Adding some variety to the Synths of the Commonwealth

Thanks to everyone for your support, downloads and endorsements, especially those that have commented. Your suggestions, questions and and support have been one of the real highlight of this experience.
I really hope you enjoy the updated version.

Version 2 Updates:
Added varied Male/Female Coursers to level lists with a new outfit for them.
Changed Encounter zones so new Synths will appear in places like Fort Hagen and Arc Jet.
Optional Lite Version - All the new synths in a Zip file under 6MB.
Optional Low Level Add-on - New Synths now appear at lower levels as well.
Optional CAST Synthetic Overhaul Add-on - Not a Patch CAST is already compatible without one, it just makes the changes made by CAST appear more often.
Fixed some meshes, Skirts and dresses should move correctly now.
Outfits now craftable in Basic low stats versions and original mod stat versions.
Changed the robotic limbs on Gen2X class to the Mech version to improve compatibility with Terminator mods
Edited the Synth Rear Head model so that Wigs fit better without causing bald spots.
Lots of optional Mesh replaces to Tailor which outfits etc you want in the game.
Corrected spelling of Exercutioner to executioner (thanks MarrockV)
(More detailed information can be found in the relevant sections of the description below)

**As I've changed pretty much every mesh as well as massively changed the original esp I would probably advise uninstalling the old mod and downloading anew if you want to upgrade.
I don't think you 'have to' as I don't touch scripts, quests or stuff like that but it may help*****

Also please don't update to a save during the middle of a Synth battle or mission. I don't know loads about modding but I'm pretty sure that would be a bad idea.

Future Update
I don't plan on updating this again for a while as I really want to continue with my other projects Primarily I am already part way through a Super Mutant variation mod 'The Mutant Masses' and a as yet un-named Gunners variation mod. I will of course make any updates involving fixes (hopefully there aren't any)

When I do update though these are the things I hope to add:
Settlers add-on - Unlockable beacons that attract Synth Settlers
Optional voices for the new Synths
Compatibility with some of the other female Gen2 Mods
Missions Add-on - Create missions involving the new synths


1. What it does
2. Details of exactly what I have done and changed
3. Versions (read before downloading to pick the best option for you)
4. Compatibility with other popular mods
5. Credits
6. Conflicts and known issues

In Short it makes small changes to the current synths and then adds three new groups of synth to the level lists, each with their own clothing. As of Update 2 it adds Coursers, Crafable outfits and changes Encouter Zones so that New Synths appear in missions more often.

Gen1 and old Gen2's - these are the normal Synths found throughout the Commonwealth.

I've added Females. These can be hard to see as they look very much like male Synths especially when wearing armour, ie
hideous. So why add them? Because I can not believe that a group of scientists stuck underground trying to make Synthetic humans only made male models lol. 

Gen2's - Now real Gen2's appear outside of the institute.
Gen2's also come in male or female varieties.
They are slightly more dangerous than the older models.
They wear white and black synth uniforms sometimes with metal hands and limbs or occasionally they wear nothing.
Gen2's wear wigs or helmets. 

Gen2X - A new class of Synths (Male and Female). Gen2X Synths where planned as the next generation of Synths before the institute became obsessed with Shaun and his DNA.
Discontinued, the already created models were sent out into the Commonwealth for information gathering. Models that became damaged or where discovered as Synths preventing them from information gathering are reassigned to working with the normal Gen1 and 2 models.
Gen2X Synths have metal insides but also a thick layer of skin and tissue covering them.
They dress in common settler type clothing with damaged metal limbs showing. Despite not wearing armour this class has reinforced skeletons offering them protection on par with their other models.
They are also more deadly than either of the older models with weaponry.

 Gen3 - Did it seem strange to anyone else that Synth ranks on the surface jump from beaten up Gen1 and older model Gen2's straight to coursers? Even after adding the Gen2X race I still felt like this was too much
of a jump and so I added Gen3 Operatives and Agents to the higher levels.
Gen3 Operatives wear upgraded Kellogg's uniforms and Agents have their own outfits. (Using the low level version these outfits are mixed)
Gen3's are again more powerful with weapons than older models.

 

As of Version 2 Coursers also enter the Fray at later levels (or not so late with the low level addon).
Coursers now come in a variety of looks and switch between their normal armoured coats and versions of DeserterX's Powersuit 
Coursers retain all their improved AI, stats and perks not to mention their stealth capabilities. If your using one of the many mods that improves Coursers further, be very wary.

