diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/prefs/state.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/prefs/state.cpp
index 1f84c5a87..2a40c4e18 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/prefs/state.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/prefs/state.cpp
@@ -191,6 +191,7 @@ void CSMPrefs::State::declare()
         setTooltip ("Acceleration factor during drag operations while holding down shift").
         setRange (0.001, 100.0);
     declareDouble ("rotate-factor", "Free rotation factor", 0.007).setPrecision(4).setRange(0.0001, 0.1);
+    declareDouble ("object-marker-alpha", "Object Marker Transparency", 0.5).setPrecision(2).setRange(0,1);
 
     declareCategory ("Tooltips");
     declareBool ("scene", "Show Tooltips in 3D scenes", true);
diff --git a/apps/opencs/view/render/object.cpp b/apps/opencs/view/render/object.cpp
index 522057097..df7283b1a 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/view/render/object.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/view/render/object.cpp
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include <iostream>
 
+#include <osg/Depth>
 #include <osg/Group>
 #include <osg/PositionAttitudeTransform>
 
@@ -21,6 +22,7 @@
 #include "../../model/world/universalid.hpp"
 #include "../../model/world/commandmacro.hpp"
 #include "../../model/world/cellcoordinates.hpp"
+#include "../../model/prefs/state.hpp"
 
 #include <components/resource/scenemanager.hpp>
 #include <components/sceneutil/lightutil.hpp>
@@ -220,7 +222,7 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> CSVRender::Object::makeMoveOrScaleMarker (int axis)
 
     for (int i=0; i<2; ++i)
     {
-        float length = i ? shaftLength : 0;
+        float length = i ? shaftLength : MarkerShaftWidth;
 
         vertices->push_back (getMarkerPosition (-MarkerShaftWidth/2, -MarkerShaftWidth/2, length, axis));
         vertices->push_back (getMarkerPosition (-MarkerShaftWidth/2, MarkerShaftWidth/2, length, axis));
@@ -285,15 +287,15 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> CSVRender::Object::makeMoveOrScaleMarker (int axis)
 
     for (int i=0; i<8; ++i)
         colours->push_back (osg::Vec4f (axis==0 ? 1.0f : 0.2f, axis==1 ? 1.0f : 0.2f,
-            axis==2 ? 1.0f : 0.2f, 1.0f));
+            axis==2 ? 1.0f : 0.2f, mMarkerTransparency));
 
     for (int i=8; i<8+4+1; ++i)
         colours->push_back (osg::Vec4f (axis==0 ? 1.0f : 0.0f, axis==1 ? 1.0f : 0.0f,
-            axis==2 ? 1.0f : 0.0f, 1.0f));
+            axis==2 ? 1.0f : 0.0f, mMarkerTransparency));
 
     geometry->setColorArray (colours, osg::Array::BIND_PER_VERTEX);
 
-    geometry->getOrCreateStateSet()->setMode (GL_LIGHTING, osg::StateAttribute::OFF);
+    setupCommonMarkerState(geometry);
 
     osg::ref_ptr<osg::Geode> geode (new osg::Geode);
     geode->addDrawable (geometry);
@@ -305,11 +307,11 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> CSVRender::Object::makeRotateMarker (int axis)
 {
     const float Pi = 3.14159265f;
 
-    const float InnerRadius = mBaseNode->getBound().radius();
+    const float InnerRadius = std::max(MarkerShaftBaseLength, mBaseNode->getBound().radius());
     const float OuterRadius = InnerRadius + MarkerShaftWidth;
 
     const float SegmentDistance = 100.f;
-    const size_t SegmentCount = std::min(64, std::max(8, (int)(OuterRadius * 2 * Pi / SegmentDistance)));
+    const size_t SegmentCount = std::min(64, std::max(24, (int)(OuterRadius * 2 * Pi / SegmentDistance)));
     const size_t VerticesPerSegment = 4;
     const size_t IndicesPerSegment = 24;
 
@@ -334,6 +336,9 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> CSVRender::Object::makeRotateMarker (int axis)
     osg::ref_ptr<osg::DrawElementsUShort> primitives = new osg::DrawElementsUShort(osg::PrimitiveSet::TRIANGLES,
         IndexCount);
 
+    // prevent some depth collision issues from overlaps
+    osg::Vec3f offset = getMarkerPosition(0, MarkerShaftWidth/4, 0, axis);
+
     for (size_t i = 0; i < SegmentCount; ++i)
     {
         size_t index = i * VerticesPerSegment;
@@ -344,13 +349,17 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> CSVRender::Object::makeRotateMarker (int axis)
         float outerX = OuterRadius * std::cos(i * Angle);
         float outerY = OuterRadius * std::sin(i * Angle);
 
-        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(innerX, innerY,  MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis);
-        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(innerX, innerY, -MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis);
-        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(outerX, outerY,  MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis);
-        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(outerX, outerY, -MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis);
+        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(innerX, innerY,  MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis) + offset;
+        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(innerX, innerY, -MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis) + offset;
+        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(outerX, outerY,  MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis) + offset;
+        vertices->at(index++) = getMarkerPosition(outerX, outerY, -MarkerShaftWidth / 2, axis) + offset;
     }
 
