Main Objectives

Wander was built, not to replace the original Skyrim weather system, but to complete it. Many aspects of the original Skyrim weather system are preserved, such as color sets, while enhancements are made, and variations are added in. There were three main objectives that set the stage for Wander's creation.


Main Objective:   Darker Skyrim Nights

Wander darkens the nights of every weather, in every region, to make the vanilla nights look more like nighttime. In order to keep as close as possible to the vanilla data, these are complex percentage based changes, for several reasons. First it preserves the vanilla variance in what nights are a little lighter, such as the difference in clear nights to cloudy nights. This also preserves the vanilla colors as well, though of course they will be darker versions of themselves now.

Main Objective:   Reduced Visibility of Distant Landscapes

Wander utilizes the fog data in the weather records to haze out the distant lods, so you won't be able to tell when the details pop in. You won't need another mod for fixing the lod issues, unless you have mods that make drastic changes to Skyrim. This haze effect is added to every weather record, in different variance, depending on the type and location. This haze also adds a general air of mystery, and is what contributes the most to the visual identity of Wander.

Main Objective:   Inclusion of Missing Regional Weathers

All of the regions of Skyrim have different groups of weathers that have a chance to spawn in that region. Quite a few of them do not have the chance to spawn a fog, or a snow, or a thunderstorm, etc. Wander fills in the blanks with careful variations of vanilla weathers to allow missing weather types to spawn everywhere, as long as it makes sense for them to do so at that location. This also adds to a much greater variation in the weather. More on that below.

Note: Screenshots are available in the "Images" section that demonstrate the application of these objectives.

Enhancements

Wander makes a number of enhancements to the original Skyrim weathers. Many of these enhancements are tied directly to the newly added variations.

Enhancements:   Auroras

In vanilla Skyrim, there are 3 aurora types used, 2 of which have a chance to spawn in any given region. Wander reworks the aurora chances, so that not only do the 3 aurora types have a chance to spawn in any region, but also a 4th aurora, unused and lost in the game files also has a chance to spawn everywhere.

Enhancements:   Horizon Seams

Horizon seam fixes have been added to all weather records. These fixes help to blend the skyline with the landscape better, so the horizon looks more natural, and to help to hide holes in the Sea of Ghosts when water cells do not load properly. These fixes are provided for around the clock coverage, day and night.

Enhancements:   Moist Regions

While Wander generally reduces the visibility of distant landscapes, that visibility has been further reduced in the marsh and volcanic regions, where warmer and cooler temperatures are in their own constant civil war over the lower atmosphere. Wind values have also been reduced in these moist regions.

Enhancements:   Coastal Regions

Wander's reduction in distant visibility is applied the least to the weathers in the coastal regions, where prevailing coastal winds generally help clear the air. Visibility in these coastal regions will generally be greater than most other areas. Wind values have also been increased in these coastal regions.

Enhancements:   Rain and Thunderstorms

While Wander does not generally change much during the day, it does make daytime slightly darker during thunderstorms. Wander also completes the unfinished vanilla indoor storm audio for rain and thunder sounds. The indoor audio has multiple volume levels, depending on the structure you are in.

Enhancements:   Camera Attachment for Snow

In certain places in the world, as well as during the Vanilla snows, there is a camera attachment that will display around 3 snow particles to dance in your face like insects. Wander removes this unnatural and out-of-place effect from displaying, so that you can enjoy the snow and snow areas of Skyrim in peace.

Note: Screenshots are available in the "Images" section that demonstrate the positive benefits of these enhancements.

Variations

Wander adds 182 new variations of the original Skyrim weathers to the 75 weathers modified by Wander, for a total of 257 different weather variations.

Variations:   Clear and Cloudy Weathers

Wander increases the variations of pleasant weathers from 4 to 34 per region. Vanilla sunrise and sunset variations were reused to increase variations from 4 to 32 per region. With 4 different auroras in Wander, mixed with the new pleasant weather variations, Vanilla aurora variations have been greatly increased. 