  What I've done and how it works 

Almost all Synths spawn from LvlSynth or LvlSynth Weapon Variants.
I've edited the Lchar level list to include all the different types of Synths.
I've then changed traits and Inventories (required for them to wear the right outfits) of the above mentioned LvlSynth groups

Gen1/old Gen2 - are all one character that utilises Modifications to change what parts are used. I created a female torso and replaced the male torso in the modification lists for female Synths.
It looks very rough and poorly made which is due to my own lack of modelling abilities,
the base models limited polygons in the chest area and because I think it fits as the institutes first attempts to make human looking robots. (I've smoothed it off a bit for version 2)
The old style Synths stats, inventory and ranks remain unchanged and will still appear throughout the game as normal.


Newer Gen2's - First I edited the Gen2 race to no longer be unisex. Then I created a female Gen2 body (The problems mentioned above still apply to this body but I think it looks slightly better ((Again slightly improved in version 2 (((Slightly))) and fully made a
female version of the Gen2 race. This will, I think, make the black widow and lady killer perks effect them (unconfirmed). I have currently not remodelled the face as I really suck at it and my attempts usually ended in the face looking far worse.
Gen2's wear mashups of the Synth uniform and the synth mech body. They either wear white uniforms and armour or black uniforms and armour. The black version uses DiodeLadder's excellent elite black uniform textures
(see credits for links to original mod.)
Gen2's also have hair in the form of wigs or wear helmets.The wigs are vanilla models, none playable and armoured to prevent Gen2's becoming weaker when un-helmeted. The wig selected is randomly chosen through level lists.
Gen2's have level 1 weapon perks as well as the normal Synth perks.
Gen2's should start to appear around level 20 and have different ranks going up through the levels.
(Very will appear from level 1 if using the Low level addon) 


Gen2X - use the human race. Gen2X's use the same stats as their other synth levelled counterparts.
They wear mashups of vanilla outfits and K-girl outfits by UNKUT (see credits for links etc) specifically the denim outfits along with the Synth Mech body.
Due to how the level lists are set up I could not make a group of faces in a traits template which limits the number of Gen2X characters used. There are 6 base Gen2X faces with different skin colours through different
levels. These are taken from base presents as I think this gives them a more of an artificial look than using faces I've crafted myself.
At each rank there's a fourth male and female face ripped from characters in the game.
So you may see some familiar faces.
To give Gen2X's more variety they also have access to the random wigs (10 male/female).
Due to Gen2X's not having armour (too many different robot limbs on different outfits to avoid things looking stupid) I have had to give their outfits a decent armour rating, Lore wise I see this bonus as representing their more advanced reinforced skeletons rather than believing their t shirts and jeans are armoured .
They also have the level 3 toughness perk and the armoured wigs to compensate.

Gen 2X and Gen 2 outfits are none playable to prevent them from being removed which would leave characters with all their normal limbs underneath breaking immersion
they should start to appear around level 40 or as low as 10-15 with the low level addon


Gen3's use the human race and use stats from their corresponding synth levels.
Operatives will start to appear around level 60 and then will change to Agents around level 70.
Operatives will appear around 20 with agents around 30 with the low level addon
Operatives wear an upgraded (stats) version of Kellogg's outfit.
Male Agents wear a cut up version of this outfit and female Agents wear a mash up of the synth uniform and the 'tough girl attire' by VTAW (links etc in credits)
The costume was inspired by Crimsonriders 'Forsaken institute assassin' outfit. The jacket was created from the synth uniform by myself and uses the same elite black texture from DiodeLadder.
Note that the pants and top from the tough girl attire' are both very high quality. This may lead to slow downs on low end set ups, but to be honest I summoned 50 random level 90 Synths including plenty of Agents on my laptop numerous times during
testing without any problems.
Like Gen2 and Gen2X's they use the armoured wigs to add variety.
Faces are ripped from various characters in the game, ones that are either Synths themselves so the institute would already have their models or characters I believe the institute may have prepared versions of ready to replace their human counterparts if required (some are more obvious than others as I have mixed up some skin colours and due to wigs having fixed colours I had to remove beards from male characters or it looks daft.)
Gen3 Synths have level 5 weapon perks along with normal synth perks.
Due to not wearing armour their outfits have high armour ratings,
 they have armoured wigs and come with the level 5 toughness perk.
They also use their own weapons level list to allow them access to Gatling lasers. 


