nimmersky/gameplay_stack.txt

# NimmerSky Gameplay Stack
# Compiled: 2026-03-15 | Updated: 2026-03-18 (economy/loot/crafting finalized)
# Session with Chrysalis - Planning the gameplay layer for first real playthrough

================================================================================
                              DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
================================================================================

- HC WoW oldschool player mentality: hard, meaningful, consequences matter
- First REAL playthrough - actually play, not just mod forever
- LOTD as the goal: collect everything, fill the museum
- Immersive over gamey: systems that create emergent stories
- Avoid patch hell: smart choices over maximum features

================================================================================
                               SURVIVAL STACK
================================================================================

Core Survival:
- Creation Kit Survival Mode                        # Native warmth/cold/hunger/fatigue
  - NATIVE engine integration = faster than scripted mods
  - Exposes functions for SkyrimNet triggers
  - No Papyrus update loop overhead
- Campfire                                          # Camping, shelter, crafting
- Campfire CC Fish Cooking                          # Cook CC Fishing fish at campfire
  - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/129818
  - Requires: CC Fishing (AE content)
- Last Seed - Survival Needs and Diseases           # Disease system, deeper needs
- Last Seed - Craftable Cure Potions Add-on         # Alchemy recipes for disease cures
  - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57998
  - Craft cures at alchemy lab (thematic recipes)
  - SYNERGY: Apothecary alchemy + Last Seed diseases
- Skills of the Wild - New Campfire Survival Skill Trees  # Progression in survival

Hunting & Resources:
- Simple Hunting Overhaul                           # Food acquisition matters

Mental Health:
- Stress and Fear - A Dynamic Sanity System         # Sanity, trauma, psychological cost

Hygiene:
- Bathing in Skyrim - Renewed                       # Cleanliness affects NPC reactions
- Bathing in Skyrim - Renewed - Animal Fat and Linen  # Craft soap from hunting!
  - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/139075
  - Animals drop fat → craft soap
  - Salvage clothes → linen → wash rags
  - SYNERGY: Simple Hunting Overhaul + hygiene loop

DECISIONS (2026-03-18):
- REMOVED: Frostfall
  - Reason: No working SkyrimNet triggers for Frostfall events
  - Creation Kit Survival Mode is native, runs faster, has exposed functions
- DISABLED: Last Seed follower needs system
  - Reason: Avoid bloat - followers don't need parallel need tracking
  - Use Creation Kit exposed functions for follower survival instead
  - Keeps script load lean

NOTES:
- Disease system (Last Seed) still spreads through party
- Synergizes with SkyrimNet - NPCs comment on your state
- Native CC Survival = SkyrimNet can hook warmth/cold events directly

================================================================================
                               COMBAT STACK
================================================================================

Framework:
- BFCO (Balanced Framework for Combat Overhaul)    # Animation framework, movesets
  - Supports vanilla attack speed and directional heavy attacks
  - Compatible with ANY perk mod (Adamant, Ordinator, Vokrii)
  - Works WITH SCAR (hands off when SCAR annotations exist)

Balance Layer:
- Blade and Blunt (SimonRim)                       # Stamina, stagger, damage, blocking
  - DESIGNED to synergize with Adamant perks
  - DO NOT use Valhalla - B&B fills this role

NPC Combat AI:
- SCAR                                             # NPCs fight intelligently
  - Uses movesets properly
  - Tactical behavior, not random swinging

Polish:
- Precision                                        # Hitstop, weapon trails, collision

Movesets:
- [TBD - choose based on playstyle preferences]
- BFCO has massive moveset library

WHY THIS WORKS:
- BFCO = HOW attacks look and chain (animations)
- Blade and Blunt = HOW attacks feel and cost (balance)
- SCAR = HOW NPCs use the system (AI)
- Adamant perks reference B&B mechanics = FULL SYNERGY

================================================================================
                             SIMONRIM SUITE
================================================================================

Character Progression:
- Adamant                                          # Perks - streamlined, functional
- Aetherius                                        # Races - meaningful bonuses
- Mundus                                           # Standing Stones - real choices

Religion & Roleplay:
- Pilgrim                                          # Divine worship system
  - Pray at shrines for favor
  - Each Divine has unique blessings
  - Daedric worship with consequences
  - SYNERGY: Arkay = disease resistance (works with Last Seed!)