Variations:   Mist and Fog Weathers

Wander increases the variations in fog weathers from 1 to 9 per region. Fogs will spawn at varying strengths, from light mists, to very heavy fogs. The heavier variations of fog will not normally spawn in locations where it doesn't make sense, places like at the peaks of Solitude or Dragonsreach.

Variations:   Rain  and Thunderstorm Weathers

Wander increases the variations in rain weathers from 1 to 3 per non-snowy region, and increases the variations in thunderstorm weathers from 1 to 3 per non-snowy region. New variations of the Vanilla rain particles and sounds, as well as the thunderstorm sounds were modified to match the new weather variations.

Variations:   Snow and Snowstorm Weathers

Wander increases the variations in snow weathers from 0 to 3 per non-snowy region, and increases the variations from 2 to 9 per snowy region. New variations of the Vanilla snow particles were also modified to match the new variations of snow and snowstorm weathers.

Variations:   Ash and Ash Storm Weathers

Wander increases the variations in ash weathers from 1 to 6 per ash-laden region. New variations of the Vanilla ash particles were also modified to match the new variations of ash and ash storm weathers.

Note: There is a chart available in the "Images" section that shows the weather chances percentages of these added variations across all versions of Wander.

Available Versions

There are currently two types of Wander files available. Three Main Editions, and nine Themed Add-ons. The Main Editions are the core files, of which you will choose one to play with at a time. The Themed Add-ons are patches to the main files that modify the weather chances. You can choose to play with up to one themed add-on at any time, or none at all. With differences in darkness at night and weather chances, there are  30 different experiences Wander can currently provide.

Main Editions

Main Editions are the foundation of Wander. There are 3 Main Editions available, the Wander-Original, Wander-Lite, and Wander-Bright editions. Each of these include all of the core information for Wander, but with different levels of light and shadows at night. Main Editions are as follows:

Wander-Original has the darkest nights of the three main editions. Choose this edition if you love dark nights.
Wander-Lite has the medium-darkest nights. Choose this edition if you need just a little more light than what the Original edition offers.
Wander-Bright has the brightest nights. Choose this edition if you just want Skyrim nights to look more like nighttime, or if the other 2 editions are just too dark.

Note: You can choose a single Main Edition to use at any one time. They are all named the same "Wander.esp", so they can be easily swapped.

Themed Add-ons

The Themed Add-ons are patches for the Main Editions. Each changes the weather percentage chances in different regions of the world. Current Themed Add-ons are as follows:

Alfheimr - Prevents fog and inclement weathers from normally spawning, while creating nearly limitless pleasant weathers with increased aurora chances.
Vanaheimr - Prevents fog weathers from normally spawning, while increasing the chances for pleasant weathers and auroras.
Asgard - Increases the chances for pleasant weathers and auroras, while minimizing the chances for fog and inclement weathers.
Midgard - Swap to this add-on mid-playthrough to reset the weather chances to Wander's standard settings, while keeping your load order happy.
Jotunheimr - Increases the chances for snow and snowstorm weathers, and allows stronger snowstorms in more places.
Svartalfaheimr - Increases the chances for rain and thunderstorm type weathers.
Muspellsheimr - Increases the chances for all fog and inclement weathers, and allows stronger snowstorms in more places.
Niflheimr - Increases the chances for all fog weathers, while minimizing the chances for pleasant and inclement weathers.
Niflhel - Prevents pleasant and inclement weathers from normally spawning, to envelop you in nearly everlasting fog.

Note: Themed Add-ons work with any of the Main Editions.
Note: You can choose to use up to one theme at a time. They are all named the same "Wander Themed Add-on.esp" , so they can be easily swapped.
Note: The term "Inclement weathers" is describing all rain, thunderstorm, snow, snowstorm, ash, and ashstorm type weathers.

