Jekyll2024-03-04T15:57:19-08:00https://www.dracotorre.com/Draco TorreCovering software, writing, gaming, and art
David G ShrockBaldur's Gate 3: Dark Urge2024-03-04T11:21:22-08:002024-03-04T11:21:22-08:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/baldurs-gate-3-dark-urge<p>Play Dark Urge.</p>
<p>For my first full play-through in Larian’s role-playing game, <a href="https://baldursgate3.game"><em>Baldur’s Gate 3</em></a> a Dungeon & Dragons game taking place in Forgotten Realms, I chose to play as a Dark Urge origin character, and I am very glad I did. If you have not tried it yet, or are just getting started with <em>Baldur’s Gate 3</em>—do not dally—play as Dark Urge. The story resides among the best stories in gaming. No matter if you like to play good or evil-aligned character, play Dark Urge origin!</p>
<p><img src="/images/2024/BG3_Necr2.jpg" alt="BG3 Necr2" /></p>
<h3 id="what-is-an-origin-character">What is an origin character?</h3>
<p>Similar to Larian’s previous game, <em>Divinity: Original Sin 2</em>, an origin character includes a story which weaves with the main story. In <em>Baldur’s Gate 3</em> the player may choose to play as one of several origin characters each having a specific profession (class) and background. Playing an origin character gives the player that character’s perspective. The player may enjoy stories of other origin characters by including them in the party. With the exception of Dark Urge. The only way to experience the Dark Urge story is to play as Dark Urge origin. Unlike the other origin characters, the player may customize the class, race, and gender of the Dark Urge character.</p>
<p>Besides playing an origin character, the player may choose a custom non-origin character which some players refer to as Tav, the default name until the player changes it. Since Dark Urge may be customized, I recommend choosing Dark Urge for custom-character play. Playing a “Tav” feels like playing a supporting role for the origin characters.</p>
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<h3 id="what-is-dark-urge">What is Dark Urge?</h3>
<p>In character selection screen play the introduction for a brief overview. In a nutshell, this origin character is plagued by dark thoughts hinting of a partially forgotten history. During the adventure the background story unfolds allowing the player to make choices deciding the story ahead. Voiced narration does a wonderful job at setting the tone for Dark Urge, and yes, some of the narration is unique for Dark Urge. Act 1 includes a violent scene to establish the setting and get a reaction encouraging the player to make a choice between overcoming this darkness or embracing it. Some players may be alarmed, annoyed, or shocked. This is the only forced scene, and worth the experience for its story building. Both Dark Urge and the player will be tempted to do more evil. Another violent scene during Act 2 may play out—or skipped entirely—depending on choices made and dice rolls. As the main story progresses so it does for the Dark Urge story.</p>
<h3 id="my-first-dark-urge-character">My first Dark Urge character</h3>
<p>I chose to play as a wizard in the school of necromancy, because I enjoy necromancy in AD&D and I wanted to see how this game handles it. (I enjoyed it.) For my first full play, I also chose tactician difficulty. Having prior experience with Larian games, and with AD&D (2nd edition), I felt I could handle the higher difficulty. The first act had its tough moments with a fair combat balance overall. Increasing difficulty, choices I made reduced my party down to just 3 members: my character, Shadowheart, and Astarion later replaced by Minthara. I found Act 2 brutal. Act 3 (final act) was easy, and I felt my small party was overpowered until the final battle. Usually I go with human when playing a necromancer, but this time I chose high elf. I had planned on playing a male character, but I just could not get the look I wanted for a dark character. I found the elf faces either too goofy, chisaled-face, or too happy. I switched to female, and after a few tweaks stumbled upon the look I was after. So, I played a female.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2024/BG3_Necr1.jpg" alt="BG3 Necr1" /></p>
<p><img src="/images/2024/BG3_Necr3.jpg" alt="BG3 Necr3" /></p>