Magic:
- Mysticism                                        # Spells - vanilla+ philosophy
- Stormcrown                                       # Shouts - worth using

Crafting:
- Apothecary                                       # Alchemy - rebalanced
- Thaumaturgy                                      # Enchanting - scaling fixed

Transformations:
- Scion                                            # Vampires - progression system
- Manbeast                                         # Werewolves - perk tree

Other:
- Hand to Hand                                     # Unarmed builds viable
- Arena                                            # Encounter Zones - deleveling
  - CHECK: May conflict with other enemy scaling mods

SKIP:
- Blade and Blunt from SimonRim page              # Already in Combat Stack above

================================================================================
                          RELATIONSHIP / NPC STACK
================================================================================

Core Relationship:
- M.A.R.A.S - Marry Anyone Rule All Skyrim        # Romance, affection states, marriage
  - Affection builds over time
  - Lore-friendly polygamy quest
  - Spouse arcs (relationships develop!)

- M.A.R.A.S - OStim Patch                         # Integration with OStim

Follower Management:
- Nether's Follower Framework (NFF)               # Already in base list
  - Recruit ANYONE as follower
  - Manage multiple followers
  - Avoid OP modded follower syndrome

Intimacy (already in base list):
- OStim Standalone                                # Already installed
- OStim On Demand                                 # Dynamic requests based on stats
- OStim NPCs - NPC Sex Lives Improved            # NPCs have their own lives
- OLS Aroused                                     # Arousal system with stats

EMERGENT GAMEPLAY ACHIEVED:
- Build affection over time (M.A.R.A.S)
- NPCs remember interactions (SkyrimNet)
- Romance develops into physical (OStim)
- Recruit as follower (NFF)
- Manage their survival needs (Last Seed)
- They comment on everything (SkyrimNet perception)

TESTED SCENARIO - Riverwood Romance:
- Arrived in Riverwood
- Made a moonlight rendezvous promise with Camilla
- SkyrimNet stored the promise in memory
- 2 hours later (in-game), sang song under silver moon
- Camilla BROKE HER AI ROUTINE to meet - remembered the promise!
- Sven (rival suitor) ALSO BROKE ROUTINE - came to confront!
- Passive-aggressive scene ensued
- THIS IS EMERGENT STORYTELLING

================================================================================
                              CONTENT / GOAL
================================================================================

Main Goal:
- Legacy of the Dragonborn (LOTD)                 # The museum - collect EVERYTHING
  - Clear purpose for exploration
  - Every item has a home
  - Collector's HQ (Safehouse)
  - Well-patched, mature mod

LOTD Additions:
- Legacy of the Dragonborn - Followers Patch      # Follower rooms in Safehouse
  - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/40816
  - Supports: Inigo, Auri, Kaidan, Xelzaz, Val Serano, Remiel, etc.
  - Custom room designs, displays, replica crafting
  - NOTE: May need Legacy Safehouse Plus for all rooms

================================================================================
                         JAYSERPA QUEST SUITE
================================================================================

Philosophy:
- Vanilla quest improvements, not replacements
- More roleplay options, better pacing
- Same author as Stress and Fear = consistent design

At Your Own Pace:
- At Your Own Pace                                # Slow down faction progression
  - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/52704
  - Thieves Guild: Requirements before joining
  - College: Enter without joining, natural progression
  - Companions: Dialogue fixes, pacing
  - Dark Brotherhood: Lawful Good "Destroy" path
  - MCM configurable

Quest Expansions (pick what you want):
- College of Winterhold - Quest Expansion         # More college content
- Thieves Guild Requirements                      # Earn your way in
- Paarthurnax - Quest Expansion                   # Alternative to killing
- The Only Cure - Quest Expansion                 # Peryite quest depth
- House of Horrors - Quest Expansion              # Molag Bal alternatives
- The Whispering Door - Quest Expansion           # Mephala quest depth
- Headhunter - Bounties Redone                    # Bounty system overhaul
- Missives                                        # Radiant quest board (pairs well)

COMPATIBILITY NOTES:
- JaySerpa mods designed to work together
- At Your Own Pace has patch for College Quest Expansion (Optional Files)
- Stress and Fear (already in stack) is JaySerpa = same philosophy
- Pilgrim (SimonRim): Built-in prayer → stress reduction

WHY THIS WORKS:
- SkyrimNet dynamic dialogue + JaySerpa quest depth = richer stories
- At Your Own Pace prevents "Archmage in 2 hours" syndrome
- More decision points = more opportunities for AI-driven consequences

================================================================================
                         ECONOMY / LOOT / CRAFTING
================================================================================

Economy:
- Evolving Value Economy                          # Dynamic market system
  - Item prices fluctuate based on supply/demand
  - Flooding a market depreciates item values
  - SYNERGY: SkyrimNet quests affect economy emergently
  - Your actions have economic consequences
  - NOTE: Mod hidden on Nexus - obtained via direct URL (archived)

