FCOM: Convergence

Last Updated 05/19/2009 and 1/10/2026

About FCOM

FCOM: Convergence shatters previous barriers in the Oblivion mod community by letting you play four of the largest Oblivion "overhaul" mods at the same time -- Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul, Martigen's Monster Mod, Oblivion WarCry, and Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items. It also seeks to show how new item and/or creature expansion mods can be added directly to this environment, and thus includes optional support for Bob's Armory, Loth's Blunt Weapons for Npcs, Cobl, Tamrielic Ingredients, Knights of the Nine, Tamriel Travelers, and many other popular mods.

FCOM provides complete unification of Mart's Monster Mod and Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul. It brings all of the numerous new creatures, NPCs, and items added by MMM and OOO into a consistent and balanced structure. In addition, it integrates Francesco's vast collection of new items and named NPC bosses along with new creatures and items from Oblivion WarCry.

To make all these great mods work together, FCOM provides a common infrastructure for a series of patches, rebalancers, and relevelers that work with the Bashed Patch feature of Wrye Bash. FCOM also provides a bunch of FCOM Optional Add-Ons to let you further customize your experience. These options tweak various gameplay aspects and improve compatibility for a wide range of popular mods.

You may want to check the latest discussion threads for updates, but this website documents almost everything about FCOM extensively. There's a lot of information here, so please read everything on the website before posting to ask for help since it's very likely your question has already been answered here. If you really do need help, feel free to post your questions, but be prepared to include a copy of your load order. The best way to do this currently is to launch Wrye Bash, right-click on the column header in the Mods tab, then select List Mods. See Asking for Help for more details.

If you're looking for extensive compatibility guidelines, patches, more great OMOBS-balanced weapon mods, etc., then check out the new FCOM Wiki pages on UESP!

uBee created a very nice step-by-step installation guide for FCOM: Convergence as a PDF here.

Trailer

FCOM: Convergence 1.0 Official Xvid Trailer By Vini

Team FCOM

• devakm -- project leader.
• Martigen -- original MMM for FCOM design and WarCry faction integration.
• Waalx -- original RealSwords modules and new Undead RealSwords used as the basis for FCOM_RealSwords.
• StarX -- quests WIP, FCOM FAQ, user guide, and tons of help maintaining the ESF thread!
• nb_nmare -- Unity project.
• Wrye and ElminsterEU -- critical tools.
• Vini -- WarCry and MMM faction integration, trailer.
• Shadowborn -- massive script improvements.
• Corepc -- help with everything!
• Showler -- tons of bugfixes and help on forum threads.
• Cleitanious -- test module.
• SpaceBoy -- Bob's Armory rebalance.
• Shikishima, Arkngt and Tobit -- massive help maintaining the FCOM threads on ESF.
• Sein_Schatten -- Runeskulls rebalance, Entropic Order, bugfixes.
• ElminsterEU -- Slof's Robe Trader integration.
• Random007 -- FCOMhelper load-order setup utility.
• Lilith -- ongoing updates to Martigen's Monster Mod.
• Axil -- support patch for KDCircletsOOOOptimized - NPC Equip.

Beta Testers: markb50k, Vini, Cleitanious, StarX, Corepc, Chambertain, SickleYield, cl526, kumkum, ska8tdude, SpaceBoy, LurksInShadow, Psyringe, Arkngt, XD829, Twipley, lollerich, jdayT, Dazu, Eventine Shangea, Skycaptain, Tobit, showler, Axil, Jaded42, Shikishima, Shikamaru_4, Sein_Schatten, Chewu, Lyrondor, and many more.

Entropic Order credits: created by Sein_Schatten. Contributors included devakm (testing, balancing, and spawn control), blackshark64 (Dragon Armor), commissardan (Rivan Sword), TaylorSD (stealth armor compilation), Cryo_ (face mask), LHammonds (texture modifications to stealth armor and face mask), Painkiller97 (Morrowind-style Ebony sword and shield), Nicoroshi (Dreadweave set), and Always Z/zman (Negotiator sword).

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Downloads

There's no readme. Just this website and the files. If you know what to expect already, then go ahead, but you've been warned!

