Project: Ash Rocks
Author: michaelrw
Version: 1.0
Release Date: 8/30/2013
Website(s): Skyrim Nexus - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/users/4678117/

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Requirements:
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Skyrim 1.8.151.0
Dragonborn DLC

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Description:
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This mod replaces the gray paint-like mess that is splattered on top of many rocks and mountains of Solstheim. This paint-like stuff is supposed to be ash that has slowly accumulated into the cracks and on the surfaces of rocks and mountains, due to the Red Mountain volcanic eruption(s) and the terrible windy ash storms that are frequent. The main problem with the vanilla dynamic ash material is that ... it looks aweful! it looks like paint! and it breaks immersion. End of story. The mod replaces all of this material with an HD and HQ ash texture.

Note: I realize there are a lot of different mountain/rock textures out there that come in all varieties. Thus I will be willing to release several brightness levels to suit each individual's needs and preferences. Please provide feedback.


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Details:
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This mod achieves its goal with custom meshes and texture(s), and a little bit of ESP work. Thus, the mod package includes an ESP file, a 'meshes' folder and a 'textures' folder. These will all need to be installed (discussed below) for the mod to function.
Additionally, (i shouldnt have to say this but unfortunately i do) this mod fixes low quality ash material, which is only found on Solstheim, which is only available to those who have the Dragonborn DLC. As such, the Dragonborn DLC is required :facepalm: Without Dragonborn there is no need for the mod anyways.


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Nexus Mod Manager
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Installing the Mod
1) Extract the contents of the archive to a temporary folder.
2) Copy the extracted archive to [Install Path]\Skyrim\NMM\Mods\
3) Start Nexus Mod Manager
4) Click the Create button
5) Click the Add Archive button, navigate to the archive and select it, then click the Yes button.
6) Click the Create button, wait until it finishes, then click the Ok button.

Activating the Mod
1) Start Nexus Mod Manager
2) Double-click the name of the mod, once installed the mod icon will turn blue.

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Wrye Bash
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1) Copy the entire archive into your Skyrim Mods\Bash Installers folder.
2) In Wrye Bash Installers tab, highlight the new archive.
3) Right click the archive name and Install.
4) In Wrye Bash Mods tab, check the AshRocks.esp (also recommeneded to run BOSS).


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Manual
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1) Extract the contents of the 7z folder into your Data folder
2) Make sure the AshRocks.esp is checked in the Launcher


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Un-Installation:
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Nexus Mod Manager
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1) Start Nexus Mod Manager
2) Double click the mod to deactivate it, once finished the icon will turn green

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Wrye Bash
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1) In Wrye Bash Mods tab, deselect AshRocks.esp.
2) In Wrye Bash Installers tab, right click on the archive name and Uninstall.

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Manual
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1) Uncheck the AshRocks.esp in the Launcher
2) Delete the files/folders associated with the mod



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Compatibility:
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Anything that edits the vanilla (DLC2) records for the static object mountains and rocks using the shader ash material will be INCOMPATIBLE.
At this time there are still relatively few mods for Dragonborn. Thus, I do not expect there to be many/any mods that will conflict.
If someone finds incompatibility with another ESP, I can and will make a patch for the two mods.

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Changelog:
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8/30/2013 - Initial Release


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Credits:
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SparrowPrince: Some source files and Guidance
Bethesda: TESV Skyrim and Creation Kit
InsanitySorrow: Readme generator


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Tools Used:
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Creation Kit
NifSkope
TES5Edit
ReadMe Generator