Oblivion

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underground09

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About this mod

A new, streamlined version of the old classic Drop Lit Torches. Rewritten from the ground up.

Permissions and credits
Mirrors
Although this was originally written for my gameplay overhaul--Revised Oblivion Mod (ROM)--I think it is useful enough to benefit other players as a stand-alone minimod even if they don't play ROM. Note that, unlike ROM, you do not need Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul to play.

So why the need for a new DLT (Drop Lit Torches) mod? ROM's version has some distinct advantages, which I am pleased to share with you:

- It is shorter. One well-known DLT mod contains a total of 246 lines! ROM contains nearly all the functionality of other DLT mods, while only using 162 lines of code (excluding commentary lines).

- It needs only two scripts (as opposed to the four or five scripts in alternate versions).

- It does not post any messages (such as "You cannot equip this item.")

- Its main script has only three conditional gamemode blocks to check each cycle, and one conditional gamemode block in the other script. This is opposed to the dozens of gamemode blocks that are running in other versions of DLT, which also assign variables each cycle as well (which ROM does not do). Furthermore, ROM's gamemode cycle runs every 0.25 seconds (a necessary speed to ensure prompt response to the hotkey press), while other DLT mods usually run at 0.05 to 0.1 seconds: that means that ROM runs only four efficient, sparse cycles per second, as opposed to twenty! All of which adds up to less CPU strain and a smoother gameplay experience. However, this speed is customizable in the batch script that comes with this download, for those who want more a precise hotkey response.

- I do everything with the standard Torch02, and a torch light source. I do not need multiple torch objects (Torch03, Torch04, etc).

- It does not need a "Torch Hotkey" button in your inventory, nor will you need to use one of your existing hotkey slots to use your torch.

- Dropped torches will always appear gently right in front of you, rather than bouncing around the room and falling randomly

- Dropped torches will never have their light blocked if they roll into a crack, or underneath debris. ROM torches always emit a uniformly bright radiance, which helps a lot with mods such as "Let there be Darkness."

- Most importantly, it does not use the //PlaceAtMe// function! As I also wrote in the ROM Manual, that command is well-known for causing your savegame files to bloat, and it is best for modders to avoid it entirely. However, if that is not feasible, then at the very least, they ought to warn their players if their mod contains that function.
(cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/PlaceAtMe)

There are only a few aspects of DLT that ROM does not mimic from other versions, all of which are trade-offs for not using PlaceAtMe. First is the extinguishing of torches when they roll, or are dropped into, water. Your torch will be worthless if you drop it while swimming, but any other water contact will not affect it, and there is nothing I can do about that for now. Second, the light source does not follow the torch on the ground; this is intentional for two reasons. One, it provides *much* better lighting, and two, it saves valuable CPU power by not having to move the light source to the torch each frame of a gamemode script. It is not noticeable except under circumstances when you accidentally kick a torch far away, or down some stairs. The final issue is rare. ROM DLT was scripted with a safeguard to keep torches from falling into the ground. However, if you are standing against a wall or a tall object (like a boulder or an outcrop), and facing it when you press your torch hotkey, you might lose your torch. Again, these are all the results of not using PlaceAtMe; and while they are extraordinarily minor issues, you'll have to decide for yourself if it's worth it.

ROM Drop Lit Torches works very simply: the designated hotkey to use or drop your torch is the button V >>, although players may set the hotkey to any key they wish in the ROMDLT.ini batch script file, which comes with this download. Furthermore, if the player is using a torch and combat begins, pressing the hotkey will simultaneously drop your current torch and pull out your weapon.

As in other DLT mods, your dropped torches are pegged to a timer that extinguishes them after five minutes, rendering them unusable for the rest of the game.

I have attached a PDF version of my scripts, so you can easily browse them if you'd like.

If you like my work, you might want to check out my main project (see the Mirrors tab above).



Install
=======
No need for OBMM here, it is very simple. Copy the "Data" folder, and merge it into the main Data folder for TES IV. Note that you are copying two files:
- Data\ROMDropLitTorches.esp
- Data\Ini\ROMDLT.ini


Uninstall
=========
Start Oblivion Launcher, click Data Files, uncheck the .esp file, then go into your Data folder and delete the files mentioned above.


Incompatibility
===============
This will be incompatible with any other DLT mod.


Contact
=======
For comments, questions, or bug queries, send me a private message at the TesNexus download site.


Credits
=======
Thanks to Bethesda for creating Oblivion.
Thanks to TESNexus and PlanetElderScrolls for hosting our files.
Thanks to LHammonds for the Readme Generator.


Licensing/Legal
===============
You must contact me and obtain my permission before re-packaging any part of
this mod. If I do not respond within 2 weeks, feel free to do whatever you
like with this mod--only please give credit where it is due.
REQUIRES OBSE 18