diff --git a/apps/esmtool/esmtool.cpp b/apps/esmtool/esmtool.cpp
index 27980096e..e9731d626 100644
--- a/apps/esmtool/esmtool.cpp
+++ b/apps/esmtool/esmtool.cpp
@@ -236,7 +236,9 @@ void loadCell(ESM::Cell &cell, ESM::ESMReader &esm, Arguments& info)
     // Loop through all the references
     ESM::CellRef ref;
     if(!quiet) std::cout << "  References:\n";
-    while(cell.getNextRef(esm, ref))
+
+    bool deleted = false;
+    while(cell.getNextRef(esm, ref, deleted))
     {
         if (save) {
             info.data.mCellRefs[&cell].push_back(ref);
@@ -244,13 +246,14 @@ void loadCell(ESM::Cell &cell, ESM::ESMReader &esm, Arguments& info)
 
         if(quiet) continue;
 
-        std::cout << "    Refnum: " << ref.mRefnum << std::endl;
+        std::cout << "    Refnum: " << ref.mRefNum.mIndex << std::endl;
         std::cout << "    ID: '" << ref.mRefID << "'\n";
         std::cout << "    Owner: '" << ref.mOwner << "'\n";
         std::cout << "    Enchantment charge: '" << ref.mEnchantmentCharge << "'\n";
         std::cout << "    Uses/health: '" << ref.mCharge << "'\n";
         std::cout << "    Gold value: '" << ref.mGoldValue << "'\n";
         std::cout << "    Blocked: '" << static_cast<int>(ref.mReferenceBlocked) << "'" << std::endl;
+        std::cout << "    Deleted: " << deleted << std::endl;
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp
index 8e9bcfc0d..d7df2117d 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp
@@ -133,16 +133,10 @@ void CSMDoc::WriteDialogueCollectionStage::perform (int stage, std::vector<std::
         state==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_ModifiedOnly ||
         infoModified)
     {
-        // always write the topic record
-        std::string type;
-        for (int i=0; i<4; ++i)
-            /// \todo make endianess agnostic (change ESMWriter interface?)
-            type += reinterpret_cast<const char *> (&topic.mModified.sRecordId)[i];
-
-        mState.getWriter().startRecord (type);
+        mState.getWriter().startRecord (topic.mModified.sRecordId);
         mState.getWriter().writeHNCString ("NAME", topic.mModified.mId);
         topic.mModified.save (mState.getWriter());
-        mState.getWriter().endRecord (type);
+        mState.getWriter().endRecord (topic.mModified.sRecordId);
 
         // write modified selected info records
         for (CSMWorld::InfoCollection::RecordConstIterator iter (range.first); iter!=range.second;
@@ -178,15 +172,10 @@ void CSMDoc::WriteDialogueCollectionStage::perform (int stage, std::vector<std::
                         next->mModified.mId.substr (next->mModified.mId.find_last_of ('#')+1);
                 }
 
-                std::string type;
-                for (int i=0; i<4; ++i)
-                    /// \todo make endianess agnostic (change ESMWriter interface?)
-                    type += reinterpret_cast<const char *> (&info.sRecordId)[i];
-
-                mState.getWriter().startRecord (type);
+                mState.getWriter().startRecord (info.sRecordId);
                 mState.getWriter().writeHNCString ("INAM", info.mId);
                 info.save (mState.getWriter());
-                mState.getWriter().endRecord (type);
+                mState.getWriter().endRecord (info.sRecordId);
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp
index ca5586511..b8eb0a3b3 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp
@@ -104,10 +104,10 @@ namespace CSMDoc
                 /// \todo make endianess agnostic (change ESMWriter interface?)
                 type += reinterpret_cast<const char *> (&mCollection.getRecord (stage).mModified.sRecordId)[i];
 
-            mState.getWriter().startRecord (type);
+            mState.getWriter().startRecord (mCollection.getRecord (stage).mModified.sRecordId);
             mState.getWriter().writeHNCString ("NAME", mCollection.getId (stage));
             mCollection.getRecord (stage).mModified.save (mState.getWriter());
-            mState.getWriter().endRecord (type);
+            mState.getWriter().endRecord (mCollection.getRecord (stage).mModified.sRecordId);
         }
         else if (state==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_Deleted)
         {
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/ref.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/ref.cpp
index 74f60419b..cf9e496ee 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/ref.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/ref.cpp
@@ -8,6 +8,5 @@ void CSMWorld::CellRef::load (ESM::ESMReader &esm, Cell& cell, const std::string
     mId = id;
     mCell = cell.mId;
 
-    if (!mDeleted)
-        cell.addRef (mId);
+    cell.addRef (mId);
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refcollection.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refcollection.cpp
index 6b0081258..9ee59bd1e 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refcollection.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refcollection.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,8 @@ void CSMWorld::RefCollection::load (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int cellIndex, bool
 
     CellRef ref;
 
-    while (cell2.getNextRef (reader, ref))
+    bool deleted = false;
+    while (cell2.getNextRef (reader, ref, deleted))
     {
         /// \todo handle deleted and moved references
         ref.load (reader, cell2, getNewId());
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp
index 9fb143e81..cf98fee21 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp
@@ -147,15 +147,10 @@ namespace CSMWorld
         if (state==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_Modified ||
             state==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_ModifiedOnly)
         {
-            std::string type;
-            for (int i=0; i<4; ++i)
-                /// \todo make endianess agnostic (change ESMWriter interface?)
-                type += reinterpret_cast<const char *> (&mContainer.at (index).mModified.sRecordId)[i];
-
-            writer.startRecord (type);
+            writer.startRecord (mContainer.at (index).mModified.sRecordId);
             writer.writeHNCString ("NAME", getId (index));
             mContainer.at (index).mModified.save (writer);
-            writer.endRecord (type);
+            writer.endRecord (mContainer.at (index).mModified.sRecordId);
         }
         else if (state==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_Deleted)
         {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
index ce7700ddd..1969e6aa7 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -77,9 +77,13 @@ add_openmw_dir (mwmechanics
     disease pickpocket levelledlist combat steering
     )
 
+add_openmw_dir (mwstate
+    statemanagerimp charactermanager character
+    )
+
 add_openmw_dir (mwbase
     environment world scriptmanager dialoguemanager journal soundmanager mechanicsmanager
-    inputmanager windowmanager
+    inputmanager windowmanager statemanager
     )
 
 # Main executable
diff --git a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
index f18c8a8b8..874fad267 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@
 
 #include <MyGUI_WidgetManager.h>
 
+#include <SDL.h>
+
 #include <components/compiler/extensions0.hpp>
 
 #include <components/bsa/bsa_archive.hpp>
@@ -41,8 +43,7 @@
 
 #include "mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp"
 
-
-#include <SDL.h>
+#include "mwstate/statemanagerimp.hpp"
 
 void OMW::Engine::executeLocalScripts()
 {
@@ -88,31 +89,47 @@ bool OMW::Engine::frameRenderingQueued (const Ogre::FrameEvent& evt)
         if (mUseSound)
             MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->update(frametime);
 
-        // global scripts
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getGlobalScripts().run();
+        bool paused = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode();
 
-        bool changed = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->hasCellChanged();
+        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState()==
+            MWBase::StateManager::State_Running)
+        {
+            // global scripts
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getGlobalScripts().run();
 
-        // local scripts
-        executeLocalScripts(); // This does not handle the case where a global script causes a cell
-                               // change, followed by a cell change in a local script during the same
-                               // frame.
+            bool changed = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->hasCellChanged();
 
-        // passing of time
-        if (!MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode())
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->advanceTime(
-                frametime*MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeScaleFactor()/3600);
+            // local scripts
+            executeLocalScripts(); // This does not handle the case where a global script causes a
+                                    // cell change, followed by a cell change in a local script during
+                                    // the same frame.
 
+            if (changed) // keep change flag for another frame, if cell changed happened in local script
+                MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->markCellAsUnchanged();
+
+            if (!paused)
+                MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->advanceTime(
+                    frametime*MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeScaleFactor()/3600);
+
+            // update game state
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->update (frametime);
+        }
 
-        if (changed) // keep change flag for another frame, if cell changed happend in local script
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->markCellAsUnchanged();
 
         // update actors
         MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->update(frametime,
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode());
+            paused);
+
+        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState()==
+            MWBase::StateManager::State_Running)
+        {
+            MWWorld::Ptr player = mEnvironment.getWorld()->getPlayerPtr();
+            if(!paused && player.getClass().getCreatureStats(player).isDead())
+                MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->endGame();
+        }
 
         // update world
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->update(frametime, MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode());
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->update(frametime, paused);
 
         // update GUI
         Ogre::RenderWindow* window = mOgre->getWindow();
@@ -135,7 +152,7 @@ OMW::Engine::Engine(Files::ConfigurationManager& configurationManager)
   : mOgre (0)
   , mFpsLevel(0)
   , mVerboseScripts (false)
-  , mNewGame (false)
+  , mSkipMenu (false)
   , mUseSound (true)
   , mCompileAll (false)
   , mScriptContext (0)
@@ -265,12 +282,7 @@ void OMW::Engine::setCell (const std::string& cellName)
 
 void OMW::Engine::addContentFile(const std::string& file)
 {
-  if (file.find_last_of(".") == std::string::npos)
-  {
-    throw std::runtime_error("Missing extension in content file!");
-  }
-
-  mContentFiles.push_back(file);
+    mContentFiles.push_back(file);
 }
 
 void OMW::Engine::setScriptsVerbosity(bool scriptsVerbosity)
@@ -278,9 +290,9 @@ void OMW::Engine::setScriptsVerbosity(bool scriptsVerbosity)
     mVerboseScripts = scriptsVerbosity;
 }
 
-void OMW::Engine::setNewGame(bool newGame)
+void OMW::Engine::setSkipMenu (bool skipMenu)
 {
-    mNewGame = newGame;
+    mSkipMenu = skipMenu;
 }
 
 std::string OMW::Engine::loadSettings (Settings::Manager & settings)
@@ -326,6 +338,9 @@ std::string OMW::Engine::loadSettings (Settings::Manager & settings)
 
 void OMW::Engine::prepareEngine (Settings::Manager & settings)
 {
+    mEnvironment.setStateManager (
+        new MWState::StateManager (mCfgMgr.getUserDataPath() / "saves", mContentFiles.at (0)));
+
     Nif::NIFFile::CacheLock cachelock;
 
     std::string renderSystem = settings.getString("render system", "Video");
@@ -392,10 +407,6 @@ void OMW::Engine::prepareEngine (Settings::Manager & settings)
     input->setPlayer(&mEnvironment.getWorld()->getPlayer());
 
     window->initUI();
-    if (mNewGame)
-        // still redundant work here: recreate CharacterCreation(),
-        // double update visibility etc.
-        window->setNewGame(true);
     window->renderWorldMap();
 
     //Load translation data
@@ -403,7 +414,7 @@ void OMW::Engine::prepareEngine (Settings::Manager & settings)
     for (size_t i = 0; i < mContentFiles.size(); i++)
       mTranslationDataStorage.loadTranslationData(mFileCollections, mContentFiles[i]);
 
-    Compiler::registerExtensions (mExtensions); 
+    Compiler::registerExtensions (mExtensions);
 
     // Create sound system
     mEnvironment.setSoundManager (new MWSound::SoundManager(mUseSound));
@@ -427,12 +438,12 @@ void OMW::Engine::prepareEngine (Settings::Manager & settings)
     mechanics->buildPlayer();
     window->updatePlayer();
 
-    if (!mNewGame)
-    {
-        // load cell
-        ESM::Position pos;
-        MWBase::World *world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
+    // load cell
+    ESM::Position pos;
+    MWBase::World *world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
 
+    if (!mCellName.empty())
+    {
         if (world->findExteriorPosition(mCellName, pos)) {
             world->changeToExteriorCell (pos);
         }
@@ -442,7 +453,11 @@ void OMW::Engine::prepareEngine (Settings::Manager & settings)
         }
     }
     else
-        mEnvironment.getWorld()->startNewGame();
+    {
+        pos.pos[0] = pos.pos[1] = pos.pos[2] = 0;
+        pos.rot[0] = pos.rot[1] = pos.pos[2] = 0;
+        world->changeToExteriorCell (pos);
+    }
 
     Ogre::FrameEvent event;
     event.timeSinceLastEvent = 0;
@@ -468,7 +483,6 @@ void OMW::Engine::prepareEngine (Settings::Manager & settings)
 
 void OMW::Engine::go()
 {
-    assert (!mCellName.empty());
     assert (!mContentFiles.empty());
     assert (!mOgre);
 
@@ -489,8 +503,14 @@ void OMW::Engine::go()
     if (!mStartupScript.empty())
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->executeInConsole (mStartupScript);
 
+    // start in main menu
+    if (!mSkipMenu)
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode (MWGui::GM_MainMenu);
+    else
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->newGame (true);
+
     // Start the main rendering loop
-    while (!mEnvironment.getRequestExit())
+    while (!mEnvironment.get().getStateManager()->hasQuitRequest())
         Ogre::Root::getSingleton().renderOneFrame();
 
     // Save user settings
diff --git a/apps/openmw/engine.hpp b/apps/openmw/engine.hpp
index 9292e81bb..8b2a65b7e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/engine.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/engine.hpp
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ namespace OMW
             std::vector<std::string> mContentFiles;
             int mFpsLevel;
             bool mVerboseScripts;
-            bool mNewGame;
+            bool mSkipMenu;
             bool mUseSound;
             bool mCompileAll;
             std::string mFocusName;
@@ -151,8 +151,7 @@ namespace OMW
             /// Disable or enable all sounds
             void setSoundUsage(bool soundUsage);
 
-            /// Start as a new game.
-            void setNewGame(bool newGame);
+            void setSkipMenu (bool skipMenu);
 
             void setGrabMouse(bool grab) { mGrab = grab; }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/main.cpp b/apps/openmw/main.cpp
index 3129e6bd3..570c2b198 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/main.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/main.cpp
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ bool parseOptions (int argc, char** argv, OMW::Engine& engine, Files::Configurat
         ("resources", bpo::value<std::string>()->default_value("resources"),
             "set resources directory")
 
-        ("start", bpo::value<std::string>()->default_value("Beshara"),
+        ("start", bpo::value<std::string>()->default_value(""),
             "set initial cell")
 
         ("content", bpo::value<StringsVector>()->default_value(StringsVector(), "")
@@ -137,8 +137,8 @@ bool parseOptions (int argc, char** argv, OMW::Engine& engine, Files::Configurat
         ("script-run", bpo::value<std::string>()->default_value(""),
             "select a file containing a list of console commands that is executed on startup")
 
-        ("new-game", bpo::value<bool>()->implicit_value(true)
-            ->default_value(false), "activate char gen/new game mechanics")
+        ("skip-menu", bpo::value<bool>()->implicit_value(true)
+            ->default_value(false), "skip main menu on game startup")
 
         ("fs-strict", bpo::value<bool>()->implicit_value(true)
             ->default_value(false), "strict file system handling (no case folding)")
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ bool parseOptions (int argc, char** argv, OMW::Engine& engine, Files::Configurat
 
     // startup-settings
     engine.setCell(variables["start"].as<std::string>());
-    engine.setNewGame(variables["new-game"].as<bool>());
+    engine.setSkipMenu (variables["skip-menu"].as<bool>());
 
     // other settings
     engine.setSoundUsage(!variables["no-sound"].as<bool>());
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.cpp
index 4db0b45b9..3bc15746e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.cpp
@@ -11,13 +11,14 @@
 #include "mechanicsmanager.hpp"
 #include "inputmanager.hpp"
 #include "windowmanager.hpp"
+#include "statemanager.hpp"
 
 MWBase::Environment *MWBase::Environment::sThis = 0;
-bool MWBase::Environment::sExit = false;
 
 MWBase::Environment::Environment()
 : mWorld (0), mSoundManager (0), mScriptManager (0), mWindowManager (0),
-  mMechanicsManager (0),  mDialogueManager (0), mJournal (0), mInputManager (0), mFrameDuration (0)
+  mMechanicsManager (0),  mDialogueManager (0), mJournal (0), mInputManager (0), mFrameDuration (0),
+  mStateManager (0)
 {
     assert (!sThis);
     sThis = this;
@@ -69,6 +70,11 @@ void MWBase::Environment::setInputManager (InputManager *inputManager)
     mInputManager = inputManager;
 }
 
+void MWBase::Environment::setStateManager (StateManager *stateManager)
+{
+    mStateManager = stateManager;
+}
+
 void MWBase::Environment::setFrameDuration (float duration)
 {
     mFrameDuration = duration;
@@ -122,6 +128,12 @@ MWBase::InputManager *MWBase::Environment::getInputManager() const
     return mInputManager;
 }
 
+MWBase::StateManager *MWBase::Environment::getStateManager() const
+{
+    assert (mStateManager);
+    return mStateManager;
+}
+
 float MWBase::Environment::getFrameDuration() const
 {
     return mFrameDuration;
@@ -152,6 +164,9 @@ void MWBase::Environment::cleanup()
 
     delete mInputManager;
     mInputManager = 0;
+
+    delete mStateManager;
+    mStateManager = 0;
 }
 
 const MWBase::Environment& MWBase::Environment::get()
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.hpp
index 466302907..eb636ea2f 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/environment.hpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace MWBase
     class MechanicsManager;
     class InputManager;
     class WindowManager;
+    class StateManager;
 
     /// \brief Central hub for mw-subsystems
     ///
@@ -30,10 +31,9 @@ namespace MWBase
             DialogueManager *mDialogueManager;
             Journal *mJournal;
             InputManager *mInputManager;
+            StateManager *mStateManager;
             float mFrameDuration;
 
-            static bool sExit;
-
             Environment (const Environment&);
             ///< not implemented
 
@@ -46,9 +46,6 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             ~Environment();
 
-            static void setRequestExit () { sExit = true; }
-            static bool getRequestExit () { return sExit; }
-
             void setWorld (World *world);
 
             void setSoundManager (SoundManager *soundManager);
@@ -65,6 +62,8 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             void setInputManager (InputManager *inputManager);
 
+            void setStateManager (StateManager *stateManager);
+
             void setFrameDuration (float duration);
             ///< Set length of current frame in seconds.
 
@@ -84,6 +83,8 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             InputManager *getInputManager() const;
 
+            StateManager *getStateManager() const;
+
             float getFrameDuration() const;
 
             void cleanup();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/journal.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/journal.hpp
index 51e51edda..81b4ba0b4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/journal.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/journal.hpp
@@ -5,10 +5,18 @@
 #include <deque>
 #include <map>
 
+#include <libs/platform/stdint.h>
+
 #include "../mwdialogue/journalentry.hpp"
 #include "../mwdialogue/topic.hpp"
 #include "../mwdialogue/quest.hpp"
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+}
+
 namespace MWBase
 {
     /// \brief Interface for the player's journal (implemented in MWDialogue)
@@ -69,6 +77,12 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             virtual TTopicIter topicEnd() const = 0;
             ///< Iterator pointing past the last topic.
+
+            virtual int countSavedGameRecords() const = 0;
+
+            virtual void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const = 0;
+
+            virtual void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type) = 0;
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
index 9c298b9c1..22dda0ce0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
@@ -136,33 +136,35 @@ namespace MWBase
                 float currentTemporaryDispositionDelta, bool& success, float& tempChange, float& permChange) = 0;
             ///< Perform a persuasion action on NPC
 
-        virtual void forceStateUpdate(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) = 0;
-        ///< Forces an object to refresh its animation state.
+            virtual void forceStateUpdate(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) = 0;
+            ///< Forces an object to refresh its animation state.
 
-        virtual void playAnimationGroup(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName, int mode, int number=1) = 0;
-        ///< Run animation for a MW-reference. Calls to this function for references that are currently not
-        /// in the scene should be ignored.
-        ///
-        /// \param mode 0 normal, 1 immediate start, 2 immediate loop
-        /// \param count How many times the animation should be run
+            virtual void playAnimationGroup(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName, int mode, int number=1) = 0;
+            ///< Run animation for a MW-reference. Calls to this function for references that are currently not
+            /// in the scene should be ignored.
+            ///
+            /// \param mode 0 normal, 1 immediate start, 2 immediate loop
+            /// \param count How many times the animation should be run
 
-        virtual void skipAnimation(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) = 0;
-        ///< Skip the animation for the given MW-reference for one frame. Calls to this function for
-        /// references that are currently not in the scene should be ignored.
+            virtual void skipAnimation(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) = 0;
+            ///< Skip the animation for the given MW-reference for one frame. Calls to this function for
+            /// references that are currently not in the scene should be ignored.
 
-        virtual bool checkAnimationPlaying(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName) = 0;
+            virtual bool checkAnimationPlaying(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName) = 0;
 
-        /// Update magic effects for an actor. Usually done automatically once per frame, but if we're currently
-        /// paused we may want to do it manually (after equipping permanent enchantment)
-        virtual void updateMagicEffects (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) = 0;
+            /// Update magic effects for an actor. Usually done automatically once per frame, but if we're currently
+            /// paused we may want to do it manually (after equipping permanent enchantment)
+            virtual void updateMagicEffects (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) = 0;
 
-        virtual void toggleAI() = 0;
-        virtual bool isAIActive() = 0;
+            virtual void toggleAI() = 0;
+            virtual bool isAIActive() = 0;
 
             virtual void getObjectsInRange (const Ogre::Vector3& position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr>& objects) = 0;
 
             ///return the list of actors which are following the given actor (ie AiFollow is active and the target is the actor)
             virtual std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> getActorsFollowing(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) = 0;
+
+            virtual void playerLoaded() = 0;
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/scriptmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/scriptmanager.hpp
index 32df2bfa3..ae146e064 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/scriptmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/scriptmanager.hpp
@@ -35,8 +35,6 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             virtual ~ScriptManager() {}
 
-            virtual void resetGlobalScripts() = 0;
-
             virtual void run (const std::string& name, Interpreter::Context& interpreterContext) = 0;
             ///< Run the script with the given name (compile first, if not compiled yet)
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/soundmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/soundmanager.hpp
index 98b733c41..f3973153a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/soundmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/soundmanager.hpp
@@ -149,6 +149,8 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual void setListenerPosDir(const Ogre::Vector3 &pos, const Ogre::Vector3 &dir, const Ogre::Vector3 &up) = 0;
 
             virtual void updatePtr (const MWWorld::Ptr& old, const MWWorld::Ptr& updated) = 0;
+
+            virtual void clear() = 0;
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/statemanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/statemanager.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cd907408a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/statemanager.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+#ifndef GAME_MWSTATE_STATEMANAGER_H
+#define GAME_MWSTATE_STATEMANAGER_H
+
+#include <vector>
+#include <string>
+
+namespace MWState
+{
+    struct Slot;
+    class Character;
+}
+
+namespace MWBase
+{
+    /// \brief Interface for game state manager (implemented in MWState)
+    class StateManager
+    {
+        public:
+
+            enum State
+            {
+                State_NoGame,
+                State_Ended,
+                State_Running
+            };
+
+            typedef std::vector<MWState::Character>::const_iterator CharacterIterator;
+
+        private:
+
+            StateManager (const StateManager&);
+            ///< not implemented
+
+            StateManager& operator= (const StateManager&);
+            ///< not implemented
+
+        public:
+
+            StateManager() {}
+
+            virtual ~StateManager() {}
+
+            virtual void requestQuit() = 0;
+
+            virtual bool hasQuitRequest() const = 0;
+
+            virtual void askLoadRecent() = 0;
+
+            virtual State getState() const = 0;
+
+            virtual void newGame (bool bypass = false) = 0;
+            ///< Start a new game.
+            ///
+            /// \param bypass Skip new game mechanics.
+
+            virtual void endGame() = 0;
+
+            virtual void saveGame (const std::string& description, const MWState::Slot *slot = 0) = 0;
+            ///< Write a saved game to \a slot or create a new slot if \a slot == 0.
+            ///
+            /// \note Slot must belong to the current character.
+
+            virtual void loadGame (const MWState::Character *character, const MWState::Slot *slot) = 0;
+            ///< Load a saved game file from \a slot.
+            ///
+            /// \note \a slot must belong to \a character.
+
+            virtual MWState::Character *getCurrentCharacter (bool create = true) = 0;
+            ///< \param create Create a new character, if there is no current character.
+
+            virtual CharacterIterator characterBegin() = 0;
+            ///< Any call to SaveGame and getCurrentCharacter can invalidate the returned
+            /// iterator.
+
+            virtual CharacterIterator characterEnd() = 0;
+
+            virtual void update (float duration) = 0;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
index c39de4400..fa0fe888b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ namespace OEngine
 namespace ESM
 {
     struct Class;
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
 }
 
 namespace MWWorld
@@ -285,6 +287,12 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             /// Should the cursor be visible?
             virtual bool getCursorVisible() = 0;
+
+            /// Clear all savegame-specific data
+            virtual void clear() = 0;
+
+            virtual void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) = 0;
+            virtual void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type) = 0;
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
index 92a1a4143..3d033838c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 #define GAME_MWBASE_WORLD_H
 
 #include <vector>
+#include <map>
 
 #include <components/settings/settings.hpp>
 
@@ -30,12 +31,14 @@ namespace OEngine
 namespace ESM
 {
     class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
     struct Position;
     struct Cell;
     struct Class;
     struct Potion;
     struct Spell;
     struct NPC;
+    struct CellId;
 }
 
 namespace MWRender
@@ -94,13 +97,26 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             virtual void startNewGame() = 0;
 
+            virtual void clear() = 0;
+
+            virtual int countSavedGameRecords() const = 0;
+
+            virtual void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const = 0;
+
+            virtual void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type,
+                const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap) = 0;
+
             virtual OEngine::Render::Fader* getFader() = 0;
-            ///< \ŧodo remove this function. Rendering details should not be exposed.
+            ///< \todo remove this function. Rendering details should not be exposed.
 
             virtual MWWorld::CellStore *getExterior (int x, int y) = 0;
 
             virtual MWWorld::CellStore *getInterior (const std::string& name) = 0;
 
+            virtual MWWorld::CellStore *getCell (const ESM::CellId& id) = 0;
+
+            virtual void useDeathCamera() = 0;
+
             virtual void setWaterHeight(const float height) = 0;
 
             virtual void toggleWater() = 0;
@@ -139,16 +155,26 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual bool isPositionExplored (float nX, float nY, int x, int y, bool interior) = 0;
             ///< see MWRender::LocalMap::isPositionExplored
 
-            virtual MWWorld::Globals::Data& getGlobalVariable (const std::string& name) = 0;
+            virtual void setGlobalInt (const std::string& name, int value) = 0;
+            ///< Set value independently from real type.
 