-    colors->at(0) = osg::Vec4f (axis==0 ? 1.0f : 0.2f, axis==1 ? 1.0f : 0.2f, axis==2 ? 1.0f : 0.2f, 1.0f);
+    colors->at(0) = osg::Vec4f (
+        axis==0 ? 1.0f : 0.2f,
+        axis==1 ? 1.0f : 0.2f,
+        axis==2 ? 1.0f : 0.2f,
+        mMarkerTransparency);
 
     for (size_t i = 0; i < SegmentCount; ++i)
     {
@@ -374,7 +383,7 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> CSVRender::Object::makeRotateMarker (int axis)
     geometry->setColorArray(colors, osg::Array::BIND_OVERALL);
     geometry->addPrimitiveSet(primitives);
 
-    geometry->getOrCreateStateSet()->setMode (GL_LIGHTING, osg::StateAttribute::OFF);
+    setupCommonMarkerState(geometry);
 
     osg::ref_ptr<osg::Geode> geode = new osg::Geode();
     geode->addDrawable (geometry);
@@ -382,6 +391,15 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> CSVRender::Object::makeRotateMarker (int axis)
     return geode;
 }
 
+void CSVRender::Object::setupCommonMarkerState(osg::ref_ptr<osg::Geometry> geometry)
+{
+    osg::ref_ptr<osg::StateSet> state = geometry->getOrCreateStateSet();
+    state->setMode(GL_LIGHTING, osg::StateAttribute::OFF);
+    state->setMode(GL_BLEND, osg::StateAttribute::ON);
+
+    state->setRenderingHint(osg::StateSet::TRANSPARENT_BIN);
+}
+
 osg::Vec3f CSVRender::Object::getMarkerPosition (float x, float y, float z, int axis)
 {
     switch (axis)
@@ -399,7 +417,7 @@ osg::Vec3f CSVRender::Object::getMarkerPosition (float x, float y, float z, int
 CSVRender::Object::Object (CSMWorld::Data& data, osg::Group* parentNode,
     const std::string& id, bool referenceable, bool forceBaseToZero)
 : mData (data), mBaseNode(0), mSelected(false), mParentNode(parentNode), mResourceSystem(data.getResourceSystem().get()), mForceBaseToZero (forceBaseToZero),
-  mScaleOverride (1), mOverrideFlags (0), mSubMode (-1)
+  mScaleOverride (1), mOverrideFlags (0), mSubMode (-1), mMarkerTransparency(0.5f)
 {
     mRootNode = new osg::PositionAttitudeTransform;
 
@@ -453,6 +471,7 @@ void CSVRender::Object::setSelected(bool selected)
     else
         mRootNode->addChild(mBaseNode);
 
+    mMarkerTransparency = CSMPrefs::get()["3D Scene Input"]["object-marker-alpha"].toDouble();
     updateMarker();
 }
 
@@ -629,6 +648,12 @@ void CSVRender::Object::setScale (float scale)
     adjustTransform();
 }
 
+void CSVRender::Object::setMarkerTransparency(float value)
+{
+    mMarkerTransparency = value;
+    updateMarker();
+}
+
 void CSVRender::Object::apply (CSMWorld::CommandMacro& commands)
 {
     const CSMWorld::RefCollection& collection = mData.getReferences();
diff --git a/apps/opencs/view/render/object.hpp b/apps/opencs/view/render/object.hpp
index e14697e62..3e54093d3 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/view/render/object.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/view/render/object.hpp
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 #include <string>
 
 #include <osg/ref_ptr>
+#include <osg/Geometry>
 #include <osg/Referenced>
 
 #include <components/esm/defs.hpp>
@@ -96,6 +97,7 @@ namespace CSVRender
             int mOverrideFlags;
             osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> mMarker[3];
             int mSubMode;
+            float mMarkerTransparency;
 
             /// Not implemented
             Object (const Object&);
@@ -121,6 +123,9 @@ namespace CSVRender
             osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> makeMoveOrScaleMarker (int axis);
             osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> makeRotateMarker (int axis);
 
+            /// Sets up a stateset with properties common to all marker types.
+            void setupCommonMarkerState(osg::ref_ptr<osg::Geometry> geometry);
+
             osg::Vec3f getMarkerPosition (float x, float y, float z, int axis);
 
         public:
@@ -179,6 +184,8 @@ namespace CSVRender
             /// Set override scale
             void setScale (float scale);
 
+            void setMarkerTransparency(float value);
+
             /// Apply override changes via command and end edit mode
             void apply (CSMWorld::CommandMacro& commands);
 
diff --git a/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.cpp b/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.cpp
index 325fa5f6d..a80a61a79 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.cpp
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ CSVRender::WorldspaceWidget::WorldspaceWidget (CSMDoc::Document& document, QWidg
     , mToolTipPos (-1, -1)
     , mShowToolTips(false)
     , mToolTipDelay(0)
+    , mInConstructor(true)
 {
     setAcceptDrops(true);
 
@@ -114,6 +115,8 @@ CSVRender::WorldspaceWidget::WorldspaceWidget (CSMDoc::Document& document, QWidg
 
     CSMPrefs::Shortcut* abortShortcut = new CSMPrefs::Shortcut("scene-edit-abort", this);
     connect(abortShortcut, SIGNAL(activated()), this, SLOT(abortDrag()));
+
+    mInConstructor = false;
 }
 