<p>As a necromancer I decided to play the evil side. Being evil doesn’t mean killing everyone and stealing everything. There are rules! My wizard aimed for the path of least resistance which at times meant avoid killing. Those goblins welcomed my party into camp, and they got along fine. Siding with Minthara and the goblins to attack Emerald Grove seemed easier than defending the grove. (Also, Minthara provided better help than Halsin.) I left the owlbears alone, because a cub needs a mother. Besides, nothing gained by harming them. Same with the eagles at their nest. A neat aspect of <em>Baldur’s Gate 3</em> is having so many different methods to beat an encounter. Sneak it, avoid it, talk-your-way-out, early choices affect later choices, or fight. Sometimes finding a path of least resistance means making the right choice well ahead of time. Other times all it takes is bringing enough skeletons or ghouls to the fight, or because it’s fun. Embracing illithid powers can be helpful, too, if one does not mind the flesh affliction.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2024/BG3_NecrMF.jpg" alt="BG3 NecrMF" /></p>
<p>A wicked face for wicked powers!</p>
<h3 id="my-recommendations">My recommendations</h3>
<p>For Dark Urge you may play any race, gender, or class. Remember Dark Urge includes a history, so during character creation avoid imagining your character’s background. As the story progresses let it flow into your imagination. By the third act you will discover the Dark Urge’s full background connecting back to your character at the start of the game. Given this partially forgotten history, some classes may be more difficult to explain. Becoming a cleric requires years of preparation and devotion to a deity making it more difficult to justify as Dark Urge. Also, not all the Forgotten Realms deities are available for worship by the player-character. Similarly a warlock channeling power from a devil requires imagination. Paladin may work as an oathbreaker (former oath) on a path of redemption. A spore druid could work. When choosing a class of an origin character (like Shadowheart for cleric), also consider if you would like to play as that origin for a regular play-through without Dark Urge.</p>
<p>After experiencing the game, I recommend trying a chrasima-based class like a sorceror or bard for at least one play-through. For my second Dark Urge play-through, I chose a bard.</p>Play Dark Urge.
For my first full play-through in Larian’s role-playing game, Baldur’s Gate 3 a Dungeon & Dragons game taking place in Forgotten Realms, I chose to play as a Dark Urge origin character, and I am very glad I did. If you have not tried it yet, or are just getting started with Baldur’s Gate 3—do not dally—play as Dark Urge. The story resides among the best stories in gaming. No matter if you like to play good or evil-aligned character, play Dark Urge origin!
What is an origin character?
Similar to Larian’s previous game, Divinity: Original Sin 2, an origin character includes a story which weaves with the main story. In Baldur’s Gate 3 the player may choose to play as one of several origin characters each having a specific profession (class) and background. Playing an origin character gives the player that character’s perspective. The player may enjoy stories of other origin characters by including them in the party. With the exception of Dark Urge. The only way to experience the Dark Urge story is to play as Dark Urge origin. Unlike the other origin characters, the player may customize the class, race, and gender of the Dark Urge character.
Besides playing an origin character, the player may choose a custom non-origin character which some players refer to as Tav, the default name until the player changes it. Since Dark Urge may be customized, I recommend choosing Dark Urge for custom-character play. Playing a “Tav” feels like playing a supporting role for the origin characters.Sleep Intimate Version 32024-02-13T13:35:23-08:002024-02-13T13:35:23-08:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/sleep-intimate-version-3<p><img src="/images/2024/SI3_hug3.jpg" alt="SI3 Hug3" /></p>
<p>Sleep Intimate, a sleep overhaul with romance features for <em>Fallout 4</em>, update version 3 comes with three animations provided by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/153559798">AVilas</a>. Kiss, hug, and dance with a romanced companion! In addition, this update brings other requested features such as at a seat, Relax activation may now choose between embrace and kiss, or select dance for a romantic slow dance with fully romanced companion.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/mods/sleepintimatexb1/">Xbox/XB1 and PC - XOXO</a></li>
<li><a href="/mods/sleepintimate/">PC - R</a></li>
</ul>
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<p><img src="/images/2024/SIV3_Kiss2.jpg" alt="SIV3 Kiss2" /></p>