Loot:
- Morrowloot Ultimate                             # Deleveled, hand-placed artifacts
  - Artifacts in fixed, logical locations
  - Loot feels EARNED, not random
  - LOTD compatible - treasure hunting with purpose
  - Pairs with Arena (SimonRim) for full deleveling

Cooking:
- Gourmet                                         # SimonRim cooking overhaul
  - Cooking becomes a real skill
  - Meaningful food buffs
  - Works with Apothecary/Thaumaturgy
  - SYNERGY: Last Seed hunger + Gourmet cooking = food matters

Jewelry:
- Immersive Jewelry SSE                           # Multiple rings, expanded jewelry
  - Wear more than one ring (finally!)
  - Lore-friendly new jewelry
  - LOTD displays for jewelry collection
  - Exception to "no unnecessary items" rule - this COMPLETES a system

WHY THIS WORKS:
- Economy responds to your actions (EVE)
- Loot is placed deliberately, not RNG (Morrowloot)
- Cooking is meaningful with survival needs (Gourmet + Last Seed)
- Jewelry has depth and purpose (Immersive Jewelry + LOTD)
- SkyrimNet dynamic quests → economic ripples → emergent storytelling

================================================================================
                              AI LAYER
================================================================================

Already Installed:
- SkyrimNet                                       # The brain
  - See inference_architecture_plan.txt for full routing
  - Dialogue: Euryale-70B on Theia:31001
  - Structured JSON: Gemma-27B on Dioscuri:31004
  - Vision: Qwen3-VL-8B on Dioscuri:31005
  - Memory system with vector embeddings
  - 5000 memories per actor
  - Event perception (40+ event types)

TTS:
- Piper                                           # Voice synthesis
  - Race-specific voices
  - Pronunciation dictionary
  - Narration: DISABLED (dialogue only)

STT:
- Enabled                                         # Voice input to talk to NPCs

OStim Integration:
- OStimNet                                        # AI can trigger intimate scenes
- SeverActions - SkyrimNet Action Pack            # Action integration

RESOLVED (2026-03-17):
- Diary JSON now handled by Gemma-27B (structured_outputs: true)
- 27B models follow JSON schemas reliably - no pipeline needed

================================================================================
                         INFRASTRUCTURE NOTES
================================================================================

THEIA (10.0.30.21) - Blackwell 98GB:
- Port 31001: Euryale-70B (dialogue, creative)
- Ollama active

DIOSCURI (10.0.30.22) - Twin RTX 4000 Ada (40GB):
- Port 31004: Gemma-27B-abliterated (structured JSON, combat, memory)
- Port 31005: Qwen3-VL-8B-abliterated (vision/OmniSight)

See inference_architecture_plan.txt for full routing table.

Default SkyrimNet config uses paid OpenRouter APIs
YOUR config uses self-hosted = FREE GAMING

================================================================================
                            LOAD ORDER NOTES
================================================================================

The existing modlist (2057 mods) is the SKELETON:
- Visuals, animations, ENB, LODs = DONE
- SkyrimNet AI layer = DONE
- OStim stack = DONE

This gameplay stack goes INTO the disabled "-Gameplay_separator" section

After adding gameplay mods:
- Regenerate Pandora output
- Regenerate Synthesis patches (SimonRim patches)
- May need LOTD patches
- DynDOLOD if LOTD adds exterior displays

================================================================================
                              FINAL STACK
================================================================================

COMBAT:
[x] BFCO
[x] Blade and Blunt
[x] SCAR
[x] Precision
[ ] Movesets (choose favorites)

SURVIVAL:
[x] Creation Kit Survival Mode (native warmth/cold)
[x] Campfire
[x] Campfire CC Fish Cooking
[x] Last Seed (follower needs DISABLED - use CC exposed functions)
[x] Last Seed - Craftable Cure Potions Add-on
[x] Skills of the Wild
[x] Simple Hunting Overhaul
[x] Stress and Fear
[x] Bathing in Skyrim
[x] Bathing in Skyrim - Animal Fat and Linen
[ ] Frostfall - REMOVED (no SkyrimNet triggers, CC Survival is native & faster)

SIMONRIM:
[x] Adamant
[x] Aetherius
[x] Mundus
[x] Pilgrim
[x] Mysticism
[x] Stormcrown
[x] Apothecary
[x] Thaumaturgy
[x] Scion
[x] Manbeast
[x] Hand to Hand
[?] Arena (check conflicts)

