can't figure out what the issue is; like I said, I followed all the instructions. I've been working with Oblivion mods and plug-ins for ages, and never had a problem. Any suggestions? Anyone? --WhiteFangRMB 23:54, 27 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Do they work when used separately? Have you tried re-installing Oblivion entirely? \*\ Hellhound43 00:22, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Hmm, it's possible that DarN and DarkUI are incompatible, since they're both modifying the UI, and thus, you've got mixed Oblivion files of both, which is causing Oblivion to go haywire. The best thing I would suggest is backup your saves, reinstall Oblivion, and then just choose either Darn or DarkUI, not both. After choosing and installing one of the two, install Immersive Interface. Perhaps in the readmes of the mods it says something about compatibility with other mods. --theSpectator talk 00:35, 28 July 2007 (CDT)

I think you guys are probably both right. They seem to work fine when installed separately. One thing in particular that should have raised a "Red Flag" for me was the fact that the author of DarkUI couldn't be bothered to list any uninstall instructions, while DarN is actually made much easier to deal with by its compatibility with OBMM (another thing that DarkUI lacks). Anyway, I've uninstalled Oblivion and will be re-installing momentarily, with only DarN and II. (I'm 99% certain it was a massive conflict that arose after I installed DarkUI.) --WhiteFangRMB 16:50, 28 July 2007 (CDT)

Follow-Up: Remember those problems I said were stemming largely from a lack of cooperation between DarNified and DarkUI? Yeah. They're still happening. It's DarNified. And I can't load the damn game at all, not past the Main Menu screen, without crashing. If anybody has any ideas, please IM me. I'm at WhiteFangRMB on AIM and I'll be around most of this evening. --WhiteFangRMB 18:41, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * You mean you can't load the game without DarN? I also trust that you patched the game, that could also make a difference. What about loading the game without any mods at all? If that doesn't work, then it looks like you're in the same boat as I am. \*\ Hellhound43 19:24, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Actually, I disabled DarN via OBMM, and reset my .ini configuration to the original version. With those steps taken, I've been able to start the game. However, when DarN was installed, I could not start the game with *OR* without it. I can get the game to load with any mods other than DarN. I think I'm going to try the manual installation, rather than the OMOD version, and see if that does it. But dammit, I want that mod - I *HATE* the default UI and the fonts in BT_Mod are too incongruous with the game's setting for my liking. --WhiteFangRMB 19:34, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Okay, I just uninstalled BTmod (while Immersive Interface is still installed), downloaded and installed DarN with the omod file using the latest version of omod (v1.1.0), and loaded up a new game. I have not had any problems; game runs great, journals and such are as described. Are you using any other mods? Also, did you install DarN before or after II? --theSpectator talk 19:44, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * BTW, it seems that DarN has superceded II. I'm not sure if reinstalling II will restore that minimalist interface that I like without causing problems. I'll try it later. --theSpectator talk 19:52, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Spec - On my first try, I accidentally installed DarN after II. The next try, I installed II after DarN. So far, neither has worked. I'm using a lengthy "grocery list" of other mods, but they're all graphical or content improvements (i.e. Kafeis' Vermilion and Silverthorn Robes, VA's Better Gold, etc.), and have nothing to do with any UI or HUD modifications. If it helps, I can list them all. --WhiteFangRMB 20:03, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Okay, so far, you've uninstalled Oblivion, reinstalled Oblivion, installed just Darn and II, and there are problems, yes? You have not re-installed any other mods?
 * Also, it could be a .ini problem, as you said replacing the old one fixed. When you mean "old" one, did you mean you backed up your .ini before installing either Darn, DarkUI, or II?
 * I would suggest you do a complete fresh base-game and expansion install. Back up your current .ini and save games, and clear out everything Oblivion-related from the My Documents/My Games/Oblivion folder and the Program Files folder. Do a fresh install of Oblivion, install Shivering Isles (if you have it), install the latest Oblivion or SI patch, and then install Darn by itself (meaning don't install any other 3rd party mods or official plug-ins yet). Load up the game (if you can), start a new game, and see what happens. --theSpectator talk 20:19, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * AAAAAAAARRRGH DAMMIT BUT THAT WOULD BE THE THIRD UNINSTALL/REINSTALL! I've never had mod issues like these before. It's ridiculous! --WhiteFangRMB 20:45, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Relax man, perhaps reinstall just the one Darn mod, overwriting any files (though I think you tried that already). If Oblivion still doesn't work, then an uninstall and reinstall is all you can do. At least with that, you know there should not be any problems before and after (one) mod installation. Make sure you have the latest patch. --theSpectator talk 20:54, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Haha. My over-reaction was mostly a joke anyway (though my patience is certainly wearing thing). :-P


 * I've now uninstalled Oblivion, deleted all Oblivion files, and gone so far as to run RegCleaner to make sure there wasn't a single trace remaining of the original installation. Then, I restarted my PC. I then installed Oblivion, installed Patch v1.1 (from the "Knights of the Nine" CD) and installed Patch v1.2. Then, I configured all of my preferences under "Gameplay," "Video," "Audio," etc. Finally, I installed DarN (using the OMOD via OBMM).