Coursers use the same stats and abilities as the vanilla types, including stealth
I have just given them a variety of faces and added them to the level lists.
Coursers should not appear until after level 70 but it is possible for them to spawn at lower levels due to how the game works.
Or around level 40 if you are using the low-Level addon.
They have access to the armoured wigs as well as glasses.

Notes:
The Synths added in the low level versions match the stats for that level of synth but retain their perks and armour.
Hence both in the normal mod and more so in the low level version, the new synths will make the game a little more difficult.
(I think lol, it's hard to test things like that, I'd have to spend a good amount of time playing the game instead of all my time modding it)
As stated above all New Synths use the same stats as their vanilla counterparts for each respective level (including Coursers) but with extra perks.
If we are all honest the game is pretty easy so I don't see any of these changes as particularly difficult.
HOWEVER
I deliberately set them up in a way that whatever balancing mod (or increased Difficulty mod) you use will translate to the new synths.
This means they'll get the mod your using's stat boosts, health, AI changes etc but still retain their new perks.
This could potential make the new synths much more difficult.

If they are too Hard use tactics, get better, find better equipment, level up, mod your armour and weapons
OR
lower the difficulty and feel ashamed of yourself

If they are too easy PLEASE Message me immediately because I really wanted to make them a lot harder.


Other Changes

The game uses Encounter Zones, this means that certain areas will only spawn enemies up to a certain level i.e. it makes sure that beginner stuff stays easy and doesn't keep levelling with you permanently. Unfortunately this also means that even at levels over 100 the new synths will not appear in these areas (Arc Jet has an Encounter Zone Max of just 15). While the low level add-on would help this a bit I decided to just increase all the Encounter Zone areas that Synths appear in to 100. This doesn't mean you'll fight Agents and coursers at level 15 it just means that the areas will level with you.

                             A Gen2X backing up Kellogg                     A Gen2X in the background and a Gatling-Laser totting Agent in ArcJet


Craftable Outfits

I've made the outfits from this mod craftable at the chem station under Synth Variations. They come in basic no armour versions and versions that use the stats used in game.

All outfits are very easy to make requiring just 3 cloth.

You can make a Gen2 body suit, hands and mask if you want to look like a Gen2 synth
You can also make Gen2 uniforms with missing limbs to wear with the mask
The Mask is a Mask not a face, you're lips etc wont move
(I am not familiar with making playable races and my research into others that have done this show that it can be quite buggy unless you really know what you are doing with it. The Mask and uniforms are just for fun as a simple costumes as are the Gen2X costumes with synth heads. If you really want to play as a Gen 2 Synth there are mods out there that do that but I'm not attempting it at the moment).

I have not included my wigs to be created because they are just a few vanilla hair cuts with fixed colours that operate as wigs to add variety. If you want to put on a Gen2 bodysuit and wear a wig I recommend downloading.
Zella's Dyed Wigs at Fallout 4 Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com)
Actually I recommend download this regardless of whether you want to be a Gen2 or not.

THIS PART OF THE MOD IS NOT LORE-FRIENDLY

It is just an extra for people that have asked for it.  
Please do not complain that they are easy to make or that they give access to high level equipment early.
Simply do not make the outfits if you don't want them.
You have a Choice and a Conscious
I'm not giving them realistic material requirements or locking them behind perks, levels or missions
because
This section of the mod is just a bit of fun for people to dress up and mess about with.

(I'm using the Terminator Synth Gen2 mod in the screenshots, see compatibility Section if you want it)


 Versions

**First - Pick a main Version**

There are 3 main version

Original - Version 1 for people that just liked the mod as it was and don't want to change
Will not work with optional files

Full Version 2 - Includes all the fixes and additions. ups: Has everything. Downs: it's big and heavy on performance
You can use optional files to downgrade certain outfits, like a pick and mix of what you want compared to size and performance
You can change The GenX2, Gen3 Agent or Courser Powersuit to lite versions

Lite Version 2 - Same as above but it replaces all heavy assets. ups: Less than 6MB (Zip). Downs: Doesn't look as good
 It only uses mashed up vanilla assets and a couple of my own very lite edited textures.
Removes Elite Black Uniform - If you use CAST all Gen 2 synths will now use that instead
Changes Gen2X, K-Girl assets for the vanilla jeans and shirt outfit, robotic limbs remain
Changes Gen3 Agent, VTAW assets for edited and re-textured versions of the vanilla underwear top and vault suit pants
All Coursers will only wear the normal courser outfit instead of the DeserterX Powersuit option
You can use optional files to upgrade the Gen2X or Gen3 outfits separately if you just want one

**Then - Pick any add-ons you want**
(Work with both Lite and Full versions 2)

Low Level - New Synths will appear at much lower levels. Do not be fooled by the name Low Level does not mean EASY. In fact due to their enhanced Perks the low level versions of each synth will be much more difficult.