-            virtual MWWorld::Globals::Data getGlobalVariable (const std::string& name) const = 0;
+            virtual void setGlobalFloat (const std::string& name, float value) = 0;
+            ///< Set value independently from real type.
+
+            virtual int getGlobalInt (const std::string& name) const = 0;
+            ///< Get value independently from real type.
+
+            virtual float getGlobalFloat (const std::string& name) const = 0;
+            ///< Get value independently from real type.
 
             virtual char getGlobalVariableType (const std::string& name) const = 0;
             ///< Return ' ', if there is no global variable with this name.
 
-            virtual std::vector<std::string> getGlobals () const = 0;
-
-            virtual std::string getCurrentCellName() const = 0;
+            virtual std::string getCellName (const MWWorld::CellStore *cell = 0) const = 0;
+            ///< Return name of the cell.
+            ///
+            /// \note If cell==0, the cell the player is currently in will be used instead to
+            /// generate a name.
 
             virtual void removeRefScript (MWWorld::RefData *ref) = 0;
             //< Remove the script attached to ref from mLocalScripts
@@ -185,8 +211,12 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual void setDay (int day) = 0;
             ///< Set in-game time day.
 
-            virtual int getDay() = 0;
-            virtual int getMonth() = 0;
+            virtual int getDay() const = 0;
+            virtual int getMonth() const = 0;
+            virtual int getYear() const = 0;
+
+            virtual std::string getMonthName (int month = -1) const = 0;
+            ///< Return name of month (-1: current month)
 
             virtual MWWorld::TimeStamp getTimeStamp() const = 0;
             ///< Return current in-game time stamp.
@@ -215,6 +245,8 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual void changeToExteriorCell (const ESM::Position& position) = 0;
             ///< Move to exterior cell.
 
+            virtual void changeToCell (const ESM::CellId& cellId, const ESM::Position& position) = 0;
+
             virtual const ESM::Cell *getExterior (const std::string& cellName) const = 0;
             ///< Return a cell matching the given name or a 0-pointer, if there is no such cell.
 
@@ -336,7 +368,7 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual bool isSwimming(const MWWorld::Ptr &object) const = 0;
             ///Is the head of the creature underwater?
             virtual bool isSubmerged(const MWWorld::Ptr &object) const = 0;
-            virtual bool isUnderwater(const MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell, const Ogre::Vector3 &pos) const = 0;
+            virtual bool isUnderwater(const MWWorld::CellStore* cell, const Ogre::Vector3 &pos) const = 0;
             virtual bool isOnGround(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const = 0;
 
             virtual void togglePOV() = 0;
@@ -384,6 +416,7 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual void playVideo(const std::string& name, bool allowSkipping) = 0;
             virtual void stopVideo() = 0;
             virtual void frameStarted (float dt, bool paused) = 0;
+            virtual void screenshot (Ogre::Image& image, int w, int h) = 0;
 
             /// Find default position inside exterior cell specified by name
             /// \return false if exterior with given name not exists, true otherwise
@@ -428,6 +461,8 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual void launchProjectile (const std::string& id, bool stack, const ESM::EffectList& effects,
                                            const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const std::string& sourceName) = 0;
 
+            virtual const std::vector<std::string>& getContentFiles() const = 0;
+
             virtual void breakInvisibility (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) = 0;
 
             // Are we in an exterior or pseudo-exterior cell and it's night?
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
index f89a6bce0..546d6538c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 #include "container.hpp"
 
 #include <components/esm/loadcont.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/containerstate.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
@@ -258,4 +259,26 @@ namespace MWClass
 
         return MWWorld::Ptr(&cell.mContainers.insert(*ref), &cell);
     }
+
+    void Container::readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        const ESM::ContainerState& state2 = dynamic_cast<const ESM::ContainerState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mContainerStore.
+            readState (state2.mInventory);
+    }
+
+    void Container::writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        ESM::ContainerState& state2 = dynamic_cast<ESM::ContainerState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mContainerStore.
+            writeState (state2.mInventory);
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp
index 006e4bd22..c97867d35 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp
@@ -54,6 +54,14 @@ namespace MWClass
             virtual void unlock (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
             ///< Unlock object
 
+            virtual void readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Read additional state from \a state into \a ptr.
+
+            virtual void writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Write additional state from \a ptr into \a state.
+
             static void registerSelf();
 
             virtual std::string getModel(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
index b1bd80596..1f07ede7e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 #include "creature.hpp"
 
 #include <components/esm/loadcrea.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/creaturestate.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp"
 #include "../mwmechanics/magiceffects.hpp"
@@ -758,6 +759,28 @@ namespace MWClass
         return 0;
     }
 
+    void Creature::readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        const ESM::CreatureState& state2 = dynamic_cast<const ESM::CreatureState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mContainerStore->
+            readState (state2.mInventory);
+    }
+
+    void Creature::writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        ESM::CreatureState& state2 = dynamic_cast<ESM::CreatureState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mContainerStore->
+            writeState (state2.mInventory);
+    }
+
     const ESM::GameSetting* Creature::fMinWalkSpeedCreature;
     const ESM::GameSetting* Creature::fMaxWalkSpeedCreature;
     const ESM::GameSetting *Creature::fEncumberedMoveEffect;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.hpp
index ca8abc040..adaf62a96 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.hpp
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ namespace MWClass
 
             virtual bool isEssential (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
             ///< Is \a ptr essential? (i.e. may losing \a ptr make the game unwinnable)
-            
+
             virtual int getServices (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) const;
 
             virtual bool isPersistent (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
@@ -125,6 +125,14 @@ namespace MWClass
 
             /// Get a blood texture suitable for \a ptr (see Blood Texture 0-2 in Morrowind.ini)
             virtual int getBloodTexture (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
+
+            virtual void readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Read additional state from \a state into \a ptr.
+
+            virtual void writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Write additional state from \a ptr into \a state.
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp
index cc56ec4c8..ddb2c16d6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 #include "light.hpp"
 
 #include <components/esm/loadligh.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/lightstate.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
@@ -269,4 +270,24 @@ namespace MWClass
         }
         return std::make_pair(1,"");
     }
+
+    void Light::readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        const ESM::LightState& state2 = dynamic_cast<const ESM::LightState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mTime = state2.mTime;
+    }
+
+    void Light::writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        ESM::LightState& state2 = dynamic_cast<ESM::LightState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        state2.mTime = dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mTime;
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp
index c15228a6a..5568e1727 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp
@@ -71,6 +71,14 @@ namespace MWClass
             virtual bool canSell (const MWWorld::Ptr& item, int npcServices) const;
 
             std::pair<int, std::string> canBeEquipped(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr &npc) const;
+
+            virtual void readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Read additional state from \a state into \a ptr.
+
+            virtual void writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Write additional state from \a ptr into \a state.
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
index 512a5279c..34ea515ba 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 
 #include <components/esm/loadmgef.hpp>
 #include <components/esm/loadnpc.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/npcstate.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
@@ -536,7 +537,7 @@ namespace MWClass
                         weapon.getCellRef().mCharge = weapmaxhealth;
                     damage *= float(weapon.getCellRef().mCharge) / weapmaxhealth;
                 }
-                
+
                 if (!MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGodModeState())
                     weapon.getCellRef().mCharge -= std::min(std::max(1,
                         (int)(damage * gmst.find("fWeaponDamageMult")->getFloat())), weapon.getCellRef().mCharge);
@@ -1001,7 +1002,7 @@ namespace MWClass
 
         return ref->mBase->mFlags & ESM::NPC::Essential;
     }
-    
+
     void Npc::registerSelf()
     {
         boost::shared_ptr<Class> instance (new Npc);
@@ -1270,6 +1271,28 @@ namespace MWClass
         return 0;
     }
 
+    void Npc::readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        const ESM::NpcState& state2 = dynamic_cast<const ESM::NpcState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mInventoryStore.
+            readState (state2.mInventory);
+    }
+
+    void Npc::writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+        const
+    {
+        ESM::NpcState& state2 = dynamic_cast<ESM::NpcState&> (state);
+
+        ensureCustomData (ptr);
+
+        dynamic_cast<CustomData&> (*ptr.getRefData().getCustomData()).mInventoryStore.
+            writeState (state2.mInventory);
+    }
+
     const ESM::GameSetting *Npc::fMinWalkSpeed;
     const ESM::GameSetting *Npc::fMaxWalkSpeed;
     const ESM::GameSetting *Npc::fEncumberedMoveEffect;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.hpp
index 2bd91d198..c54dd339a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.hpp
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ namespace MWClass
             ///< Is \a ptr essential? (i.e. may losing \a ptr make the game unwinnable)
 
             virtual int getServices (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) const;
-            
+
             virtual bool isPersistent (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
 
             virtual std::string getSoundIdFromSndGen(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr, const std::string &name) const;
@@ -158,6 +158,14 @@ namespace MWClass
             virtual bool isNpc() const {
                 return true;
             }
+
+            virtual void readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Read additional state from \a state into \a ptr.
+
+            virtual void writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Write additional state from \a ptr into \a state.
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp
index 731fafbf6..3d45b85ce 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ bool MWDialogue::Filter::testSelectStructNumeric (const SelectWrapper& select) c
 
             // internally all globals are float :(
             return select.selectCompare (
-                MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable (select.getName()).mFloat);
+                MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalFloat (select.getName()));
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_Local:
         {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.cpp
index 5ffde5499..7828d18ad 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.cpp
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 
 #include <stdexcept>
 
+#include <components/esm/journalentry.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
@@ -10,23 +12,54 @@
 
 namespace MWDialogue
 {
-    JournalEntry::JournalEntry() {}
+    Entry::Entry() {}
 
-    JournalEntry::JournalEntry (const std::string& topic, const std::string& infoId)
-    : mTopic (topic), mInfoId (infoId)
-    {}
-
-    std::string JournalEntry::getText (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store) const
+    Entry::Entry (const std::string& topic, const std::string& infoId)
+    : mInfoId (infoId)
     {
         const ESM::Dialogue *dialogue =
-            store.get<ESM::Dialogue>().find (mTopic);
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Dialogue>().find (topic);
 
         for (std::vector<ESM::DialInfo>::const_iterator iter (dialogue->mInfo.begin());
             iter!=dialogue->mInfo.end(); ++iter)
             if (iter->mId == mInfoId)
-                return iter->mResponse;
+            {
+                /// \todo text replacement
+                mText = iter->mResponse;
+                return;
+            }
 
-        throw std::runtime_error ("unknown info ID " + mInfoId + " for topic " + mTopic);
+        throw std::runtime_error ("unknown info ID " + mInfoId + " for topic " + topic);
+    }
+
+    Entry::Entry (const ESM::JournalEntry& record) : mInfoId (record.mInfo), mText (record.mText) {}
+
+    std::string Entry::getText() const
+    {
+        return mText;
+    }
+
+    void Entry::write (ESM::JournalEntry& entry) const
+    {
+        entry.mInfo = mInfoId;
+        entry.mText = mText;
+    }
+
+
+    JournalEntry::JournalEntry() {}
+
+    JournalEntry::JournalEntry (const std::string& topic, const std::string& infoId)
+    : Entry (topic, infoId), mTopic (topic)
+    {}
+
+    JournalEntry::JournalEntry (const ESM::JournalEntry& record)
+    : Entry (record), mTopic (record.mTopic)
+    {}
+
+    void JournalEntry::write (ESM::JournalEntry& entry) const
+    {
+        Entry::write (entry);
+        entry.mTopic = mTopic;
     }
 
     JournalEntry JournalEntry::makeFromQuest (const std::string& topic, int index)
@@ -49,6 +82,7 @@ namespace MWDialogue
         throw std::runtime_error ("unknown journal index for topic " + topic);
     }
 
+
     StampedJournalEntry::StampedJournalEntry()
     : mDay (0), mMonth (0), mDayOfMonth (0)
     {}
@@ -58,11 +92,24 @@ namespace MWDialogue
     : JournalEntry (topic, infoId), mDay (day), mMonth (month), mDayOfMonth (dayOfMonth)
     {}
 
+    StampedJournalEntry::StampedJournalEntry (const ESM::JournalEntry& record)
+    : JournalEntry (record), mDay (record.mDay), mMonth (record.mMonth),
+      mDayOfMonth (record.mDayOfMonth)
+    {}
+
+    void StampedJournalEntry::write (ESM::JournalEntry& entry) const
+    {
+        JournalEntry::write (entry);
+        entry.mDay = mDay;
+        entry.mMonth = mMonth;
+        entry.mDayOfMonth = mDayOfMonth;
+    }
+
     StampedJournalEntry StampedJournalEntry::makeFromQuest (const std::string& topic, int index)
     {
-        int day = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable ("dayspassed").mLong;
-        int month = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable ("month").mLong;
-        int dayOfMonth = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable ("day").mLong;
+        int day = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalInt ("dayspassed");
+        int month = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalInt ("month");
+        int dayOfMonth = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalInt ("day");
 
         return StampedJournalEntry (topic, idFromIndex (topic, index), day, month, dayOfMonth);
     }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.hpp
index 9d009b48b..18d022aab 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalentry.hpp
@@ -3,24 +3,44 @@
 
 #include <string>
 
-namespace MWWorld
+namespace ESM
 {
-    struct ESMStore;
+    struct JournalEntry;
 }
 
 namespace MWDialogue
 {
-    /// \brief A quest or dialogue entry
-    struct JournalEntry
+    /// \brief Basic quest/dialogue/topic entry
+    struct Entry
+    {
+        std::string mInfoId;
+        std::string mText;
+
+        Entry();
+
+        Entry (const std::string& topic, const std::string& infoId);
+
+        Entry (const ESM::JournalEntry& record);
+
+        std::string getText() const;
+
+        void write (ESM::JournalEntry& entry) const;
+    };
+
+    /// \brief A dialogue entry
+    ///
+    /// Same as entry, but store TopicID
+    struct JournalEntry : public Entry
     {
         std::string mTopic;
-        std::string mInfoId;
 
         JournalEntry();
 
         JournalEntry (const std::string& topic, const std::string& infoId);
 
-        std::string getText (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store) const;
+        JournalEntry (const ESM::JournalEntry& record);
+
+        void write (ESM::JournalEntry& entry) const;
 
         static JournalEntry makeFromQuest (const std::string& topic, int index);
 
@@ -39,6 +59,10 @@ namespace MWDialogue
         StampedJournalEntry (const std::string& topic, const std::string& infoId,
             int day, int month, int dayOfMonth);
 
+        StampedJournalEntry (const ESM::JournalEntry& record);
+
+        void write (ESM::JournalEntry& entry) const;
+
         static StampedJournalEntry makeFromQuest (const std::string& topic, int index);
     };
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.cpp
index 23cfb5fdd..f24a93356 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,13 @@
 
 #include "journalimp.hpp"
 
+#include <iterator>
+
+#include <components/esm/esmwriter.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/esmreader.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/queststate.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/journalentry.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
@@ -26,6 +33,38 @@ namespace MWDialogue
         return iter->second;
     }
 
+    Topic& Journal::getTopic (const std::string& id)
+    {
+        TTopicContainer::iterator iter = mTopics.find (id);
+
+        if (iter==mTopics.end())
+        {
+            std::pair<TTopicContainer::iterator, bool> result
+                = mTopics.insert (std::make_pair (id, Topic (id)));
+
+            iter = result.first;
+        }
+
+        return iter->second;
+    }
+
+    bool Journal::isThere (const std::string& topicId, const std::string& infoId) const
+    {
+        if (const ESM::Dialogue *dialogue =
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Dialogue>().search (topicId))
+        {
+            if (infoId.empty())
+                return true;
+
+            for (std::vector<ESM::DialInfo>::const_iterator iter (dialogue->mInfo.begin());
+                iter!=dialogue->mInfo.end(); ++iter)
+                if (iter->mId == infoId)
+                    return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
     Journal::Journal()
     {}
 
@@ -66,17 +105,9 @@ namespace MWDialogue
 
     void Journal::addTopic (const std::string& topicId, const std::string& infoId)
     {
-        TTopicContainer::iterator iter = mTopics.find (topicId);
+        Topic& topic = getTopic (topicId);
 
-        if (iter==mTopics.end())
-        {
-            std::pair<TTopicContainer::iterator, bool> result
-                = mTopics.insert (std::make_pair (topicId, Topic (topicId)));
-
-            iter = result.first;
-        }
-
-        iter->second.addEntry (JournalEntry (topicId, infoId));
+        topic.addEntry (JournalEntry (topicId, infoId));
     }
 
     int Journal::getJournalIndex (const std::string& id) const
@@ -118,4 +149,106 @@ namespace MWDialogue
     {
         return mTopics.end();
     }
+
+    int Journal::countSavedGameRecords() const
+    {
+        int count = static_cast<int> (mQuests.size());
+
+        for (TQuestIter iter (mQuests.begin()); iter!=mQuests.end(); ++iter)
+            count += std::distance (iter->second.begin(), iter->second.end());
+
+        count += std::distance (mJournal.begin(), mJournal.end());
+
+        for (TTopicIter iter (mTopics.begin()); iter!=mTopics.end(); ++iter)
+            count += std::distance (iter->second.begin(), iter->second.end());
+
+        return count;
+    }
+
+    void Journal::write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+    {
+        for (TQuestIter iter (mQuests.begin()); iter!=mQuests.end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            const Quest& quest = iter->second;
+
+            ESM::QuestState state;
+            quest.write (state);
+            writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_QUES);
+            state.save (writer);
+            writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_QUES);
+
+            for (Topic::TEntryIter iter (quest.begin()); iter!=quest.end(); ++iter)
+            {
+                ESM::JournalEntry entry;
+                entry.mType = ESM::JournalEntry::Type_Quest;
+                entry.mTopic = quest.getTopic();
+                iter->write (entry);
+                writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_JOUR);
+                entry.save (writer);
+                writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_JOUR);
+            }
+        }
+
+        for (TEntryIter iter (mJournal.begin()); iter!=mJournal.end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            ESM::JournalEntry entry;
+            entry.mType = ESM::JournalEntry::Type_Journal;
+            iter->write (entry);
+            writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_JOUR);
+            entry.save (writer);
+            writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_JOUR);
+        }
+
+        for (TTopicIter iter (mTopics.begin()); iter!=mTopics.end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            const Topic& topic = iter->second;
+
+            for (Topic::TEntryIter iter (topic.begin()); iter!=topic.end(); ++iter)
+            {
+                ESM::JournalEntry entry;
+                entry.mType = ESM::JournalEntry::Type_Topic;
+                entry.mTopic = topic.getTopic();
+                iter->write (entry);
+                writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_JOUR);
+                entry.save (writer);
+                writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_JOUR);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    void Journal::readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type)
+    {
+        if (type==ESM::REC_JOUR)
+        {
+            ESM::JournalEntry record;
+            record.load (reader);
+
+            if (isThere (record.mTopic, record.mInfo))
+                switch (record.mType)
+                {
+                    case ESM::JournalEntry::Type_Quest:
+
+                        getQuest (record.mTopic).insertEntry (record);
+                        break;
+
+                    case ESM::JournalEntry::Type_Journal:
+
+                        mJournal.push_back (record);
+                        break;
+
+                    case ESM::JournalEntry::Type_Topic:
+
+                        getTopic (record.mTopic).insertEntry (record);
+                        break;
+                }
+        }
+        else if (type==ESM::REC_QUES)
+        {
+            ESM::QuestState record;
+            record.load (reader);
+
+            if (isThere (record.mTopic))
+                mQuests.insert (std::make_pair (record.mTopic, record));
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.hpp
index f4f8eb1c2..86091a12d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/journalimp.hpp
@@ -15,8 +15,14 @@ namespace MWDialogue
             TQuestContainer mQuests;
             TTopicContainer mTopics;
 
+        private:
+
             Quest& getQuest (const std::string& id);
 
+            Topic& getTopic (const std::string& id);
+
+            bool isThere (const std::string& topicId, const std::string& infoId = "") const;
+
         public:
 
             Journal();
@@ -55,6 +61,12 @@ namespace MWDialogue
 
             virtual TTopicIter topicEnd() const;
             ///< Iterator pointing past the last topic.
+
+            virtual int countSavedGameRecords() const;
+
+            virtual void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+            virtual void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type);
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.cpp
index 5de5b1cf1..a5411b747 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 
 #include "quest.hpp"
 
+#include <components/esm/queststate.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
@@ -16,7 +18,11 @@ namespace MWDialogue
     : Topic (topic), mIndex (0), mFinished (false)
     {}
 
-    const std::string Quest::getName() const
+    Quest::Quest (const ESM::QuestState& state)
+    : Topic (state.mTopic), mIndex (state.mState), mFinished (state.mFinished!=0)
+    {}
+
+    std::string Quest::getName() const
     {
         const ESM::Dialogue *dialogue =
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Dialogue>().find (mTopic);
@@ -86,9 +92,16 @@ namespace MWDialogue
             setIndex (index);
 
         for (TEntryIter iter (mEntries.begin()); iter!=mEntries.end(); ++iter)
-            if (*iter==entry.mInfoId)
+            if (iter->mInfoId==entry.mInfoId)
                 return;
 
-        mEntries.push_back (entry.mInfoId);
+        mEntries.push_back (entry); // we want slicing here
+    }
+
+    void Quest::write (ESM::QuestState& state) const
+    {
+        state.mTopic = getTopic();
+        state.mState = mIndex;
+        state.mFinished = mFinished;
     }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.hpp
index 3afa81fac..40824f398 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/quest.hpp
@@ -3,9 +3,14 @@
 
 #include "topic.hpp"
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    struct QuestState;
+}
+
 namespace MWDialogue
 {
-    /// \brief A quest in progress or a compelted quest
+    /// \brief A quest in progress or a completed quest
     class Quest : public Topic
     {
             int mIndex;
@@ -17,13 +22,15 @@ namespace MWDialogue
 
             Quest (const std::string& topic);
 
-            const std::string getName() const;
+            Quest (const ESM::QuestState& state);
+
+            virtual std::string getName() const;
             ///< May be an empty string
 
             int getIndex() const;
 
             void setIndex (int index);
-            ///< Calling this function with a non-existant index while throw an exception.
+            ///< Calling this function with a non-existent index will throw an exception.
 
             bool isFinished() const;
 
@@ -31,6 +38,8 @@ namespace MWDialogue
             ///< Add entry and adjust index accordingly.
             ///
             /// \note Redundant entries are ignored, but the index is still adjusted.
+
+            void write (ESM::QuestState& state) const;
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.cpp
index 3253b20d6..0e546f43b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 
 #include "topic.hpp"
 
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 
 namespace MWDialogue
@@ -9,7 +12,8 @@ namespace MWDialogue
     {}
 
     Topic::Topic (const std::string& topic)
-    : mTopic (topic)
+    : mTopic (topic), mName (
+      MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Dialogue>().find (topic)->mId)
     {}
 
     Topic::~Topic()
@@ -20,11 +24,22 @@ namespace MWDialogue
         if (entry.mTopic!=mTopic)
             throw std::runtime_error ("topic does not match: " + mTopic);
 
-        for (TEntryIter iter = begin(); iter!=end(); ++iter)
-            if (*iter==entry.mInfoId)
-                return;
+        mEntries.push_back (entry); // we want slicing here
+    }
 
-        mEntries.push_back (entry.mInfoId);
+    void Topic::insertEntry (const ESM::JournalEntry& entry)
+    {
+        mEntries.push_back (entry);
+    }
+
+    std::string Topic::getTopic() const
+    {
+        return mTopic;
+    }
+
+    std::string Topic::getName() const
+    {
+        return mName;
     }
 
     Topic::TEntryIter Topic::begin() const
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.hpp
index c3f0baabc..02fa6d524 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/topic.hpp
@@ -6,6 +6,11 @@
 
 #include "journalentry.hpp"
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    struct JournalEntry;
+}
+
 namespace MWDialogue
 {
     /// \brief Collection of seen responses for a topic
@@ -13,13 +18,14 @@ namespace MWDialogue
     {
         public:
 
-            typedef std::vector<std::string> TEntryContainer;
+            typedef std::vector<Entry> TEntryContainer;
             typedef TEntryContainer::const_iterator TEntryIter;
 
         protected:
 
             std::string mTopic;
-            TEntryContainer mEntries; // info-IDs
+            std::string mName;
+            TEntryContainer mEntries;
 
         public:
 
@@ -34,7 +40,13 @@ namespace MWDialogue
             ///
             /// \note Redundant entries are ignored.
 