FCOM Beta 9.9 Download: Nexus Mods

The Beta 0.9.9 update requires the MMM 3.7 Beta Patch (which requires MartsMonsterMod355ReleaseFull) and OOO 1.34 Beta 5 Patch (which requires OOO 1.33 Complete, Full version only ATM).

Be sure to get the EntropicOrderRebalance, which fixes several issues already discovered with the Entropic Order (that patch download also includes an optional EntropicOrderHardcore plugin that makes them extremely deadly; use either the Rebalance or Hardcore, not both).

New in FCOM 0.9.9

• Complete integration of Waalx RealSwords, including numerous never-before-seen Undead RealSwords (old, worn versions of various swords from the other RealSwords packs). The FCOM download (137Mb) includes everything you need to use FCOM_RealSwords (meshes, textures, and icons).
• Entropic Order by Sein Schatten. A mysterious group of assassins who will start to hunt you once you've completed some of the main game quests. Be prepared to run from these guys if they show up!
• Massive improvements to the spawn and loot lists. Custom items introduced by Fran's Items Add-On, OOO, WarCry, etc., should appear a lot more often now.
• New Spawn Rate Reduced options, including Slightly Reduced and Stronger.
• Support patch for KDCircletsOOOOpimized - NPC Equip based on the patches by Axil.
• New FCOM_LessReaversInGates option reduces the Reaver spawn counts in Gate realms only.
• Fran's Named Bosses have been split into a separate plugin now -- FCOM_FrancescosNamedBosses.esp.

Be sure to Rebuild Patch after installing this update!

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Requirements

Beta 0.9.9 requires all the latest versions of the source mods -- i.e., you will need full installs of OOO 1.34, MMM 3.6, Fran's + Fran's Optional Items (4.5b), WarCry 1.08b, and Bob's Armory 1.1 if you want to use the latest support files for these mods.

Quick-Start Links

• Get Wrye Bash.
• Get OOO 1.33 Complete and the OOO 1.34 Beta 5 Patch.
• Get MMM 3.5.5 Full Release and get MMM 3.7 Beta patch.
• Get Oblivion WarCry and the WarCry 1.085b Patch.
• Get Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items. Don't forget to download both files! The massive optional items add-on is a separate 500Mb download from the main mod.
• Get Bob's Armory.
• Use LOOT (Load Order Optimization Tool) to automatically force the correct load-order for these plugins, or BOSS (Better Oblivion Sorting Software), which was originally started as a tool to help with FCOM load order, but these days BOSS is an older solution that is no longer maintained, so it might have issues with newer mods.
• Check the FCOM Wiki pages on UESP for additional compatibility guidelines and patches.
• If using Wrye Bash and installing all the dependencies is just too complicated for you, consider using a collection that includes FCOM and its dependencies, such as this FCOM collection. However, the downside here is you lose a lot of flexibility to configure anything not already in the collection.

Be sure you get ALL of the required files for the configuration you want to play! Many users either forget to install some of the resource files (which are often separate very large downloads) or grab the wrong version. In general, newer versions of the mods listed here should work fine, but this is not guaranteed (we haven't been able to find a way to see into the future yet).

Required Patches

FCOM requires Bethesda's official 1.2 patch. However, there are a few specific issues related to that patch with the big mods used in FCOM:

• Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul doesn't have any specific problems with the official 1.2 patch, but there is a general problem between UI/HUD mods and the patch that can be triggered by trapped container effects.
• Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items has some issues with the official 1.2 patch that make Fran's BSA files fail to load (causing missing meshes). This is mostly resolved in recent installers for Fran's 4.3b or later.
• You must install the WarCry 1.085b Patch (or a later version)to avoid CTDs with the official 1.2 patch.

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Installation

FCOM is somewhat challenging to install and configure, but the entire process is documented extensively here.

The Main FCOM Plugins

FCOM_Convergence.esm

This is the required base master file that all the other FCOM plugins rely on in order to work together. All the other plugins require this one as a master.

FCOM_Francescos.esp

This is the required support file for Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items Mod. It includes the items releveler lists to make Fran's loot work with other FCOM mods. It also includes the spawn-blocker lists to prevent Fran spawns from appearing in Cyrodiil but still allow them in Shivering Isles if you have that expansion.