 CSVRender::WorldspaceWidget::~WorldspaceWidget ()
@@ -128,6 +131,17 @@ void CSVRender::WorldspaceWidget::settingChanged (const CSMPrefs::Setting *setti
         mDragWheelFactor = setting->toDouble();
     else if (*setting=="3D Scene Input/drag-shift-factor")
         mDragShiftFactor = setting->toDouble();
+    else if (*setting=="3D Scene Input/object-marker-alpha" && !mInConstructor)
+    {
+        float alpha = setting->toDouble();
+        // getSelection is virtual, thus this can not be called from the constructor
+        auto selection = getSelection(Mask_Reference);
+        for (osg::ref_ptr<TagBase> tag : selection)
+        {
+            if (auto objTag = dynamic_cast<ObjectTag*>(tag.get()))
+                objTag->mObject->setMarkerTransparency(alpha);
+        }
+    }
     else if (*setting=="Tooltips/scene-delay")
         mToolTipDelay = setting->toInt();
     else if (*setting=="Tooltips/scene")
diff --git a/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.hpp b/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.hpp
index 08b97e1be..9160ca47e 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/view/render/worldspacewidget.hpp
@@ -65,6 +65,7 @@ namespace CSVRender
             QPoint mToolTipPos;
             bool mShowToolTips;
             int mToolTipDelay;
+            bool mInConstructor;
 
         public:
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
index 01b1edff0..7ca0be7e3 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
@@ -201,6 +201,9 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual void getObjectsInRange (const osg::Vec3f& position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr>& objects) = 0;
             virtual void getActorsInRange(const osg::Vec3f &position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr> &objects) = 0;
 
+            /// Check if there are actors in selected range
+            virtual bool isAnyActorInRange(const osg::Vec3f &position, float radius) = 0;
+
             ///Returns the list of actors which are siding with the given actor in fights
             /**ie AiFollow or AiEscort is active and the target is the actor **/
             virtual std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) = 0;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp
index 92f29e3ef..c1867541b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp
@@ -8,7 +8,9 @@
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
+
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
+#include "../mwworld/player.hpp"
 
 #include "widgets.hpp"
 
@@ -70,8 +72,14 @@ namespace MWGui
         updateBirths();
         updateSpells();
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setKeyFocusWidget(mBirthList);
-    }
 
+        // Show the current birthsign by default
+        const std::string &signId =
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayer().getBirthSign();
+
+        if (!signId.empty())
+            setBirthId(signId);
+    }
 
     void BirthDialog::setBirthId(const std::string &birthId)
     {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp
index 33daa0ad1..4d2a15c82 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp
@@ -7,6 +7,9 @@
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwmechanics/actorutil.hpp"
+
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 
 #include "tooltips.hpp"
@@ -131,8 +134,16 @@ namespace MWGui
         updateClasses();
         updateStats();
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setKeyFocusWidget(mClassList);
-    }
 
+        // Show the current class by default
+        MWWorld::Ptr player = MWMechanics::getPlayer();
+
+        const std::string &classId =
+            player.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mClass;
+
+        if (!classId.empty())
+            setClassId(classId);
+    }
 
     void PickClassDialog::setClassId(const std::string &classId)
     {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp
index f8b188194..9ee01acc6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -244,7 +244,10 @@ namespace MWInput
         if (mControlSwitch["playercontrols"])
         {
             if (action == A_Use)
-                mPlayer->setAttackingOrSpell(currentValue != 0);
+            {
+                MWMechanics::DrawState_ state = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayer().getDrawState();
+                mPlayer->setAttackingOrSpell(currentValue != 0 && state != MWMechanics::DrawState_Nothing);
+            }
             else if (action == A_Jump)
                 mAttemptJump = (currentValue == 1.0 && previousValue == 0.0);
         }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
index 7bce03bfe..db2c134b6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
@@ -1847,6 +1847,17 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
     }
 
+    bool Actors::isAnyObjectInRange(const osg::Vec3f& position, float radius)
+    {
+        for (PtrActorMap::iterator iter = mActors.begin(); iter != mActors.end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            if ((iter->first.getRefData().getPosition().asVec3() - position).length2() <= radius*radius)
+                return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
     std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> Actors::getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor)
     {
         std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> list;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
index 36f200647..0c1d9dc6c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
@@ -125,15 +125,17 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             bool isRunning(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
             bool isSneaking(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
 
-        void forceStateUpdate(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr);
+            void forceStateUpdate(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr);
 
-        bool playAnimationGroup(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName, int mode, int number, bool persist=false);
-        void skipAnimation(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
-        bool checkAnimationPlaying(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName);
-        void persistAnimationStates();
+            bool playAnimationGroup(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName, int mode, int number, bool persist=false);
+            void skipAnimation(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
+            bool checkAnimationPlaying(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName);
+            void persistAnimationStates();
 
             void getObjectsInRange(const osg::Vec3f& position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr>& out);
 
+            bool isAnyObjectInRange(const osg::Vec3f& position, float radius);
+
             void cleanupSummonedCreature (CreatureStats& casterStats, int creatureActorId);
 
             ///Returns the list of actors which are siding with the given actor in fights
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp
index 352ce6a9b..6dd98905a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
 
 #include "../mwrender/animation.hpp"
 