-            std::string const & getName () const { return mTopic; }
+            void insertEntry (const ESM::JournalEntry& entry);
+            ///< Add entry without checking for redundant entries or modifying the state of the
+            /// topic otherwise
+
+            std::string getTopic() const;
+
+            virtual std::string getName() const;
 
             TEntryIter begin() const;
             ///< Iterator pointing to the begin of the journal for this topic.
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalbooks.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalbooks.cpp
index dbea10e77..8caea770e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalbooks.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalbooks.cpp
@@ -196,34 +196,6 @@ book JournalBooks::createEmptyJournalBook ()
     typesetter->lineBreak ();
     typesetter->write (body, to_utf8_span ("You should have gone though the starting quest and got an initial quest."));
 
-    BookTypesetter::Style* big    = typesetter->createStyle ("", MyGUI::Colour::Black);
-    BookTypesetter::Style* test   = typesetter->createStyle ("MonoFont", MyGUI::Colour::Blue);
-
-    typesetter->sectionBreak (20);
-    typesetter->write (body, to_utf8_span (
-        "The layout engine doesn't currently support aligning fonts to "
-        "their baseline within a single line so the following text looks "
-        "funny. In order to properly implement it, a stupidly simple "
-        "change is needed in MyGUI to report the where the baseline is for "
-        "a particular font"
-    ));
-
-    typesetter->sectionBreak (20);
-    typesetter->write (big, to_utf8_span ("big text g"));
-    typesetter->write (body, to_utf8_span (" проверяем только в дебаге"));
-    typesetter->write (body, to_utf8_span (" normal g"));
-    typesetter->write (big, to_utf8_span (" done g"));
-
-    typesetter->sectionBreak (20);
-    typesetter->write (test, to_utf8_span (
-        "int main (int argc,\n"
-        "          char ** argv)\n"
-        "{\n"
-        "    print (\"hello world!\\n\");\n"
-        "    return 0;\n"
-        "}\n"
-    ));
-
     return typesetter->complete ();
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalviewmodel.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalviewmodel.cpp
index ba6552225..3464f283d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalviewmodel.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalviewmodel.cpp
@@ -20,8 +20,6 @@ namespace MWGui {
 
 struct JournalViewModelImpl;
 
-static void injectMonthName (std::ostream & os, int month);
-
 struct JournalViewModelImpl : JournalViewModel
 {
     typedef KeywordSearch <std::string, intptr_t> KeywordSearchT;
@@ -237,21 +235,21 @@ struct JournalViewModelImpl : JournalViewModel
 
         std::string getText () const
         {
-            return itr->getText(MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore());
+            return itr->getText();
         }
 
         Utf8Span timestamp () const
         {
             if (timestamp_buffer.empty ())
             {
+                std::string dayStr = MyGUI::LanguageManager::getInstance().replaceTags("#{sDay}");
+
                 std::ostringstream os;
 
-                os << itr->mDayOfMonth << ' ';
-
-                injectMonthName (os, itr->mMonth);
-
-                const std::string& dayStr = MyGUI::LanguageManager::getInstance().replaceTags("#{sDay}");
-                os << " (" << dayStr << " " << (itr->mDay + 1) << ')';
+                os
+                    << itr->mDayOfMonth << ' '
+                    << MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getMonthName (itr->mMonth)
+                    << " (" << dayStr << " " << (itr->mDay + 1) << ')';
 
                 timestamp_buffer = os.str ();
             }
@@ -272,7 +270,7 @@ struct JournalViewModelImpl : JournalViewModel
             {
                 for (MWDialogue::Topic::TEntryIter j = quest->begin (); j != quest->end (); ++j)
                 {
-                    if (i->mInfoId == *j)
+                    if (i->mInfoId == j->mInfoId)
                         visitor (JournalEntryImpl <MWBase::Journal::TEntryIter> (this, i));
                 }
             }
@@ -292,9 +290,7 @@ struct JournalViewModelImpl : JournalViewModel
     void visitTopicName (TopicId topicId, boost::function <void (Utf8Span)> visitor) const
     {
         MWDialogue::Topic const & topic = * reinterpret_cast <MWDialogue::Topic const *> (topicId);
-        // This is to get the correct case for the topic
-        const std::string& name = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Dialogue>().find(topic.getName())->mId;
-        visitor (toUtf8Span (name));
+        visitor (toUtf8Span (topic.getName()));
     }
 
     void visitTopicNamesStartingWith (char character, boost::function < void (TopicId , Utf8Span) > visitor) const
@@ -306,10 +302,7 @@ struct JournalViewModelImpl : JournalViewModel
             if (i->first [0] != std::tolower (character, mLocale))
                 continue;
 
-            // This is to get the correct case for the topic
-            const std::string& name = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Dialogue>().find(i->first)->mId;
-
-            visitor (TopicId (&i->second), toUtf8Span (name));
+            visitor (TopicId (&i->second), toUtf8Span (i->second.getName()));
         }
 
     }
@@ -326,9 +319,7 @@ struct JournalViewModelImpl : JournalViewModel
 
         std::string getText () const
         {
-            /// \todo defines are not replaced (%PCName etc). should probably be done elsewhere though since we need the actor
-            return  mTopic.getEntry (*itr).getText(MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore());
-
+            return  itr->getText();
         }
 
         Utf8Span source () const
@@ -351,38 +342,6 @@ struct JournalViewModelImpl : JournalViewModel
     }
 };
 
-static void injectMonthName (std::ostream & os, int month)
-{
-    MyGUI::LanguageManager& lm = MyGUI::LanguageManager::getInstance();
-
-    if (month  == 0)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthMorningstar}");
-    else if (month == 1)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthSunsdawn}");
-    else if (month == 2)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthFirstseed}");
-    else if (month == 3)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthRainshand}");
-    else if (month == 4)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthSecondseed}");
-    else if (month == 5)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthMidyear}");
-    else if (month == 6)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthSunsheight}");
-    else if (month == 7)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthLastseed}");
-    else if (month == 8)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthHeartfire}");
-    else if (month == 9)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthFrostfall}");
-    else if (month == 10)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthSunsdusk}");
-    else if (month == 11)
-        os << lm.replaceTags ("#{sMonthEveningstar}");
-    else
-        os << month;
-}
-
 JournalViewModel::Ptr JournalViewModel::create ()
 {
     return boost::make_shared <JournalViewModelImpl> ();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp
index fa7ed2ace..da1992474 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp
@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
 #include "mainmenu.hpp"
 
-#include <OgreRoot.h>
-
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/soundmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/journal.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/dialoguemanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwstate/character.hpp"
 
 #include "savegamedialog.hpp"
 
@@ -16,90 +17,132 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     MainMenu::MainMenu(int w, int h)
         : OEngine::GUI::Layout("openmw_mainmenu.layout")
-        , mButtonBox(0)
+        , mButtonBox(0), mWidth (w), mHeight (h)
+        , mSaveGameDialog(NULL)
     {
-        onResChange(w,h);
+        updateMenu();
+    }
+
+    MainMenu::~MainMenu()
+    {
+        delete mSaveGameDialog;
     }
 
     void MainMenu::onResChange(int w, int h)
     {
-        setCoord(0,0,w,h);
+        mWidth = w;
+        mHeight = h;
 
+        updateMenu();
+    }
 
-        if (mButtonBox)
-            MyGUI::Gui::getInstance ().destroyWidget(mButtonBox);
+    void MainMenu::setVisible (bool visible)
+    {
+        if (visible)
+            updateMenu();
 
-        mButtonBox = mMainWidget->createWidget<MyGUI::Widget>("", MyGUI::IntCoord(0, 0, 0, 0), MyGUI::Align::Default);
-        int curH = 0;
-
-        std::vector<std::string> buttons;
-        buttons.push_back("return");
-        buttons.push_back("newgame");
-        //buttons.push_back("loadgame");
-        //buttons.push_back("savegame");
-        buttons.push_back("options");
-        //buttons.push_back("credits");
-        buttons.push_back("exitgame");
-
-        int maxwidth = 0;
-
-        mButtons.clear();
-        for (std::vector<std::string>::iterator it = buttons.begin(); it != buttons.end(); ++it)
-        {
-            MWGui::ImageButton* button = mButtonBox->createWidget<MWGui::ImageButton>
-                    ("ImageBox", MyGUI::IntCoord(0, curH, 0, 0), MyGUI::Align::Default);
-            button->setProperty("ImageHighlighted", "textures\\menu_" + *it + "_over.dds");
-            button->setProperty("ImageNormal", "textures\\menu_" + *it + ".dds");
-            button->setProperty("ImagePushed", "textures\\menu_" + *it + "_pressed.dds");
-            MyGUI::IntSize requested = button->getRequestedSize();
-            button->eventMouseButtonClick += MyGUI::newDelegate(this, &MainMenu::onButtonClicked);
-            mButtons[*it] = button;
-            curH += requested.height;
-
-            if (requested.width > maxwidth)
-                maxwidth = requested.width;
-        }
-        for (std::map<std::string, MWGui::ImageButton*>::iterator it = mButtons.begin(); it != mButtons.end(); ++it)
-        {
-            MyGUI::IntSize requested = it->second->getRequestedSize();
-            it->second->setCoord((maxwidth-requested.width) / 2, it->second->getTop(), requested.width, requested.height);
-        }
-
-        mButtonBox->setCoord (w/2 - maxwidth/2, h/2 - curH/2, maxwidth, curH);
+        OEngine::GUI::Layout::setVisible (visible);
     }
 
     void MainMenu::onButtonClicked(MyGUI::Widget *sender)
     {
+        std::string name = *sender->getUserData<std::string>();
         MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->playSound("Menu Click", 1.f, 1.f);
-        if (sender == mButtons["return"])
+        if (name == "return")
         {
             MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager ()->resumeSounds (MWBase::SoundManager::Play_TypeSfx);
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager ()->removeGuiMode (GM_MainMenu);
         }
-        else if (sender == mButtons["options"])
+        else if (name == "options")
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager ()->pushGuiMode (GM_Settings);
-        else if (sender == mButtons["exitgame"])
-            MWBase::Environment::get().setRequestExit();
-        else if (sender == mButtons["newgame"])
+        else if (name == "exitgame")
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->requestQuit();
+        else if (name == "newgame")
         {
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->startNewGame();
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setNewGame(true);
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getDialogueManager()->clear();
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getJournal()->clear();
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->newGame();
         }
 
-        else if (sender == mButtons["loadgame"])
+        else
         {
-            MWGui::SaveGameDialog* dialog = new MWGui::SaveGameDialog();
-            dialog->setLoadOrSave(true);
-            dialog->setVisible(true);
-        }
-        else if (sender == mButtons["savegame"])
-        {
-            MWGui::SaveGameDialog* dialog = new MWGui::SaveGameDialog();
-            dialog->setLoadOrSave(false);
-            dialog->setVisible(true);
+            if (!mSaveGameDialog)
+                mSaveGameDialog = new SaveGameDialog();
+            if (name == "loadgame")
+                mSaveGameDialog->setLoadOrSave(true);
+            else if (name == "savegame")
+                mSaveGameDialog->setLoadOrSave(false);
+            mSaveGameDialog->setVisible(true);
         }
     }
 
+    void MainMenu::updateMenu()
+    {
+        setCoord(0,0, mWidth, mHeight);
+
+
+        if (!mButtonBox)
+            mButtonBox = mMainWidget->createWidget<MyGUI::Widget>("", MyGUI::IntCoord(0, 0, 0, 0), MyGUI::Align::Default);
+
+        int curH = 0;
+
+        MWBase::StateManager::State state = MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState();
+
+        std::vector<std::string> buttons;
+
+        if (state==MWBase::StateManager::State_Running)
+            buttons.push_back("return");
+
+        buttons.push_back("newgame");
+
+        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->characterBegin()!=
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->characterEnd())
+            buttons.push_back("loadgame");
+
+        if (state==MWBase::StateManager::State_Running &&
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalInt ("chargenstate")==-1)
+            buttons.push_back("savegame");
+
+        buttons.push_back("options");
+        //buttons.push_back("credits");
+        buttons.push_back("exitgame");
+
+        // Create new buttons if needed
+        for (std::vector<std::string>::iterator it = buttons.begin(); it != buttons.end(); ++it)
+        {
+            if (mButtons.find(*it) == mButtons.end())
+            {
+                MWGui::ImageButton* button = mButtonBox->createWidget<MWGui::ImageButton>
+                        ("ImageBox", MyGUI::IntCoord(0, curH, 0, 0), MyGUI::Align::Default);
+                button->setProperty("ImageHighlighted", "textures\\menu_" + *it + "_over.dds");
+                button->setProperty("ImageNormal", "textures\\menu_" + *it + ".dds");
+                button->setProperty("ImagePushed", "textures\\menu_" + *it + "_pressed.dds");
+                button->eventMouseButtonClick += MyGUI::newDelegate(this, &MainMenu::onButtonClicked);
+                button->setUserData(std::string(*it));
+                mButtons[*it] = button;
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Start by hiding all buttons
+        int maxwidth = 0;
+        for (std::map<std::string, MWGui::ImageButton*>::iterator it = mButtons.begin(); it != mButtons.end(); ++it)
+        {
+            it->second->setVisible(false);
+            MyGUI::IntSize requested = it->second->getRequestedSize();
+            if (requested.width > maxwidth)
+                maxwidth = requested.width;
+        }
+
+        // Now show and position the ones we want
+        for (std::vector<std::string>::iterator it = buttons.begin(); it != buttons.end(); ++it)
+        {
+            assert(mButtons.find(*it) != mButtons.end());
+            MWGui::ImageButton* button = mButtons[*it];
+            button->setVisible(true);
+            MyGUI::IntSize requested = button->getRequestedSize();
+            button->setCoord((maxwidth-requested.width) / 2, curH, requested.width, requested.height);
+            curH += requested.height;
+        }
+
+        mButtonBox->setCoord (mWidth/2 - maxwidth/2, mHeight/2 - curH/2, maxwidth, curH);
+
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.hpp
index 4e76a64df..6d52f26d5 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.hpp
@@ -5,19 +5,33 @@
 namespace MWGui
 {
 
+    class SaveGameDialog;
+
     class MainMenu : public OEngine::GUI::Layout
     {
-    public:
-        MainMenu(int w, int h);
+            int mWidth;
+            int mHeight;
 
-        void onResChange(int w, int h);
+        public:
 
-    private:
-        MyGUI::Widget* mButtonBox;
+            MainMenu(int w, int h);
+            ~MainMenu();
 
-        std::map<std::string, MWGui::ImageButton*> mButtons;
+            void onResChange(int w, int h);
 
-        void onButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* sender);
+            virtual void setVisible (bool visible);
+
+        private:
+
+            MyGUI::Widget* mButtonBox;
+
+            std::map<std::string, MWGui::ImageButton*> mButtons;
+
+            void onButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* sender);
+
+            void updateMenu();
+
+            SaveGameDialog* mSaveGameDialog;
     };
 
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.cpp
index d5b243ca5..1b4af6d82 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.cpp
@@ -435,7 +435,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
 
         static int _counter=0;
-        MyGUI::Button* markerWidget = mGlobalMapImage->createWidget<MyGUI::Button>("ButtonImage",
+        MyGUI::Button* markerWidget = mGlobalMapOverlay->createWidget<MyGUI::Button>("ButtonImage",
             widgetCoord, MyGUI::Align::Default, "Door" + boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(_counter));
         markerWidget->setImageResource("DoorMarker");
         markerWidget->setUserString("ToolTipType", "Layout");
@@ -500,10 +500,11 @@ namespace MWGui
         mGlobalMap->setCanvasSize (mGlobalMapRender->getWidth(), mGlobalMapRender->getHeight());
         mGlobalMapImage->setSize(mGlobalMapRender->getWidth(), mGlobalMapRender->getHeight());
 
-        for (unsigned int i=0; i<mGlobalMapImage->getChildCount (); ++i)
+        // force markers to foreground
+        for (unsigned int i=0; i<mGlobalMapOverlay->getChildCount (); ++i)
         {
-            if (mGlobalMapImage->getChildAt (i)->getName().substr(0,4) == "Door")
-                mGlobalMapImage->getChildAt (i)->castType<MyGUI::Button>()->setImageResource("DoorMarker");
+            if (mGlobalMapOverlay->getChildAt (i)->getName().substr(0,4) == "Door")
+                mGlobalMapOverlay->getChildAt (i)->castType<MyGUI::Button>()->setImageResource("DoorMarker");
         }
 
         globalMapUpdatePlayer();
@@ -574,4 +575,31 @@ namespace MWGui
         mGlobalMap->setViewOffset(viewoffs);
     }
 
+    void MapWindow::clear()
+    {
+        mGlobalMapRender->clear();
+
+        while (mEventBoxGlobal->getChildCount())
+            MyGUI::Gui::getInstance().destroyWidget(mEventBoxGlobal->getChildAt(0));
+        while (mGlobalMapOverlay->getChildCount())
+            MyGUI::Gui::getInstance().destroyWidget(mGlobalMapOverlay->getChildAt(0));
+    }
+
+    void MapWindow::write(ESM::ESMWriter &writer)
+    {
+        mGlobalMapRender->write(writer);
+    }
+
+    void MapWindow::readRecord(ESM::ESMReader &reader, int32_t type)
+    {
+        std::vector<std::pair<int, int> > exploredCells;
+        mGlobalMapRender->readRecord(reader, type, exploredCells);
+
+        for (std::vector<std::pair<int, int> >::iterator it = exploredCells.begin(); it != exploredCells.end(); ++it)
+        {
+            const ESM::Cell* cell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Cell>().search(it->first, it->second);
+            if (cell && !cell->mName.empty())
+                addVisitedLocation(cell->mName, it->first, it->second);
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.hpp
index 88c53f06f..2f5ded012 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mapwindow.hpp
@@ -8,6 +8,12 @@ namespace MWRender
     class GlobalMap;
 }
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+}
+
 namespace Loading
 {
     class Listener;
@@ -94,6 +100,12 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         void onFrame(float dt) { NoDrop::onFrame(dt); }
 
+        /// Clear all savegame-specific data
+        void clear();
+
+        void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer);
+        void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type);
+
     private:
         void onDragStart(MyGUI::Widget* _sender, int _left, int _top, MyGUI::MouseButton _id);
         void onMouseDrag(MyGUI::Widget* _sender, int _left, int _top, MyGUI::MouseButton _id);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/referenceinterface.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/referenceinterface.cpp
index 756cd5736..2ea0db64a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/referenceinterface.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/referenceinterface.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     void ReferenceInterface::checkReferenceAvailable()
     {
-        MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* playerCell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
+        MWWorld::CellStore* playerCell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
 
         // check if player has changed cell, or count of the reference has become 0
         if ((playerCell != mCurrentPlayerCell && mCurrentPlayerCell != NULL)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp
index a1acd3588..91993b0be 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp
@@ -1,12 +1,26 @@
 #include "savegamedialog.hpp"
 #include "widgets.hpp"
 
+#include <OgreImage.h>
+#include <OgreTextureManager.h>
+
+#include <components/misc/stringops.hpp>
+
+#include <components/settings/settings.hpp>
+
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwstate/character.hpp"
 
 namespace MWGui
 {
-
     SaveGameDialog::SaveGameDialog()
         : WindowModal("openmw_savegame_dialog.layout")
+        , mSaving(true)
+        , mCurrentCharacter(NULL)
     {
         getWidget(mScreenshot, "Screenshot");
         getWidget(mCharacterSelection, "SelectCharacter");
@@ -18,21 +32,67 @@ namespace MWGui
         getWidget(mSpacer, "Spacer");
         mOkButton->eventMouseButtonClick += MyGUI::newDelegate(this, &SaveGameDialog::onOkButtonClicked);
         mCancelButton->eventMouseButtonClick += MyGUI::newDelegate(this, &SaveGameDialog::onCancelButtonClicked);
+        mCharacterSelection->eventComboChangePosition += MyGUI::newDelegate(this, &SaveGameDialog::onCharacterSelected);
+        mSaveList->eventListChangePosition += MyGUI::newDelegate(this, &SaveGameDialog::onSlotSelected);
 
     }
 
     void SaveGameDialog::open()
     {
+        WindowModal::open();
+
+        mSaveNameEdit->setCaption ("");
+
         center();
+
+        MWBase::StateManager* mgr = MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager();
+        if (mgr->characterBegin() == mgr->characterEnd())
+            return;
+
+        mCurrentCharacter = mgr->getCurrentCharacter (false);
+
+        std::string directory =
+            Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (Settings::Manager::getString ("character", "Saves"));
+
+        mCharacterSelection->removeAllItems();
+
+        for (MWBase::StateManager::CharacterIterator it = mgr->characterBegin(); it != mgr->characterEnd(); ++it)
+        {
+            if (it->begin()!=it->end())
+            {
+                std::stringstream title;
+                title << it->getSignature().mPlayerName;
+                title << " (Level " << it->getSignature().mPlayerLevel << " " << it->getSignature().mPlayerClass << ")";
+
+                mCharacterSelection->addItem (title.str());
+
+                if (mCurrentCharacter == &*it ||
+                    (!mCurrentCharacter && !mSaving && directory==Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (
+                    it->begin()->mPath.parent_path().filename().string())))
+                {
+                    mCurrentCharacter = &*it;
+                    mCharacterSelection->setIndexSelected(mCharacterSelection->getItemCount()-1);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        fillSaveList();
+
     }
 
     void SaveGameDialog::setLoadOrSave(bool load)
     {
+        mSaving = !load;
         mSaveNameEdit->setVisible(!load);
         mCharacterSelection->setUserString("Hidden", load ? "false" : "true");
         mCharacterSelection->setVisible(load);
         mSpacer->setUserString("Hidden", load ? "false" : "true");
 
+        if (!load)
+        {
+            mCurrentCharacter = MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getCurrentCharacter (false);
+        }
+
         center();
     }
 
@@ -43,7 +103,129 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     void SaveGameDialog::onOkButtonClicked(MyGUI::Widget *sender)
     {
+        // Get the selected slot, if any
+        unsigned int i=0;
+        const MWState::Slot* slot = NULL;
+
+        if (mCurrentCharacter)
+        {
+            for (MWState::Character::SlotIterator it = mCurrentCharacter->begin(); it != mCurrentCharacter->end(); ++it,++i)
+            {
+                if (i == mSaveList->getIndexSelected())
+                    slot = &*it;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (mSaving)
+        {
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->saveGame (mSaveNameEdit->getCaption(), slot);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            if (mCurrentCharacter && slot)
+                MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->loadGame (mCurrentCharacter, slot);
+        }
+
         setVisible(false);
+
+        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState()==
+            MWBase::StateManager::State_NoGame)
+        {
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode (MWGui::GM_MainMenu);
+        }
     }
 
+    void SaveGameDialog::onCharacterSelected(MyGUI::ComboBox *sender, size_t pos)
+    {
+        MWBase::StateManager* mgr = MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager();
+
+        unsigned int i=0;
+        const MWState::Character* character = NULL;
+        for (MWBase::StateManager::CharacterIterator it = mgr->characterBegin(); it != mgr->characterEnd(); ++it, ++i)
+        {
+            if (i == pos)
+                character = &*it;
+        }
+        assert(character && "Can't find selected character");
+
+        mCurrentCharacter = character;
+        fillSaveList();
+    }
+
+    void SaveGameDialog::fillSaveList()
+    {
+        mSaveList->removeAllItems();
+        if (!mCurrentCharacter)
+            return;
+        for (MWState::Character::SlotIterator it = mCurrentCharacter->begin(); it != mCurrentCharacter->end(); ++it)
+        {
+            mSaveList->addItem(it->mProfile.mDescription);
+        }
+        onSlotSelected(mSaveList, MyGUI::ITEM_NONE);
+    }
+
+    void SaveGameDialog::onSlotSelected(MyGUI::ListBox *sender, size_t pos)
+    {
+        if (pos == MyGUI::ITEM_NONE)
+        {
+            mInfoText->setCaption("");
+            mScreenshot->setImageTexture("");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        const MWState::Slot* slot = NULL;
+        unsigned int i=0;
+        for (MWState::Character::SlotIterator it = mCurrentCharacter->begin(); it != mCurrentCharacter->end(); ++it, ++i)
+        {
+            if (i == pos)
+                slot = &*it;
+        }
+        assert(slot && "Can't find selected slot");
+
+        std::stringstream text;
+        time_t time = slot->mTimeStamp;
+        struct tm* timeinfo;
+        timeinfo = localtime(&time);
+
+        text << asctime(timeinfo) << "\n";
+        text << "Level " << slot->mProfile.mPlayerLevel << "\n";
+        text << slot->mProfile.mPlayerCell << "\n";
+        // text << "Time played: " << slot->mProfile.mTimePlayed << "\n";
+
+        int hour = int(slot->mProfile.mInGameTime.mGameHour);
+        bool pm = hour >= 12;
+        if (hour >= 13) hour -= 12;
+        if (hour == 0) hour = 12;
+
+        text
+            << slot->mProfile.mInGameTime.mDay << " "
+            << MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getMonthName(slot->mProfile.mInGameTime.mMonth)
+            <<  " " << hour << " " << (pm ? "#{sSaveMenuHelp05}" : "#{sSaveMenuHelp04}");
+
+        mInfoText->setCaptionWithReplacing(text.str());
+
+        // Decode screenshot
+        std::vector<char> data = slot->mProfile.mScreenshot; // MemoryDataStream doesn't work with const data :(
+        Ogre::DataStreamPtr stream(new Ogre::MemoryDataStream(&data[0], data.size()));
+        Ogre::Image image;
+        image.load(stream, "jpg");
+
+        const std::string textureName = "@savegame_screenshot";
+        Ogre::TexturePtr texture;
+        texture = Ogre::TextureManager::getSingleton().getByName(textureName);
+        mScreenshot->setImageTexture("");
+        if (texture.isNull())
+        {
+            texture = Ogre::TextureManager::getSingleton().createManual(textureName,
+                Ogre::ResourceGroupManager::DEFAULT_RESOURCE_GROUP_NAME,
+                Ogre::TEX_TYPE_2D,
+                image.getWidth(), image.getHeight(), 0, Ogre::PF_BYTE_RGBA, Ogre::TU_DYNAMIC_WRITE_ONLY);
+        }
+        texture->unload();
+        texture->setWidth(image.getWidth());
+        texture->setHeight(image.getHeight());
+        texture->loadImage(image);
+
+        mScreenshot->setImageTexture(textureName);
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.hpp
index 1a3178ef3..2a188061c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.hpp
@@ -3,6 +3,11 @@
 
 #include "windowbase.hpp"
 
+namespace MWState
+{
+    class Character;
+}
+
 namespace MWGui
 {
 
@@ -17,10 +22,15 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         void onCancelButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* sender);
         void onOkButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* sender);
+        void onCharacterSelected (MyGUI::ComboBox* sender, size_t pos);
+        void onSlotSelected (MyGUI::ListBox* sender, size_t pos);
+
+        void fillSaveList();
 
 
     private:
         MyGUI::ImageBox* mScreenshot;
+        bool mSaving;
 
         MyGUI::ComboBox* mCharacterSelection;
         MyGUI::EditBox* mInfoText;
@@ -30,6 +40,8 @@ namespace MWGui
         MyGUI::EditBox* mSaveNameEdit;
         MyGUI::Widget* mSpacer;
 
+        const MWState::Character* mCurrentCharacter;
+
     };
 
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/waitdialog.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/waitdialog.cpp
index 484462043..3c1a4b3fa 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/waitdialog.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/waitdialog.cpp
@@ -87,49 +87,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         onHourSliderChangedPosition(mHourSlider, 0);
         mHourSlider->setScrollPosition (0);
 
-        // http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Calendar
-        std::string month;
-        int m = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld ()->getMonth ();
-        switch (m) {
-            case 0:
-                month = "#{sMonthMorningstar}";
-                break;
-            case 1:
-                month = "#{sMonthSunsdawn}";
-                break;
-            case 2:
-                month = "#{sMonthFirstseed}";
-                break;
-            case 3:
-                month = "#{sMonthRainshand}";
-                break;
-            case 4:
-                month = "#{sMonthSecondseed}";
-                break;
-            case 5:
-                month = "#{sMonthMidyear}";
-                break;
-            case 6:
-                month = "#{sMonthSunsheight}";
-                break;
-            case 7:
-                month = "#{sMonthLastseed}";
-                break;
-            case 8:
-                month = "#{sMonthHeartfire}";
-                break;
-            case 9:
-                month = "#{sMonthFrostfall}";
-                break;
-            case 10:
-                month = "#{sMonthSunsdusk}";
-                break;
-            case 11:
-                month = "#{sMonthEveningstar}";
-                break;
-            default:
-                break;
-        }
+        std::string month = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld ()->getMonthName();
         int hour = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld ()->getTimeStamp ().getHour ();
         bool pm = hour >= 12;
         if (hour >= 13) hour -= 12;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
index 1c48e1d9b..bd17cb317 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
 #include <extern/sdl4ogre/sdlcursormanager.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwbase/inputmanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwworld/class.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/player.hpp"
@@ -699,6 +700,10 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         mToolTips->onFrame(frameDuration);
 