Compatibility

Wander modifies nearly all of the "Weather" records, most of the "Region" records, and nighttime "Image Space" records. Any mod that modifies these same records will conflict in some way with Wander. Wander does not modify light from light sources, water, textures, or meshes. Wander does not modify the world map weather either, so it's safe to use mods that modify the world map weather. If you are unsure about a mod's compatibility with Wander, ask in a post, and I'll check it out when time allows. If you publish a mod or patch that is compatible with Wander, make a post and it will get added to the list.

Mods Built with Wander in Mind

Kyne's Weathers and Seasons - See the Kyne's Weathers and Seasons mod page for details.
Wander - A Weather Mod Czech - See the Wander - A Weather Mod Czech mod page for details.

Fully Compatible Mods

4k Stars and Galaxies - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
8k Night Skies - Stars and Galaxies - Cathedral Concept - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
A Quality World Map - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Ashbound - Solstheim Enhanced - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Better Dynamic Ash SE - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Better Dynamic Snow SE - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Bob Ross' Happy Little Moon - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Campfire / Frostfall - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Cathedral - Water Overhaul and Bug Fixes - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Cathedral Snow (SSE or VR) - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Dimmer Fog and More - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Ethereal Cosmos - Special Edition - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Footprints - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Inside the Nebula - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Luminosity Lighting Overhaul - The Cathedral Concept - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Moon Glow and Bigger Moons SE - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Morning Fogs SSE - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Nightsky 4k Galaxy 2k Masser 512 Secunda - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Obsidian Mountain Fogs - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
R.A.S.S. Rain Ash and Snow Shaders - Wet Frost Cold Dust - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Realistic Water Two SE - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Simply Darker Interiors (SSE) - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Skygazer Moons SSE - Masser and Secunda HD Textures - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Skyrim is Windy - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
SSE - Skyrim Sun Enhanced - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Static Mesh Improvement Mod - SMIM - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Storm Lightning for SSE and VR (Minty Lightning 2019) - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Subtle Wind FX - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
The Dragon Moons SE 4K - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Underwater Visibility Fix - RW2 - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Underwater Visibility Fix - Vanilla - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Volcanic Tundra - Heat Wave Effects - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Volumetric Mists - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Wonders of Weather - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.

Compatible with Notes / Instructions

Enhanced Lights and FX - (EnhancedLightsandFX.esp) - For compatibility, load before Wander. Wander will overwrite 3 weather records.
Enhanced Lights and FX - (ELFX - Exteriors.esp) - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Enhanced Lights and FX - (ELFX - Hardcore.esp) - For compatibility, load before Wander. Wander will overwrite 1 weather, and 3 image space records.
Enhanced Lights and FX - (ELFXWeathers.esp) - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Enhanced Lights and FX - (ELFXEnhancer.esp) - For compatibility, load before Wander. Wander will overwrite 1 weather, and 3 image space records.
Enhanced Lights and FX (Enhanced Ice and other loose files) - Compatible per SSEEdit / file check.
USSEP / Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch - Fully compatible. Wander will overwrite regional weather data for Winterhold and Karthspire Redoubt.
Wet and Cold SE - For compatibility, load before Wander. Wander will overwrite 2 region records.

Compatible with Available Patches

Audio Overhaul for Skyrim SE - Patches are available in Wander's mod files. See the WanderPatchReadme with the download for important load information.
Cresty's Distant Mists - Patch is available on Cresty's mod files, on Cresty's mod page.
Lightning During Storms SSE (Minty Lightning) - Patch is available in Wander's mod files. See the WanderPatchReadme in the download for information.
Sun Lens Flares - Patches are available in Wander's mod files. See the WanderPatchReadme with the download for information.
True Storms SE - Patches are available in Wander's mod files. See the WanderPatchReadme with the download for important load information.