CAST 80-20 - Does not require CAST or make any changes to it (although it would be pointless to use this without it).
This just changes Gen2 outfits to be 80% white versions so that the CAST changes appear on more synths.

**Finally - Mix and Match**

Want to use lite but like a certain outfit? or Want to use full but don't want a certain outfit?
Swap them with the optional mesh replaces.
These can be downloaded manually. Open the Archive file once downloaded and you will find a little guide telling you what to do and what (in the case of Downgrading) files can be deleted afterwards.


Compatibility

I've been very surprised by the number of Compatibility questions and requests I've received especially those involving what I class as grade A, top mods I never expected to be mentioned in the same comment as.
I would also like to thank those that have taken it upon themselves to test my mod with others and given feedback on it's compatibility you have been unbelievably helpful.

While the mod doesn't conflict with much (see conflicts at the bottom) that is a different thing from compatibility so thanks to you lot I think I've been able to improve on a few things.

Firstly Thanks to MarrockV for letting me know that my mod is compatible with both 'Corpse Cleaner' and 'SKK Combat Stalkers'

C.A.S.T. Synth Overhaul
Synth Overhaul - C.A.S.T at Fallout 4 Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com)
I'm sure everybody knows about this mod even if they don't use it.
My mod has always been compatible with Synth Overhaul but it does limit how often you will see it. To give people more options I have added a small esl addon that changes 80% of gen 2 synths to use vanilla suits and armour (It's 50 in the base mod).
While this will increase your CAST goodness there is another option.
Download the Lite version and all Gen1 and Gen2 Synths will use CAST Assets. If you then want to upgrade your Gen2X, Gen3's and Coursers to use the full version outfits you still can using the optional mesh replaces.

Fullsize pics in the images section and I'm happy to say I've been using Synth Overhaul while doing all my Update testing without any problems.

Synth Gen1 Terminator Mods
Terminator Synth Gen2 at Fallout 4 Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com)
I was asked about this a couple of times but I was never fully sure which mod they were referring to so I tried out a few. The one above was my more favoured out of them but they all appeared to work in pretty much the same way. They texture the synth Gen1 Mech body and synth eyes to look like the a terminator (and it looks awesome).
Now this is the difference between conflict and compatibility.
My mod had no conflicts and all, Gen1/2 normal models took the changes BUT my Gen2 and Gen2X's didn't.
I realised I had been using the inferior Gen2 robot skeleton instead of the Mech one when creating my outfits (Duh).
So now I've redone all my meshes using the Mech
So now you can use the above mod with mine to have all kinds of Terminator fun.
(P.S. the guy on the left is using the Synth human skin option of the mod which I really like. Both use the Chrome option.)

Finally to address Horizon and other balancing mods
As I stated earlier in the description balancing mods should not come into conflict with this. The problem is just how perfectly balanced you want it.

Mods that make Synths stronger - Should work I don't touch any of the base Synths that Stats or AI come from so they will carry over thanks to the template system. in fact if they increase the base Stats and AI of synths combined with my perk changes you are in for a very tough time.
(Course if you are downloading mods to make Synths harder I don't see this as negative, more of an unexpected plus)

Mods that give Synths better weapons - Better weapons will all carry through except with Gen3 Agents as they have their own weapons list and since I've already given them access to Gatling Lasers it should be fine.

Mods that meticulously balance everything (Like Horizon) - Sadly while 90% of changes will carry through including all base stats my synths will retain their perks due to having a personally created template that controls this particular trait. That means they will be stronger no matter what (Unless the mod in question gives everyone else even better perks, in which case they'll be weaker no matter what). If any one would like to make a more accurately balanced patch for my mod in regards to a particular mod I'm more than happy for them to do so.


 Credits and permissions

 As mentioned before this is my first time time using non-dependant assets from other mods.

The whole permissions thing really scares me, I constantly worry that I'm doing something wrong or not giving the correct credits etc to others. 