+        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState()==
+            MWBase::StateManager::State_NoGame)
+            return;
+
         if (mDragAndDrop->mIsOnDragAndDrop)
         {
             assert(mDragAndDrop->mDraggedWidget);
@@ -732,31 +737,20 @@ namespace MWGui
         mCompanionWindow->onFrame();
     }
 
-    void WindowManager::changeCell(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell)
+    void WindowManager::changeCell(MWWorld::CellStore* cell)
     {
+        std::string name = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getCellName (cell);
+
+        mMap->setCellName( name );
+        mHud->setCellName( name );
+
         if (cell->mCell->isExterior())
         {
-            std::string name;
-            if (cell->mCell->mName != "")
-            {
-                name = cell->mCell->mName;
+            if (!cell->mCell->mName.empty())
                 mMap->addVisitedLocation ("#{sCell=" + name + "}", cell->mCell->getGridX (), cell->mCell->getGridY ());
-            }
-            else
-            {
-                const ESM::Region* region =
-                    MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Region>().search(cell->mCell->mRegion);
-                if (region)
-                    name = region->mName;
-                else
-                    name = getGameSettingString("sDefaultCellname", "Wilderness");
-            }
 
             mMap->cellExplored(cell->mCell->getGridX(), cell->mCell->getGridY());
 
-            mMap->setCellName( name );
-            mHud->setCellName( name );
-
             mMap->setCellPrefix("Cell");
             mHud->setCellPrefix("Cell");
             mMap->setActiveCell( cell->mCell->getGridX(), cell->mCell->getGridY() );
@@ -764,8 +758,6 @@ namespace MWGui
         }
         else
         {
-            mMap->setCellName( cell->mCell->mName );
-            mHud->setCellName( cell->mCell->mName );
             mMap->setCellPrefix( cell->mCell->mName );
             mHud->setCellPrefix( cell->mCell->mName );
 
@@ -776,7 +768,6 @@ namespace MWGui
                 MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayer().setLastKnownExteriorPosition(worldPos);
             mMap->setGlobalMapPlayerPosition(worldPos.x, worldPos.y);
         }
-
     }
 
     void WindowManager::setInteriorMapTexture(const int x, const int y)
@@ -1239,7 +1230,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     bool WindowManager::getRestEnabled()
     {
         //Enable rest dialogue if character creation finished
-        if(mRestAllowed==false && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable ("chargenstate").mFloat==-1)
+        if(mRestAllowed==false && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalFloat ("chargenstate")==-1)
             mRestAllowed=true;
         return mRestAllowed;
     }
@@ -1392,4 +1383,19 @@ namespace MWGui
         Settings::Manager::setFloat(setting + " h", "Windows", h);
     }
 
+    void WindowManager::clear()
+    {
+        mMap->clear();
+    }
+
+    void WindowManager::write(ESM::ESMWriter &writer)
+    {
+        mMap->write(writer);
+    }
+
+    void WindowManager::readRecord(ESM::ESMReader &reader, int32_t type)
+    {
+        mMap->readRecord(reader, type);
+    }
+
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
index 9838a667f..bc440d818 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -280,6 +280,12 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     virtual bool getCursorVisible();
 
+    /// Clear all savegame-specific data
+    virtual void clear();
+
+    virtual void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer);
+    virtual void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type);
+
   private:
     bool mConsoleOnlyScripts;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp
index 44ed59bb4..9f1ccb2df 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/soundmanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp"
 
 using namespace ICS;
@@ -167,7 +168,9 @@ namespace MWInput
             switch (action)
             {
             case A_GameMenu:
-                toggleMainMenu ();
+                if(!(MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState() != MWBase::StateManager::State_Running 
+                    && MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getMode() == MWGui::GM_MainMenu))
+                        toggleMainMenu ();
                 break;
             case A_Screenshot:
                 screenshot();
@@ -280,7 +283,9 @@ namespace MWInput
             return;
 
         // Disable movement in Gui mode
-        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode()) return;
+        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode()
+            || MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState() != MWBase::StateManager::State_Running) 
+                return;
 
 
         // Configure player movement according to keyboard input. Actual movement will
@@ -613,7 +618,7 @@ namespace MWInput
 
     void InputManager::windowClosed()
     {
-        MWBase::Environment::setRequestExit();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->requestQuit();
     }
 
     void InputManager::toggleMainMenu()
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
index 02adf3c16..71b1702e8 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
@@ -757,7 +757,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
     }
 
-    void Actors::dropActors (const MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cellStore, const MWWorld::Ptr& ignore)
+    void Actors::dropActors (const MWWorld::CellStore *cellStore, const MWWorld::Ptr& ignore)
     {
         PtrControllerMap::iterator iter = mActors.begin();
         while(iter != mActors.end())
@@ -774,6 +774,24 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
     void Actors::update (float duration, bool paused)
     {
+        if(!paused)
+        {
+            // Note: we need to do this before any of the animations are updated.
+            // Reaching the text keys may trigger Hit / Spellcast (and as such, particles),
+            // so updating VFX immediately after that would just remove the particle effects instantly.
+            // There needs to be a magic effect update in between.
+            for(PtrControllerMap::iterator iter(mActors.begin());iter != mActors.end();++iter)
+                iter->second->updateContinuousVfx();
+
+            for(PtrControllerMap::iterator iter(mActors.begin());iter != mActors.end();++iter)
+            {
+                if (iter->first.getClass().getCreatureStats(iter->first).getMagicEffects().get(
+                            ESM::MagicEffect::Paralyze).mMagnitude > 0)
+                    iter->second->skipAnim();
+                iter->second->update(duration);
+            }
+        }
+
         if (!paused)
         {
             for (PtrControllerMap::iterator iter(mActors.begin()); iter != mActors.end(); ++iter)
@@ -806,65 +824,47 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 if(iter->first.getRefData().getHandle()=="player" &&
                     MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGodModeState())
                 {
-                    MWMechanics::DynamicStat<float> stat(stats.getHealth());
+                    MWMechanics::DynamicStat<float> stat (stats.getHealth());
 
-                    if(stat.getModified()<1)
+                    if (stat.getModified()<1)
                     {
                         stat.setModified(1, 0);
                         stats.setHealth(stat);
                     }
-
                     stats.resurrect();
                     continue;
                 }
 
-                if(iter->second->isDead())
-                    continue;
-
-                iter->second->kill();
-
-                // Apply soultrap
-                if (iter->first.getTypeName() == typeid(ESM::Creature).name())
-                {
-                    SoulTrap soulTrap (iter->first);
-                    stats.getActiveSpells().visitEffectSources(soulTrap);
-                }
-
-                // Reset magic effects and recalculate derived effects
-                // One case where we need this is to make sure bound items are removed upon death
-                stats.setMagicEffects(MWMechanics::MagicEffects());
-                calculateCreatureStatModifiers(iter->first, 0);
-
                 // Make sure spell effects with CasterLinked flag are removed
+                // TODO: would be nice not to do this all the time...
                 for(PtrControllerMap::iterator iter2(mActors.begin());iter2 != mActors.end();++iter2)
                 {
                     MWMechanics::ActiveSpells& spells = iter2->first.getClass().getCreatureStats(iter2->first).getActiveSpells();
                     spells.purge(iter->first.getRefData().getHandle());
                 }
 
-                ++mDeathCount[cls.getId(iter->first)];
+                // FIXME: see http://bugs.openmw.org/issues/869
+                MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->enableActorCollision(iter->first, false);
 
-                if(cls.isEssential(iter->first))
-                    MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->messageBox("#{sKilledEssential}");
+                if (iter->second->kill())
+                {
+                    ++mDeathCount[cls.getId(iter->first)];
 
-            }
-        }
+                    // Apply soultrap
+                    if (iter->first.getTypeName() == typeid(ESM::Creature).name())
+                    {
+                        SoulTrap soulTrap (iter->first);
+                        stats.getActiveSpells().visitEffectSources(soulTrap);
+                    }
 
-        if(!paused)
-        {
-            // Note: we need to do this before any of the animations are updated.
-            // Reaching the text keys may trigger Hit / Spellcast (and as such, particles),
-            // so updating VFX immediately after that would just remove the particle effects instantly.
-            // There needs to be a magic effect update in between.
-            for(PtrControllerMap::iterator iter(mActors.begin());iter != mActors.end();++iter)
-                iter->second->updateContinuousVfx();
+                    // Reset magic effects and recalculate derived effects
+                    // One case where we need this is to make sure bound items are removed upon death
+                    stats.setMagicEffects(MWMechanics::MagicEffects());
+                    calculateCreatureStatModifiers(iter->first, 0);
 
-            for(PtrControllerMap::iterator iter(mActors.begin());iter != mActors.end();++iter)
-            {
-                if (iter->first.getClass().getCreatureStats(iter->first).getMagicEffects().get(
-                            ESM::MagicEffect::Paralyze).mMagnitude > 0)
-                    iter->second->skipAnim();
-                iter->second->update(duration);
+                    if(cls.isEssential(iter->first))
+                        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->messageBox("#{sKilledEssential}");
+                }
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
index 74cda0a70..15bb137fc 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/soundmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwworld/class.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/inventorystore.hpp"
@@ -1135,7 +1136,6 @@ void CharacterController::update(float duration)
     }
     else if(cls.getCreatureStats(mPtr).isDead())
     {
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->enableActorCollision(mPtr, false);
         world->queueMovement(mPtr, Ogre::Vector3(0.0f));
     }
 
@@ -1237,10 +1237,18 @@ void CharacterController::forceStateUpdate()
     }
 }
 
-void CharacterController::kill()
+bool CharacterController::kill()
 {
-    if(mDeathState != CharState_None)
-        return;
+    if( isDead() )
+    {
+        //player's death animation is over
+        if( mPtr.getRefData().getHandle()=="player" && !isAnimPlaying(mCurrentDeath) )
+        {
+            MWWorld::Class::get(mPtr).getCreatureStats(mPtr).setHealth(0);
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->askLoadRecent();
+        }
+        return false;
+    }
 
     playRandomDeath();
 
@@ -1251,6 +1259,8 @@ void CharacterController::kill()
 
     mIdleState = CharState_None;
     mCurrentIdle.clear();
+
+    return true;
 }
 
 void CharacterController::resurrect()
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp
index b89cb0c12..8b6dc6c94 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ public:
     void skipAnim();
     bool isAnimPlaying(const std::string &groupName);
 
-    void kill();
+    bool kill();
     void resurrect();
     bool isDead() const
     { return mDeathState != CharState_None; }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
index fc9ea08b9..4c8f35edb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -760,6 +760,14 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         return mAI;
     }
 
+    void MechanicsManager::playerLoaded()
+    {
+        mUpdatePlayer = true;
+        mClassSelected = true;
+        mRaceSelected = true;
+        mAI = true;
+    }
+
     bool MechanicsManager::sleepInBed(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr &bed)
     {
         MWWorld::Ptr victim;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
index 4cfbd0134..761caf586 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -123,22 +123,24 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             /// @return was it illegal, and someone saw you doing it?
             virtual bool sleepInBed (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& bed);
 
-        virtual void forceStateUpdate(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr);
+            virtual void forceStateUpdate(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr);
 
-        virtual void playAnimationGroup(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName, int mode, int number);
-        virtual void skipAnimation(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
-        virtual bool checkAnimationPlaying(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string &groupName);
+            virtual void playAnimationGroup(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& groupName, int mode, int number);
+            virtual void skipAnimation(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
+            virtual bool checkAnimationPlaying(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string &groupName);
 
             /// Update magic effects for an actor. Usually done automatically once per frame, but if we're currently
             /// paused we may want to do it manually (after equipping permanent enchantment)
             virtual void updateMagicEffects (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
 
-        virtual void toggleAI();
-        virtual bool isAIActive();
+            virtual void getObjectsInRange (const Ogre::Vector3& position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr>& objects);
 
-        virtual void getObjectsInRange (const Ogre::Vector3& position, float radius, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr>& objects);
+            virtual std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> getActorsFollowing(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
 
-        virtual std::list<MWWorld::Ptr> getActorsFollowing(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
+            virtual void toggleAI();
+            virtual bool isAIActive();
+
+            virtual void playerLoaded();
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/objects.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/objects.cpp
index b09574923..ba35af777 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/objects.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/objects.cpp
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ void Objects::updateObject(const MWWorld::Ptr &old, const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr)
     }
 }
 
-void Objects::dropObjects (const MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cellStore)
+void Objects::dropObjects (const MWWorld::CellStore *cellStore)
 {
     PtrControllerMap::iterator iter = mObjects.begin();
     while(iter != mObjects.end())
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/actors.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/actors.cpp
index 4955dd6cb..820ba8acc 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/actors.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/actors.cpp
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ bool Actors::deleteObject (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr)
     return true;
 }
 
-void Actors::removeCell(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* store)
+void Actors::removeCell(MWWorld::CellStore* store)
 {
     for(PtrAnimationMap::iterator iter = mAllActors.begin();iter != mAllActors.end();)
     {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/debugging.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/debugging.cpp
index b318c2d56..2b61e109b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/debugging.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/debugging.cpp
@@ -185,14 +185,14 @@ bool Debugging::toggleRenderMode (int mode){
     return false;
 }
 
-void Debugging::cellAdded(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
+void Debugging::cellAdded(MWWorld::CellStore *store)
 {
     mActiveCells.push_back(store);
     if (mPathgridEnabled)
         enableCellPathgrid(store);
 }
 
-void Debugging::cellRemoved(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
+void Debugging::cellRemoved(MWWorld::CellStore *store)
 {
     mActiveCells.erase(std::remove(mActiveCells.begin(), mActiveCells.end(), store), mActiveCells.end());
     if (mPathgridEnabled)
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ void Debugging::togglePathgrid()
     }
 }
 
-void Debugging::enableCellPathgrid(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
+void Debugging::enableCellPathgrid(MWWorld::CellStore *store)
 {
     const ESM::Pathgrid *pathgrid =
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Pathgrid>().search(*store->mCell);
@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@ void Debugging::enableCellPathgrid(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
     }
 }
 
-void Debugging::disableCellPathgrid(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
+void Debugging::disableCellPathgrid(MWWorld::CellStore *store)
 {
     if (store->mCell->isExterior())
     {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.cpp
index 120a83fae..6fbcfdc6b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.cpp
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@
 
 #include <components/loadinglistener/loadinglistener.hpp>
 
+#include <components/esm/globalmap.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
@@ -60,8 +62,6 @@ namespace MWRender
         loadingListener->setProgressRange((mMaxX-mMinX+1) * (mMaxY-mMinY+1));
         loadingListener->setProgress(0);
 
-        mExploredBuffer.resize((mMaxX-mMinX+1) * (mMaxY-mMinY+1) * 4);
-
         //if (!boost::filesystem::exists(mCacheDir + "/GlobalMap.png"))
         if (1)
         {
@@ -170,21 +170,10 @@ namespace MWRender
         tex->load();
 
 
-
-
         mOverlayTexture = Ogre::TextureManager::getSingleton().createManual("GlobalMapOverlay", Ogre::ResourceGroupManager::DEFAULT_RESOURCE_GROUP_NAME,
             Ogre::TEX_TYPE_2D, mWidth, mHeight, 0, Ogre::PF_A8B8G8R8, Ogre::TU_DYNAMIC_WRITE_ONLY);
 
-
-        std::vector<Ogre::uint32> buffer;
-        buffer.resize(mWidth * mHeight);
-
-        // initialize to (0, 0, 0, 0)
-        for (int p=0; p<mWidth * mHeight; ++p)
-            buffer[p] = 0;
-
-        memcpy(mOverlayTexture->getBuffer()->lock(Ogre::HardwareBuffer::HBL_DISCARD), &buffer[0], mWidth*mHeight*4);
-        mOverlayTexture->getBuffer()->unlock();
+        clear();
 
         loadingListener->loadingOff();
     }
@@ -227,9 +216,114 @@ namespace MWRender
 
         if (!localMapTexture.isNull())
         {
-
             mOverlayTexture->getBuffer()->blit(localMapTexture->getBuffer(), Ogre::Image::Box(0,0,512,512),
                          Ogre::Image::Box(originX,originY,originX+24,originY+24));
         }
     }
+
+    void GlobalMap::clear()
+    {
+        std::vector<Ogre::uint32> buffer;
+        // initialize to (0,0,0,0)
+        buffer.resize(mWidth * mHeight, 0);
+
+        Ogre::PixelBox pb(mWidth, mHeight, 1, Ogre::PF_A8B8G8R8, &buffer[0]);
+
+        mOverlayTexture->getBuffer()->blitFromMemory(pb);
+    }
+
+    void GlobalMap::write(ESM::ESMWriter &writer)
+    {
+        ESM::GlobalMap map;
+        map.mBounds.mMinX = mMinX;
+        map.mBounds.mMaxX = mMaxX;
+        map.mBounds.mMinY = mMinY;
+        map.mBounds.mMaxY = mMaxY;
+
+        Ogre::Image image;
+        mOverlayTexture->convertToImage(image);
+        Ogre::DataStreamPtr encoded = image.encode("png");
+        map.mImageData.resize(encoded->size());
+        encoded->read(&map.mImageData[0], encoded->size());
+
+        writer.startRecord(ESM::REC_GMAP);
+        map.save(writer);
+        writer.endRecord(ESM::REC_GMAP);
+    }
+
+    void GlobalMap::readRecord(ESM::ESMReader &reader, int32_t type, std::vector<std::pair<int, int> >& exploredCells)
+    {
+        if (type == ESM::REC_GMAP)
+        {
+            ESM::GlobalMap map;
+            map.load(reader);
+
+            const ESM::GlobalMap::Bounds& bounds = map.mBounds;
+
+            if (bounds.mMaxX-bounds.mMinX <= 0)
+                return;
+            if (bounds.mMaxY-bounds.mMinY <= 0)
+                return;
+
+            Ogre::Image image;
+            Ogre::DataStreamPtr stream(new Ogre::MemoryDataStream(&map.mImageData[0], map.mImageData.size()));
+            image.load(stream, "png");
+
+            int xLength = (bounds.mMaxX-bounds.mMinX+1);
+            int yLength = (bounds.mMaxY-bounds.mMinY+1);
+
+            // Size of one cell in image space
+            int cellImageSizeSrc = image.getWidth() / xLength;
+            if (int(image.getHeight() / yLength) != cellImageSizeSrc)
+                throw std::runtime_error("cell size must be quadratic");
+
+            // Determine which cells were explored by reading the image data
+            for (int x=0; x < xLength; ++x)
+            {
+                for (int y=0; y < yLength; ++y)
+                {
+                    unsigned int imageX = (x) * cellImageSizeSrc;
+                    // NB y + 1, because we want the top left corner, not bottom left where the origin of the cell is
+                    unsigned int imageY = (yLength - (y + 1)) * cellImageSizeSrc;
+
+                    assert(imageX < image.getWidth());
+                    assert(imageY < image.getWidth());
+
+                    if (image.getColourAt(imageX, imageY, 0).a > 0)
+                        exploredCells.push_back(std::make_pair(x+bounds.mMinX,y+bounds.mMinY));
+                }
+            }
+
+            // If cell bounds of the currently loaded content and the loaded savegame do not match,
+            // we need to resize source/dest boxes to accommodate
+            // This means nonexisting cells will be dropped silently
+
+            int cellImageSizeDst = 24;
+
+            int leftDiff = (mMinX - bounds.mMinX);
+            int topDiff = (bounds.mMaxY - mMaxY);
+            int rightDiff = (bounds.mMaxX - mMaxX);
+            int bottomDiff =  (mMinY - bounds.mMinY);
+            Ogre::Image::Box srcBox ( std::max(0, leftDiff * cellImageSizeSrc),
+                                      std::max(0, topDiff * cellImageSizeSrc),
+                                      std::min(image.getWidth(), image.getWidth() - rightDiff * cellImageSizeSrc),
+                                      std::min(image.getHeight(), image.getHeight() - bottomDiff * cellImageSizeSrc));
+
+            Ogre::Image::Box destBox ( std::max(0, -leftDiff * cellImageSizeDst),
+                                       std::max(0, -topDiff * cellImageSizeDst),
+                                       std::min(mOverlayTexture->getWidth(), mOverlayTexture->getWidth() + rightDiff * cellImageSizeDst),
+                                       std::min(mOverlayTexture->getHeight(), mOverlayTexture->getHeight() + bottomDiff * cellImageSizeDst));
+
+            // Looks like there is no interface for blitting from memory with src/dst boxes.
+            // So we create a temporary texture for blitting.
+            Ogre::TexturePtr tex = Ogre::TextureManager::getSingleton().createManual("@temp",
+                Ogre::ResourceGroupManager::DEFAULT_RESOURCE_GROUP_NAME, Ogre::TEX_TYPE_2D, image.getWidth(),
+                                                                                     image.getHeight(), 0, Ogre::PF_A8B8G8R8);
+            tex->loadImage(image);
+
+            mOverlayTexture->getBuffer()->blit(tex->getBuffer(), srcBox, destBox);
+
+            Ogre::TextureManager::getSingleton().remove("@temp");
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.hpp
index aad9adcc4..5fe878cd4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/globalmap.hpp
@@ -10,6 +10,12 @@ namespace Loading
     class Listener;
 }
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMWriter;
+    class ESMReader;
+}
+
 namespace MWRender
 {
 
@@ -31,13 +37,18 @@ namespace MWRender
 
         void exploreCell (int cellX, int cellY);
 
+        /// Clears the overlay
+        void clear();
+
+        void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer);
+        void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type, std::vector<std::pair<int, int> >& exploredCells);
+
     private:
         std::string mCacheDir;
 
         std::vector< std::pair<int,int> > mExploredCells;
 
         Ogre::TexturePtr mOverlayTexture;
-        std::vector<Ogre::uchar> mExploredBuffer;
 
         int mWidth;
         int mHeight;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/localmap.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/localmap.cpp
index 3ea3380e8..f147ae7b7 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/localmap.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/localmap.cpp
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ std::string LocalMap::coordStr(const int x, const int y)
     return StringConverter::toString(x) + "_" + StringConverter::toString(y);
 }
 
-void LocalMap::saveFogOfWar(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell)
+void LocalMap::saveFogOfWar(MWWorld::CellStore* cell)
 {
     if (!mInterior)
     {
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ void LocalMap::saveFogOfWar(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell)
     }
 }
 
-void LocalMap::requestMap(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell, float zMin, float zMax)
+void LocalMap::requestMap(MWWorld::CellStore* cell, float zMin, float zMax)
 {
     mInterior = false;
 
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ void LocalMap::requestMap(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell, float zMin, float zMax)
     render((x+0.5)*sSize, (y+0.5)*sSize, zMin, zMax, sSize, sSize, name);
 }
 
-void LocalMap::requestMap(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell,
+void LocalMap::requestMap(MWWorld::CellStore* cell,
                             AxisAlignedBox bounds)
 {
     // if we're in an empty cell, don't bother rendering anything
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/objects.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/objects.cpp
index 267320713..e721477ee 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/objects.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/objects.cpp
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ bool Objects::deleteObject (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr)
 }
 
 
-void Objects::removeCell(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* store)
+void Objects::removeCell(MWWorld::CellStore* store)
 {
     for(PtrAnimationMap::iterator iter = mObjects.begin();iter != mObjects.end();)
     {
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ void Objects::removeCell(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* store)
     }
 }
 
-void Objects::buildStaticGeometry(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore& cell)
+void Objects::buildStaticGeometry(MWWorld::CellStore& cell)
 {
     if(mStaticGeometry.find(&cell) != mStaticGeometry.end())
     {
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ void Objects::buildStaticGeometry(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore& cell)
     }
 }
 
-Ogre::AxisAlignedBox Objects::getDimensions(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell)
+Ogre::AxisAlignedBox Objects::getDimensions(MWWorld::CellStore* cell)
 {
     return mBounds[cell];
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
index 515112668..0a82d67fb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/inputmanager.hpp" // FIXME
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp" // FIXME
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp"
 
@@ -217,7 +218,12 @@ OEngine::Render::Fader* RenderingManager::getFader()
     return mRendering.getFader();
 }
 
-void RenderingManager::removeCell (MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
+ MWRender::Camera* RenderingManager::getCamera() const
+{
+    return mCamera;
+}
+
+void RenderingManager::removeCell (MWWorld::CellStore *store)
 {
     mObjects->removeCell(store);
     mActors->removeCell(store);
@@ -234,7 +240,7 @@ void RenderingManager::toggleWater()
     mWater->toggle();
 }
 
-void RenderingManager::cellAdded (MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
+void RenderingManager::cellAdded (MWWorld::CellStore *store)
 {
     mObjects->buildStaticGeometry (*store);
     sh::Factory::getInstance().unloadUnreferencedMaterials();
@@ -325,6 +331,12 @@ void RenderingManager::rebuildPtr(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr)
 
 void RenderingManager::update (float duration, bool paused)
 {
+    mVideoPlayer->update ();
+
+    if (MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState()==
+        MWBase::StateManager::State_NoGame)
+        return;
+
     MWBase::World *world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
 
     MWWorld::Ptr player = world->getPlayerPtr();
@@ -363,8 +375,6 @@ void RenderingManager::update (float duration, bool paused)
 
     mOcclusionQuery->update(duration);
 
-    mVideoPlayer->update ();
-
     mRendering.update(duration);
 
     Ogre::ControllerManager::getSingleton().setTimeFactor(paused ? 0.f : 1.f);
@@ -410,7 +420,7 @@ void RenderingManager::postRenderTargetUpdate(const RenderTargetEvent &evt)
     mOcclusionQuery->setActive(false);
 }
 
-void RenderingManager::waterAdded (MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *store)
+void RenderingManager::waterAdded (MWWorld::CellStore *store)
 {
     if(store->mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::HasWater)
     {
@@ -488,7 +498,7 @@ bool RenderingManager::toggleRenderMode(int mode)
     }
 }
 
-void RenderingManager::configureFog(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore &mCell)
+void RenderingManager::configureFog(MWWorld::CellStore &mCell)
 {
     Ogre::ColourValue color;
     color.setAsABGR (mCell.mCell->mAmbi.mFog);
@@ -541,7 +551,7 @@ void RenderingManager::setAmbientMode()
     }
 }
 
