| name | skyrim-context |
| description | Skyrim modding context and VR-specific gotchas. Auto-loads when working with Papyrus scripts, ESP-related files, or Data/ contents. |
| user-invocable | false |
| paths | **/*.psc,**/*.pex,Data/**,**/*.ini |
Skyrim Modding Context
You are working in a modded Skyrim installation with a full modding toolkit. Consult KNOWLEDGEBASE.md in the project root for the complete reference. Below are the most critical gotchas that cause silent failures or crashes.
Top 15 Gotchas (Memorize These)
- RemoveSpell doesn't fire OnEffectFinish — use
DispelSpell when cleanup logic exists (but DispelSpell excludes abilities)
- All effects on a spell must have the same casting type — mismatches cause silent failure
- VMAD editing is fragile — use
GetFormFromFile() to minimize properties; xEdit can't add scripts to VMAD
- PlayIdle fails in VR — VRIK overrides skeleton IK; bypass with timed Papyrus scripts
- Wait() unreliable under 100ms — merge sub-100ms gaps; use
RegisterForSingleUpdate when possible
- SSE != VR for: camera, skeleton, collision, UI, input, SKSE addresses, physics (60Hz→90Hz)
- ESL FormIDs must be in xx000800-xx000FFF — exceeding = crash or data corruption
- Loose files always override BSAs — check for loose file conflicts before assuming BSA content wins
- Condition OR has precedence over AND —
A AND B OR C != what you'd expect
- Non-auto properties don't restore from master on save/load — they stay blank
- PreWEAPON/PreSHIELD skeleton nodes cause CTD in VR — must be removed
- ONAM required for ESM temp record overrides — missing ONAM = game silently ignores overrides
- SetVehicle causes HMD desync in VR — avoid entirely
- GoToState("") in OnUnload → Self=None crash — move to OnLoad instead
- Navmesh creation is CK-only — xEdit can only delete, never recreate
Key VR Differences
- SKSEVR is a completely separate build from SKSE64 — address libraries differ entirely
DisablePlayerControls() does NOT prevent VR thumbstick movement — use SetDontMove(true) in addition- VR physics locked to 60Hz by default (needs INI tweak for 90Hz)
- Player collision uses capsule vs ragdoll in VR (vs capsule vs capsule in SSE)
- SKSE Input API returns -1 for VR controllers — use VRIK API instead
Game.ShakeCamera() is mostly inert in VR
ESP Editing Workflow
Default (creating/editing records): Use Spriggit serialize → edit YAML → deserialize
Analysis and inspection: Use xeditlib for programmatic traversal and diffing
Before Any Change
Always check KNOWLEDGEBASE.md for the full context on whatever you're about to touch.