+#include "pathgrid.hpp"
 #include "creaturestats.hpp"
 #include "steering.hpp"
 #include "movement.hpp"
@@ -440,7 +441,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                             int closestPointIndex = PathFinder::GetClosestPoint(pathgrid, localPos);
                             for (int i = 0; i < static_cast<int>(pathgrid->mPoints.size()); i++)
                             {
-                                if (i != closestPointIndex && storage.mCell->isPointConnected(closestPointIndex, i))
+                                if (i != closestPointIndex && getPathGridGraph(storage.mCell).isPointConnected(closestPointIndex, i))
                                 {
                                     points.push_back(pathgrid->mPoints[static_cast<size_t>(i)]);
                                 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
index f837ad2ee..398e84448 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
 #include "../mwworld/cellstore.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/inventorystore.hpp"
 
+#include "pathgrid.hpp"
 #include "creaturestats.hpp"
 #include "movement.hpp"
 #include "steering.hpp"
@@ -100,14 +101,23 @@ bool MWMechanics::AiPackage::pathTo(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const ESM::Pathgr
     {
         bool wasShortcutting = mIsShortcutting;
         bool destInLOS = false;
-        if (getTypeId() != TypeIdWander) // prohibit shortcuts for AiWander
-            mIsShortcutting = shortcutPath(start, dest, actor, &destInLOS); // try to shortcut first
+
+        const MWWorld::Class& actorClass = actor.getClass();
+        MWBase::World* world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
+
+        // check if actor can move along z-axis
+        bool actorCanMoveByZ = (actorClass.canSwim(actor) && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->isSwimming(actor))
+            || world->isFlying(actor);
+
+        // Prohibit shortcuts for AiWander, if the actor can not move in 3 dimensions.
+        if (actorCanMoveByZ || getTypeId() != TypeIdWander)
+            mIsShortcutting = shortcutPath(start, dest, actor, &destInLOS, actorCanMoveByZ); // try to shortcut first
 
         if (!mIsShortcutting)
         {
             if (wasShortcutting || doesPathNeedRecalc(dest, actor.getCell())) // if need to rebuild path
             {
-                mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell());
+                mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell(), getPathGridGraph(actor.getCell()));
                 mRotateOnTheRunChecks = 3;
 
                 // give priority to go directly on target if there is minimal opportunity
@@ -220,20 +230,23 @@ void MWMechanics::AiPackage::evadeObstacles(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, float dur
     }
 }
 
-bool MWMechanics::AiPackage::shortcutPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& startPoint, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& endPoint, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, bool *destInLOS)
+const MWMechanics::PathgridGraph& MWMechanics::AiPackage::getPathGridGraph(const MWWorld::CellStore *cell)
 {
-    const MWWorld::Class& actorClass = actor.getClass();
-    MWBase::World* world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
-
-    // check if actor can move along z-axis
-    bool actorCanMoveByZ = (actorClass.canSwim(actor) && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->isSwimming(actor))
-        || world->isFlying(actor);
-
-    // don't use pathgrid when actor can move in 3 dimensions
-    bool isPathClear = actorCanMoveByZ;
+    const ESM::CellId& id = cell->getCell()->getCellId();
+    // static cache is OK for now, pathgrids can never change during runtime
+    typedef std::map<ESM::CellId, std::unique_ptr<MWMechanics::PathgridGraph> > CacheMap;
+    static CacheMap cache;
+    CacheMap::iterator found = cache.find(id);
+    if (found == cache.end())
+    {
+        cache.insert(std::make_pair(id, std::unique_ptr<MWMechanics::PathgridGraph>(new MWMechanics::PathgridGraph(cell))));
+    }
+    return *cache[id].get();
+}
 
-    if (!isPathClear
-        && (!mShortcutProhibited || (PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(mShortcutFailPos) - PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(startPoint)).length() >= PATHFIND_SHORTCUT_RETRY_DIST))
+bool MWMechanics::AiPackage::shortcutPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& startPoint, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& endPoint, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, bool *destInLOS, bool isPathClear)
+{
+    if (!mShortcutProhibited || (PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(mShortcutFailPos) - PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(startPoint)).length() >= PATHFIND_SHORTCUT_RETRY_DIST)
     {
         // check if target is clearly visible
         isPathClear = !MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->castRay(
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
index acbd87908..06b4adf61 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     const float AI_REACTION_TIME = 0.25f;
 
     class CharacterController;
+    class PathgridGraph;
 
     /// \brief Base class for AI packages
     class AiPackage
@@ -110,7 +111,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             /// If a shortcut is possible then path will be cleared and filled with the destination point.
             /// \param destInLOS If not NULL function will return ray cast check result
             /// \return If can shortcut the path
-            bool shortcutPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& startPoint, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& endPoint, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, bool *destInLOS);
+            bool shortcutPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& startPoint, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& endPoint, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, bool *destInLOS, bool isPathClear);
 
             /// Check if the way to the destination is clear, taking into account actor speed
             bool checkWayIsClearForActor(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& startPoint, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& endPoint, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
@@ -119,6 +120,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
             void evadeObstacles(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, float duration, const ESM::Position& pos);
 
+            const PathgridGraph& getPathGridGraph(const MWWorld::CellStore* cell);
+
             // TODO: all this does not belong here, move into temporary storage
             PathFinder mPathFinder;
             ObstacleCheck mObstacleCheck;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.cpp
index 255874d88..8199170dc 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.cpp
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/cellstore.hpp"
 