-void RenderingManager::configureAmbient(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore &mCell)
+void RenderingManager::configureAmbient(MWWorld::CellStore &mCell)
 {
     if (mCell.mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::Interior)
         mAmbientColor.setAsABGR (mCell.mCell->mAmbi.mAmbient);
@@ -638,7 +648,7 @@ void RenderingManager::setGlare(bool glare)
     mSkyManager->setGlare(glare);
 }
 
-void RenderingManager::requestMap(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell)
+void RenderingManager::requestMap(MWWorld::CellStore* cell)
 {
     if (cell->mCell->isExterior())
     {
@@ -657,7 +667,7 @@ void RenderingManager::requestMap(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell)
         mLocalMap->requestMap(cell, mObjects->getDimensions(cell));
 }
 
-void RenderingManager::preCellChange(MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell)
+void RenderingManager::preCellChange(MWWorld::CellStore* cell)
 {
     mLocalMap->saveFogOfWar(cell);
 }
@@ -949,6 +959,38 @@ Animation* RenderingManager::getAnimation(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr)
     return anim;
 }
 
+void RenderingManager::screenshot(Image &image, int w, int h)
+{
+    // Create a temporary render target. We do not use the RenderWindow since we want a specific size.
+    // Also, the GUI should not be visible (and it is only rendered on the RenderWindow's primary viewport)
+    const std::string tempName = "@temp";
+    Ogre::TexturePtr texture = Ogre::TextureManager::getSingleton().createManual(tempName,
+        Ogre::ResourceGroupManager::DEFAULT_RESOURCE_GROUP_NAME, Ogre::TEX_TYPE_2D, w, h, 0, Ogre::PF_R8G8B8, Ogre::TU_RENDERTARGET);
+
+    float oldAspect = mRendering.getCamera()->getAspectRatio();
+
+    mRendering.getCamera()->setAspectRatio(w / static_cast<float>(h));
+
+    Ogre::RenderTarget* rt = texture->getBuffer()->getRenderTarget();
+    Ogre::Viewport* vp = rt->addViewport(mRendering.getCamera());
+    vp->setBackgroundColour(mRendering.getViewport()->getBackgroundColour());
+    vp->setOverlaysEnabled(false);
+    vp->setVisibilityMask(mRendering.getViewport()->getVisibilityMask());
+    rt->update();
+
+    Ogre::PixelFormat pf = rt->suggestPixelFormat();
+
+    std::vector<Ogre::uchar> data;
+    data.resize(w * h * Ogre::PixelUtil::getNumElemBytes(pf));
+
+    Ogre::PixelBox pb(w, h, 1, pf, &data[0]);
+    rt->copyContentsToMemory(pb);
+
+    image.loadDynamicImage(&data[0], w, h, pf);
+
+    Ogre::TextureManager::getSingleton().remove(tempName);
+    mRendering.getCamera()->setAspectRatio(oldAspect);
+}
 
 void RenderingManager::playVideo(const std::string& name, bool allowSkipping)
 {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp
index ea9a64120..64ec029ce 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp
@@ -94,6 +94,8 @@ public:
 
     SkyManager* getSkyManager();
 
+    MWRender::Camera* getCamera() const;
+
     void toggleLight();
     bool toggleRenderMode(int mode);
 
@@ -206,6 +208,7 @@ public:
     void playVideo(const std::string& name, bool allowSkipping);
     void stopVideo();
     void frameStarted(float dt, bool paused);
+    void screenshot(Ogre::Image& image, int w, int h);
 
     void spawnEffect (const std::string& model, const std::string& texture, const Ogre::Vector3& worldPosition, float scale=1.f);
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/cellextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/cellextensions.cpp
index 1834c5651..a0acfa4da 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/cellextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/cellextensions.cpp
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ namespace MWScript
 
                 virtual void execute (Interpreter::Runtime& runtime)
                 {
-                    MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
+                    MWWorld::CellStore *cell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
                     if (cell->mCell->hasWater())
                         runtime.push (cell->mWaterLevel);
                     else
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 {
                     Interpreter::Type_Float level = runtime[0].mFloat;
 
-                    MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
+                    MWWorld::CellStore *cell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
 
                     if (cell->mCell->isExterior())
                         throw std::runtime_error("Can't set water level in exterior cell");
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 {
                     Interpreter::Type_Float level = runtime[0].mFloat;
 
-                    MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
+                    MWWorld::CellStore *cell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr().getCell();
 
                     if (cell->mCell->isExterior())
                         throw std::runtime_error("Can't set water level in exterior cell");
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.cpp
index 608725ae6..8f269a015 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.cpp
@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@
 
 #include <cassert>
 
+#include <components/misc/stringops.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/globalscript.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
@@ -15,25 +18,16 @@ namespace MWScript
     GlobalScripts::GlobalScripts (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store)
     : mStore (store)
     {
-        reset();
-    }
-
-    void GlobalScripts::reset()
-    {
-        mScripts.clear();
-        addScript ("Main");
-
-        MWWorld::Store<ESM::StartScript>::iterator iter =
-            mStore.get<ESM::StartScript>().begin();
-
-        for (; iter != mStore.get<ESM::StartScript>().end(); ++iter) {
-            addScript (iter->mScript);
-        }
+        addStartup();
     }
 
     void GlobalScripts::addScript (const std::string& name)
     {
-        if (mScripts.find (name)==mScripts.end())
+        std::map<std::string, std::pair<bool, Locals> >::iterator iter =
+            mScripts.find (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (name));
+
+        if (iter==mScripts.end())
+        {
             if (const ESM::Script *script = mStore.get<ESM::Script>().find (name))
             {
                 Locals locals;
@@ -42,11 +36,15 @@ namespace MWScript
 
                 mScripts.insert (std::make_pair (name, std::make_pair (true, locals)));
             }
+        }
+        else
+            iter->second.first = true;
     }
 
     void GlobalScripts::removeScript (const std::string& name)
     {
-        std::map<std::string, std::pair<bool, Locals> >::iterator iter = mScripts.find (name);
+        std::map<std::string, std::pair<bool, Locals> >::iterator iter =
+            mScripts.find (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (name));
 
         if (iter!=mScripts.end())
             iter->second.first = false;
@@ -55,7 +53,7 @@ namespace MWScript
     bool GlobalScripts::isRunning (const std::string& name) const
     {
         std::map<std::string, std::pair<bool, Locals> >::const_iterator iter =
-            mScripts.find (name);
+            mScripts.find (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (name));
 
         if (iter==mScripts.end())
             return false;
@@ -76,4 +74,78 @@ namespace MWScript
             }
         }
     }
+
+    void GlobalScripts::clear()
+    {
+        mScripts.clear();
+    }
+
+    void GlobalScripts::addStartup()
+    {
+        addScript ("main");
+
+        for (MWWorld::Store<ESM::StartScript>::iterator iter =
+            mStore.get<ESM::StartScript>().begin();
+            iter != mStore.get<ESM::StartScript>().end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            addScript (iter->mScript);
+        }
+    }
+
+    int GlobalScripts::countSavedGameRecords() const
+    {
+        return mScripts.size();
+    }
+
+    void GlobalScripts::write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+    {
+        for (std::map<std::string, std::pair<bool, Locals> >::const_iterator iter (mScripts.begin());
+            iter!=mScripts.end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            ESM::GlobalScript script;
+
+            script.mId = iter->first;
+
+            iter->second.second.write (script.mLocals, iter->first);
+
+            script.mRunning = iter->second.first ? 1 : 0;
+
+            writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_GSCR);
+            script.save (writer);
+            writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_GSCR);
+        }
+    }
+
+    bool GlobalScripts::readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type)
+    {
+        if (type==ESM::REC_GSCR)
+        {
+            ESM::GlobalScript script;
+            script.load (reader);
+
+            std::map<std::string, std::pair<bool, Locals> >::iterator iter =
+                mScripts.find (script.mId);
+
+            if (iter==mScripts.end())
+            {
+                if (const ESM::Script *scriptRecord = mStore.get<ESM::Script>().search (script.mId))
+                {
+                    std::pair<bool, Locals> data (false, Locals());
+
+                    data.second.configure (*scriptRecord);
+
+                    iter = mScripts.insert (std::make_pair (script.mId, data)).first;
+                }
+                else // script does not exist anymore
+                    return true;
+            }
+
+            iter->second.first = script.mRunning!=0;
+            iter->second.second.read (script.mLocals, script.mId);
+
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.hpp
index 628919d1d..cf716c8e4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/globalscripts.hpp
@@ -4,9 +4,17 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <map>
 
+#include <libs/platform/stdint.h>
+
 #include "locals.hpp"
 
-namespace MWWorld 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMWriter;
+    class ESMReader;
+}
+
+namespace MWWorld
 {
     struct ESMStore;
 }
@@ -22,8 +30,6 @@ namespace MWScript
 
             GlobalScripts (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store);
 
-            void reset();
-
             void addScript (const std::string& name);
 
             void removeScript (const std::string& name);
@@ -32,6 +38,20 @@ namespace MWScript
 
             void run();
             ///< run all active global scripts
+
+            void clear();
+
+            void addStartup();
+            ///< Add startup script
+
+            int countSavedGameRecords() const;
+
+            void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+            bool readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type);
+            ///< Records for variables that do not exist are dropped silently.
+            ///
+            /// \return Known type?
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/interpretercontext.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/interpretercontext.cpp
index 18baf0bda..10e98e398 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/interpretercontext.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/interpretercontext.cpp
@@ -126,61 +126,49 @@ namespace MWScript
 
     int InterpreterContext::getGlobalShort (const std::string& name) const
     {
-        return MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable (name).mShort;
+        return MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalInt (name);
     }
 
     int InterpreterContext::getGlobalLong (const std::string& name) const
     {
         // a global long is internally a float.
-        return MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable (name).mLong;
+        return MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalInt (name);
     }
 
     float InterpreterContext::getGlobalFloat (const std::string& name) const
     {
-        return MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable (name).mFloat;
+        return MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalFloat (name);
     }
 
     void InterpreterContext::setGlobalShort (const std::string& name, int value)
     {
-        if (name=="gamehour")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setHour (value);
-        else if (name=="day")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setDay (value);
-        else if (name=="month")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setMonth (value);
-        else
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable (name).mShort = value;
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setGlobalInt (name, value);
     }
 
     void InterpreterContext::setGlobalLong (const std::string& name, int value)
     {
-        if (name=="gamehour")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setHour (value);
-        else if (name=="day")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setDay (value);
-        else if (name=="month")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setMonth (value);
-        else
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable (name).mLong = value;
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setGlobalInt (name, value);
     }
 
     void InterpreterContext::setGlobalFloat (const std::string& name, float value)
     {
-        if (name=="gamehour")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setHour (value);
-        else if (name=="day")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setDay (value);
-        else if (name=="month")
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setMonth (value);
-        else
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGlobalVariable (name).mFloat = value;
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setGlobalFloat (name, value);
     }
 
-    std::vector<std::string> InterpreterContext::getGlobals () const
+    std::vector<std::string> InterpreterContext::getGlobals() const
     {
-        MWBase::World *world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
-        return world->getGlobals();
+        std::vector<std::string> ids;
 
+        const MWWorld::Store<ESM::Global>& globals =
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Global>();
+
+        for (MWWorld::Store<ESM::Global>::iterator iter = globals.begin(); iter!=globals.end();
+            ++iter)
+        {
+            ids.push_back (iter->mId);
+        }
+
+        return ids;
     }
 
     char InterpreterContext::getGlobalType (const std::string& name) const
@@ -321,8 +309,7 @@ namespace MWScript
 
     std::string InterpreterContext::getCurrentCellName() const
     {
-        MWBase::World *world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
-        return world->getCurrentCellName();
+        return  MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getCellName();
     }
 
     bool InterpreterContext::isScriptRunning (const std::string& name) const
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.cpp
index 180a2791b..094fe085a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 #include "locals.hpp"
 
 #include <components/esm/loadscpt.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/variant.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/locals.hpp>
 
 #include <components/compiler/locals.hpp>
 
@@ -65,4 +67,68 @@ namespace MWScript
         }
         return false;
     }
+
+    void Locals::write (ESM::Locals& locals, const std::string& script) const
+    {
+        const Compiler::Locals& declarations =
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getLocals(script);
+
+        for (int i=0; i<3; ++i)
+        {
+            char type = 0;
+
+            switch (i)
+            {
+                case 0: type = 's'; break;
+                case 1: type = 'l'; break;
+                case 2: type = 'f'; break;
+            }
+
+            const std::vector<std::string>& names = declarations.get (type);
+
+            for (int i2=0; i2<static_cast<int> (names.size()); ++i2)
+            {
+                ESM::Variant value;
+
+                switch (i)
+                {
+                    case 0: value.setType (ESM::VT_Int); value.setInteger (mShorts.at (i2)); break;
+                    case 1: value.setType (ESM::VT_Int); value.setInteger (mLongs.at (i2)); break;
+                    case 2: value.setType (ESM::VT_Float); value.setFloat (mFloats.at (i2)); break;
+                }
+
+                locals.mVariables.push_back (std::make_pair (names[i2], value));
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    void Locals::read (const ESM::Locals& locals, const std::string& script)
+    {
+        const Compiler::Locals& declarations =
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getLocals(script);
+
+        for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, ESM::Variant> >::const_iterator iter
+            = locals.mVariables.begin(); iter!=locals.mVariables.end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            char type =  declarations.getType (iter->first);
+            char index = declarations.getIndex (iter->first);
+
+            try
+            {
+                switch (type)
+                {
+                    case 's': mShorts.at (index) = iter->second.getInteger(); break;
+                    case 'l': mLongs.at (index) = iter->second.getInteger(); break;
+                    case 'f': mFloats.at (index) = iter->second.getFloat(); break;
+
+                    // silently ignore locals that don't exist anymore
+                }
+            }
+            catch (...)
+            {
+                // ignore type changes
+                /// \todo write to log
+            }
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.hpp
index deae0d44e..d17d1be2d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/locals.hpp
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 namespace ESM
 {
     struct Script;
+    struct Locals;
 }
 
 namespace MWScript
@@ -23,6 +24,9 @@ namespace MWScript
             bool setVarByInt(const std::string& script, const std::string& var, int val);
             int getIntVar (const std::string& script, const std::string& var); ///< if var does not exist, returns 0
 
+            void write (ESM::Locals& locals, const std::string& script) const;
+
+            void read (const ESM::Locals& locals, const std::string& script);
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
index 27730767f..d117c8ded 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
@@ -682,23 +682,43 @@ namespace MWScript
 
             void printGlobalVars(Interpreter::Runtime &runtime)
             {
+                InterpreterContext& context =
+                    static_cast<InterpreterContext&> (runtime.getContext());
+
                 std::stringstream str;
                 str<< "Global variables:";
 
                 MWBase::World *world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
-                std::vector<std::string> names = world->getGlobals();
+                std::vector<std::string> names = context.getGlobals();
                 for(size_t i = 0;i < names.size();++i)
                 {
-                    char type = world->getGlobalVariableType(names[i]);
-                    if(type == 's')
-                        str<<std::endl<< "  "<<names[i]<<" = "<<world->getGlobalVariable(names[i]).mShort<<" (short)";
-                    else if(type == 'l')
-                        str<<std::endl<< "  "<<names[i]<<" = "<<world->getGlobalVariable(names[i]).mLong<<" (long)";
-                    else if(type == 'f')
-                        str<<std::endl<< "  "<<names[i]<<" = "<<world->getGlobalVariable(names[i]).mFloat<<" (float)";
+                    char type = world->getGlobalVariableType (names[i]);
+                    str << std::endl << " " << names[i] << " = ";
+
+                    switch (type)
+                    {
+                        case 's':
+
+                            str << context.getGlobalShort (names[i]) << " (short)";
+                            break;
+
+                        case 'l':
+
+                            str << context.getGlobalLong (names[i]) << " (long)";
+                            break;
+
+                        case 'f':
+
+                            str << context.getGlobalFloat (names[i]) << " (float)";
+                            break;
+
+                        default:
+
+                            str << "<unknown type>";
+                    }
                 }
 
-                runtime.getContext().report(str.str());
+                context.report (str.str());
             }
 
         public:
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.cpp
index 8b6b7ed2a..a3e061546 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -220,9 +220,4 @@ namespace MWScript
 
         throw std::runtime_error ("unable to access local variable " + variable + " of " + scriptId);
     }
-
-    void ScriptManager::resetGlobalScripts()
-    {
-        mGlobalScripts.reset();
-    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.hpp
index 7bb98ffbd..1a856e0c5 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/scriptmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -61,8 +61,6 @@ namespace MWScript
             ///< Compile script with the given namen
             /// \return Success?
 
-            virtual void resetGlobalScripts();
-
             virtual std::pair<int, int> compileAll();
             ///< Compile all scripts
             /// \return count, success
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp
index d39602516..fd3fe4c0a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 
@@ -398,7 +399,7 @@ namespace MWSound
         }
     }
 
-    void SoundManager::stopSound(const MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cell)
+    void SoundManager::stopSound(const MWWorld::CellStore *cell)
     {
         SoundMap::iterator snditer = mActiveSounds.begin();
         while(snditer != mActiveSounds.end())
@@ -594,7 +595,7 @@ namespace MWSound
                         soundDuration=snditer->first->mFadeOutTime;
                     snditer->first->setVolume(snditer->first->mVolume
                                     - soundDuration / snditer->first->mFadeOutTime * snditer->first->mVolume);
-                    snditer->first->mFadeOutTime -= soundDuration;               
+                    snditer->first->mFadeOutTime -= soundDuration;
                 }
                 snditer->first->update();
                 ++snditer;
@@ -606,8 +607,13 @@ namespace MWSound
     {
         if(!mOutput->isInitialized())
             return;
-        updateSounds(duration);
-        updateRegionSound(duration);
+
+        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getStateManager()->getState()!=
+            MWBase::StateManager::State_NoGame)
+        {
+            updateSounds(duration);
+            updateRegionSound(duration);
+        }
     }
 
 
@@ -713,4 +719,13 @@ namespace MWSound
     {
         return bytes / framesToBytes(1, config, type);
     }
+
+    void SoundManager::clear()
+    {
+        for (SoundMap::iterator iter (mActiveSounds.begin()); iter!=mActiveSounds.end(); ++iter)
+            iter->first->stop();
+
+        mActiveSounds.clear();
+        stopMusic();
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.hpp
index 4fd1d3d48..1454240b4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -150,6 +150,8 @@ namespace MWSound
         virtual void setListenerPosDir(const Ogre::Vector3 &pos, const Ogre::Vector3 &dir, const Ogre::Vector3 &up);
 
