FollowerForge 3.2.3 — Windows tool (not a Skyrim mod)

This is a Windows application. It is not a Skyrim plugin you install as content. Do not install FollowerForge itself into Skyrim Data, Vortex, or MO2 as a game mod.

FollowerForge is an out-of-game follower builder. It reads your Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 setup read-only, then writes a new installable follower mod (ESPFE + folder/zip) that you install like any normal mod afterward.

For photo → RaceMenu preset first, use FaceForge, bake the head in RaceMenu, then come here.

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What to download / what you get

File	What it is
FollowerForge.exe	The main tool — double-click to run
cli\FollowerForge.Cli.exe	Optional command-line helper
README.md	This file
CHANGELOG.txt	Version history

Self-contained build (no separate .NET install). Windows 10/11.

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How to install the TOOL (not the game)

1. Unzip this download anywhere on your PC (not inside Skyrim\Data).
2. Run FollowerForge.exe.
3. Do not enable FollowerForge.exe as a Skyrim mod in Vortex/MO2.
4. When the wizard finishes a build, install the output follower zip/folder as a normal mod.

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How to use it (short)

1. Run FollowerForge.exe.
2. It auto-detects Vortex if available, otherwise Mod Organizer 2.
3. If you have both, click Use Mod Organizer 2 instead / Use Vortex instead in the left sidebar as soon as the app opens (before indexing finishes). The choice is remembered. Do not wait for a Vortex scan to complete if you only use MO2.
4. Walk the wizard: identity, face/RaceMenu Export Head, voice, combat, gear, spells/perks, spawn place.
5. Press Build follower.
6. Install the generated mod package in Vortex or MO2, enable the new plugin, deploy/launch Skyrim.

Faces that look wrong

RaceMenu Export Head (NIF/DDS) is required for a custom face. A slider-only / "NO SCULPT" preset alone often will not match in-game. Empty or corrupt head meshes are rejected at import.

Missing a SavePCFace .npc file is normal for Export Head — that is optional.

Advanced (CLI / env)

Switch	Meaning
GUI sidebar button	Prefer MO2 or Vortex (saved under %LOCALAPPDATA%\FollowerForge\prefer-mo2)
FFORGE_PREFER_MO2=1	Try MO2 before Vortex
FFORGE_MO2_INSTANCE=C:\path\to\instance	Force that MO2 instance (folder with ModOrganizer.ini)
cli\FollowerForge.Cli.exe env	Print what was detected
cli\FollowerForge.Cli.exe index	Rebuild the catalogue

Do not point FollowerForge at a houseCARL shim instance.

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Requirements

Hard

• Skyrim SE/AE
• Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 (active profile)
• RaceMenu (for custom faces)

Optional

• xVASynth (custom spoken lines)
• RDO / dialogue overhauls (marriage coverage honesty)
• High Poly Head, FSMP (only if your assets need them)
• FaceForge — photo → RaceMenu preset before bake

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What this is / is not

It is	It is not
A Windows character-builder utility	A pre-made follower character on Nexus
A tool that creates mods	Something you leave enabled as "FollowerForge.esp"
Safe outside the game folder	Creation Kit or an SKSE plugin

Sharing followers you build: check each asset author's permissions. FollowerForge does not grant redistribution rights for third-party meshes/textures.

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Pair tool

FaceForge (face preset) → RaceMenu Export Head → FollowerForge (NPC plugin).

GitHub: https://github.com/ShugokiFable/FollowerForge
Release: https://github.com/ShugokiFable/FollowerForge/releases/tag/v3.2.3