FCOM_BobsArmory.esp

This is the required support file for Bob's Armory. It adds all of the excellent new weapons and armor from Bob's Armory to FCOM-compatible leveled lists and rebalances the items for OMOBS compliance. Highly recommended but not required. Must be loaded after Bob's Armory Oblivion.esp.

FCOM_WarCry.esp

This is the required support file for Oblivion WarCry. It adds all of the amazing new weapons, armor, and enemies from WarCry to FCOM-compatible leveled lists. It rebalances WarCry weapon stats for OMOBS compliance. Must be loaded after Oblivion WarCry EV.esp.

FCOM_Convergence.esp

This is the required "convergence" file that glues everything together. First and foremost, it provides complete unification of MMM and OOO, plus Fran's named bosses. It resolves all of the significant differences between these two gigantic mods. It includes hand-merged spawn and item lists, creatures, NPCs, and items.

FCOM_Convergence.esp must be used instead of Mart's Monster Mod.esp, Mart's Monster Mod for OOO.esp, and Mart's Monster Mod for Fran.esp, but Mart's Monster Mod.esm is required for FCOM_Convergence.esp to work.

FCOM_Convergence.esp must be loaded after Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.esp.

FCOM_RealSwords.esp

This is the FCOM version of Waalx RealSwords. It does not require prior installation of the original RealSwords modules. Includes numerous never-before-seen Undead RealSwords. The FCOM download (137Mb) includes everything you need to use FCOM_RealSwords (meshes, textures, and icons). RealSwords is carefully balanced for OMOBS and integrated entirely via new race-specific weapon lists.

Should be loaded after FCOM_Convergence.esp.

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Installing Supported Mods

Oscuro's Installation

During installation of Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul, you can normally use either the FULL version or LITE version, but currently the OOO 1.34 Beta does not include the LITE version.

If you do not already have OOO installed, then download and install the 1.33 Complete package and add the 1.34 Beta 5 Patch.

If you're upgrading a previous install of OOO, make sure you have installed the 1.3 base files (~400Mb download) before installing the 1.33 Upgrade and the 1.34 Beta 5 Patch.

Martigen's Installation

During installation of Martigen's Monster Mod, you only need to install the resource files, the base Mart's Monster Mod.esm file, and whichever extras (add-ons) you want.

The MMM 3.7 Beta is a patch, so it requires a previous complete install of MMM 3.5.5. If you forget to install all the resources needed for MMM 3.5.5 then you will encounter many large yellow exclamation marks and/or invisible creatures in the world.

Francesco's Installation

Many users forget to download the ~500Mb Fran Optional Items Add-on file. This file is critical because it contains the BSA for all of the new items -- you'll see large yellow exclamation marks everywhere without it.

During installation of Fran's base mod, we recommend the following options:

Shivering Isles version (Optional)
MOBS
Hardcore Loot
Separate files (REQUIRED! CRITICAL!)
Living Economy (Optional; Never use at the same time as standalone LE!)
Optional items add-on (Recommended! Requires separate BSA download!)
Optional chance of more enemies (Only if you picked SI option)
Optional chance of stronger bosses (Required)
Optional chance of stronger enemies (Required)
Optional leveled guards (Only if you picked SI option)

NOTE: The files marked required above must be installed even for a non-SI setup!

Do NOT use ANY other Fran files except these.

Keeping Fran's BSA Loaded

Keeping the Fran Optional Items Add-On BSA file loaded is a very common problem, so I highly recommend taking a little extra time now to avoid this problem:

1. Make a copy of your Shivering Isles.esp file and rename it to Oblivion.esp. Or, make a new blank esp with a single item in it and name it Oblivion.esp.
2. Change the name of FraNewItems.bsa to Oblivion - FraNewItems.bsa.
3. As long as your Oblivion.esp is active, then your renamed Oblivion - FraNewItems.bsa file will always get loaded automatically because the start of the names match.

WarCry Installation

During installation of Oblivion WarCry, make sure you install the English version (Oblivion WarCry EV.esp). Do not use the regular WarCry plugin (it's in German). Make sure you also install the WarCry 1.085b patch, especially if you use an Nvidia graphics card.

Double-Checking

When you're done installing all of the supported mods, please double-check your files to make sure you didn't leave out anything critical, such as Fran's huge items BSA file.