         virtual void updatePtr (const MWWorld::Ptr& old, const MWWorld::Ptr& updated);
+
+        virtual void clear();
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwstate/character.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwstate/character.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..304eaddd3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwstate/character.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+
+#include "character.hpp"
+
+#include <ctime>
+
+#include <sstream>
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <stdexcept>
+
+#include <boost/filesystem.hpp>
+
+#include <components/esm/esmreader.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/defs.hpp>
+
+#include <components/misc/stringops.hpp>
+
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+
+bool MWState::operator< (const Slot& left, const Slot& right)
+{
+    return left.mTimeStamp<right.mTimeStamp;
+}
+
+
+void MWState::Character::addSlot (const boost::filesystem::path& path, const std::string& game)
+{
+    Slot slot;
+    slot.mPath = path;
+    slot.mTimeStamp = boost::filesystem::last_write_time (path);
+
+    ESM::ESMReader reader;
+    reader.open (slot.mPath.string());
+
+    if (reader.getFormat()>ESM::Header::CurrentFormat)
+        return; // format is too new -> ignore
+
+    if (reader.getRecName()!=ESM::REC_SAVE)
+        return; // invalid save file -> ignore
+
+    reader.getRecHeader();
+
+    slot.mProfile.load (reader);
+
+    if (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (slot.mProfile.mContentFiles.at (0))!=
+        Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (game))
+        return; // this file is for a different game -> ignore
+
+    mSlots.push_back (slot);
+}
+
+void MWState::Character::addSlot (const ESM::SavedGame& profile)
+{
+    Slot slot;
+
+    std::ostringstream stream;
+    stream << mNext++;
+
+    slot.mPath = mPath / stream.str();
+    slot.mProfile = profile;
+    slot.mTimeStamp = std::time (0);
+
+    mSlots.push_back (slot);
+}
+
+MWState::Character::Character (const boost::filesystem::path& saves, const std::string& game)
+: mPath (saves), mNext (0)
+{
+    if (!boost::filesystem::is_directory (mPath))
+    {
+        boost::filesystem::create_directories (mPath);
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        for (boost::filesystem::directory_iterator iter (mPath);
+            iter!=boost::filesystem::directory_iterator(); ++iter)
+        {
+            boost::filesystem::path slotPath = *iter;
+
+            try
+            {
+                addSlot (slotPath, game);
+            }
+            catch (...) {} // ignoring bad saved game files for now
+
+            std::istringstream stream (slotPath.filename().string());
+
+            int index = 0;
+
+            if ((stream >> index) && index>=mNext)
+                mNext = index+1;
+        }
+
+        std::sort (mSlots.begin(), mSlots.end());
+    }
+}
+
+const MWState::Slot *MWState::Character::createSlot (const ESM::SavedGame& profile)
+{
+    addSlot (profile);
+
+    return &mSlots.back();
+}
+
+const MWState::Slot *MWState::Character::updateSlot (const Slot *slot, const ESM::SavedGame& profile)
+{
+    int index = slot - &mSlots[0];
+
+    if (index<0 || index>=static_cast<int> (mSlots.size()))
+    {
+        // sanity check; not entirely reliable
+        throw std::logic_error ("slot not found");
+    }
+
+    Slot newSlot = *slot;
+    newSlot.mProfile = profile;
+    newSlot.mTimeStamp = std::time (0);
+
+    mSlots.erase (mSlots.begin()+index);
+
+    mSlots.push_back (newSlot);
+
+    return &mSlots.back();
+}
+
+MWState::Character::SlotIterator MWState::Character::begin() const
+{
+    return mSlots.rbegin();
+}
+
+MWState::Character::SlotIterator MWState::Character::end() const
+{
+    return mSlots.rend();
+}
+
+ESM::SavedGame MWState::Character::getSignature() const
+{
+    if (mSlots.empty())
+        throw std::logic_error ("character signature not available");
+
+    std::vector<Slot>::const_iterator iter (mSlots.begin());
+
+    Slot slot = *iter;
+
+    for (++iter; iter!=mSlots.end(); ++iter)
+        if (iter->mProfile.mPlayerLevel>slot.mProfile.mPlayerLevel)
+            slot = *iter;
+        else if (iter->mProfile.mPlayerLevel==slot.mProfile.mPlayerLevel &&
+            iter->mTimeStamp>slot.mTimeStamp)
+            slot = *iter;
+
+    return slot.mProfile;
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwstate/character.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwstate/character.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..61e4e5b25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwstate/character.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+#ifndef GAME_STATE_CHARACTER_H
+#define GAME_STATE_CHARACTER_H
+
+#include <boost/filesystem/path.hpp>
+
+#include <components/esm/savedgame.hpp>
+
+namespace MWState
+{
+    struct Slot
+    {
+        boost::filesystem::path mPath;
+        ESM::SavedGame mProfile;
+        std::time_t mTimeStamp;
+    };
+
+    bool operator< (const Slot& left, const Slot& right);
+
+    class Character
+    {
+        public:
+
+            typedef std::vector<Slot>::const_reverse_iterator SlotIterator;
+
+        private:
+
+            boost::filesystem::path mPath;
+            std::vector<Slot> mSlots;
+            int mNext;
+
+            void addSlot (const boost::filesystem::path& path, const std::string& game);
+
+            void addSlot (const ESM::SavedGame& profile);
+
+        public:
+
+            Character (const boost::filesystem::path& saves, const std::string& game);
+
+            const Slot *createSlot (const ESM::SavedGame& profile);
+            ///< Create new slot.
+            ///
+            /// \attention The ownership of the slot is not transferred.
+
+            const Slot *updateSlot (const Slot *slot, const ESM::SavedGame& profile);
+            /// \note Slot must belong to this character.
+            ///
+            /// \attention The \a slot pointer will be invalidated by this call.
+
+            SlotIterator begin() const;
+            ///< First slot is the most recent. Other slots follow in descending order of save date.
+            ///
+            /// Any call to createSlot and updateSlot can invalidate the returned iterator.
+
+            SlotIterator end() const;
+
+            ESM::SavedGame getSignature() const;
+            ///< Return signature information for this character.
+            ///
+            /// \attention This function must not be called if there are no slots.
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwstate/charactermanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwstate/charactermanager.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2a40fb1cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwstate/charactermanager.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+
+#include "charactermanager.hpp"
+
+#include <sstream>
+#include <stdexcept>
+
+#include <boost/filesystem.hpp>
+
+MWState::CharacterManager::CharacterManager (const boost::filesystem::path& saves,
+    const std::string& game)
+: mPath (saves), mNext (0), mCurrent (0), mGame (game)
+{
+    if (!boost::filesystem::is_directory (mPath))
+    {
+        boost::filesystem::create_directories (mPath);
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        for (boost::filesystem::directory_iterator iter (mPath);
+            iter!=boost::filesystem::directory_iterator(); ++iter)
+        {
+            boost::filesystem::path characterDir = *iter;
+
+            if (boost::filesystem::is_directory (characterDir))
+            {
+                Character character (characterDir, mGame);
+
+                if (character.begin()!=character.end())
+                    mCharacters.push_back (character);
+            }
+
+            std::istringstream stream (characterDir.filename().string());
+
+            int index = 0;
+
+            if ((stream >> index) && index>=mNext)
+                mNext = index+1;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+MWState::Character *MWState::CharacterManager::getCurrentCharacter (bool create)
+{
+    if (!mCurrent && create)
+        createCharacter();
+
+    return mCurrent;
+}
+
+void MWState::CharacterManager::createCharacter()
+{
+    std::ostringstream stream;
+    stream << mNext++;
+
+    boost::filesystem::path path = mPath / stream.str();
+
+    mCharacters.push_back (Character (path, mGame));
+
+    mCurrent = &mCharacters.back();
+}
+
+void MWState::CharacterManager::setCurrentCharacter (const Character *character)
+{
+    int index = character - &mCharacters[0];
+
+    if (index<0 || index>=static_cast<int> (mCharacters.size()))
+        throw std::logic_error ("invalid character");
+
+    mCurrent = &mCharacters[index];
+}
+
+void MWState::CharacterManager::clearCurrentCharacter()
+{
+    mCurrent = 0;
+}
+
+std::vector<MWState::Character>::const_iterator MWState::CharacterManager::begin() const
+{
+    return mCharacters.begin();
+}
+
+std::vector<MWState::Character>::const_iterator MWState::CharacterManager::end() const
+{
+    return mCharacters.end();
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwstate/charactermanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwstate/charactermanager.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bc2e23f89
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwstate/charactermanager.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+#ifndef GAME_STATE_CHARACTERMANAGER_H
+#define GAME_STATE_CHARACTERMANAGER_H
+
+#include <boost/filesystem/path.hpp>
+
+#include "character.hpp"
+
+namespace MWState
+{
+    class CharacterManager
+    {
+            boost::filesystem::path mPath;
+            int mNext;
+            std::vector<Character> mCharacters;
+            Character *mCurrent;
+            std::string mGame;
+
+        private:
+
+            CharacterManager (const CharacterManager&);
+            ///< Not implemented
+
+            CharacterManager& operator= (const CharacterManager&);
+            ///< Not implemented
+
+        public:
+
+            CharacterManager (const boost::filesystem::path& saves, const std::string& game);
+
+            Character *getCurrentCharacter (bool create = true);
+            ///< \param create Create a new character, if there is no current character.
+
+            void createCharacter();
+            ///< Create new character within saved game management
+
+            void setCurrentCharacter (const Character *character);
+
+            void clearCurrentCharacter();
+
+            std::vector<Character>::const_iterator begin() const;
+
+            std::vector<Character>::const_iterator end() const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwstate/statemanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwstate/statemanagerimp.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fb2d10bbf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwstate/statemanagerimp.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,343 @@
+
+#include "statemanagerimp.hpp"
+
+#include <components/esm/esmwriter.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/esmreader.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/cellid.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/loadcell.hpp>
+
+#include <components/misc/stringops.hpp>
+
+#include <components/settings/settings.hpp>
+
+#include <OgreImage.h>
+
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/journal.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/dialoguemanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/scriptmanager.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/soundmanager.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwworld/player.hpp"
+#include "../mwworld/class.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwmechanics/npcstats.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwscript/globalscripts.hpp"
+
+void MWState::StateManager::cleanup (bool force)
+{
+    if (mState!=State_NoGame || force)
+    {
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->clear();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getDialogueManager()->clear();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getJournal()->clear();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getGlobalScripts().clear();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->clear();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->clear();
+
+        mState = State_NoGame;
+        mCharacterManager.clearCurrentCharacter();
+        mTimePlayed = 0;
+    }
+}
+
+std::map<int, int> MWState::StateManager::buildContentFileIndexMap (const ESM::ESMReader& reader)
+    const
+{
+    const std::vector<std::string>& current =
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getContentFiles();
+
+    const std::vector<ESM::Header::MasterData>& prev = reader.getGameFiles();
+
+    std::map<int, int> map;
+
+    for (int iPrev = 0; iPrev<static_cast<int> (prev.size()); ++iPrev)
+    {
+        std::string id = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (prev[iPrev].name);
+
+        for (int iCurrent = 0; iCurrent<static_cast<int> (current.size()); ++iCurrent)
+            if (id==Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (current[iCurrent]))
+            {
+                map.insert (std::make_pair (iPrev, iCurrent));
+                break;
+            }
+    }
+
+    return map;
+}
+
+MWState::StateManager::StateManager (const boost::filesystem::path& saves, const std::string& game)
+: mQuitRequest (false), mAskLoadRecent(false), mState (State_NoGame), mCharacterManager (saves, game), mTimePlayed (0)
+{
+
+}
+
+void MWState::StateManager::requestQuit()
+{
+    mQuitRequest = true;
+}
+
+bool MWState::StateManager::hasQuitRequest() const
+{
+    return mQuitRequest;
+}
+
+void MWState::StateManager::askLoadRecent()
+{
+    if (MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getMode() == MWGui::GM_MainMenu)
+        return;
+
+    if( !mAskLoadRecent )
+    {
+        if(getCurrentCharacter()->begin() == getCurrentCharacter()->end() )//no saves
+        {
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode (MWGui::GM_MainMenu);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            MWState::Slot lastSave = *getCurrentCharacter()->begin();
+            std::vector<std::string> buttons;
+            buttons.push_back("#{sYes}");
+            buttons.push_back("#{sNo}");
+            std::string tag("%s");
+            std::string message = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getGameSettingString("sLoadLastSaveMsg", tag);
+            size_t pos = message.find(tag);
+            message.replace(pos, tag.length(), lastSave.mProfile.mDescription);
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->messageBox(message, buttons);
+            mAskLoadRecent = true;
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        int iButton = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->readPressedButton();
+        if(iButton==0)
+        {
+            mAskLoadRecent = false;
+            //Load last saved game for current character
+            MWState::Character *curCharacter = getCurrentCharacter();
+            MWState::Slot lastSave = *curCharacter->begin();
+            loadGame(curCharacter, &lastSave);
+        }
+        else if(iButton==1)
+        {
+            mAskLoadRecent = false;
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode (MWGui::GM_MainMenu);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+MWState::StateManager::State MWState::StateManager::getState() const
+{
+    return mState;
+}
+
+void MWState::StateManager::newGame (bool bypass)
+{
+    cleanup();
+
+    if (!bypass)
+    {
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->startNewGame();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setNewGame (true);
+    }
+    else
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setGlobalInt ("chargenstate", -1);
+
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getGlobalScripts().addStartup();
+
+    mState = State_Running;
+}
+
+void MWState::StateManager::endGame()
+{
+    mState = State_Ended;
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->useDeathCamera();
+}
+
+void MWState::StateManager::saveGame (const std::string& description, const Slot *slot)
+{
+    ESM::SavedGame profile;
+
+    MWBase::World& world = *MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
+
+    MWWorld::Ptr player = world.getPlayer().getPlayer();
+
+    profile.mContentFiles = world.getContentFiles();
+
+    profile.mPlayerName = player.getClass().getName (player);
+    profile.mPlayerLevel = player.getClass().getNpcStats (player).getLevel();
+    profile.mPlayerClass = player.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mClass;
+
+    profile.mPlayerCell = world.getCellName();
+
+    profile.mInGameTime.mGameHour = world.getTimeStamp().getHour();
+    profile.mInGameTime.mDay = world.getDay();
+    profile.mInGameTime.mMonth = world.getMonth();
+    profile.mInGameTime.mYear = world.getYear();
+    profile.mTimePlayed = mTimePlayed;
+    profile.mDescription = description;
+
+    int screenshotW = 259*2, screenshotH = 133*2; // *2 to get some nice antialiasing
+    Ogre::Image screenshot;
+    world.screenshot(screenshot, screenshotW, screenshotH);
+    Ogre::DataStreamPtr encoded = screenshot.encode("jpg");
+    profile.mScreenshot.resize(encoded->size());
+    encoded->read(&profile.mScreenshot[0], encoded->size());
+
+    if (!slot)
+        slot = mCharacterManager.getCurrentCharacter()->createSlot (profile);
+    else
+        slot = mCharacterManager.getCurrentCharacter()->updateSlot (slot, profile);
+
+    std::ofstream stream (slot->mPath.string().c_str());
+
+    ESM::ESMWriter writer;
+
+    const std::vector<std::string>& current =
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getContentFiles();
+
+    for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator iter (current.begin()); iter!=current.end();
+        ++iter)
+        writer.addMaster (*iter, 0); // not using the size information anyway -> use value of 0
+
+    writer.setFormat (ESM::Header::CurrentFormat);
+    writer.setRecordCount (
+        1 // saved game header
+        +MWBase::Environment::get().getJournal()->countSavedGameRecords()
+        +MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->countSavedGameRecords()
+        +MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getGlobalScripts().countSavedGameRecords()
+                + 1 // global map
+        );
+
+    writer.save (stream);
+
+    writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_SAVE);
+    slot->mProfile.save (writer);
+    writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_SAVE);
+
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getJournal()->write (writer);
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->write (writer);
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getGlobalScripts().write (writer);
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->write(writer);
+
+    writer.close();
+
+    Settings::Manager::setString ("character", "Saves",
+        slot->mPath.parent_path().filename().string());
+}
+
+void MWState::StateManager::loadGame (const Character *character, const Slot *slot)
+{
+    try
+    {
+        cleanup();
+
+        mTimePlayed = slot->mProfile.mTimePlayed;
+
+        ESM::ESMReader reader;
+        reader.open (slot->mPath.string());
+
+        std::map<int, int> contentFileMap = buildContentFileIndexMap (reader);
+
+        while (reader.hasMoreRecs())
+        {
+            ESM::NAME n = reader.getRecName();
+            reader.getRecHeader();
+
+            switch (n.val)
+            {
+                case ESM::REC_SAVE:
+
+                    // don't need to read that here
+                    reader.skipRecord();
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_JOUR:
+                case ESM::REC_QUES:
+
+                    MWBase::Environment::get().getJournal()->readRecord (reader, n.val);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_ALCH:
+                case ESM::REC_ARMO:
+                case ESM::REC_BOOK:
+                case ESM::REC_CLAS:
+                case ESM::REC_CLOT:
+                case ESM::REC_ENCH:
+                case ESM::REC_NPC_:
+                case ESM::REC_SPEL:
+                case ESM::REC_WEAP:
+                case ESM::REC_GLOB:
+                case ESM::REC_PLAY:
+                case ESM::REC_CSTA:
+
+                    MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->readRecord (reader, n.val, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_GSCR:
+
+                    MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->getGlobalScripts().readRecord (reader, n.val);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_GMAP:
+
+                    MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->readRecord(reader, n.val);
+                    break;
+
+                default:
+
+                    // ignore invalid records
+                    /// \todo log error
+                    reader.skipRecord();
+            }
+        }
+
+        mCharacterManager.setCurrentCharacter(character);
+
+        mState = State_Running;
+
+        Settings::Manager::setString ("character", "Saves",
+            slot->mPath.parent_path().filename().string());
+
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setNewGame(false);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->setupPlayer();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->renderPlayer();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->updatePlayer();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->playerLoaded();
+
+        MWWorld::Ptr ptr = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayer().getPlayer();
+
+        ESM::CellId cellId = ptr.getCell()->mCell->getCellId();
+
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->changeToCell (cellId, ptr.getRefData().getPosition());
+    }
+    catch (const std::exception& e)
+    {
+        std::cerr << "failed to load saved game: " << e.what() << std::endl;
+        cleanup (true);
+    }
+}
+
+MWState::Character *MWState::StateManager::getCurrentCharacter (bool create)
+{
+    return mCharacterManager.getCurrentCharacter (create);
+}
+
+MWState::StateManager::CharacterIterator MWState::StateManager::characterBegin()
+{
+    return mCharacterManager.begin();
+}
+
+MWState::StateManager::CharacterIterator MWState::StateManager::characterEnd()
+{
+    return mCharacterManager.end();
+}
+
+void MWState::StateManager::update (float duration)
+{
+    mTimePlayed += duration;
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwstate/statemanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwstate/statemanagerimp.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..46ade236b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwstate/statemanagerimp.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+#ifndef GAME_STATE_STATEMANAGER_H
+#define GAME_STATE_STATEMANAGER_H
+
+#include <map>
+
+#include "../mwbase/statemanager.hpp"
+
+#include <boost/filesystem/path.hpp>
+
+#include "charactermanager.hpp"
+
+namespace MWState
+{
+    class StateManager : public MWBase::StateManager
+    {
+            bool mQuitRequest;
+            bool mAskLoadRecent;
+            State mState;
+            CharacterManager mCharacterManager;
+            double mTimePlayed;
+
+        private:
+
+            void cleanup (bool force = false);
+
+            std::map<int, int> buildContentFileIndexMap (const ESM::ESMReader& reader) const;
+
+        public:
+
+            StateManager (const boost::filesystem::path& saves, const std::string& game);
+
+            virtual void requestQuit();
+
+            virtual bool hasQuitRequest() const;
+
+            virtual void askLoadRecent();
+
+            virtual State getState() const;
+
+            virtual void newGame (bool bypass = false);
+            ///< Start a new game.
+            ///
+            /// \param bypass Skip new game mechanics.
+
+            virtual void endGame();
+
+            virtual void saveGame (const std::string& description, const Slot *slot = 0);
+            ///< Write a saved game to \a slot or create a new slot if \a slot == 0.
+            ///
+            /// \note Slot must belong to the current character.
+
+            virtual void loadGame (const Character *character, const Slot *slot);
+            ///< Load a saved game file from \a slot.
+            ///
+            /// \note \a slot must belong to \a character.
+
+            virtual Character *getCurrentCharacter (bool create = true);
+            ///< \param create Create a new character, if there is no current character.
+
+            virtual CharacterIterator characterBegin();
+            ///< Any call to SaveGame and getCurrentCharacter can invalidate the returned
+            /// iterator.
+
+            virtual CharacterIterator characterEnd();
+
+            virtual void update (float duration);
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.cpp
index c8a070e21..965c9fc5d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.cpp
@@ -1,5 +1,10 @@
 #include "cells.hpp"
 
+#include <components/esm/esmreader.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/esmwriter.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/defs.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/cellstate.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
@@ -7,29 +12,29 @@
 #include "esmstore.hpp"
 #include "containerstore.hpp"
 
-MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getCellStore (const ESM::Cell *cell)
+MWWorld::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getCellStore (const ESM::Cell *cell)
 {
     if (cell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::Interior)
     {
         std::string lowerName(Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(cell->mName));
-        std::map<std::string, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator result = mInteriors.find (lowerName);
+        std::map<std::string, CellStore>::iterator result = mInteriors.find (lowerName);
 
         if (result==mInteriors.end())
         {
-            result = mInteriors.insert (std::make_pair (lowerName, Ptr::CellStore (cell))).first;
+            result = mInteriors.insert (std::make_pair (lowerName, CellStore (cell))).first;
         }
 
         return &result->second;
     }
     else
     {
-        std::map<std::pair<int, int>, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator result =
+        std::map<std::pair<int, int>, CellStore>::iterator result =
             mExteriors.find (std::make_pair (cell->getGridX(), cell->getGridY()));
 
         if (result==mExteriors.end())
         {
             result = mExteriors.insert (std::make_pair (
-                std::make_pair (cell->getGridX(), cell->getGridY()), Ptr::CellStore (cell))).first;
+                std::make_pair (cell->getGridX(), cell->getGridY()), CellStore (cell))).first;
 
         }
 
@@ -41,11 +46,11 @@ void MWWorld::Cells::clear()
 {
     mInteriors.clear();
     mExteriors.clear();
-    std::fill(mIdCache.begin(), mIdCache.end(), std::make_pair("", (MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore*)0));
+    std::fill(mIdCache.begin(), mIdCache.end(), std::make_pair("", (MWWorld::CellStore*)0));
     mIdCacheIndex = 0;
 }
 
-MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtrAndCache (const std::string& name, Ptr::CellStore& cellStore)
+MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtrAndCache (const std::string& name, CellStore& cellStore)
 {
     Ptr ptr = getPtr (name, cellStore);
 
@@ -60,15 +65,39 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtrAndCache (const std::string& name, Ptr::CellS
     return ptr;
 }
 
+void MWWorld::Cells::writeCell (ESM::ESMWriter& writer, const CellStore& cell) const
+{
+    ESM::CellState cellState;
+
+    cell.saveState (cellState);
+
+    writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_CSTA);
+    cellState.mId.save (writer);
+    cellState.save (writer);
+    cell.writeReferences (writer);
+    writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_CSTA);
+}
+
+bool MWWorld::Cells::hasState (const CellStore& cellStore) const
+{
+    if (cellStore.mState==CellStore::State_Loaded)
+        return true;
+
+    if (cellStore.mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::Interior)
+        return cellStore.mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::HasWater;
+    else
+        return false;
+}
+
 MWWorld::Cells::Cells (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store, std::vector<ESM::ESMReader>& reader)
 : mStore (store), mReader (reader),
-  mIdCache (40, std::pair<std::string, Ptr::CellStore *> ("", (Ptr::CellStore*)0)), /// \todo make cache size configurable
+  mIdCache (40, std::pair<std::string, CellStore *> ("", (CellStore*)0)), /// \todo make cache size configurable
   mIdCacheIndex (0)
 {}
 
-MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getExterior (int x, int y)
+MWWorld::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getExterior (int x, int y)
 {
-    std::map<std::pair<int, int>, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator result =
+    std::map<std::pair<int, int>, CellStore>::iterator result =
         mExteriors.find (std::make_pair (x, y));
 
     if (result==mExteriors.end())
@@ -93,7 +122,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getExterior (int x, int y)
             std::make_pair (x, y), CellStore (cell))).first;
     }
 
-    if (result->second.mState!=Ptr::CellStore::State_Loaded)
+    if (result->second.mState!=CellStore::State_Loaded)
     {
         // Multiple plugin support for landscape data is much easier than for references. The last plugin wins.
         result->second.load (mStore, mReader);
@@ -102,19 +131,19 @@ MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getExterior (int x, int y)
     return &result->second;
 }
 
-MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getInterior (const std::string& name)
+MWWorld::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getInterior (const std::string& name)
 {
     std::string lowerName = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(name);
-    std::map<std::string, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator result = mInteriors.find (lowerName);
+    std::map<std::string, CellStore>::iterator result = mInteriors.find (lowerName);
 
     if (result==mInteriors.end())
     {
         const ESM::Cell *cell = mStore.get<ESM::Cell>().find(lowerName);
 
-        result = mInteriors.insert (std::make_pair (lowerName, Ptr::CellStore (cell))).first;
+        result = mInteriors.insert (std::make_pair (lowerName, CellStore (cell))).first;
     }
 
-    if (result->second.mState!=Ptr::CellStore::State_Loaded)
+    if (result->second.mState!=CellStore::State_Loaded)
     {
         result->second.load (mStore, mReader);
     }
@@ -122,13 +151,21 @@ MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getInterior (const std::string& name)
     return &result->second;
 }
 
-MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name, Ptr::CellStore& cell,
+MWWorld::CellStore *MWWorld::Cells::getCell (const ESM::CellId& id)
+{
+    if (id.mPaged)
+        return getExterior (id.mIndex.mX, id.mIndex.mY);
+
+    return getInterior (id.mWorldspace);
+}
+
+MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name, CellStore& cell,
     bool searchInContainers)
 {
-    if (cell.mState==Ptr::CellStore::State_Unloaded)
+    if (cell.mState==CellStore::State_Unloaded)
         cell.preload (mStore, mReader);
 
-    if (cell.mState==Ptr::CellStore::State_Preloaded)
+    if (cell.mState==CellStore::State_Preloaded)
     {
         if (std::binary_search (cell.mIds.begin(), cell.mIds.end(), name))
         {
@@ -207,7 +244,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name, Ptr::CellStore& ce
 MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name)
 {
     // First check the cache
-    for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, Ptr::CellStore *> >::iterator iter (mIdCache.begin());
+    for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, CellStore *> >::iterator iter (mIdCache.begin());
         iter!=mIdCache.end(); ++iter)
         if (iter->first==name && iter->second)
         {
@@ -217,7 +254,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name)
         }
 
     // Then check cells that are already listed
-    for (std::map<std::pair<int, int>, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator iter = mExteriors.begin();
+    for (std::map<std::pair<int, int>, CellStore>::iterator iter = mExteriors.begin();
         iter!=mExteriors.end(); ++iter)
     {
         Ptr ptr = getPtrAndCache (name, iter->second);
@@ -225,7 +262,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name)
             return ptr;
     }
 
-    for (std::map<std::string, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator iter = mInteriors.begin();
+    for (std::map<std::string, CellStore>::iterator iter = mInteriors.begin();
         iter!=mInteriors.end(); ++iter)
     {
         Ptr ptr = getPtrAndCache (name, iter->second);
@@ -239,7 +276,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name)
 
     for (iter = cells.extBegin(); iter != cells.extEnd(); ++iter)
     {
-        Ptr::CellStore *cellStore = getCellStore (&(*iter));
+        CellStore *cellStore = getCellStore (&(*iter));
 
         Ptr ptr = getPtrAndCache (name, *cellStore);
 
@@ -249,7 +286,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name)
 
     for (iter = cells.intBegin(); iter != cells.intEnd(); ++iter)
     {
-        Ptr::CellStore *cellStore = getCellStore (&(*iter));
+        CellStore *cellStore = getCellStore (&(*iter));
 
         Ptr ptr = getPtrAndCache (name, *cellStore);
 
@@ -263,7 +300,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::Cells::getPtr (const std::string& name)
 
 void MWWorld::Cells::getExteriorPtrs(const std::string &name, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr> &out)
 {
-    for (std::map<std::pair<int, int>, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator iter = mExteriors.begin();
+    for (std::map<std::pair<int, int>, CellStore>::iterator iter = mExteriors.begin();
         iter!=mExteriors.end(); ++iter)
     {
         Ptr ptr = getPtrAndCache (name, iter->second);
@@ -275,7 +312,7 @@ void MWWorld::Cells::getExteriorPtrs(const std::string &name, std::vector<MWWorl
 
 void MWWorld::Cells::getInteriorPtrs(const std::string &name, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr> &out)
 {
-    for (std::map<std::string, Ptr::CellStore>::iterator iter = mInteriors.begin();
+    for (std::map<std::string, CellStore>::iterator iter = mInteriors.begin();
         iter!=mInteriors.end(); ++iter)
     {
         Ptr ptr = getPtrAndCache (name, iter->second);
@@ -284,3 +321,67 @@ void MWWorld::Cells::getInteriorPtrs(const std::string &name, std::vector<MWWorl
     }
 
 }
+
+int MWWorld::Cells::countSavedGameRecords() const
+{
+    int count = 0;
+
+    for (std::map<std::string, CellStore>::const_iterator iter (mInteriors.begin());
+        iter!=mInteriors.end(); ++iter)
+        if (hasState (iter->second))
+            ++count;
+
+    for (std::map<std::pair<int, int>, CellStore>::const_iterator iter (mExteriors.begin());
+        iter!=mExteriors.end(); ++iter)
+        if (hasState (iter->second))
+            ++count;
+
+    return count;
+}
+
+void MWWorld::Cells::write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+{
+    for (std::map<std::pair<int, int>, CellStore>::const_iterator iter (mExteriors.begin());
+        iter!=mExteriors.end(); ++iter)
+        if (hasState (iter->second))
+            writeCell (writer, iter->second);
+
+    for (std::map<std::string, CellStore>::const_iterator iter (mInteriors.begin());
+        iter!=mInteriors.end(); ++iter)
+        if (hasState (iter->second))
+            writeCell (writer, iter->second);
+}
+
+bool MWWorld::Cells::readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type,
+    const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap)
+{
+    if (type==ESM::REC_CSTA)
+    {
+        ESM::CellState state;
+        state.mId.load (reader);
+
+        CellStore *cellStore = 0;
+
+        try
+        {
+            cellStore = getCell (state.mId);
+        }
+        catch (...)
+        {
+            // silently drop cells that don't exist anymore
+            /// \todo log
+        }
+
+        state.load (reader);
+        cellStore->loadState (state);
+
+        if (cellStore->mState!=CellStore::State_Loaded)
+            cellStore->load (mStore, mReader);
+
+        cellStore->readReferences (reader, contentFileMap);
+
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    return false;
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.hpp
index afa7c03f2..7ee8a3f6c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cells.hpp
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@
 namespace ESM
 {
     class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+    struct CellId;
 }
 
 namespace MWWorld
@@ -33,18 +35,23 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             Ptr getPtrAndCache (const std::string& name, CellStore& cellStore);
 
+            void writeCell (ESM::ESMWriter& writer, const CellStore& cell) const;
+
+            bool hasState (const CellStore& cellStore) const;
+            ///< Check if cell has state that needs to be included in a saved game file.
+
         public:
 
             void clear();
 
             Cells (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store, std::vector<ESM::ESMReader>& reader);
-            ///< \todo pass the dynamic part of the ESMStore isntead (once it is written) of the whole
-            /// world
 
             CellStore *getExterior (int x, int y);
 
             CellStore *getInterior (const std::string& name);
 
+            CellStore *getCell (const ESM::CellId& id);
+
             Ptr getPtr (const std::string& name, CellStore& cellStore, bool searchInContainers = false);
             ///< \param searchInContainers Only affect loaded cells.
             /// @note name must be lower case
@@ -62,6 +69,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
             /// @note name must be lower case
             void getInteriorPtrs (const std::string& name, std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr>& out);
 
+            int countSavedGameRecords() const;
+
+            void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+            bool readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type,
+                const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap);
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
index b492c6f32..42c954afb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,15 @@
 
 #include <iostream>
 
+#include <components/esm/cellstate.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/cellid.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/esmwriter.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/objectstate.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/lightstate.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/containerstate.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/npcstate.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/creaturestate.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
@@ -29,38 +38,99 @@ namespace
 
         return MWWorld::Ptr();
     }
+
+    template<typename RecordType, typename T>
+    void writeReferenceCollection (ESM::ESMWriter& writer,
+        const MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& collection)
+    {
+        if (!collection.mList.empty())
+        {
+            // references
+            for (typename MWWorld::CellRefList<T>::List::const_iterator
+                iter (collection.mList.begin());
+                iter!=collection.mList.end(); ++iter)
+            {
+                if (iter->mData.getCount()==0 && iter->mRef.mRefNum.mContentFile==-1)
+                    continue; // deleted file that did not came from a content file -> ignore
+
+                RecordType state;
+                iter->save (state);
+
+                writer.writeHNT ("OBJE", collection.mList.front().mBase->sRecordId);
+                state.save (writer);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    template<typename RecordType, typename T>
+    void readReferenceCollection (ESM::ESMReader& reader,
+        MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& collection, const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap)
+    {
+        const MWWorld::ESMStore& esmStore = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore();
+
+        RecordType state;
+        state.load (reader);
+
+        std::map<int, int>::const_iterator iter =
+            contentFileMap.find (state.mRef.mRefNum.mContentFile);
+
+        if (iter==contentFileMap.end())
+            return; // content file has been removed -> skip
+
+        state.mRef.mRefNum.mContentFile = iter->second;
+
+        if (!MWWorld::LiveCellRef<T>::checkState (state))
+            return; // not valid anymore with current content files -> skip
+
+        const T *record = esmStore.get<T>().search (state.mRef.mRefID);
+
+        if (!record)
+            return;
+
+        for (typename MWWorld::CellRefList<T>::List::iterator iter (collection.mList.begin());
+            iter!=collection.mList.end(); ++iter)
+            if (iter->mRef.mRefNum==state.mRef.mRefNum)
+            {
+                // overwrite existing reference
+                iter->load (state);
+                return;
+            }
+
+        // new reference
+        MWWorld::LiveCellRef<T> ref (record);
+        ref.load (state);
+        collection.mList.push_back (ref);
+    }
 }
 
 namespace MWWorld
 {
 
     template <typename X>
-    void CellRefList<X>::load(ESM::CellRef &ref, const MWWorld::ESMStore &esmStore)
+    void CellRefList<X>::load(ESM::CellRef &ref, bool deleted, const MWWorld::ESMStore &esmStore)
     {
-        // Get existing reference, in case we need to overwrite it.
-        typename std::list<LiveRef>::iterator iter = std::find(mList.begin(), mList.end(), ref.mRefnum);
-
-        // Skip this when reference was deleted.
-        // TODO: Support respawning references, in this case, we need to track it somehow.
-        if (ref.mDeleted) {
-            if (iter != mList.end())
-                mList.erase(iter);
-            return;
-        }
-
-        // for throwing exception on unhandled record type
         const MWWorld::Store<X> &store = esmStore.get<X>();
-        const X *ptr = store.search(ref.mRefID);
 
