Contextual Static Replacement

Goal

Apply a mesh replacement only in selected places while leaving the same source mesh alone elsewhere.

Smallest YAML excerpt

replace_names:
  - "dagoth ur"

replace_meshes:
  r/CliffRacer.NIF: my_mod/creatures/cliff_racer_replacer.NIF

The shipped pattern is in Examples/StaticModule.yaml. Use replace_regions for exact, case-insensitive region IDs/names or exterior_cells for exterior grid coordinates:

replace_regions:
  - "ashlands region"

exterior_cells:
  - x: 0
    y: -1

Why it works

replace_names performs a case-insensitive substring match against a cell name or ID. replace_regions matches a cell's region, and exterior_cells matches an exterior grid coordinate. These location filters are ORed: an object in any selected location is eligible. Omitting all three makes the replacement global.

Persistence

The matching decision is made when objects become active, but each successful static swap is stored in the same replacement chain as a global swap. Existing chain data remains historical if you edit the filters or priority.

Caveats

• A region or cell filter does not combine with the others as an AND expression. Split the design into separate modules when you need distinct precedence or narrower logic.
• ignore_records can exclude record IDs from this module after its location matches. It is useful when several records share one mesh.
• Exterior coordinates are integer grid coordinates and do not apply to interiors.
• The replacement asset is still resolved through the VFS; a valid location filter cannot make a missing mesh work.