create-mod

name	create-mod
description	Guided workflow for creating a new Skyrim mod from scratch using AutoMod CLI. Use when the user wants to build a new mod.
argument-hint	[mod description]

Create New Mod Workflow

Build a mod step-by-step using the AutoMod CLI. Always use --json on all commands. Always use --dry-run first on write commands.

Step 1: Create the Plugin

bash tools/automod-cli.sh esp create "<ModName>" --output "Data" --author "<author>" --description "<desc>" --json

Use --light for ESL-flagged plugins (if under 2048 records).

Step 2: Add Records

Use the appropriate esp add-* command for each record:

• Weapons: esp add-weapon <esp> <editorId> --type <type> --model <preset> --damage <n> --dry-run --json
• Spells: esp add-spell <esp> <editorId> --type <type> --effect <preset> --magnitude <n> --dry-run --json
• Armor: esp add-armor <esp> <editorId> --type <type> --slot <slot> --model <preset> --dry-run --json
• NPCs: esp add-npc <esp> <editorId> --name "<name>" --level <n> --dry-run --json
• Books: esp add-book <esp> <editorId> --name "<name>" --text "<content>" --dry-run --json
• Perks: esp add-perk <esp> <editorId> --name "<name>" --effect <preset> --dry-run --json
• Globals: esp add-global <esp> <editorId> --type float --value <n> --dry-run --json

Important: Weapons and armor REQUIRE --model or they'll be invisible. Spells REQUIRE --effect or they'll do nothing.

Always preview with --dry-run first, then remove it after user approves.

Step 3: Add Scripts (if needed)

1. Write the .psc source file
2. Compile: bash tools/automod-cli.sh papyrus compile <source> --output Data/Scripts --headers tools/automod/skyrim-script-headers --json (Or use our existing Caprica: tools/Caprica/Caprica.exe --game skyrim --import "Data/Scripts/Source" --flags "TESV_Papyrus_Flags.flg" --output "Data/Scripts" "script.psc")
3. Attach to quest: bash tools/automod-cli.sh esp attach-script <esp> --quest <editorId> --script <name> --json
4. Auto-fill properties: bash tools/automod-cli.sh esp auto-fill <esp> --quest <editorId> --script <name> --script-dir Data/Scripts/Source --data-folder Data --json

Step 4: Generate SEQ File (if quest has start-enabled flag)

bash tools/automod-cli.sh esp generate-seq <esp> --json

Step 5: Verify

bash tools/automod-cli.sh esp info <esp> --json

Review the record counts and verify everything was added correctly.

Safety Reminders

• All effects on a spell must have the same casting type
• ESL FormIDs must be in xx000800-xx000FFF range
• Use GetFormFromFile() in scripts to avoid complex VMAD properties
• Test in-game before distributing