I'd like to open a discussion as to how xCALIBR should optimally be executed. My design goal for xCALIBR was to create an open resource equally usable by major mod teams or individual weapon modders. My only restriction regarding its use is that it it be implement in a way that ensures compatibility across mods.

JustinOther has proposed an interesting idea to me, which is to implement the xCal ammo resources via injection into the required CALIBR.ESM and rename the the bsa from xCALIBR.bsa to CALIBR.bsa.

The purpose of these proposed changes is to eliminate the need for modders to include the xCALIBR.esm by incorporating those resources directly into the mod's esm/esp and using calibr.esm to load the bsa.

I find this approach very clever but I see downsides as well.

First, it will break all existing mods that use xCal ammo. Updating mods to support the structure is fairly simple with FO3edit, but it is a manual process. I fear that the transition would be a nightmare for users.

Second, compatibility may be lost with the loss of the current single source approach. Once the resources are incorporated directly into mods, there is no longer an independent standard to ensure consistency.

I consider xCALIBR communal property, so I would really appreciate some feedback from modders on how xCal ammo can best serve your needs going forward.

Thanks for your interest and support.

The form ID's within CALIBR.ESM and xCALIBR.ESM don't overlap, so if xCALIBR.ESM forms (when injected into CALIBR.ESM) retain their last six characters, any plugin with both in its mastelist could be made to reference those injected forms by simply removing xCALIBR.ESM from their masterlist(s) manually with FO3Edit. That's only one step away from what would really be best, in my opinion, which would be to fuse xCALIBR directly into CALIBR itself making for a single, definitive package with all of the goodies. xCalibr requires and augments Calibr which is even better afterward, so together they're stronger than either on their own. If only you and Tubal were in cahoots... ^___^


Since the form ID's don't overlap, the FO3Edit operation is very easy to perform on a plugin with both as masters. If either injection or an outright fusion of the two mods is only deterred by reluctance to perform said operation, I volunteer to perform the update that no one else would have to worry about it and can guarantee everything will still line up.

Well Justin, seems like its just you and me.

I believe that CALIBR and xCALIBR should remain separate. Many people don't care for the eye candy or have system constraints that discourage its use. As currently configured, weapons referencing CALIBR can be used with xCALIBR to no ill effect. This is a good thing.

Agreed performing the upgrade with FO3edit is relatively simple. I would also pack my directory with every known esp that references xCALIBR, perform a simultaneous upgrade, and offer the modified ESPs as patches.

This, of course, does not help the scores of individuals who have incorporated xCalAmmo into their private mods.

Lets sidetrack for a moment to other issues.

1. I have resources to add SP5 and SP6 variants to the 9x39mm ammo, as well as a brand new 6.5 Grendel. Should I add these into xCalAmmo even though they do not exist in CALIBR?
2. If yes to above, does the FOOK team have any non-calibr ammo that would make sense to add as well?
3. Current build uses hi-res meshes for 7.62, 5.56, 6.8, and 9x39. Odin_ML has provided nice alternatives that have less system load, but are not hollow. Would it make sense to include both casings as selectable options?
4. I built static models of most ammo boxes for my munitions shop. Would it make sense to include the statics in the xCalAmmo for use as decorations?

Anything other suggestions are most welcome, except requests for cartridges unless accompanied by a complete set of quality resources.

Are you wanting to take xCALIBR out of the realm of just adding eye candy and make it more of a Caliber Companion? Having both Caliber and xCALIBR would then be all the ammo mods you would ever need? If that's the case I'd say that Caliber add lots of new rounds, and xCALIBR makes them prettier and introduces a few of the more exotic munitions. If that's not you intent then let me know, otherwise I've got ideas to spare.