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Bashed Patch

The Bashed Patch creates the real magic behind FCOM. Without it, none of these big mods will work together. It's also one of the most intimidating aspects of FCOM for many users. Fortunately, it's really not as complex as it may seem at first.

Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of the process:

If you are starting a new savegame after installing FCOM, then you can skip steps #1 and #8. The other steps are required.

1. Save your game in a safe location. Go to a safe location in the game, sleep/wait for respawn, and save your progress. This clears all loaded NPCs and creatures from active memory. Use the console command coc TestingHall for a completely safe location to wait for respawn.
2. Install Wrye Bash. Make sure you have installed Wrye Bash v118 or later.
3. Copy Bashed Patch. Find the Bashed Patch, 0.esp that came with Wrye Bash and copy it into your \Oblivion\Data\ directory. Make sure it's set to load last in Wrye Bash.
4. Mark Mergeable (optional). If you use Wrye Bash 219 or later, it will automatically tag any Mergeable Patches for you. This feature significantly reduces the number of patch plugins that you need to keep active.
5. Mark Levelers. If you have an older version of Wrye Bash, you'll need to run the Mark Levelers command. If you have a recent version, it happens automatically.
6. Rebuild Patch. Right-click on the Bashed Patch, 0.esp and select Rebuild Patch. Configure any options you want. All of the necessary FCOM files will be correctly configured in the Leveled Lists section. Just make sure you activate the Leveled Lists section by placing a checkmark next to it.
7. Activate Bashed Patch. Activate your new Bashed Patch!
8. Update Savegame (if needed). If you want to use an existing savegame, then you must update your savegame using Update NPC Levels.
9. Launch and play! Launch the game and play.

Update Your Savegame

FCOM includes many important NPC level changes, so if you want to use an existing savegame you MUST use Wrye Bash to Update NPC Levels. This is necessary because some NPC data (stats, level, HP, etc.) gets stored in your savegame.

If you are starting a new character from scratch after completing the FCOM configuration and Bashed Patch, then you will automatically get all the correct NPC data in your savegame, which means there's no reason to Update NPC Levels.

The update process is easy with Wrye Bash v118 or later. Go to the Saves tab, right-click a savegame (or select several and then right-click) and select Update NPC Levels. It will automatically fix your savegame with the necessary changes based on your load order.

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Testing

Cleitanious has created a great test module for FCOM. It's in the TestResource subdirectory and is named 300_Test.esp.

If you load up the game with 300_Test.esp active, you will automatically be teleported to the first testing room.

There are 30 different test cells in all. Each cell includes different containers and spawn points. The spawns are behind an invisible barrier so you can examine the creatures/NPCs behavior, faction aggression, AI, etc. safely.

Use the console command coc 300TestCell00 through 29 to view them all.

Each cell also has a sigil stone that will respawn each cell except the one you are currently in. So, if you need to re-test a certain spawn multiple times, just coc to the next room, hit the sigil stone, then coc back.

Don't forget to deactivate 300_Test.esp when you're done testing and want to continue with regular playing.

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Credits

In addition to the core team working on this mod, a lot of other folks have contributed greatly. I don't really even know where to begin.

The real heroes, of course, are the original creators of all the great mods integrated by FCOM: Sotobrastos, Martigen, Newcomer24, L@zarus, and Mr. Dave. You guys rock!

Martigen deserves special recognition because he spent many long hours discussing various ideas and technical details with me, in addition to supporting the project directly with the MMM for FCOM plugin.

Huge thanks go to all of the creators of the fantastic mods supported by the optional add-ons, but especially to nb_nmare for the Unity project and to Quarn and Kivan for the Unofficial Oblivion Patch.

I also owe a huge debt to ElminsterEU and his fantastic TES4Edit program. I never would've had the time to make all the optional add-on plugins with TESCS, even if it were technically possible (which is doubtful).

None of this would work without the massive contributions of Wrye and his amazing Wrye Bash program.

We also could not have done any of this without ScripterRon's original TES4 Plugin Utility and KomodoDave's improvements in TES4Gecko.

Also, a huge thank-you is owed to the many beta testers who have offered support, encouragement, and feedback for the numerous beta versions. Thanks so much for all your help!