+#include "pathgrid.hpp"
 #include "creaturestats.hpp"
 #include "steering.hpp"
 #include "movement.hpp"
@@ -217,7 +218,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             ESM::Pathgrid::Point dest(PathFinder::MakePathgridPoint(mDestination));
             ESM::Pathgrid::Point start(PathFinder::MakePathgridPoint(pos));
 
-            mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell());
+            mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell(), getPathGridGraph(actor.getCell()));
 
             if (mPathFinder.isPathConstructed())
                 storage.setState(Wander_Walking);
@@ -264,9 +265,20 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             getAllowedNodes(actor, currentCell->getCell(), storage);
         }
 
+        bool actorCanMoveByZ = (actor.getClass().canSwim(actor) && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->isSwimming(actor))
+            || MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->isFlying(actor);
+
+        if(actorCanMoveByZ && mDistance > 0) {
+            // Typically want to idle for a short time before the next wander
+            if (Misc::Rng::rollDice(100) >= 92 && storage.mState != Wander_Walking) {
+                wanderNearStart(actor, storage, mDistance);
+            }
+
+            storage.mCanWanderAlongPathGrid = false;
+        }
         // If the package has a wander distance but no pathgrid is available,
         // randomly idle or wander near spawn point
-        if(storage.mAllowedNodes.empty() && mDistance > 0 && !storage.mIsWanderingManually) {
+        else if(storage.mAllowedNodes.empty() && mDistance > 0 && !storage.mIsWanderingManually) {
             // Typically want to idle for a short time before the next wander
             if (Misc::Rng::rollDice(100) >= 96) {
                 wanderNearStart(actor, storage, mDistance);
@@ -349,7 +361,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             ESM::Pathgrid::Point start(PathFinder::MakePathgridPoint(pos));
 
             // don't take shortcuts for wandering
-            mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell());
+            mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell(), getPathGridGraph(actor.getCell()));
 
             if (mPathFinder.isPathConstructed())
             {
@@ -372,7 +384,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         do {
             // Determine a random location within radius of original position
             const float pi = 3.14159265359f;
-            const float wanderRadius = Misc::Rng::rollClosedProbability() * wanderDistance;
+            const float wanderRadius = (0.2f + Misc::Rng::rollClosedProbability() * 0.8f) * wanderDistance;
             const float randomDirection = Misc::Rng::rollClosedProbability() * 2.0f * pi;
             const float destinationX = mInitialActorPosition.x() + wanderRadius * std::cos(randomDirection);
             const float destinationY = mInitialActorPosition.y() + wanderRadius * std::sin(randomDirection);
@@ -383,7 +395,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             // Check if land creature will walk onto water or if water creature will swim onto land
             if ((!isWaterCreature && !destinationIsAtWater(actor, mDestination)) ||
                 (isWaterCreature && !destinationThroughGround(currentPositionVec3f, mDestination))) {
-                mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(currentPosition, destinationPosition, actor.getCell());
+                mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(currentPosition, destinationPosition, actor.getCell(), getPathGridGraph(actor.getCell()));
                 mPathFinder.addPointToPath(destinationPosition);
 
                 if (mPathFinder.isPathConstructed())
@@ -660,13 +672,14 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     {
         unsigned int randNode = Misc::Rng::rollDice(storage.mAllowedNodes.size());
         ESM::Pathgrid::Point dest(storage.mAllowedNodes[randNode]);
+
         ToWorldCoordinates(dest, storage.mCell->getCell());
 
         // actor position is already in world coordinates
         ESM::Pathgrid::Point start(PathFinder::MakePathgridPoint(actorPos));
 
         // don't take shortcuts for wandering
-        mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell());
+        mPathFinder.buildSyncedPath(start, dest, actor.getCell(), getPathGridGraph(actor.getCell()));
 
         if (mPathFinder.isPathConstructed())
         {
@@ -799,20 +812,80 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         int index = Misc::Rng::rollDice(storage.mAllowedNodes.size());
         ESM::Pathgrid::Point dest = storage.mAllowedNodes[index];
-        state.moveIn(new AiWanderStorage());
+        ESM::Pathgrid::Point worldDest = dest;
+        ToWorldCoordinates(worldDest, actor.getCell()->getCell());
+
+        bool isPathGridOccupied = MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->isAnyActorInRange(PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(worldDest), 60);
+
+        // add offset only if the selected pathgrid is occupied by another actor
+        if (isPathGridOccupied)
+        {
+            ESM::Pathgrid::PointList points;
+            getNeighbouringNodes(dest, actor.getCell(), points);
+
+            // there are no neighbouring nodes, nowhere to move
+            if (points.empty())
+                return;
+
+            int initialSize = points.size();
+            bool isOccupied = false;
+            // AI will try to move the NPC towards every neighboring node until suitable place will be found
+            for (int i = 0; i < initialSize; i++)
+            {
+                int randomIndex = Misc::Rng::rollDice(points.size());
+                ESM::Pathgrid::Point connDest = points[randomIndex];
+
+                // add an offset towards random neighboring node
+                osg::Vec3f dir = PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(connDest) - PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(dest);
+                float length = dir.length();
+                dir.normalize();
+
+                for (int j = 1; j <= 3; j++)
+                {
+                    // move for 5-15% towards random neighboring node
+                    dest = PathFinder::MakePathgridPoint(PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(dest) + dir * (j * 5 * length / 100.f));
+                    worldDest = dest;
+                    ToWorldCoordinates(worldDest, actor.getCell()->getCell());
+
+                    isOccupied = MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->isAnyActorInRange(PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(worldDest), 60);
+
+                    if (!isOccupied)
+                        break;
+                }
+
+                if (!isOccupied)
+                    break;
+
+                // Will try an another neighboring node
+                points.erase(points.begin()+randomIndex);
+            }
+
+            // there is no free space, nowhere to move
+            if (isOccupied)
+                return;
+        }
+
+        // place above to prevent moving inside objects, e.g. stairs, because a vector between pathgrids can be underground.
+        // Adding 20 in adjustPosition() is not enough.
+        dest.mZ += 60;
 