So lets start by saying that if you like this mod please send you appreciation to DiodeLadder, UNKUT, VTAW and DeserterX not just for their amazing models and textures but also for their generous permissions also Crimsonrider for the insperation.  


Full credits as stated by each mod as well as my own are below the permissions 

Advanced Synth Uniform by DiodeLadder found here
https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/32879

Asset use permissions
Asset use permission You must get permission from me before you are allowed to use any of the assets in this file

I am very thankful to DiodeLadder for granting me permission to use this texture

The Elite black texture is by far my favourite but the full mod found above has so much more. It is a virtual goldmine of beautifully textured uniforms as well as pip-boys and advance modules such as a gravity jump. I massively recommend downloading the full mod. 



 Tough girl attire by VTAW Found here
Tough Girl Attire - CBBE - BodySlide at Fallout 4 Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com)
 Permissions say

Asset use permission
You are allowed to use the assets in this file without permission as long as you credit me

Sent a message to VTAW to give a heads up that I was using parts of this mod, even joined twitter which I hate and made a fool of myself by constantly pressing return and sending messages with only one line in them. Thank god the permissions where already open because I guarantee I'm not getting a response after the drivel I sent.

 I use the pants and top from this mod in my agent outfit.This is one of my favourite costumes and has been Cait's outfit on every playthrough since I discovered it. The mod comes with some awesome extra pieces
not included in my agent outfit and it's all craftable as separate pieces (You can only craft the full agent outfit from my mod not modular pieces).

Trust me it's well worth getting this outfit just to stick on Cait. 

K-girl outfits by UNKUT. Found here
K-Girl outfits at Fallout 4 Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com)
Who would have thought a mod offering outfits inspired by Korean pop singers would also offer some of the most lore friendly and great looking outfits I've seen. I am of course talking about the denim ones I've used, they look amazing on any settler.
(The other outfits available in this mod are also all very high quality and look great I like to stick them on my Teen settlers, who will be arriving in a later mod)
I've used 4 outfits in total mashed up with synth parts to make Gen2X outfits.
 Permissions say

Asset use permission
You are allowed to use the assets in this file without permission as long as you credit me

I have sent a message to UNCUT to check
 This mod has been a mainstay in my mod list for years and I use it extensively to outfit my settlers (it is one of the corner stones of my personal settlers mod especially for outfitting the teenagers I mentioned earlier) I really
can't recommend it enough.

Courser X-92 Power Suit CBBE and PipBoy (Pip-Boy) by DeserterX. Found Here
Courser X-92 Power Suit CBBE and PipBoy (Pip-Boy) at Fallout 4 Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com)
I promised myself I wouldn't make this Mod any bigger and would definitely not add another outside asset but then I was in work looking through my mod history and there it was. Normal Coursers look very cool with the black leather but as great as it looks it's not really very institute (Okay that's not fair, a group of Institute scientist thinking of making the ultimate killing machine and pretty much coming up with Wesley Snipes in the original Blade movie is actually quite believable) However, does this Powersuit not just scream Institute power? I really hoped I could get the male version as well but Nivea who did the original male version (And A far superior version than mine) hasn't been active for a while last time I checked and doesn't have open permissions so I decided to make a male version myself (it's passable as an enemy outfit but if you want a good craftable version download hers)

DiodeLadder
All of the textures in the mod where individually created by DiodeLadder

VTAW for Tough Girl Attire
Credits from their mod page
ThatMrSmile for helping with CK and naming this outfit
.Acpanda for BodySlide.
Inky84 for BodySlide.
Joshcelentano for Esl plugin and Fusion Girl
BodySlideOutlaw Liberator for BodySlide Physics

 UNKUT for K-Girl Outfits
credits from their mod page
//CreditsCaliente's Beautiful Bodies Enhancer
BodySlide and Outfit Studio
CreationKit
Photoshop
NifSkope 

DeserterX for Courser X-92 Powersuit
Credits form their mod Page
DixiePig Suit mesh.Ousnius Bodyslide support.B.A.E. - Bethesda Archive Extractor by jonwd7
FO4Edit PreRelease Alpha by ElminsterAUMaterial Editor by ousniusIntel® Texture Works Plugin for Photoshop

For my own part in this I'd like to  give second credits to
Creation kit
Bodyslide and outfitstudio
CBBE
Gimp
FO4Edit
BAE
Material Editor
and
Bethesda