Incompatible Mods

Aequinoctium - Weathers and Seasons - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Cathedral Weathers and Seasons - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Darker Nights - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Dolomite Weathers v1.6 Natural and Vivid - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
More Colorful Auroras - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Mythical Ages - Weathers and Lighting Overhaul - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
NAT - Natural and Atmospheric Tamriel - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Obsidian Weathers and Seasons - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Rustic Weathers and Lighting - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Simply Darker Nights - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Supreme and Volumetric Fog SSE - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Surreal Lighting - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Vivid Weathers - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.
Water's Edge Fix - Currently incompatible per SSEEdit / file check.

Requirements and Installation

Requirements:

Wander Main Editions do not require anything other than Skyrim and it’s DLCs. Wander was constructed to work perfectly with vanilla Skyrim SE, without the use of any other mods, pre-requisites, or tweaks, to act as a simple weather solution. Wander Themed Add-ons require a Wander Main Edition. Wander patches require both a Wander Main Edition, as well as the respective mod being patched from it's own mod page, plus any requirements it might have.

Installation:

Wander Main Editions have only a single “Wander.esp” file. Download it and place this file in your "Data" folder, and activate it, or download and activate via your choice of mod managers. Download and activate Wander Themed Add-ons in the same way, but make sure the Themed Add-ons are loaded after Wander, and after any other Wander patches you use. Important patch information, including proper load order information can be found in the WanderPatchReadme files with Wander patch downloads. Wander patches require mods be downloaded and activated from their respective mod pages. Basic load order is currently as follows:

1 - (Mods...)
2 - (More mods...)
3 - Mods required to be loaded prior to Wander for compatibility (See compatibility list above).
4 - Wander.esp (Wander Main Editions)
5 - Wander Patch - True Storms.esp (Wander & True Storms Patches)
6 - Wander Patch - Audio Overhaul.esp (Wander & Audio Overhaul Patch for Main Editions)
7 - Wander Themed Add-on.esp (Wander Patches, or Wander & Audio Overhaul patched merged versions)
8 - (Even more mods...)


Important Note: Load the Themed add-ons after any True Storms patches. If you use Audio Overhaul, there are versions of the Themed Add-ons that are merged with the Audio Overhaul patches, so use those instead, and load them after any True Storms patches. Specific information on patch load order can be found in the WanderPatchReadme with any downloaded patches.

Important Note: Some patches for Wander work with any Main Edition, however some patches require a specific edition to align to. If you are using a patch that requires a specific Main Edition, make sure you choose the correct one (for example, Wander-Lite main edition = patches for Wander-Lite).

Permissions

Permissions are now open, so long as you keep the data free to all users. Wrye's musings on open modding can be found here for those that are interested.

Credits and Thanks

Thanks to ElminsterAU and the whole xEdit Team for SSEEdit. Work on Wander would not have been reasonably possible with the Creation Kit, and Wander would likely not have been created. You can find SSEEdit here: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/164

Thanks to Megaloblast, Arindel, and kojak747 for the very useful guide "Guide to Weather Creation and Realtime Snow Cover", which helped in the creation of Wander, particularly with the horizon seam fixes. You can find the weather guide here:  https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4704/

Thanks to Elanderan, who graciously created a FOMOD for Wander 2.0, and made the effort to provide detailed instructions on how to modify it when future versions of Wander were released. Also, thanks to Fallout 4's mod "FOMOD Creation Tool" for 3.1+ help:  https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/6821

Thanks to all the modders participating in discussions on Wander, especially NeOniq, for all the support, guidance, and encouragement to get us to this point.

Thanks to the participants of various random internet postings on weather related issues, problems, and discussions, which continually gave insight.

Thanks to all the various creators of other weather-related mods, for paving the way and letting us know that all of this was possible.

Thanks to LilleMiir for her mod Mhara and her Skyrim videos, for the early inspiration they provided me to become a mod creator, back when I was discovering both Skyrim SE and mods on the Xbox for the first time. You can find Mhara here:  https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6630

Thanks to Bethesda for one of the truly most enjoyable games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. There has never quite been a game like Skyrim.

Lastly, thanks to Nexus Mods, and the Nexus Mods community for offering a place for all of this to exist, a welcoming place of escape from the world.