-        dest.mX += OffsetToPreventOvercrowding();
-        dest.mY += OffsetToPreventOvercrowding();
         ToWorldCoordinates(dest, actor.getCell()->getCell());
 
+        state.moveIn(new AiWanderStorage());
+
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->moveObject(actor, static_cast<float>(dest.mX), 
             static_cast<float>(dest.mY), static_cast<float>(dest.mZ));
         actor.getClass().adjustPosition(actor, false);
     }
 
-    int AiWander::OffsetToPreventOvercrowding()
+    void AiWander::getNeighbouringNodes(ESM::Pathgrid::Point dest, const MWWorld::CellStore* currentCell, ESM::Pathgrid::PointList& points)
     {
-        return static_cast<int>(20 * (Misc::Rng::rollProbability() * 2.0f - 1.0f));
+        const ESM::Pathgrid *pathgrid =
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Pathgrid>().search(*currentCell->getCell());
+
+        int index = PathFinder::GetClosestPoint(pathgrid, PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(dest));
+
+        getPathGridGraph(currentCell).getNeighbouringPoints(index, points);
     }
 
     void AiWander::getAllowedNodes(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const ESM::Cell* cell, AiWanderStorage& storage)
@@ -853,7 +926,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             {
                 osg::Vec3f nodePos(PathFinder::MakeOsgVec3(pathgrid->mPoints[counter]));
                 if((npcPos - nodePos).length2() <= mDistance * mDistance &&
-                   cellStore->isPointConnected(closestPointIndex, counter))
+                   getPathGridGraph(cellStore).isPointConnected(closestPointIndex, counter))
                 {
                     storage.mAllowedNodes.push_back(pathgrid->mPoints[counter]);
                     pointIndex = counter;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.hpp
index 01d889e2f..6266a7708 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aiwander.hpp
@@ -104,6 +104,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             bool mHasDestination;
             osg::Vec3f mDestination;
 
+            void getNeighbouringNodes(ESM::Pathgrid::Point dest, const MWWorld::CellStore* currentCell, ESM::Pathgrid::PointList& points);
+
             void getAllowedNodes(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const ESM::Cell* cell, AiWanderStorage& storage);
 
             void trimAllowedNodes(std::vector<ESM::Pathgrid::Point>& nodes, const PathFinder& pathfinder);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
index 7ccac6ec1..6e6570b00 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
@@ -1338,7 +1338,16 @@ bool CharacterController::updateWeaponState()
     bool animPlaying;
     if(mAttackingOrSpell)
     {
-        mIdleState = CharState_None;
+        MWWorld::Ptr player = getPlayer();
+
+        // We should reset player's idle animation in the first-person mode.
+        if (mPtr == player && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->isFirstPerson())
+            mIdleState = CharState_None;
+
+        // In other cases we should not break swim and sneak animations
+        if (mIdleState != CharState_IdleSneak && mIdleState != CharState_IdleSwim)
+            mIdleState = CharState_None;
+
         if(mUpperBodyState == UpperCharState_WeapEquiped && (mHitState == CharState_None || mHitState == CharState_Block))
         {
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->breakInvisibility(mPtr);
@@ -1348,7 +1357,7 @@ bool CharacterController::updateWeaponState()
                 // Unset casting flag, otherwise pressing the mouse button down would
                 // continue casting every frame if there is no animation
                 mAttackingOrSpell = false;
-                if (mPtr == getPlayer())
+                if (mPtr == player)
                 {
                     MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayer().setAttackingOrSpell(false);
                 }
@@ -1358,7 +1367,7 @@ bool CharacterController::updateWeaponState()
                 // For the player, set the spell we want to cast
                 // This has to be done at the start of the casting animation,
                 // *not* when selecting a spell in the GUI (otherwise you could change the spell mid-animation)
-                if (mPtr == getPlayer())
+                if (mPtr == player)
                 {
                     std::string selectedSpell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getSelectedSpell();
                     stats.getSpells().setSelectedSpell(selectedSpell);
@@ -1389,7 +1398,7 @@ bool CharacterController::updateWeaponState()
                     MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(mPtr, NULL);
                     cast.playSpellCastingEffects(spellid);
 
-                    const ESM::Spell *spell = store.get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellid);                   
+                    const ESM::Spell *spell = store.get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellid);
                     const ESM::ENAMstruct &lastEffect = spell->mEffects.mList.back();
                     const ESM::MagicEffect *effect;
 