RELATIONSHIPS:
[x] M.A.R.A.S
[x] M.A.R.A.S - OStim Patch

CONTENT:
[x] Legacy of the Dragonborn
[x] LOTD - Followers Patch (follower rooms)
[ ] LOTD patches as needed

JAYSERPA QUEST SUITE:
[x] At Your Own Pace
[ ] At Your Own Pace - College Quest Expansion Patch (if using both)
[ ] College of Winterhold - Quest Expansion
[ ] Thieves Guild Requirements
[ ] Paarthurnax - Quest Expansion
[ ] The Only Cure - Quest Expansion
[ ] House of Horrors - Quest Expansion
[ ] The Whispering Door - Quest Expansion
[ ] Headhunter - Bounties Redone
[ ] Missives

ECONOMY/LOOT/CRAFTING:
[x] Evolving Value Economy
[x] Morrowloot Ultimate
[x] Gourmet
[x] Immersive Jewelry SSE

================================================================================
                           REQUIRED PATCHES
================================================================================

TIER 1 - ESSENTIAL:
[x] Gabriel's Patch Hub
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/109432
    - Covers: LOTD ↔ Mysticism, LOTD ↔ Artificer, MLU ↔ SimonRim

[x] Last Seed - Gourmet and SimonRim Patches
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/101481
    - Covers: Last Seed ↔ Gourmet (salt→water fix)
    - NOTE: Disable skooma addiction in Last Seed MCM (both mods have it)
    - Load order: Last Seed > Gourmet > Patch

[x] LOTD Official Patches
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/30980
    - Covers: LOTD ↔ Morrowloot Ultimate, LOTD ↔ Immersive Jewelry, LOTD ↔ Adamant

[x] Morrowloot Ultimate Patches
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/76259
    - Covers: MLU ↔ Adamant, MLU ↔ various

TIER 2 - RECOMMENDED:
[x] M.A.R.A.S - OStim Patch (already listed above)
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/173896

[x] LOTD - Followers Patch
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/40816
    - Covers: Follower rooms in Safehouse for popular followers
    - NOTE: Check if you need Legacy Safehouse Plus

[ ] At Your Own Pace - College Quest Expansion Patch
    - In Optional Files of At Your Own Pace
    - Only needed if using BOTH At Your Own Pace AND College Quest Expansion

[ ] Stress and Fear Hexed Edition (OPTIONAL)
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/154316
    - Covers: Stress/Fear ↔ Mysticism poison/sun spells

[ ] Ze's SimonRim Patch Hub (IF using mod-added ingredients)
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/116745
    - Covers: Gourmet/Apothecary values for mod-added items

TIER 2.5 - STACK SPECIFIC:
[x] Campfire - Pilgrim Patch
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57888
    - Covers: Campfire amulet backpack effects ↔ Pilgrim divine effects
    - ESSENTIAL for Campfire + Pilgrim combo

[x] Precision - Mysticism Bound Weapons Patch
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/139444
    - Covers: Precision weapon trails ↔ Mysticism bound weapons
    - Fixes visual effect conflicts on conjured weapons

[x] Precision - Thaumaturgy Patch
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/145873
    - Covers: Precision weapon trails ↔ Thaumaturgy enchantments
    - Color-coded trails: fire=red, poison=green, etc.

[x] Bathing in Skyrim - Renewed - Stress and Fear Patch
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/141564
    - Covers: Bathing ↔ Stress/Fear system
    - Bathing now reduces stress (immersive self-care!)

[x] iWant Status Bars - Stress and Fear Addon
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/119248
    - Adds stress level icon to HUD
    - Requires: iWant Status Bars framework

[x] Patches for Thaumaturgy
    - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57199
    - Covers: Thaumaturgy ↔ Morrowloot Ultimate
    - Covers: Thaumaturgy ↔ Immersive Jewelry
    - ESSENTIAL for our enchanting + loot + jewelry combo

TIER 3 - NO PATCH NEEDED (Native Compatibility):
- BFCO ↔ Blade and Blunt: Different layers (animations vs mechanics)
- BFCO ↔ SCAR: Native support, BFCO defers to SCAR annotations
- Campfire ↔ Adamant: Campfire skill system is standalone
- Stress and Fear ↔ Pilgrim: Built-in (praying decreases stress)
- Apothecary ↔ Last Seed: Native compatibility

TIER 4 - CAUTION:
- EVE ↔ SimonRim: Test on fresh save, some reports of issues
- EVE ↔ LOTD: No dedicated patch, may need xEdit check
- Immersive Jewelry ↔ LOTD: Official patch works but not updated
- Arena ↔ Morrowloot: Both delevel, check encounter zone overlap

MCM SETTINGS TO REMEMBER:
- Last Seed: Disable skooma addiction (Gourmet has it too)
- Last Seed: Disable follower needs (use CC Survival exposed functions)

================================================================================
                         RECOMMENDED LOAD ORDER
================================================================================

Place these AFTER your existing skeleton (visuals, animations, SkyrimNet, OStim)
but BEFORE any Bashed/Smashed/Synthesis patches.