<p>For more cuddles and kisses in Sleep Intimate for PC, I recommend <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/63246">C.H.A.K. Animations pack</a> by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/153559798">AVilas</a>. Works with R or XOXO, and AAF not required. Simply install C.H.A.K and enjoy cuddles!</p>
<p><img src="/images/2024/SI3_Dance.jpg" alt="SI3 Dance" /></p>
<p><em>romantic dance by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/153559798">AVilas</a> with <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/23273">Heather Casdin</a> by llamaRCA, blue Vault 111 dress by DeserterX</em></p>
<p>version 3 highlights:</p>
<ul>
<li>3 new animations by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/153559798">AVilas</a>! - hug, kiss, and romantic dance</li>
<li>seat Relax - choose embrace, kiss, or dance!</li>
<li>high endurance increases hug/kiss scene length</li>
<li>now disabled undress preference allows intimacy</li>
<li>(PC) supports <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/63246">C.H.A.K. Animations pack</a> (AAF not required)</li>
</ul>
<p>for complete update history <a href="/mods/sleepintimatexb1/changelog/">see change-log history page</a></p>
<p>Please send kudos or thank-yous to animators, <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/53810646">TheRealRufgt</a> and <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/153559798">AVilas</a>, for help making Sleep Intimate… more intimate! Visit <a href="https://www.patreon.com/AVilasAnimations">A.Vilas on Patreon</a>.</p>
<p>For more details on Sleep Intimate v3 and download links, see:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/mods/sleepintimatexb1/">Xbox/XB1 and PC - XOXO</a></li>
<li><a href="/mods/sleepintimate/">PC - R</a></li>
</ul>Sleep Intimate, a sleep overhaul with romance features for Fallout 4, update version 3 comes with three animations provided by AVilas. Kiss, hug, and dance with a romanced companion! In addition, this update brings other requested features such as at a seat, Relax activation may now choose between embrace and kiss, or select dance for a romantic slow dance with fully romanced companion.
Xbox/XB1 and PC - XOXO
PC - RHeavy-Haul Route Maps Now with Kansas2023-12-28T17:02:00-08:002023-12-28T17:02:00-08:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/heavy-haul-route-maps-kansas<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_49XLKSFarm.jpg" alt="ATS 49XLKSFarm" /></p>
<div class="trademarkNotice">Wester Star 49X hauling equipment from Farm Machines DLC</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Routes for Kansas added to the central region <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">heavy-haul route map for non-divisible loads</a> for use with “<a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments</a>” for <em>American Truck Simulator</em> by SCS Software. Plenty of rest areas in Kansas, and routes are free of limitaions except for a weight limit which is signed in game. This map continues as a work in progress.</p>
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<p>View or download map images on the <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">heavy-haul route maps page</a>.</p>
<h3 id="updates">updates</h3>
<ul>
<li>December 28: added Kansas, a few fixes</li>
</ul>Wester Star 49X hauling equipment from Farm Machines DLC
Routes for Kansas added to the central region heavy-haul route map for non-divisible loads for use with “Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments” for American Truck Simulator by SCS Software. Plenty of rest areas in Kansas, and routes are free of limitaions except for a weight limit which is signed in game. This map continues as a work in progress.Heavy-Haul Route Maps Update2023-08-17T11:16:37-07:002023-08-17T11:16:37-07:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/heavy-haul-route-maps-update<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_W900HHOK1.jpg" alt="ATS W900HHOK1" /></p>
<div class="trademarkNotice">Kenworth W900 customized using W900 Tuning Pack DLC from SCS</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Oklahoma routes added to the central region <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">heavy-haul route map for non-divisible loads</a> for use with “<a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments</a>” for <em>American Truck Simulator</em> by SCS Software. This map continues as a work in progress, so more may be added to Oklahoma later. Also, I am in the process of moving from bitmap editing to vector drawing, so expect a visual difference in and around Oklahoma. Over the next few months I will redo all maps. The western region map also updated to include new roads near Oklahoma.</p>