 * Even in the wake of a new installation, with no other mods installed, the game will not even start without crashing to the desktop. --WhiteFangRMB 21:34, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * New update: For purposes of experimentation, I removed DarN via OBMM and installed MajorJimsUI manually (no OMOD included). This one works (although I'm not impressed, by any means, with his modifications, since all he seemed to do was change the font and add a new grid in the Skills window). This suggests, at least to me, that there is definitely something wrong with DarN specifically ... or, perhaps, that I should stick to a manual installation for this mod (would that make any difference at all?). --WhiteFangRMB 21:46, 28 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Ouch, it must be a Darn problem (yes, pun intended :P ). I'm not sure if a manual install will do help, but you're certainly welcome to try. Sorry, but I'm out of ideas. --theSpectator talk 21:54, 28 July 2007 (CDT)

Conclusion: It works, but with comments [amended - see below]
Spec, I went ahead and cleared out the previous long-winded discussion because I finally got the program up and running, WITH the mod I was after. Here are my comments ...

Ladies and Gentlemen: DarNified UI works, and it is quite a gorgeous addition to an already gorgeous game.

For future reference, however: No matter what your experience is with installing/configuring Oblivion mods, DO NOT install this most attractive of mods via the popular OMOD option. While Oblivion Mod Manager (OBMM) does tend to make life easier for Oblivion fans, for some reason, this particular file seems (after a lengthy discussion between TheSpectator, HellHound, and I) to work only on occasion - that is, installation and function are hit-and-miss for different people.

Instead, pay a visit to the DarNified UI Guide and follow the fairly straightforward instructions listed there. After repeated attempts to get the mod up and running using the aforementioned OMOD application, "going the long way" - that is, following the instructions listed herein, rather than simply pointing-and-clicking via OBMM - finally remedied the situation and enabled me to run the program without encountering any dramatic snares.


 * Generally, discussions are not deleted, so I've restored it and then added your newest comments, WhiteFang, with a subheading. At least if someone goes through the situations you went through, they'll be able to understand the progress of your trials and testing. I also signed your comments for you. Glad to hear you finally got it working! 'Tis a great mod indeed. As a side note for others, I do have the OMOD version working on my Oblivion without any problems on the first install, so I guess individually you'll have to decide which way to go (manual vs. OMOD) and take your chances. --theSpectator  talk 14:05, 29 July 2007 (CDT)

Actually, the second I installed any other mods, it went back to not working again. "Oblivion" no longer launches, with or without any edits to my .ini file, with or without any other mods enabled. I've had about enough. --WhiteFangRMB 20:47, 29 July 2007 (CDT)

Update: After extensive experimentation with/without Archive Invalidation, with/without OMOD configurations, and with/without other mods enabled/disabled, I can honestly say that DarNified UI does not seem to work with any number of other mods. Installing the UI mod first resulted in the game being unable to launch or crashing to the desktop upon launch; the same can be said for installing it last, for installing it with other mods (none of which affect the UI), etc. If it matters, I would be happy to list the mods I hand-picked that do not work at all with DarN. --WhiteFangRMB 23:32, 29 July 2007 (CDT)

LAST UPDATE (at least I hope so): Check my user page shortly. I'm writing up a short step-by-step description of how I got DarNified UI working *with* official plug-ins and a handful of graphical modifications. --WhiteFangRMB 17:34, 30 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Hehe, I'm glad to hear that you've been very patient and have been willing to experiment with the mod and its compatibility with others. And not only that, but also willing to share with us your experiences, so those who are interested in Darnified may be forewarned. I wouldn't have been surprised if you gave up and converted to consoles because 'PC is too hard,' lol :-P. I would imagine that the problems can arise from multiple factors, whether it is individual system setup and specifications, presence of other mods (official or third party), or Oblivion settings on .ini settings. I hope that you can find a way to get everything you want to work well together. I'll do my best to suggest other things if I can. --theSpectator talk 17:50, 30 July 2007 (CDT)

My comments on the install process are up, with a list of all the mods I'm using. 'Oblivion' looks and feels great. Feel free to discuss. And, once again, thanks for letting me raid your Talk page, Spec :-P -- WhiteFangRMB 13:30, 3 August 2007 (CDT)

