Looking to make some visual UI. Anything basic really. I had a look at the script page and didn't find anything and after more research, I found this tutorial:

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1509769-tuthow-to-create-widgets-using-flash-tools/

Is this the only way? Are there any other guides for other ways? The only other way I can think of is having the player hold an item in their hands instead. More immersive but it wouldn't look as good.

I'm making a light gem based on my mod: http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/74624/?

Something like this: http://thief.wikia.com/wiki/File:TDS_light_gem_Visible.png

If you haven't played a thief game, it basically lets the player know if the game considers the PC to be in the dark or not, as does my mod via text(which I'm hoping to change).

Muh immersive method would utilize 5 states a held item could change to. I have fiddled around with some models( ) and I found that some models have different states they can be in based on what you tell the game.

Both methods would require me to learn something new. The gem version would probably have to use the staff animation, a small handle + a diamond embedded into it. The diamond would be the part that changes states according to the code.

I think the widget is pretty self explanatory based on the info above. If you're familiar with either and want to work together, let me know! Otherwise, any help or ideas will be appreciated.

Edit: Looking more into the widget tutorial, on step 4 and it looks like a massive headache. I assumed I could do something like when X happens, display this image on screen, when Y happens display that image on screen. As if there's no built in function to display something on screen other than text.

If you do an Equippable object, you could not just swap it out using Add/Remove Item? Then all you'd have to do is make 5 versions of the staff, with 5 colours... Might be easier than messing with the states?

I thought about that too but won't that look obvious? Similar to changes spells with the same hand casting effect plus sound I imagine.

I'm not sure...

I *think* it's instant/unnoticeable visually when you're changing clothing/torches/shields, but it's been a while since I tried. I know that weapons usually result in a "re-draw" if you swap them when they're drawn. Apparently EquipItemEx (from SKSE) has a 'sound' option that will silence the sound, so that should sort the sound part out at least

I pretty sure you're right about the re-draw part, even if not, won't I then have to keep track of all the items, make sure the player doesn't try anything funny or quickly unequip?

I haven't got much experience with it but another way might be altering the glowing of the diamond part if nifskope/CK allows for that.