-        /// \note no longer redundant - changed to Store<X>::search(), don't throw
-        ///  an exception on miss, try to continue (that's how MW does it, anyway)
-        if (ptr == NULL) {
-            std::cout << "Warning: could not resolve cell reference " << ref.mRefID << ", trying to continue anyway" << std::endl;
-        } else {
-          if (iter != mList.end())
-            *iter = LiveRef(ref, ptr);
-          else
-            mList.push_back(LiveRef(ref, ptr));
+        if (const X *ptr = store.search (ref.mRefID))
+        {
+            typename std::list<LiveRef>::iterator iter =
+                std::find(mList.begin(), mList.end(), ref.mRefNum);
+
+            LiveRef liveCellRef (ref, ptr);
+
+            if (deleted)
+                liveCellRef.mData.setCount (0);
+
+            if (iter != mList.end())
+                *iter = liveCellRef;
+            else
+                mList.push_back (liveCellRef);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            std::cerr
+                << "Error: could not resolve cell reference " << ref.mRefID
+                << " (dropping reference)" << std::endl;
         }
     }
 
@@ -117,16 +187,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
             ESM::CellRef ref;
 
             // Get each reference in turn
-            while (mCell->getNextRef (esm[index], ref))
+            bool deleted = false;
+            while (mCell->getNextRef (esm[index], ref, deleted))
             {
-                std::string lowerCase = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (ref.mRefID);
-                if (ref.mDeleted) {
-                    // Right now, don't do anything. Where is "listRefs" actually used, anyway?
-                    //  Skipping for now...
+                if (deleted)
                     continue;
-                }
 
-                mIds.push_back (lowerCase);
+                mIds.push_back (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (ref.mRefID));
             }
         }
 
@@ -135,7 +202,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     void CellStore::loadRefs(const MWWorld::ESMStore &store, std::vector<ESM::ESMReader> &esm)
     {
-      assert (mCell);
+        assert (mCell);
 
         if (mCell->mContextList.empty())
             return; // this is a dynamically generated cell -> skipping.
@@ -148,98 +215,30 @@ namespace MWWorld
             mCell->restore (esm[index], i);
 
             ESM::CellRef ref;
+            ref.mRefNum.mContentFile = -1;
 
             // Get each reference in turn
-            while(mCell->getNextRef(esm[index], ref))
+            bool deleted = false;
+            while(mCell->getNextRef(esm[index], ref, deleted))
             {
                 // Don't load reference if it was moved to a different cell.
                 std::string lowerCase = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(ref.mRefID);
-                ESM::MovedCellRefTracker::const_iterator iter = std::find(mCell->mMovedRefs.begin(), mCell->mMovedRefs.end(), ref.mRefnum);
+                ESM::MovedCellRefTracker::const_iterator iter =
+                    std::find(mCell->mMovedRefs.begin(), mCell->mMovedRefs.end(), ref.mRefNum);
                 if (iter != mCell->mMovedRefs.end()) {
                     continue;
                 }
-                int rec = store.find(ref.mRefID);
 
-                ref.mRefID = lowerCase;
-
-            /* We can optimize this further by storing the pointer to the
-                record itself in store.all, so that we don't need to look it
-                up again here. However, never optimize. There are infinite
-                opportunities to do that later.
-            */
-            switch(rec)
-                {
-            case ESM::REC_ACTI: mActivators.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_ALCH: mPotions.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_APPA: mAppas.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_ARMO: mArmors.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_BOOK: mBooks.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_CLOT: mClothes.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_CONT: mContainers.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_CREA: mCreatures.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_DOOR: mDoors.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_INGR: mIngreds.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LEVC: mCreatureLists.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LEVI: mItemLists.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LIGH: mLights.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LOCK: mLockpicks.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_MISC: mMiscItems.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_NPC_: mNpcs.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_PROB: mProbes.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_REPA: mRepairs.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_STAT: mStatics.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_WEAP: mWeapons.load(ref, store); break;
-
-                case 0: std::cout << "Cell reference " + ref.mRefID + " not found!\n"; break;
-                default:
-                std::cout << "WARNING: Ignoring reference '" << ref.mRefID << "' of unhandled type\n";
-                }
+                loadRef (ref, deleted, store);
             }
         }
 
         // Load moved references, from separately tracked list.
         for (ESM::CellRefTracker::const_iterator it = mCell->mLeasedRefs.begin(); it != mCell->mLeasedRefs.end(); ++it)
         {
-            // Doesn't seem to work in one line... huh? Too sleepy to check...
             ESM::CellRef &ref = const_cast<ESM::CellRef&>(*it);
-            //ESM::CellRef &ref = const_cast<ESM::CellRef&>(it->second);
-
-            int rec = store.find(ref.mRefID);
-            Misc::StringUtils::toLower(ref.mRefID);
-
-            /* We can optimize this further by storing the pointer to the
-                record itself in store.all, so that we don't need to look it
-                up again here. However, never optimize. There are infinite
-                opportunities to do that later.
-            */
-            switch(rec)
-                {
-            case ESM::REC_ACTI: mActivators.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_ALCH: mPotions.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_APPA: mAppas.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_ARMO: mArmors.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_BOOK: mBooks.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_CLOT: mClothes.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_CONT: mContainers.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_CREA: mCreatures.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_DOOR: mDoors.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_INGR: mIngreds.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LEVC: mCreatureLists.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LEVI: mItemLists.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LIGH: mLights.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_LOCK: mLockpicks.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_MISC: mMiscItems.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_NPC_: mNpcs.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_PROB: mProbes.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_REPA: mRepairs.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_STAT: mStatics.load(ref, store); break;
-            case ESM::REC_WEAP: mWeapons.load(ref, store); break;
-
-                case 0: std::cout << "Cell reference " + ref.mRefID + " not found!\n"; break;
-                default:
-                std::cout << "WARNING: Ignoring reference '" << ref.mRefID << "' of unhandled type\n";
-                }
 
+            loadRef (ref, false, store);
         }
     }
 
@@ -268,4 +267,198 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         return Ptr();
     }
+
+    void CellStore::loadRef (ESM::CellRef& ref, bool deleted, const ESMStore& store)
+    {
+        Misc::StringUtils::toLower (ref.mRefID);
+
+        switch (store.find (ref.mRefID))
+        {
+            case ESM::REC_ACTI: mActivators.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_ALCH: mPotions.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_APPA: mAppas.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_ARMO: mArmors.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_BOOK: mBooks.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_CLOT: mClothes.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_CONT: mContainers.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_CREA: mCreatures.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_DOOR: mDoors.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_INGR: mIngreds.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_LEVC: mCreatureLists.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_LEVI: mItemLists.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_LIGH: mLights.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_LOCK: mLockpicks.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_MISC: mMiscItems.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_NPC_: mNpcs.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_PROB: mProbes.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_REPA: mRepairs.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_STAT: mStatics.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+            case ESM::REC_WEAP: mWeapons.load(ref, deleted, store); break;
+
+            case 0: std::cerr << "Cell reference " + ref.mRefID + " not found!\n"; break;
+
+            default:
+                std::cerr
+                    << "WARNING: Ignoring reference '" << ref.mRefID << "' of unhandled type\n";
+        }
+    }
+
+    void CellStore::loadState (const ESM::CellState& state)
+    {
+        if (mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::Interior && mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::HasWater)
+            mWaterLevel = state.mWaterLevel;
+
+        mWaterLevel = state.mWaterLevel;
+    }
+
+    void CellStore::saveState (ESM::CellState& state) const
+    {
+        state.mId = mCell->getCellId();
+
+        if (mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::Interior && mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::HasWater)
+            state.mWaterLevel = mWaterLevel;
+
+        state.mWaterLevel = mWaterLevel;
+    }
+
+    void CellStore::writeReferences (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+    {
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mActivators);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mPotions);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mAppas);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mArmors);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mBooks);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mClothes);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ContainerState> (writer, mContainers);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::CreatureState> (writer, mCreatures);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mDoors);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mIngreds);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mCreatureLists);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mItemLists);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::LightState> (writer, mLights);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mLockpicks);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mMiscItems);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::NpcState> (writer, mNpcs);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mProbes);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mRepairs);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mStatics);
+        writeReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (writer, mWeapons);
+    }
+
+    void CellStore::readReferences (ESM::ESMReader& reader,
+        const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap)
+    {
+        while (reader.isNextSub ("OBJE"))
+        {
+            unsigned int id = 0;
+            reader.getHT (id);
+
+            switch (id)
+            {
+                case ESM::REC_ACTI:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mActivators, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_ALCH:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mPotions, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_APPA:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mAppas, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_ARMO:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mArmors, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_BOOK:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mBooks, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_CLOT:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mClothes, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_CONT:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ContainerState> (reader, mContainers, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_CREA:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::CreatureState> (reader, mCreatures, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_DOOR:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mDoors, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_INGR:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mIngreds, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_LEVC:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mCreatureLists, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_LEVI:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mItemLists, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_LIGH:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::LightState> (reader, mLights, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_LOCK:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mLockpicks, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_MISC:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mMiscItems, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_NPC_:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::NpcState> (reader, mNpcs, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_PROB:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mProbes, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_REPA:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mRepairs, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_STAT:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mStatics, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                case ESM::REC_WEAP:
+
+                    readReferenceCollection<ESM::ObjectState> (reader, mWeapons, contentFileMap);
+                    break;
+
+                default:
+
+                    throw std::runtime_error ("unknown type in cell reference section");
+            }
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp
index 8731c42dc..a4f219013 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.hpp
@@ -7,6 +7,11 @@
 #include "livecellref.hpp"
 #include "esmstore.hpp"
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    struct CellState;
+}
+
 namespace MWWorld
 {
 
@@ -25,7 +30,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     // and the build will fail with an ugly three-way cyclic header dependence
     // so we need to pass the instantiation of the method to the lnker, when
     // all methods are known.
-    void load(ESM::CellRef &ref, const MWWorld::ESMStore &esmStore);
+    void load(ESM::CellRef &ref, bool deleted, const MWWorld::ESMStore &esmStore);
 
     LiveRef *find (const std::string& name)
     {
@@ -133,6 +138,14 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     Ptr searchInContainer (const std::string& id);
 
+        void loadState (const ESM::CellState& state);
+
+        void saveState (ESM::CellState& state) const;
+
+        void writeReferences (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+        void readReferences (ESM::ESMReader& reader, const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap);
+
   private:
 
     template<class Functor, class List>
@@ -154,6 +167,10 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     void loadRefs(const MWWorld::ESMStore &store, std::vector<ESM::ESMReader> &esm);
 
+        void loadRef (ESM::CellRef& ref, bool deleted, const ESMStore& store);
+        ///< Make case-adjustments to \a ref and insert it into the respective container.
+        ///
+        /// Invalid \a ref objects are silently dropped.
   };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp
index 12676b43c..2110086d3 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp
@@ -377,4 +377,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
         throw std::runtime_error("class does not support gore");
     }
+
+    void Class::readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state) const {}
+
+    void Class::writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state) const {}
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp
index ad292df5c..ad2cc3af4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp
@@ -9,6 +9,11 @@
 
 #include "ptr.hpp"
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    struct ObjectState;
+}
+
 namespace Ogre
 {
     class Vector3;
@@ -306,6 +311,14 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             virtual int getSkill(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, int skill) const;
 
+            virtual void readAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Read additional state from \a state into \a ptr.
+
+            virtual void writeAdditionalState (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, ESM::ObjectState& state)
+                const;
+            ///< Write additional state from \a ptr into \a state.
+
             static const Class& get (const std::string& key);
             ///< If there is no class for this \a key, an exception is thrown.
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
index 71eb9145e..bd0704724 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
 #include <typeinfo>
 #include <stdexcept>
 
+#include <components/esm/inventorystate.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
@@ -57,6 +59,54 @@ namespace
     }
 }
 
+template<typename T>
+MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator MWWorld::ContainerStore::getState (CellRefList<T>& collection,
+    const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+{
+    if (!LiveCellRef<T>::checkState (state))
+        return ContainerStoreIterator (this); // not valid anymore with current content files -> skip
+
+    const T *record = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().
+        get<T>().search (state.mRef.mRefID);
+
+    if (!record)
+        return ContainerStoreIterator (this);
+
+    LiveCellRef<T> ref (record);
+    ref.load (state);
+    ref.mRef.mRefNum.mContentFile = -1;
+    collection.mList.push_back (ref);
+
+    return ContainerStoreIterator (this, --collection.mList.end());
+}
+
+template<typename T>
+void MWWorld::ContainerStore::storeState (const LiveCellRef<T>& ref, ESM::ObjectState& state) const
+{
+    ref.save (state);
+}
+
+template<typename T>
+void MWWorld::ContainerStore::storeStates (const CellRefList<T>& collection,
+    std::vector<std::pair<ESM::ObjectState, std::pair<unsigned int, int> > >& states, bool equipable) const
+{
+    for (typename CellRefList<T>::List::const_iterator iter (collection.mList.begin());
+        iter!=collection.mList.end(); ++iter)
+    {
+        ESM::ObjectState state;
+        storeState (*iter, state);
+        int slot = equipable ? getSlot (*iter) : -1;
+        states.push_back (std::make_pair (state, std::make_pair (T::sRecordId, slot)));
+    }
+}
+
+int MWWorld::ContainerStore::getSlot (const MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase& ref) const
+{
+    return -1;
+}
+
+void MWWorld::ContainerStore::setSlot (const MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator& iter, int slot) {}
+
 const std::string MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId = "gold_001";
 
 MWWorld::ContainerStore::ContainerStore() : mCachedWeight (0), mWeightUpToDate (false) {}
@@ -493,6 +543,69 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::ContainerStore::search (const std::string& id)
     return Ptr();
 }
 
+void MWWorld::ContainerStore::writeState (ESM::InventoryState& state) const
+{
+    state.mItems.clear();
+
+    storeStates (potions, state.mItems);
+    storeStates (appas, state.mItems);
+    storeStates (armors, state.mItems, true);
+    storeStates (books, state.mItems);
+    storeStates (clothes, state.mItems, true);
+    storeStates (ingreds, state.mItems);
+    storeStates (lockpicks, state.mItems, true);
+    storeStates (miscItems, state.mItems);
+    storeStates (probes, state.mItems, true);
+    storeStates (repairs, state.mItems);
+    storeStates (weapons, state.mItems, true);
+
+    state.mLights.clear();
+
+    for (MWWorld::CellRefList<ESM::Light>::List::const_iterator iter (lights.mList.begin());
+        iter!=lights.mList.end(); ++iter)
+    {
+        ESM::LightState objectState;
+        storeState (*iter, objectState);
+        state.mLights.push_back (std::make_pair (objectState, getSlot (*iter)));
+    }
+}
+
+void MWWorld::ContainerStore::readState (const ESM::InventoryState& state)
+{
+    clear();
+
+    for (std::vector<std::pair<ESM::ObjectState, std::pair<unsigned int, int> > >::const_iterator
+        iter (state.mItems.begin()); iter!=state.mItems.end(); ++iter)
+    {
+        int slot = iter->second.second;
+
+        switch (iter->second.first)
+        {
+            case ESM::REC_ALCH: getState (potions, iter->first); break;
+            case ESM::REC_APPA: getState (appas, iter->first); break;
+            case ESM::REC_ARMO: setSlot (getState (armors, iter->first), slot); break;
+            case ESM::REC_BOOK: getState (books, iter->first); break;
+            case ESM::REC_CLOT: setSlot (getState (clothes, iter->first), slot); break;
+            case ESM::REC_INGR: getState (ingreds, iter->first); break;
+            case ESM::REC_LOCK: setSlot (getState (lockpicks, iter->first), slot); break;
+            case ESM::REC_MISC: getState (miscItems, iter->first); break;
+            case ESM::REC_PROB: setSlot (getState (probes, iter->first), slot); break;
+            case ESM::REC_REPA: getState (repairs, iter->first); break;
+            case ESM::REC_WEAP: setSlot (getState (weapons, iter->first), slot); break;
+
+            default:
+
+                std::cerr << "invalid item type in inventory state" << std::endl;
+        }
+    }
+
+    for (std::vector<std::pair<ESM::LightState, int> >::const_iterator iter (state.mLights.begin());
+        iter!=state.mLights.end(); ++iter)
+    {
+        getState (lights, iter->first);
+    }
+}
+
 
 MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator::ContainerStoreIterator (ContainerStore *container)
 : mType (-1), mMask (0), mContainer (container)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp
index 913ec544a..acf429891 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 namespace ESM
 {
     struct InventoryList;
+    struct InventoryState;
 }
 
 namespace MWWorld
@@ -56,6 +57,24 @@ namespace MWWorld
             ContainerStoreIterator addImp (const Ptr& ptr, int count);
             void addInitialItem (const std::string& id, const std::string& owner, const std::string& faction, int count, bool topLevel=true);
 
+            template<typename T>
+            ContainerStoreIterator getState (CellRefList<T>& collection,
+                const ESM::ObjectState& state);
+
+            template<typename T>
+            void storeState (const LiveCellRef<T>& ref, ESM::ObjectState& state) const;
+
+            template<typename T>
+            void storeStates (const CellRefList<T>& collection,
+                std::vector<std::pair<ESM::ObjectState, std::pair<unsigned int, int> > >& states,
+                bool equipable = false) const;
+
+            virtual int getSlot (const MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase& ref) const;
+            ///< Return inventory slot that \a ref is in or -1 (if \a ref is not in a slot).
+
+            virtual void setSlot (const MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator& iter, int slot);
+            ///< Set slot for \a iter. Ignored if \a iter is an end iterator or if slot==-1.
+
         public:
 
             ContainerStore();
@@ -113,7 +132,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             void fill (const ESM::InventoryList& items, const std::string& owner, const std::string& faction, const MWWorld::ESMStore& store);
             ///< Insert items into *this.
 
-            void clear();
+            virtual void clear();
             ///< Empty container.
 
             float getWeight() const;
@@ -125,6 +144,10 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             Ptr search (const std::string& id);
 
+            void writeState (ESM::InventoryState& state) const;
+
+            void readState (const ESM::InventoryState& state);
+
         friend class ContainerStoreIterator;
     };
 
@@ -174,7 +197,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             ContainerStoreIterator (ContainerStore *container, MWWorld::CellRefList<ESM::Repair>::List::iterator);
             ContainerStoreIterator (ContainerStore *container, MWWorld::CellRefList<ESM::Weapon>::List::iterator);
 
-			void copy (const ContainerStoreIterator& src);
+            void copy (const ContainerStoreIterator& src);
 
             void incType();
 
@@ -202,7 +225,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             ContainerStoreIterator operator++ (int);
 
-            ContainerStoreIterator& operator= (const ContainerStoreIterator& rhs);			
+            ContainerStoreIterator& operator= (const ContainerStoreIterator& rhs);
 
             bool isEqual (const ContainerStoreIterator& iter) const;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp
index f1bff11a2..c5c826d47 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ void ESMStore::load(ESM::ESMReader &esm, Loading::Listener* listener)
         if (index == (int)~0) {
             // Tried to load a parent file that has not been loaded yet. This is bad,
             //  the launcher should have taken care of this.
-            std::string fstring = "File " + fname + " asks for parent file " + masters[j].name
+            std::string fstring = "File " + esm.getName() + " asks for parent file " + masters[j].name
                 + ", but it has not been loaded yet. Please check your load order.";
             esm.fail(fstring);
         }
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ void ESMStore::load(ESM::ESMReader &esm, Loading::Listener* listener)
             }
             // Insert the reference into the global lookup
             if (!id.empty() && isCacheableRecord(n.val)) {
-                mIds[id] = n.val;
+                mIds[Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (id)] = n.val;
             }
         }
         listener->setProgress(esm.getFileOffset() / (float)esm.getFileSize() * 1000);
@@ -139,4 +139,68 @@ void ESMStore::setUp()
     mAttributes.setUp();
 }
 
+    int ESMStore::countSavedGameRecords() const
+    {
+        return
+            mPotions.getDynamicSize()
+            +mArmors.getDynamicSize()
+            +mBooks.getDynamicSize()
+            +mClasses.getDynamicSize()
+            +mClothes.getDynamicSize()
+            +mEnchants.getDynamicSize()
+            +mNpcs.getDynamicSize()
+            +mSpells.getDynamicSize()
+            +mWeapons.getDynamicSize();
+    }
+
+    void ESMStore::write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+    {
+        mPotions.write (writer);
+        mArmors.write (writer);
+        mBooks.write (writer);
+        mClasses.write (writer);
+        mClothes.write (writer);
+        mEnchants.write (writer);
+        mSpells.write (writer);
+        mWeapons.write (writer);
+        mNpcs.write (writer);
+    }
+
+    bool ESMStore::readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type)
+    {
+        switch (type)
+        {
+            case ESM::REC_ALCH:
+            case ESM::REC_ARMO:
+            case ESM::REC_BOOK:
+            case ESM::REC_CLAS:
+            case ESM::REC_CLOT:
+            case ESM::REC_ENCH:
+            case ESM::REC_SPEL:
+            case ESM::REC_WEAP:
+            case ESM::REC_NPC_:
+
+                mStores[type]->read (reader);
+
+                if (type==ESM::REC_NPC_)
+                {
+                    // NPC record will always be last and we know that there can be only one
+                    // dynamic NPC record (player) -> We are done here with dynamic record laoding
+                    setUp();
+
+                    const ESM::NPC *player = mNpcs.find ("player");
+
+                    if (!mRaces.find (player->mRace) ||
+                        !mClasses.find (player->mClass))
+                        throw std::runtime_error ("Invalid player record (race or class unavilable");
+                }
+
+                return true;
+
+            default:
+
+                return false;
+        }
+    }
+
 } // end namespace
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.hpp
index ebb086cee..e6730c307 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.hpp
@@ -24,10 +24,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
         Store<ESM::BirthSign>       mBirthSigns;
         Store<ESM::Class>           mClasses;
         Store<ESM::Clothing>        mClothes;
-        Store<ESM::LoadCNTC>        mContChange;
         Store<ESM::Container>       mContainers;
         Store<ESM::Creature>        mCreatures;
-        Store<ESM::LoadCREC>        mCreaChange;
         Store<ESM::Dialogue>        mDialogs;
         Store<ESM::Door>            mDoors;
         Store<ESM::Enchantment>     mEnchants;
@@ -40,7 +38,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
         Store<ESM::Lockpick>        mLockpicks;
         Store<ESM::Miscellaneous>   mMiscItems;
         Store<ESM::NPC>             mNpcs;
-        Store<ESM::LoadNPCC>        mNpcChange;
         Store<ESM::Probe>           mProbes;
         Store<ESM::Race>            mRaces;
         Store<ESM::Region>          mRegions;
@@ -103,7 +100,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         {
             // Cell store needs access to this for tracking moved references
             mCells.mEsmStore = this;
-            
+
             mStores[ESM::REC_ACTI] = &mActivators;
             mStores[ESM::REC_ALCH] = &mPotions;
             mStores[ESM::REC_APPA] = &mAppas;
@@ -114,10 +111,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
             mStores[ESM::REC_CELL] = &mCells;
             mStores[ESM::REC_CLAS] = &mClasses;
             mStores[ESM::REC_CLOT] = &mClothes;
-            mStores[ESM::REC_CNTC] = &mContChange;
             mStores[ESM::REC_CONT] = &mContainers;
             mStores[ESM::REC_CREA] = &mCreatures;
-            mStores[ESM::REC_CREC] = &mCreaChange;
             mStores[ESM::REC_DIAL] = &mDialogs;
             mStores[ESM::REC_DOOR] = &mDoors;
             mStores[ESM::REC_ENCH] = &mEnchants;
@@ -133,7 +128,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
             mStores[ESM::REC_LTEX] = &mLandTextures;
             mStores[ESM::REC_MISC] = &mMiscItems;
             mStores[ESM::REC_NPC_] = &mNpcs;
-            mStores[ESM::REC_NPCC] = &mNpcChange;
             mStores[ESM::REC_PGRD] = &mPathgrids;
             mStores[ESM::REC_PROB] = &mProbes;
             mStores[ESM::REC_RACE] = &mRaces;
@@ -215,6 +209,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
         // This method must be called once, after loading all master/plugin files. This can only be done
         //  from the outside, so it must be public.
         void setUp();
+
+        int countSavedGameRecords() const;
+
+        void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+        bool readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type);
+        ///< \return Known type?
     };
 
     template <>
@@ -287,11 +288,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return mClothes;
     }
 
-    template <>
-    inline const Store<ESM::LoadCNTC> &ESMStore::get<ESM::LoadCNTC>() const {
-        return mContChange;
-    }
-
     template <>
     inline const Store<ESM::Container> &ESMStore::get<ESM::Container>() const {
         return mContainers;
@@ -302,11 +298,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return mCreatures;
     }
 
-    template <>
-    inline const Store<ESM::LoadCREC> &ESMStore::get<ESM::LoadCREC>() const {
-        return mCreaChange;
-    }
-
     template <>
     inline const Store<ESM::Dialogue> &ESMStore::get<ESM::Dialogue>() const {
         return mDialogs;
@@ -367,11 +358,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return mNpcs;
     }
 
-    template <>
-    inline const Store<ESM::LoadNPCC> &ESMStore::get<ESM::LoadNPCC>() const {
-        return mNpcChange;
-    }
-
     template <>
     inline const Store<ESM::Probe> &ESMStore::get<ESM::Probe>() const {
         return mProbes;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.cpp
index a905f8aae..879ffa8e3 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.cpp
@@ -3,21 +3,15 @@
 