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<p>Notice in Oklahoma the overall length limit is 80 feet without a pilot vehicle. I suppose one could pretend to have a pilot car, or use convoy to have another player drive as pilot. I have been restricting myself to only using a single 50-foot or 45-foot lowboy, and use Special Transport DLC for the big hauls. Still plenty to do.</p>
<p>View or download map images on the <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">heavy-haul route maps page</a>.</p>
<h3 id="updates">updates</h3>
<ul>
<li>September 11: improved weight charts, legend, and added low-bridge symbol to maps</li>
</ul>Kenworth W900 customized using W900 Tuning Pack DLC from SCS
Oklahoma routes added to the central region heavy-haul route map for non-divisible loads for use with “Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments” for American Truck Simulator by SCS Software. This map continues as a work in progress, so more may be added to Oklahoma later. Also, I am in the process of moving from bitmap editing to vector drawing, so expect a visual difference in and around Oklahoma. Over the next few months I will redo all maps. The western region map also updated to include new roads near Oklahoma.Heavy-Haul Trailers Update 2.02023-07-27T10:19:49-07:002023-07-27T10:19:49-07:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/heavy-haul-trailers-update-2-0<p><a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments</a> update v2.0 for <em>American Truck Simulator</em> version 1.48. <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">Heavy-haul route maps</a> also updated.</p>
<ul>
<li>Heavy Cargo DLC now optional due to package format change introduced in game version 1.48</li>
<li>this updtate requires game version 1.48!</li>
</ul>
<p>For those using game version 1.47, the prior Heavy-Haul Trailers version (requires Heavy Cargo DLC) is still available. Get the file and review my guide at <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">Heavy-Haul Trailers page</a>. To update, download the new file and overwrite the old in your mods folder.</p>
<p>The western map updated to include length limits on two-lane highways in Oregon (110 feet) and Washington (105 feet) over which requires pilot vehicle. When using a triple lowboy (jeep and booster), consider most day cabs should meet 110-foot limit.</p>
<p>The central region map updated to include more highways in Texas added with game version 1.48.</p>Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments update v2.0 for American Truck Simulator version 1.48. Heavy-haul route maps also updated.
Heavy Cargo DLC now optional due to package format change introduced in game version 1.48
this updtate requires game version 1.48!
For those using game version 1.47, the prior Heavy-Haul Trailers version (requires Heavy Cargo DLC) is still available. Get the file and review my guide at Heavy-Haul Trailers page. To update, download the new file and overwrite the old in your mods folder.
The western map updated to include length limits on two-lane highways in Oregon (110 feet) and Washington (105 feet) over which requires pilot vehicle. When using a triple lowboy (jeep and booster), consider most day cabs should meet 110-foot limit.
The central region map updated to include more highways in Texas added with game version 1.48.Sleep Intimate Updated 2.882023-05-28T09:34:47-07:002023-05-28T09:34:47-07:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/sleep-intimate-update-2-88<p>Sleep Intimate for <em>Fallout 4</em> update v2.88 for PC adding support for Savage Cabbage’s Animations 1.3. Find the download links on the <a href="/mods/sleepintimate/">Sleep Intimate R page</a>, for the main file and the optional files for AAF.</p>
<p>For Savage Cabbage’s Animations, extended 6 scenes and added 1 new scene for Strong. The extended scenes include weapon bench, stool, sleeping bag, throne, and the bunk bed three-person scene. With Strong as companion try the patio table by activating a nearby chair.</p>
<p>Additionally this update fixes chair Relax undress to better adhere to footwear preferences, fixes Strong companion missing some scenes when choosing Pick Spot, and recognizes glasses and skirt from “DX Naughty Secretary Outfit” for undress.</p>Sleep Intimate for Fallout 4 update v2.88 for PC adding support for Savage Cabbage’s Animations 1.3. Find the download links on the Sleep Intimate R page, for the main file and the optional files for AAF.
For Savage Cabbage’s Animations, extended 6 scenes and added 1 new scene for Strong. The extended scenes include weapon bench, stool, sleeping bag, throne, and the bunk bed three-person scene. With Strong as companion try the patio table by activating a nearby chair.