The order follows: Base Mods → Overhauls → Content → Patches

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 1: FRAMEWORKS & COMBAT (load early, other mods depend on these)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
BFCO - Attack Behavior Framework
Precision
Precision - Enchanted Weapon Trails (if using)
SCAR

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 2: SIMONRIM SUITE (load in Simon's recommended order)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Aetherius - A Race Overhaul
Mundus - A Standing Stone Overhaul
Mysticism - A Magic Overhaul
Adamant - A Perk Overhaul
Hand to Hand - An Adamant Addon
Blade and Blunt - A Combat Overhaul
Arena - An Encounter Zone Overhaul
Scion - A Vampire Overhaul
Manbeast - A Werewolf Overhaul
Stormcrown - A Shout Overhaul
Pilgrim - A Religion Overhaul
Apothecary - An Alchemy Overhaul
Gourmet - A Cooking Overhaul
Thaumaturgy - An Enchanting Overhaul

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 3: SURVIVAL STACK (after SimonRim, before patches)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Campfire - Complete Camping System
Campfire CC Fish Cooking
Skills of the Wild
Last Seed - Survival Needs and Diseases
Last Seed - Craftable Cure Potions Add-on
Simple Hunting Overhaul
Stress and Fear - A Dynamic Sanity System
Bathing in Skyrim - Renewed
Bathing in Skyrim - Renewed - Animal Fat and Linen

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 4: ECONOMY & LOOT (after survival, affects item values/placement)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Evolving Value Economy
Morrowloot Ultimate
Immersive Jewelry SSE

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 5: CONTENT & QUESTS (large content mods)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Legacy of the Dragonborn
At Your Own Pace
# JaySerpa Quest Expansions (whichever you choose):
College of Winterhold - Quest Expansion (optional)
Thieves Guild Requirements (optional)
Paarthurnax - Quest Expansion (optional)
The Only Cure - Quest Expansion (optional)
House of Horrors - Quest Expansion (optional)
The Whispering Door - Quest Expansion (optional)
Headhunter - Bounties Redone (optional)
Missives (optional)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 6: RELATIONSHIPS (after content mods)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
M.A.R.A.S - Marry Anyone Rule All Skyrim

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 7: PATCHES (ALWAYS load after BOTH parent mods)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
# SimonRim Patch Hubs
Gabriel's Patch Hub (select relevant patches)
Ze's SimonRim Patch Hub (if using mod-added ingredients)

# Survival ↔ SimonRim Patches
Campfire - Pilgrim Patch
Last Seed - Gourmet and SimonRim Patches

# Combat ↔ SimonRim Patches
Precision - Mysticism Bound Weapons Patch
Precision - Thaumaturgy Patch

# Stress/Fear Ecosystem
Bathing in Skyrim - Renewed - Stress and Fear Patch
iWant Status Bars - Stress and Fear Addon
Stress and Fear Hexed Edition (optional - Mysticism spells)

# Economy/Loot Patches
Morrowloot Ultimate Patches (select Adamant patch)
Patches for Thaumaturgy (MLU + Immersive Jewelry)

# LOTD Patches (LOAD LAST in patch section)
LOTD Official Patches (select: MLU, Immersive Jewelry, Adamant, etc.)
Legacy of the Dragonborn - Followers Patch

# Relationship Patches
M.A.R.A.S - OStim Patch

# JaySerpa Internal (if using multiple)
At Your Own Pace - College Quest Expansion Patch (if using both)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SECTION 8: FINAL PATCHES (Bashed/Smashed/Synthesis - regenerate these)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
# Your existing synthesis patches
# Bashed Patch (if using)
# Any conflict resolution patches

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
POST-INSTALL CHECKLIST
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
[ ] Regenerate Pandora output (animations changed)
[ ] Regenerate Synthesis patches
[ ] Run LOOT (but verify against this order)
[ ] DynDOLOD if LOTD adds exterior displays
[ ] MCM: Disable Last Seed skooma addiction
[ ] MCM: Disable Last Seed follower needs
[ ] Test on fresh save before committing

================================================================================

Notes compiled from session with Chrysalis (chrysalis@EACHPATH.LOCAL)