New Pic's?
I was just wondering if we could make new pictures on the quest's page and also on some misc page's like caves. towns ect; ? --Skellydude 15:28, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Yes, you are certainly welcome to do so. Be sure to crop or resize the pics, if necessary. --theSpectator talk 15:35, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * ok. how do i add pics to a page ? --Skellydude 15:40, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Once you upload the image, simply type the following where you want the image to be:
 * [[Image:Image name.jpg|thumb|right|Description]]
 * "Thumb" auto-sizes the image to a small frame, "right" puts the image on the right side of the page, while you fill in a brief description of the image. --theSpectator talk 15:45, 29 July 2007 (CDT)

ok thank you. am i allowed to make a test page? --Skellydude 15:48, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Yes, you are allowed to make test pages. You can do so by adding a slash to your username and naming the page, like this:
 * User:Skellydude/Testpage
 * You can have multiple test pages and name them whatever you'd like. --theSpectator talk 15:55, 29 July 2007 (CDT)

T vs. M

 * Ok ive been looking online and i realy cannot find a real diffrence between the elder scrolls IV's T rating and the M rating. can someone clear this up for me. is there a diffrents game experence or what? --Skellydude 22:12, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * There shouldn't be one, really, with an exception. The rating changed after it was revealed that there was a fair amount of gore in the game (decapitated heads, anyone?), and that someone had discovered a method of removing the bras of the female models in-game to reveal a (crappy) texture job complete with nipples. As far as I know, the only difference between versions released before and after the rating change is that Bethesda "fixed" bras in-place on the M version. There was a fairly large controversy over this, not unlike San Andreas' "Hot Coffee" mod. For more information, see this news article here. \*\ Hellhound43 22:51, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Ok so there is no gameplay experience diffrence between t and m on the xbox 360? --Skellydude 23:05, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Not to my knowledge. \*\ Hellhound43 23:56, 29 July 2007 (CDT)


 * I thought I'd read somewhere that they'd also changed some of the textures and altered some of the levels of violence in the game, in keeping with the decision to re-rate this title. That might have just been hearsay, however. --WhiteFangRMB 17:32, 30 July 2007 (CDT)


 * Oh so getting the t version would be better? --Skellydude 18:29, 30 July 2007 (CDT)


 * It doesn't matter which version, as there are no gameplay differences. The only differences will probably not be visible anyway (e.g. minor adjusted textures). --theSpectator talk 19:54, 30 July 2007 (CDT)


 * You can ignore what I said earlier, Skelly - go by what HH and Spec said. There shouldn't be any differences that impact the game in the slightest. --WhiteFangRMB 13:25, 31 July 2007 (CDT)

Morrowind?
If the server owners allow it ....????. - Oblivion MasterTalk 11:44, 29 August 2007 (CDT)
 * You can ask over at the forums, or probably better would be one of the admins at GuildWiki. --<font color="#00008b">theSpectator talk 12:05, 7 September 2007 (CDT)

About this changing from image to template, e.g. from [[Image:GoldIcon.png]] to
I was thinking of starting to change all "Image:GoldIcon.png", weighticon.png etc. into the templates, I already tried that on the Steel weapons page, which took 1500 kbytes off from the article. I'm going to do this on other pages aswell, I hope that I'm not doing any harm by this, but if I am, please tell me as soon as possible and I'll stop and revert the changes. --Bippo Ernesti 03:29, 7 September 2007 (CDT)


 * I think it's fine to switch them to the template form. However, what I don't know is that if template linking uses extra resources because the wiki needs to link to the template, which links to the image. I browsed around GuildWiki and they use an image template for their gold, profession, and other icons, so I guess it's fine to do the same here. Feel free to go ahead and start changing them. --<font color="#00008b">theSpectator talk 12:05, 7 September 2007 (CDT)

Another little question here, about Cyrodilic/Cyrodiilic
I'd like to ask that is Cyrodilic the real way to write it or is Cyrodiilic, since I've seen both occur in the game I think. So is it only one of them or are both of those fine? I myself am leaning a bit towards Cyrodilic --Bippo Ernesti 05:48, 8 September 2007 (CDT)


 * I think Cyrodilic is more appropriate, as I recall seeing it spelled that way more often in the game. --<font color="#00008b">theSpectator talk 22:12, 8 September 2007 (CDT)

Miscarcand
Saw your comment on Doom64's page, i would disregard their statement on miscarcand and leave the great Welkynd stone alone unti the relevant quest as retrieving it prematurely can cause a glitch later on in the game. 194.80.21.10 10:37, 18 December 2007 (UTC)