Additionally this update fixes chair Relax undress to better adhere to footwear preferences, fixes Strong companion missing some scenes when choosing Pick Spot, and recognizes glasses and skirt from “DX Naughty Secretary Outfit” for undress.Sleep Intimate Update 2.872023-03-13T18:28:52-07:002023-03-13T18:28:52-07:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/sleep-intimate-update-2-87<p>Sleep Intimate for <em>Fallout 4</em> update v2.87 for PC. Find the download link on the <a href="/mods/sleepintimatexb1/">Sleep Intimate XOXO page</a> or <a href="/mods/sleepintimate/">Sleep Intimate R page</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/24680/">Nora Spouse Companion</a> ESM-file now recognized to provide immediate in-love status like the old ESP-file since v2.10. Handling of unique bodies for custom companions improved. Nora (additional patch), Insane Ivy, Darlene, Heather Casdin, and more should appear in their unique body. One additional scene from “Atomic Lust” added. “Raid My Heart” optional download from “Atomic Lust” provides a couch cuddle scene for embrace. Also works with XOXO.</p>
<p>Other fixes included. See the change-log for details.</p>Sleep Intimate for Fallout 4 update v2.87 for PC. Find the download link on the Sleep Intimate XOXO page or Sleep Intimate R page.
Nora Spouse Companion ESM-file now recognized to provide immediate in-love status like the old ESP-file since v2.10. Handling of unique bodies for custom companions improved. Nora (additional patch), Insane Ivy, Darlene, Heather Casdin, and more should appear in their unique body. One additional scene from “Atomic Lust” added. “Raid My Heart” optional download from “Atomic Lust” provides a couch cuddle scene for embrace. Also works with XOXO.
Other fixes included. See the change-log for details.Heavy-Haul Trailers Update 1.92023-03-12T10:43:25-07:002023-03-12T10:43:25-07:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/heavy-haul-trailers-update-1-9<p><a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments</a> update v1.9 for <em>American Truck Simulator</em>. <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">Heavy-haul route maps</a> also updated.</p>
<ul>
<li>cotton harvester cargo name updated to show correct name in game</li>
<li>double tridem with booster (3+1) now accepts heavier cargos, heavy bulldozer and scraper</li>
</ul>
<p>Get the file and review my guide at <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">Heavy-Haul Trailers page</a>. To update, download the new file and overwrite the old in your mods folder.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_HHTripTXNM.jpg" alt="ATS HHTripTXNM" /></p>
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<p>(<em>updated 13 March with corrections</em>)</p>
<p>Considering the 90-foot length limit in New Mexico (longer than 90 feet requires a pilot vehicle), I decided to increase the weight-limit on the 3+1 trailer to allow the heavy bulldozer and scraper. All currently available 8x4 (or 8x6) day cabs with 3+1 meet the 90-foot limit. A 6x4 cannot handle the weight of a scraper or heavy bulldozer, so an 8x4 or 8x6 is a must. This weight-limit change means in Washington State many 8x4 sleeper cabs with 3+1 may exceed the weight limit on green roads–recommend using 8x6 day cab when hauling heavy bulldozer or scraper. Outside of New Mexico and Washington any 8x6 sleeper hauling scraper may travel blue or gray roads. See the <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">heavy-haul route maps</a> for weight limits on colored routes and roads with length limits. Below I created a diagram to show how close some trucks make it within the 90-foot limit.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_3_1_Len.jpg" alt="ATS 3 1 Len" /></p>
<p>The diagram above shows four trucks, two 8x4s and two tri-drives, all with the 3+1 lowboy as close to same scale as I could make them from in-game screen captures. Let us pretend we can move the 5th wheel forward so that the kingpin sits nearly over the center axle. The green lines show 90 feet from back-to-front where the front line adjusted as if the 5th wheel moved forward. Remember these cargo-and-trailer combinations made possible by my modification, <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments</a> intended to allow heavy cargo when using 8x4 or 8x6 truck.</p>