@@ -1728,7 +1737,7 @@ void CharacterController::update(float duration)
     float speed = 0.f;
 
     updateMagicEffects();
-        
+
     if (isKnockedOut())
         mTimeUntilWake -= duration;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
index 021444915..31be09c78 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -1635,6 +1635,11 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         mActors.getObjectsInRange(position, radius, objects);
     }
 
+    bool MechanicsManager::isAnyActorInRange(const osg::Vec3f &position, float radius)
+    {
+        return mActors.isAnyObjectInRange(position, radius);
+    }
+
     std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> MechanicsManager::getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor)
     {
         return mActors.getActorsSidingWith(actor);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
index fafcdcd28..8908dd6ab 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -168,6 +168,9 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             virtual void getObjectsInRange (const osg::Vec3f& position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr>& objects);
             virtual void getActorsInRange(const osg::Vec3f &position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr> &objects);
 
+            /// Check if there are actors in selected range
+            virtual bool isAnyActorInRange(const osg::Vec3f &position, float radius);
+
             virtual std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
             virtual std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> getActorsFollowing(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
             virtual std::list<int> getActorsFollowingIndices(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.cpp
index 5c0456096..1dccb6c9a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.cpp
@@ -5,16 +5,16 @@
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 
-#include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/cellstore.hpp"
 
+#include "pathgrid.hpp"
 #include "coordinateconverter.hpp"
 
 namespace
 {
     // Chooses a reachable end pathgrid point.  start is assumed reachable.
     std::pair<int, bool> getClosestReachablePoint(const ESM::Pathgrid* grid,
-                                                  const MWWorld::CellStore *cell,
+                                                  const MWMechanics::PathgridGraph *graph,
                                                   const osg::Vec3f& pos, int start)
     {
         assert(grid && !grid->mPoints.empty());
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ namespace
             if (potentialDistBetween < closestDistanceReachable)
             {
                 // found a closer one
-                if (cell->isPointConnected(start, counter))
+                if (graph->isPointConnected(start, counter))
                 {
                     closestDistanceReachable = potentialDistBetween;
                     closestReachableIndex = counter;
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ namespace
         }
 
         // post-condition: start and endpoint must be connected
-        assert(cell->isPointConnected(start, closestReachableIndex));
+        assert(graph->isPointConnected(start, closestReachableIndex));
 
         // AiWander has logic that depends on whether a path was created, deleting
         // allowed nodes if not.  Hence a path needs to be created even if the start
@@ -120,8 +120,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     }
 
     PathFinder::PathFinder()
-        : mPathgrid(NULL),
-          mCell(NULL)
+        : mPathgrid(NULL)
+        , mCell(NULL)
     {
     }
 
@@ -169,14 +169,15 @@ namespace MWMechanics
      */
     void PathFinder::buildPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &startPoint,
                                const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &endPoint,
-                               const MWWorld::CellStore* cell)
+                               const MWWorld::CellStore* cell, const PathgridGraph& pathgridGraph)
     {
         mPath.clear();
 
+        // TODO: consider removing mCell / mPathgrid in favor of mPathgridGraph
         if(mCell != cell || !mPathgrid)
         {
             mCell = cell;
-            mPathgrid = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Pathgrid>().search(*mCell->getCell());
+            mPathgrid = pathgridGraph.getPathgrid();
         }
 
         // Refer to AiWander reseach topic on openmw forums for some background.
@@ -200,7 +201,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         int startNode = GetClosestPoint(mPathgrid, startPointInLocalCoords);
 
         osg::Vec3f endPointInLocalCoords(converter.toLocalVec3(endPoint));
-        std::pair<int, bool> endNode = getClosestReachablePoint(mPathgrid, cell,
+        std::pair<int, bool> endNode = getClosestReachablePoint(mPathgrid, &pathgridGraph,
             endPointInLocalCoords,
                 startNode);
 
@@ -228,7 +229,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
         else
         {
-            mPath = mCell->aStarSearch(startNode, endNode.first);
+            mPath = pathgridGraph.aStarSearch(startNode, endNode.first);
 
             // convert supplied path to world coordinates
             for (std::list<ESM::Pathgrid::Point>::iterator iter(mPath.begin()); iter != mPath.end(); ++iter)
@@ -301,18 +302,18 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     // see header for the rationale
     void PathFinder::buildSyncedPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &startPoint,
         const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &endPoint,
-        const MWWorld::CellStore* cell)
+        const MWWorld::CellStore* cell, const MWMechanics::PathgridGraph& pathgridGraph)
     {
         if (mPath.size() < 2)
         {
             // if path has one point, then it's the destination.
             // don't need to worry about bad path for this case
-            buildPath(startPoint, endPoint, cell);
+            buildPath(startPoint, endPoint, cell, pathgridGraph);
         }
         else
         {
             const ESM::Pathgrid::Point oldStart(*getPath().begin());
-            buildPath(startPoint, endPoint, cell);
+            buildPath(startPoint, endPoint, cell, pathgridGraph);
             if (mPath.size() >= 2)
             {
                 // if 2nd waypoint of new path == 1st waypoint of old, 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.hpp
index 945a7f927..ebc22f10d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathfinding.hpp
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
 namespace MWMechanics
 {
+    class PathgridGraph;
+
     float distance(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& point, float x, float y, float);
     float distance(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& a, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point& b);
     float getZAngleToDir(const osg::Vec3f& dir);
@@ -54,7 +56,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             void clearPath();
 