<p>For your review the lengths where wheelbase is distance from front axle to rear-most axle:</p>
<ul>
<li>3+1 lowboy length = 66 feet (end-to-end)</li>
<li>(1) Peterbilt 389 sleeper 8x4 wheelbase = 28 feet</li>
<li>(2) Western Star 49X SBA 48-inch sleeper tri-drive wheelbase = 27 feet and 1 inch</li>
<li>(3) Kenworth W900 day cab 8x4 wheelbase = 25 feet and four inches</li>
<li>(4) Western Star 49X SFA day cab tri-drive wheelbase = 23 feet and 2 inches</li>
</ul>
<p>For reference the distance between drive axles is 4 feet. Also, the Lonestar sleeper 8x4 (not pictured) wheelbase is 27 feet and five inches.</p>
<p>Currently the Lonestar 8x4 sleeper cab is the shortest 8x4 sleeper cab available in game with the Peterbilt 389 8x4 sleeper (truck 1) about a half-foot longer (to front bumper). Assuming we can move the 5th wheel close to the middle axle (too far forward and the lowboy would need a longer neck) the 389 8x4 sleeper truck (1) at 92 feet misses the 90-foot limit for travel through New Mexico without a pilot vehicle. The Lonestar (not pictured) even closer at a foot-and-half over the limit. The Western Star 49X sleeper tri-drive (2) is longer still making it difficult to meet the limit. The day cabs (3 and 4) easily meet the 90-foot limit where the 49X (4) with 3+1 lowboy is about 87 feet in length with 5th wheel moved forward (89 feet with 5th wheel positioned as pictured).</p>
<p>Notice the Western Star 49X 48-inch tri-drive (truck 2) has the same chassis length as the 49X 72-inch tri-drive (or 8x4). If the 48-inch chassis was 2 feet shorter it could nearly make the 90-foot limit.</p>
<p>Washington State limits tridem axle-group to 53000 pounds (green routes shown on <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">the route map</a>) which will restrict some 8x4 sleepers from hauling the heavy bulldozer and scraper with a 3+1 lowboy. In the diagram above, the Western Star 49X sleeper tri-drive (2) hauling the scraper has a 138410 GVW when fully fueled. By my estimate the drive-axle group at 54250 pounds (yellow text) exceeds Washington’s limit by over 1000 pounds. Going with an 8x4 saves 1250 pounds so it might just make it depending on how the load is distributed and where we adjust the 5th wheel.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_HHTripIDRest.jpg" alt="ATS HHTripIDRest" /></p>
<p><em>a motel beside the truck stop parking lot near Twin Falls</em></p>
<p>Normally I drive my 49X day cab within a few hundred miles of my garage in Portland, Oregon, usually doing one-to-four jobs per day. Most nights I return home, and sometimes run an overnight out-and-back trip. So, my day cab spends most of its time in Oregon, Washington, and western Idaho. I decided to do a cross-country heavy-haul to Texas. I hauled a heavy bulldozer from Salem, Oregon to Corpus Christi, Texas using Western Star 49X tri-drive–a day cab, of course, to meet the New Mexico length limit. Planning the route included staying at motels, the first near Twin Falls, Idaho and the second just south of Cortez, Colorado. Texas is a big state, and luckily there are plenty of motels adjacent to truck stops. My <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">heavy-haul route maps</a> denotes sleep zones by type: motel, truck stop with motel, rest area, or parking/picnic area making planning a trip easier.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_HHTripCortezRefuel.jpg" alt="ATS HHTripCortezRefuel" /></p>
<p><em>trailer and cargo left behind in background as I refuel</em></p>
<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_HHTripHwyResp.jpg" alt="ATS HHTripHwyResp" /></p>
<p><em>I spotted an accident in New Mexico</em></p>
<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_HHTripFin.jpg" alt="ATS HHTripFin" /></p>
<p><em>my destination in Corpus Christi</em></p>Heavy-Haul Trailers Adjustments update v1.9 for American Truck Simulator. Heavy-haul route maps also updated.
cotton harvester cargo name updated to show correct name in game
double tridem with booster (3+1) now accepts heavier cargos, heavy bulldozer and scraper
Get the file and review my guide at Heavy-Haul Trailers page. To update, download the new file and overwrite the old in your mods folder.ATS Heavy-Haul Maps Update: Texas2023-02-07T11:54:35-08:002023-02-07T11:54:35-08:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/heavy-haul-maps-update-texas<p><img src="/images/2023/ATS_HH49XTXI10.jpg" alt="ATS HH49XTXI10" /></p>
<p><em>Texas I-10 in American Truck Simulator</em></p>
<p>Consider the Texas heavy-haul route map a work in progress and will later include more states in the central region of the United States. There may be unmarked sleep areas, weigh stations, and scenery towns. I have not yet finished checking the frontage roads for bridge restrictions. Since Texas includes a number of picnic areas without restrooms, I decided to identify those sleep areas as a parking spots to differentiat from full-service rest stops. I plan to update the western states for consistency.</p>
<p>These maps I created for use with my <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/">heavy-haul trailers modification</a> in <em>American Truck Simulator</em> may also be used for spotting sleep zone types (motel, truck stop, parking area, rest stop) or to find roads restricted to legal loads only.</p>
<p>Get the latest maps for the west and central (Texas) regions on the <a href="/mods/ats_heavyhaul/map/">Heavy-Haul Route Maps page</a> which describes the charts, legend, and includes some routes of note. Or click/tap on the Texas map below for full-size map (2.4 MB 5080x6800 jpg).</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="/images/gameMods/ATSHHRouteMap2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/gameMods/ATSHHRouteMap2_1024.png" /></a></p>
<div class="trademarkNotice">click for high-resolution image (2.4 MB)
</div>
<p><br /></p>Texas I-10 in American Truck Simulator
Consider the Texas heavy-haul route map a work in progress and will later include more states in the central region of the United States. There may be unmarked sleep areas, weigh stations, and scenery towns. I have not yet finished checking the frontage roads for bridge restrictions. Since Texas includes a number of picnic areas without restrooms, I decided to identify those sleep areas as a parking spots to differentiat from full-service rest stops. I plan to update the western states for consistency.
These maps I created for use with my heavy-haul trailers modification in American Truck Simulator may also be used for spotting sleep zone types (motel, truck stop, parking area, rest stop) or to find roads restricted to legal loads only.
Get the latest maps for the west and central (Texas) regions on the Heavy-Haul Route Maps page which describes the charts, legend, and includes some routes of note. Or click/tap on the Texas map below for full-size map (2.4 MB 5080x6800 jpg).Sleep Intimate v2.84 Update2023-01-08T08:30:57-08:002023-01-08T08:30:57-08:00https://www.dracotorre.com/blog/sleep-intimate-v2-84-update<p>Sleep Intimate for <em>Fallout 4</em> update v2.84.1 provides new features and improvements. For download links see the <a href="/mods/sleepintimatexb1/">Sleep Intimate XOXO/XB1 page</a> or <a href="/mods/sleepintimate/">Sleep Intimate R page</a>.</p>
<h3 id="thank-you">Thank you</h3>
<p>This update primarily based on feature requests, feedback on mod compatibility, and other reports. Thanks to these players Sleep Intimate continues to improve. You may submit reports on <a href="https://discord.gg/98nhzfzJjY">Discord - DracoTorre Mods</a>, <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/7052409">Nexusmods - Dracotorre</a>, or see <a href="/about/">About page</a> for more contacts.</p>
<p>~David</p>
<h3 id="important">Important</h3>
<p>The v2.84 update patcher will identify romanced companions with improper scaling affected by old Kiss-Align and correct the companion’s scale. The number of affected companions will be reported during the update process. For any remaining companion not at correct height, set preference Intimacy -> <strong>Kiss Actor Align (Enabled-Default)</strong> then embrace the companion at a chair or bed which will reset the character’s scale to default (1).</p>
<p><img src="/images/2023/SIKiss.jpg" alt="SIKiss" /></p>
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<h3 id="kiss-align-now-compatible-with-custom-height-companions">Kiss-Align now compatible with custom-height companions</h3>