             void buildPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &startPoint, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &endPoint,
-                           const MWWorld::CellStore* cell);
+                           const MWWorld::CellStore* cell, const PathgridGraph& pathgridGraph);
 
             bool checkPathCompleted(float x, float y, float tolerance = PathTolerance);
             ///< \Returns true if we are within \a tolerance units of the last path point.
@@ -89,7 +91,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 Which results in NPC "running in a circle" back to the just passed waypoint.
              */
             void buildSyncedPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &startPoint, const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &endPoint,
-                const MWWorld::CellStore* cell);
+                const MWWorld::CellStore* cell, const PathgridGraph& pathgridGraph);
 
             void addPointToPath(const ESM::Pathgrid::Point &point)
             {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.cpp
index c557beadd..c0122a861 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.cpp
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ namespace
 
 namespace MWMechanics
 {
-    PathgridGraph::PathgridGraph()
+    PathgridGraph::PathgridGraph(const MWWorld::CellStore *cell)
         : mCell(NULL)
         , mPathgrid(NULL)
         , mIsExterior(0)
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         , mSCCId(0)
         , mSCCIndex(0)
     {
+        load(cell);
     }
 
     /*
@@ -130,6 +131,11 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         return true;
     }
 
+    const ESM::Pathgrid *PathgridGraph::getPathgrid() const
+    {
+        return mPathgrid;
+    }
+
     // v is the pathgrid point index (some call them vertices)
     void PathgridGraph::recursiveStrongConnect(int v)
     {
@@ -214,6 +220,16 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         return (mGraph[start].componentId == mGraph[end].componentId);
     }
 
+    void PathgridGraph::getNeighbouringPoints(const int index, ESM::Pathgrid::PointList &nodes) const
+    {
+        for(int i = 0; i < static_cast<int> (mGraph[index].edges.size()); i++)
+        {
+            int neighbourIndex = mGraph[index].edges[i].index;
+            if (neighbourIndex != index)
+                nodes.push_back(mPathgrid->mPoints[neighbourIndex]);
+        }
+    }
+
     /*
      * NOTE: Based on buildPath2(), please check git history if interested
      *       Should consider using a 3rd party library version (e.g. boost)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.hpp
index d90cb47cd..0c71c4561 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/pathgrid.hpp
@@ -20,14 +20,19 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     class PathgridGraph
     {
         public:
-            PathgridGraph();
+            PathgridGraph(const MWWorld::CellStore* cell);
 
             bool load(const MWWorld::CellStore *cell);
 
+            const ESM::Pathgrid* getPathgrid() const;
+
             // returns true if end point is strongly connected (i.e. reachable
             // from start point) both start and end are pathgrid point indexes
             bool isPointConnected(const int start, const int end) const;
 
+            // get neighbouring nodes for index node and put them to "nodes" vector
+            void getNeighbouringPoints(const int index, ESM::Pathgrid::PointList &nodes) const;
+
             // the input parameters are pathgrid point indexes
             // the output list is in local (internal cells) or world (external
             // cells) coordinates
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
index fa221154a..9b8c8c6a4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
@@ -633,10 +633,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
             loadRefs ();
 
             mState = State_Loaded;
-
-            // TODO: the pathgrid graph only needs to be loaded for active cells, so move this somewhere else.
-            // In a simple test, loading the graph for all cells in MW + expansions took 200 ms
-            mPathgridGraph.load(this);
         }
     }
 
@@ -1125,16 +1121,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return !(left==right);
     }
 
-    bool CellStore::isPointConnected(const int start, const int end) const
-    {
-        return mPathgridGraph.isPointConnected(start, end);
-    }
-
-    std::list<ESM::Pathgrid::Point> CellStore::aStarSearch(const int start, const int end) const
-    {
-        return mPathgridGraph.aStarSearch(start, end);
-    }
-
     void CellStore::setFog(ESM::FogState *fog)
     {
         mFogState.reset(fog);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp
index 20fba595a..33e629ea0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp
@@ -32,13 +32,12 @@
 #include <components/esm/loadmisc.hpp>
 #include <components/esm/loadbody.hpp>
 
-#include "../mwmechanics/pathgrid.hpp"  // TODO: maybe belongs in mwworld
-
 #include "timestamp.hpp"
 #include "ptr.hpp"
 
 namespace ESM
 {
+    struct Cell;
     struct CellState;
     struct FogState;
     struct CellId;
@@ -436,10 +435,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
             void respawn ();
             ///< Check mLastRespawn and respawn references if necessary. This is a no-op if the cell is not loaded.
 
-            bool isPointConnected(const int start, const int end) const;
-
-            std::list<ESM::Pathgrid::Point> aStarSearch(const int start, const int end) const;
-
         private:
 
             /// Run through references and store IDs
@@ -451,8 +446,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
             ///< Make case-adjustments to \a ref and insert it into the respective container.
             ///
             /// Invalid \a ref objects are silently dropped.
-
-            MWMechanics::PathgridGraph mPathgridGraph;
     };
 
     template<>