<ul>
<li>supports kissing animation</li>
<li>for R-X users, also supports most custom animations from animation packs when using built-in animation player</li>
</ul>
<p>The old <strong>Kiss Actor Align</strong> introduced in v2.64 (May 2021) worked fine for companions at their default heights, but was incompatible with a companion having customized height or scale. Now Sleep Intimate adds compatibility for custom-height companions. If using a mod like “<a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/24849/">Height Variety</a>” or have customized a companion’s height, improve animation alignment with Sleep Intimate preference in Intimacy Menu, <strong>Kiss Actor Align (Enabled-Default)</strong>. This affects the kiss animation, and for R-X users many custom intimate animations. After scene ends companion height restored at default scale. Optionally to maintain customized scaling choose Kiss Actor Align (Enabled-Custom).</p>
<h3 id="what-went-wrong-with-old-kiss-align">What went wrong with old Kiss-Align?</h3>
<p>Due to a mistake I made a companion having a custom height (or scale) would shrink or grow. The kiss animation was designed for player-character (PC) of either gender kissing a female, and by default all companions of the same gender are the same height. So normally Kiss-Align only made an adjustment when PC kissing a male companion. The only scale-related game bug I’m aware of scales a female companion up to same height as male, which old Kiss-Align corrected. Recently when a player reported a female companion appearing too short I took a closer look and noticed my mistake.</p>
<p>Now if a male or female becomes scaled up or down due to bug or intentionally, Kiss-Align can restore default scale maintaining customized height.</p>
<p><strong>custom-height VS custom-scale</strong>: Change the height of an NPC by plugin-patch-override of the height values. Scaling multiplies the height.</p>
<p>Scale * height-value * base-height = apparent-size, where base-height is 1.0 for male and 0.98 for female, Scale is 1.0 by default, and height-value is 1.0 by default.</p>
<h3 id="footwear-menu">Footwear Menu</h3>
<p>Intended for custom shoes, stockings, and socks, footwear preferences allow more customization to undress for sleep or intimacy. Go ahead, wear your socks to bed! Recognized mods include <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/40226?">“Comfy Socks”</a> and <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/36718">“K-Girl Shoes Remastered”</a>. Identify other custom footwear by using the feature, Mark then equip. During undress the shoes or socks will be removed then according to chosen preference re-equipped at end of undress.</p>
<p>Undress preferences:</p>
<ul>
<li>Always</li>
<li>Bed only</li>
<li>Rarely</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="other-changes">other changes</h3>
<ul>
<li>reduced repeated hugs at bed for more kissing</li>
<li>Fix Nick Valentine (romance) skipping embrace animation at bed and not working at motorcycle</li>
<li>recognizes more outfits worn by romanced companions for sleep undress (Preston Garvey, Heather Casdin)</li>
<li>recognizes <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/67034?">“Star Trek TOS” outfit by DeserterX</a> tricorder for undress</li>
<li>Fix undress under-armor top (slot 36) without a bottom failing to remove for sleep</li>
</ul>
<p>More animations and more fixes. For the full list see <a href="/mods/sleepintimatexb1/changelog/">XOXO/XB1-change-log</a> or the <a href="/mods/sleepintimate/changelog/">R-change-log</a>.</p>Sleep Intimate for Fallout 4 update v2.84.1 provides new features and improvements. For download links see the Sleep Intimate XOXO/XB1 page or Sleep Intimate R page.
Thank you
This update primarily based on feature requests, feedback on mod compatibility, and other reports. Thanks to these players Sleep Intimate continues to improve. You may submit reports on Discord - DracoTorre Mods, Nexusmods - Dracotorre, or see About page for more contacts.
~David
Important
The v2.84 update patcher will identify romanced companions with improper scaling affected by old Kiss-Align and correct the companion’s scale. The number of affected companions will be reported during the update process. For any remaining companion not at correct height, set preference Intimacy -> Kiss Actor Align (Enabled-Default) then embrace the companion at a chair or bed which will reset the character’s scale to default (1).