 #include <stdexcept>
 
+#include <components/misc/stringops.hpp>
+
+#include <components/esm/esmwriter.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/esmreader.hpp>
+
 #include "esmstore.hpp"
 
 namespace MWWorld
 {
-    std::vector<std::string> Globals::getGlobals () const
-    {
-        std::vector<std::string> retval;
-        Collection::const_iterator it;
-        for(it = mVariables.begin(); it != mVariables.end(); ++it){
-            retval.push_back(it->first);
-        }
-
-        return retval;
-    }
-
     Globals::Collection::const_iterator Globals::find (const std::string& name) const
     {
         Collection::const_iterator iter = mVariables.find (name);
@@ -38,112 +32,27 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return iter;
     }
 
-    Globals::Globals (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store)
+    void Globals::fill (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store)
     {
-        const MWWorld::Store<ESM::Global> &globals = store.get<ESM::Global>();
-        MWWorld::Store<ESM::Global>::iterator iter = globals.begin();
-        for (; iter != globals.end(); ++iter)
+        mVariables.clear();
+
+        const MWWorld::Store<ESM::Global>& globals = store.get<ESM::Global>();
+
+        for (MWWorld::Store<ESM::Global>::iterator iter = globals.begin(); iter!=globals.end();
+            ++iter)
         {
-            char type = ' ';
-            Data value;
-
-            switch (iter->mValue.getType())
-            {
-                case ESM::VT_Short:
-
-                    type = 's';
-                    value.mShort = iter->mValue.getInteger();
-                    break;
-
-                case ESM::VT_Long:
-
-                    type = 'l';
-                    value.mLong = iter->mValue.getInteger();
-                    break;
-
-                case ESM::VT_Float:
-
-                    type = 'f';
-                    value.mFloat = iter->mValue.getFloat();
-                    break;
-
-                default:
-
-                    throw std::runtime_error ("unsupported global variable type");
-            }
-
-            mVariables.insert (std::make_pair (iter->mId, std::make_pair (type, value)));
+            mVariables.insert (std::make_pair (iter->mId, iter->mValue));
         }
     }
 
-    const Globals::Data& Globals::operator[] (const std::string& name) const
+    const ESM::Variant& Globals::operator[] (const std::string& name) const
     {
-        Collection::const_iterator iter = find (name);
-
-        return iter->second.second;
+        return find (name)->second;
     }
 
-    Globals::Data& Globals::operator[] (const std::string& name)
+    ESM::Variant& Globals::operator[] (const std::string& name)
     {
-        Collection::iterator iter = find (name);
-
-        return iter->second.second;
-    }
-
-    void Globals::setInt (const std::string& name, int value)
-    {
-        Collection::iterator iter = find (name);
-
-        switch (iter->second.first)
-        {
-            case 's': iter->second.second.mShort = value; break;
-            case 'l': iter->second.second.mLong = value; break;
-            case 'f': iter->second.second.mFloat = value; break;
-
-            default: throw std::runtime_error ("unsupported global variable type");
-        }
-    }
-
-    void Globals::setFloat (const std::string& name, float value)
-    {
-        Collection::iterator iter = find (name);
-
-        switch (iter->second.first)
-        {
-            case 's': iter->second.second.mShort = value; break;
-            case 'l': iter->second.second.mLong = value; break;
-            case 'f': iter->second.second.mFloat = value; break;
-
-            default: throw std::runtime_error ("unsupported global variable type");
-        }
-    }
-
-    int Globals::getInt (const std::string& name) const
-    {
-        Collection::const_iterator iter = find (name);
-
-        switch (iter->second.first)
-        {
-            case 's': return iter->second.second.mShort;
-            case 'l': return iter->second.second.mLong;
-            case 'f': return iter->second.second.mFloat;
-
-            default: throw std::runtime_error ("unsupported global variable type");
-        }
-    }
-
-    float Globals::getFloat (const std::string& name) const
-    {
-        Collection::const_iterator iter = find (name);
-
-        switch (iter->second.first)
-        {
-            case 's': return iter->second.second.mShort;
-            case 'l': return iter->second.second.mLong;
-            case 'f': return iter->second.second.mFloat;
-
-            default: throw std::runtime_error ("unsupported global variable type");
-        }
+        return find (name)->second;
     }
 
     char Globals::getType (const std::string& name) const
@@ -153,7 +62,48 @@ namespace MWWorld
         if (iter==mVariables.end())
             return ' ';
 
-        return iter->second.first;
+        switch (iter->second.getType())
+        {
+            case ESM::VT_Short: return 's';
+            case ESM::VT_Long: return 'l';
+            case ESM::VT_Float: return 'f';
+
+            default: return ' ';
+        }
+    }
+
+    int Globals::countSavedGameRecords() const
+    {
+        return mVariables.size();
+    }
+
+    void Globals::write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+    {
+        for (Collection::const_iterator iter (mVariables.begin()); iter!=mVariables.end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_GLOB);
+            writer.writeHNString ("NAME", iter->first);
+            iter->second.write (writer, ESM::Variant::Format_Global);
+            writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_GLOB);
+        }
+    }
+
+    bool Globals::readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader,  int32_t type)
+    {
+        if (type==ESM::REC_GLOB)
+        {
+            std::string id = reader.getHNString ("NAME");
+
+            Collection::iterator iter = mVariables.find (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (id));
+
+            if (iter!=mVariables.end())
+                iter->second.read (reader, ESM::Variant::Format_Global);
+            else
+                reader.skipHRecord();
+
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
     }
 }
-
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.hpp
index 681bd560e..8f521c8a6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/globals.hpp
@@ -5,7 +5,16 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <map>
 
+#include <libs/platform/stdint.h>
+
 #include <components/interpreter/types.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/variant.hpp>
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMWriter;
+    class ESMReader;
+}
 
 namespace MWWorld
 {
@@ -13,49 +22,37 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     class Globals
     {
-        public:
-        
-            union Data
-            {
-                Interpreter::Type_Float mFloat;
-                Interpreter::Type_Float mLong; // Why Morrowind, why? :(
-                Interpreter::Type_Float mShort;
-            };
-        
-            typedef std::map<std::string, std::pair<char, Data> > Collection;
-        
         private:
-        
+
+            typedef std::map<std::string, ESM::Variant> Collection;
+
             Collection mVariables; // type, value
-        
+
             Collection::const_iterator find (const std::string& name) const;
 
             Collection::iterator find (const std::string& name);
-        
-        public:
-        
-            Globals (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store);
-        
-            const Data& operator[] (const std::string& name) const;
 
-            Data& operator[] (const std::string& name);
-            
-            void setInt (const std::string& name, int value);
-            ///< Set value independently from real type.
-            
-            void setFloat (const std::string& name, float value);
-            ///< Set value independently from real type.
-            
-            int getInt (const std::string& name) const;
-            ///< Get value independently from real type.
-                
-            float getFloat (const std::string& name) const;
-            ///< Get value independently from real type.
-            
+        public:
+
+            const ESM::Variant& operator[] (const std::string& name) const;
+
+            ESM::Variant& operator[] (const std::string& name);
+
             char getType (const std::string& name) const;
             ///< If there is no global variable with this name, ' ' is returned.
 
-            std::vector<std::string> getGlobals () const;
+            void fill (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store);
+            ///< Replace variables with variables from \a store with default values.
+
+            int countSavedGameRecords() const;
+
+            void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+            bool readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type);
+            ///< Records for variables that do not exist are dropped silently.
+            ///
+            /// \return Known type?
+
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.cpp
index 5da871d9d..e6dfe7a3e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.cpp
@@ -49,6 +49,21 @@ void MWWorld::InventoryStore::initSlots (TSlots& slots_)
         slots_.push_back (end());
 }
 
+int MWWorld::InventoryStore::getSlot (const MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase& ref) const
+{
+    for (int i = 0; i<static_cast<int> (mSlots.size()); ++i)
+        if (mSlots[i].getType()!=-1 && mSlots[i]->getBase()==&ref)
+            return i;
+
+    return -1;
+}
+
+void MWWorld::InventoryStore::setSlot (const MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator& iter, int slot)
+{
+    if (iter!=end() && slot>=0 && slot<Slots)
+        mSlots[slot] = iter;
+}
+
 MWWorld::InventoryStore::InventoryStore()
  : mSelectedEnchantItem(end())
  , mUpdatesEnabled (true)
@@ -637,3 +652,10 @@ void MWWorld::InventoryStore::purgeEffect(short effectId)
 {
     mMagicEffects.add(MWMechanics::EffectKey(effectId), -mMagicEffects.get(MWMechanics::EffectKey(effectId)).mMagnitude);
 }
+
+void MWWorld::InventoryStore::clear()
+{
+    mSlots.clear();
+    initSlots (mSlots);
+    ContainerStore::clear();
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.hpp
index d97bdf365..868f3e517 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/inventorystore.hpp
@@ -105,6 +105,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             void fireEquipmentChangedEvent();
 
+            virtual int getSlot (const MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase& ref) const;
+            ///< Return inventory slot that \a ref is in or -1 (if \a ref is not in a slot).
+
+            virtual void setSlot (const MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator& iter, int slot);
+            ///< Set slot for \a iter. Ignored if \a iter is an end iterator or if slot==-1.
+
         public:
 
             InventoryStore();
@@ -187,6 +193,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             void purgeEffect (short effectId);
             ///< Remove a magic effect
+
+            virtual void clear();
+            ///< Empty container.
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/livecellref.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/livecellref.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d71704fd7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/livecellref.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+
+#include "livecellref.hpp"
+
+#include <components/esm/objectstate.hpp>
+
+#include "ptr.hpp"
+#include "class.hpp"
+
+void MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase::loadImp (const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+{
+    mRef = state.mRef;
+    mData = RefData (state);
+    Ptr ptr (this);
+    mClass->readAdditionalState (ptr, state);
+}
+
+void MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase::saveImp (ESM::ObjectState& state) const
+{
+    state.mRef = mRef;
+    mData.write (state);
+    /// \todo get rid of this cast once const-correct Ptr are available
+    Ptr ptr (const_cast<LiveCellRefBase *> (this));
+    mClass->writeAdditionalState (ptr, state);
+}
+
+bool MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase::checkStateImp (const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+{
+    return true;
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/livecellref.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/livecellref.hpp
index 415351e78..b2089fa7a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/livecellref.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/livecellref.hpp
@@ -7,6 +7,11 @@
 
 #include "refdata.hpp"
 
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ObjectState;
+}
+
 namespace MWWorld
 {
     class Ptr;
@@ -29,8 +34,39 @@ namespace MWWorld
         LiveCellRefBase(std::string type, const ESM::CellRef &cref=ESM::CellRef());
         /* Need this for the class to be recognized as polymorphic */
         virtual ~LiveCellRefBase() { }
+
+        virtual void load (const ESM::ObjectState& state) = 0;
+        ///< Load state into a LiveCellRef, that has already been initialised with base and class.
+        ///
+        /// \attention Must not be called with an invalid \a state.
+
+        virtual void save (ESM::ObjectState& state) const = 0;
+        ///< Save LiveCellRef state into \a state.
+
+        protected:
+
+            void loadImp (const ESM::ObjectState& state);
+            ///< Load state into a LiveCellRef, that has already been initialised with base and
+            /// class.
+            ///
+            /// \attention Must not be called with an invalid \a state.
+
+            void saveImp (ESM::ObjectState& state) const;
+            ///< Save LiveCellRef state into \a state.
+
+            static bool checkStateImp (const ESM::ObjectState& state);
+            ///< Check if state is valid and report errors.
+            ///
+            /// \return Valid?
+            ///
+            /// \note Does not check if the RefId exists.
     };
 
+    inline bool operator== (const LiveCellRefBase& cellRef, const ESM::CellRef::RefNum refNum)
+    {
+        return cellRef.mRef.mRefNum==refNum;
+    }
+
     /// A reference to one object (of any type) in a cell.
     ///
     /// Constructing this with a CellRef instance in the constructor means that
@@ -50,9 +86,41 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         // The object that this instance is based on.
         const X* mBase;
+
+        virtual void load (const ESM::ObjectState& state);
+        ///< Load state into a LiveCellRef, that has already been initialised with base and class.
+        ///
+        /// \attention Must not be called with an invalid \a state.
+
+        virtual void save (ESM::ObjectState& state) const;
+        ///< Save LiveCellRef state into \a state.
+
+        static bool checkState (const ESM::ObjectState& state);
+        ///< Check if state is valid and report errors.
+        ///
+        /// \return Valid?
+        ///
+        /// \note Does not check if the RefId exists.
     };
 
-//    template<typename X> bool operator==(const LiveCellRef<X>& ref, int pRefnum);
+    template <typename X>
+    void LiveCellRef<X>::load (const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+    {
+        loadImp (state);
+    }
+
+    template <typename X>
+    void LiveCellRef<X>::save (ESM::ObjectState& state) const
+    {
+        saveImp (state);
+    }
+
+    template <typename X>
+    bool LiveCellRef<X>::checkState (const ESM::ObjectState& state)
+    {
+        return checkStateImp (state);
+    }
+
 }
 
 #endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/localscripts.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/localscripts.cpp
index 5ec5ca9b5..997e9e32c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/localscripts.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/localscripts.cpp
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ namespace
 {
     template<typename T>
     void listCellScripts (MWWorld::LocalScripts& localScripts,
-        MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& cellRefList,  MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cell)
+        MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& cellRefList,  MWWorld::CellStore *cell)
     {
         for (typename MWWorld::CellRefList<T>::List::iterator iter (
             cellRefList.mList.begin());
@@ -27,15 +27,15 @@ namespace
     // Adds scripts for items in containers (containers/npcs/creatures)
     template<typename T>
     void listCellScriptsCont (MWWorld::LocalScripts& localScripts,
-        MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& cellRefList,  MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cell)
+        MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& cellRefList,  MWWorld::CellStore *cell)
     {
         for (typename MWWorld::CellRefList<T>::List::iterator iter (
             cellRefList.mList.begin());
             iter!=cellRefList.mList.end(); ++iter)
         {
-           
-            MWWorld::Ptr containerPtr (&*iter, cell); 
-            
+
+            MWWorld::Ptr containerPtr (&*iter, cell);
+
             MWWorld::ContainerStore& container = MWWorld::Class::get(containerPtr).getContainerStore(containerPtr);
             for(MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator it3 = container.begin(); it3 != container.end(); ++it3)
             {
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ void MWWorld::LocalScripts::add (const std::string& scriptName, const Ptr& ptr)
     }
 }
 
-void MWWorld::LocalScripts::addCell (Ptr::CellStore *cell)
+void MWWorld::LocalScripts::addCell (CellStore *cell)
 {
     listCellScripts (*this, cell->mActivators, cell);
     listCellScripts (*this, cell->mPotions, cell);
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ void MWWorld::LocalScripts::clear()
     mScripts.clear();
 }
 
-void MWWorld::LocalScripts::clearCell (Ptr::CellStore *cell)
+void MWWorld::LocalScripts::clearCell (CellStore *cell)
 {
     std::list<std::pair<std::string, Ptr> >::iterator iter = mScripts.begin();
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/manualref.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/manualref.hpp
index 0b21fd78b..0e21c55ac 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/manualref.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/manualref.hpp
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
                 {
                     LiveCellRef<T> ref;
                     ref.mBase = instance;
+                    ref.mRef.mRefNum.mIndex = 0;
+                    ref.mRef.mRefNum.mContentFile = -1;
 
                     mRef = ref;
                     mPtr = Ptr (&boost::any_cast<LiveCellRef<T>&> (mRef), 0);
@@ -64,8 +66,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
                 // initialise
                 ESM::CellRef& cellRef = mPtr.getCellRef();
-                cellRef.mRefID = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(name);
-                cellRef.mRefnum = -1;
+                cellRef.mRefID = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (name);
+                cellRef.mRefNum.mIndex = 0;
+                cellRef.mRefNum.mContentFile = -1;
                 cellRef.mScale = 1;
                 cellRef.mFactIndex = 0;
                 cellRef.mCharge = -1;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp
index 3ea6c62f8..c1cce84fc 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,13 @@
 
 #include "player.hpp"
 
+#include <stdexcept>
+
+#include <components/esm/esmreader.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/esmwriter.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/player.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/defs.hpp>
+
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
@@ -34,9 +41,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
     void Player::set(const ESM::NPC *player)
     {
         mPlayer.mBase = player;
-
-        float* playerPos = mPlayer.mData.getPosition().pos;
-        playerPos[0] = playerPos[1] = playerPos[2] = 0;
     }
 
     void Player::setCell (MWWorld::CellStore *cellStore)
@@ -171,4 +175,102 @@ namespace MWWorld
         if (mMarkedCell)
             markedPosition = mMarkedPosition;
     }
+
+    void Player::clear()
+    {
+        mCellStore = 0;
+        mSign.clear();
+        mMarkedCell = 0;
+        mAutoMove = false;
+        mForwardBackward = 0;
+        mTeleported = false;
+    }
+
+    void Player::write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+    {
+        ESM::Player player;
+
+        mPlayer.save (player.mObject);
+        player.mCellId = mCellStore->mCell->getCellId();
+
+        player.mBirthsign = mSign;
+
+        player.mLastKnownExteriorPosition[0] = mLastKnownExteriorPosition.x;
+        player.mLastKnownExteriorPosition[1] = mLastKnownExteriorPosition.y;
+        player.mLastKnownExteriorPosition[2] = mLastKnownExteriorPosition.z;
+
+        if (mMarkedCell)
+        {
+            player.mHasMark = true;
+            player.mMarkedPosition = mMarkedPosition;
+            player.mMarkedCell = mMarkedCell->mCell->getCellId();
+        }
+        else
+            player.mHasMark = false;
+
+        player.mAutoMove = mAutoMove ? 1 : 0;
+
+        writer.startRecord (ESM::REC_PLAY);
+        player.save (writer);
+        writer.endRecord (ESM::REC_PLAY);
+    }
+
+    bool Player::readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type)
+    {
+        if (type==ESM::REC_PLAY)
+        {
+            ESM::Player player;
+            player.load (reader);
+
+            if (!mPlayer.checkState (player.mObject))
+            {
+                // this is the one object we can not silently drop.
+                throw std::runtime_error ("invalid player state record (object state)");
+            }
+
+            mPlayer.load (player.mObject);
+
+            MWBase::World& world = *MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
+
+            mCellStore = world.getCell (player.mCellId);
+
+            if (!player.mBirthsign.empty() &&
+                !world.getStore().get<ESM::BirthSign>().search (player.mBirthsign))
+                throw std::runtime_error ("invalid player state record (birthsign)");
+
+            mSign = player.mBirthsign;
+
+            mLastKnownExteriorPosition.x = player.mLastKnownExteriorPosition[0];
+            mLastKnownExteriorPosition.y = player.mLastKnownExteriorPosition[1];
+            mLastKnownExteriorPosition.z = player.mLastKnownExteriorPosition[2];
+
+            if (player.mHasMark && !player.mMarkedCell.mPaged)
+            {
+                // interior cell -> need to check if it exists (exterior cell will be
+                // generated on the fly)
+
+                if (!world.getStore().get<ESM::Cell>().search (player.mMarkedCell.mWorldspace))
+                    player.mHasMark = false; // drop mark silently
+            }
+
+            if (player.mHasMark)
+            {
+                mMarkedPosition = player.mMarkedPosition;
+                mMarkedCell = world.getCell (player.mMarkedCell);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                mMarkedCell = 0;
+            }
+
+            mAutoMove = player.mAutoMove!=0;
+
+            mForwardBackward = 0;
+            mTeleported = false;
+
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.hpp
index 1df848111..7eb023a2b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.hpp
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@
 namespace ESM
 {
     struct NPC;
+    class ESMWriter;
+    class ESMReader;
 }
 
 namespace MWBase
@@ -86,6 +88,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         bool wasTeleported() const;
         void setTeleported(bool teleported);
+
+        void clear();
+
+        void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+        bool readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type);
     };
 }
 #endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.cpp
index 384bd71b1..67bfe4900 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.cpp
@@ -21,6 +21,14 @@ const std::string& MWWorld::Ptr::getTypeName() const
     throw std::runtime_error("Can't get type name from an empty object.");
 }
 
+MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase *MWWorld::Ptr::getBase() const
+{
+    if (!mRef)
+        throw std::runtime_error ("Can't access cell ref pointed to by null Ptr");
+
+    return mRef;
+}
+
 ESM::CellRef& MWWorld::Ptr::getCellRef() const
 {
     assert(mRef);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.hpp
index e5352da28..1212619d0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/ptr.hpp
@@ -14,9 +14,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
         public:
 
-            typedef MWWorld::CellStore CellStore;
-            ///< \deprecated
-
             MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase *mRef;
             CellStore *mCell;
             ContainerStore *mContainerStore;
@@ -55,11 +52,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
                 throw std::runtime_error(str.str());
             }
 
+            MWWorld::LiveCellRefBase *getBase() const;
+
             ESM::CellRef& getCellRef() const;
 
             RefData& getRefData() const;
 
-            Ptr::CellStore *getCell() const
+            CellStore *getCell() const
             {
                 assert(mCell);
                 return mCell;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp
index c1a3ae785..8d48078b1 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 
 #include <OgreSceneNode.h>
 
+#include <components/esm/objectstate.hpp>
+
 #include "customdata.hpp"
 #include "cellstore.hpp"
 
@@ -32,6 +34,17 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mCustomData = 0;
     }
 
+    RefData::RefData()
+    : mBaseNode(0), mHasLocals (false), mEnabled (true), mCount (1), mCustomData (0)
+    {
+        for (int i=0; i<3; ++i)
+        {
+            mLocalRotation.rot[i] = 0;
+            mPosition.pos[i] = 0;
+            mPosition.rot[i] = 0;
+        }
+    }
+
     RefData::RefData (const ESM::CellRef& cellRef)
     : mBaseNode(0), mHasLocals (false), mEnabled (true), mCount (1), mPosition (cellRef.mPos),
       mCustomData (0)
@@ -41,6 +54,14 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mLocalRotation.rot[2]=0;
     }
 
+    RefData::RefData (const ESM::ObjectState& objectState)
+    : mBaseNode (0), mHasLocals (false), mEnabled (objectState.mEnabled),
+      mCount (objectState.mCount), mPosition (objectState.mPosition), mCustomData (0)
+    {
+        for (int i=0; i<3; ++i)
+            mLocalRotation.rot[i] = objectState.mLocalRotation[i];
+    }
+
     RefData::RefData (const RefData& refData)
     : mBaseNode(0), mCustomData (0)
     {
@@ -55,6 +76,17 @@ namespace MWWorld
         }
     }
 
+    void RefData::write (ESM::ObjectState& objectState) const
+    {
+        objectState.mHasLocals = false;
+        objectState.mEnabled = mEnabled;
+        objectState.mCount = mCount;
+        objectState.mPosition = mPosition;
+
+        for (int i=0; i<3; ++i)
+            objectState.mLocalRotation[i] = mLocalRotation.rot[i];
+    }
+
     RefData& RefData::operator= (const RefData& refData)
     {
         try
@@ -88,7 +120,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             static const std::string empty;
             return empty;
         }
-            
+
         return mBaseNode->getName();
     }
 
@@ -120,7 +152,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
         if(count == 0)
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->removeRefScript(this);
-        
+
         mCount = count;
     }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp
index d5701efc5..d9f5697bd 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ namespace ESM
 {
     class Script;
     class CellRef;
+    class ObjectState;
 }
 
 namespace MWWorld
@@ -48,15 +49,25 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         public:
 
+            RefData();
+
             /// @param cellRef Used to copy constant data such as position into this class where it can
             /// be altered without effecting the original data. This makes it possible
             /// to reset the position as the orignal data is still held in the CellRef
             RefData (const ESM::CellRef& cellRef);
 
+            RefData (const ESM::ObjectState& objectState);
+            ///< Ignores local variables and custom data (not enough context available here to
+            /// perform these operations).
+
             RefData (const RefData& refData);
 
             ~RefData();
 
+            void write (ESM::ObjectState& objectState) const;
+            ///< Ignores local variables and custom data (not enough context available here to
+            /// perform these operations).
+
             RefData& operator= (const RefData& refData);
 
             /// Return OGRE handle (may be empty).
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
index 0d5fb0560..167adf301 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mActiveCells.erase(*iter);
     }
 
-    void Scene::loadCell (Ptr::CellStore *cell, Loading::Listener* loadingListener)
+    void Scene::loadCell (CellStore *cell, Loading::Listener* loadingListener)
     {
         std::pair<CellStoreCollection::iterator, bool> result = mActiveCells.insert(cell);
 
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getLocalScripts().addCell (cell);
     }
 
-    void Scene::playerCellChange(MWWorld::CellStore *cell, const ESM::Position& pos, bool adjustPlayerPos)
+    void Scene::playerCellChange(CellStore *cell, const ESM::Position& pos, bool adjustPlayerPos)
     {
         MWBase::World *world = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld();
         MWWorld::Ptr old = world->getPlayerPtr();
@@ -441,7 +441,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         changeCell (x, y, position, true);
     }
 
-    Ptr::CellStore* Scene::getCurrentCell ()
+    CellStore* Scene::getCurrentCell ()
     {
         return mCurrentCell;
     }
@@ -451,7 +451,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mCellChanged = false;
     }
 
-    int Scene::countRefs (const Ptr::CellStore& cell)
+    int Scene::countRefs (const CellStore& cell)
     {
         return cell.mActivators.mList.size()
                 + cell.mPotions.mList.size()
@@ -475,7 +475,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
                 + cell.mNpcs.mList.size();
     }
 
-    void Scene::insertCell (Ptr::CellStore &cell, bool rescale, Loading::Listener* loadingListener)
+    void Scene::insertCell (CellStore &cell, bool rescale, Loading::Listener* loadingListener)
     {
         // Loop through all references in the cell
         insertCellRefList(mRendering, cell.mActivators, cell, *mPhysics, rescale, loadingListener);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp
index 73c3c4b12..665274831 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp
@@ -56,9 +56,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
             void playerCellChange (CellStore *cell, const ESM::Position& position,
                 bool adjustPlayerPos = true);
 
-            void insertCell (Ptr::CellStore &cell, bool rescale, Loading::Listener* loadingListener);
+            void insertCell (CellStore &cell, bool rescale, Loading::Listener* loadingListener);
 
-            int countRefs (const Ptr::CellStore& cell);
+            int countRefs (const CellStore& cell);
 
         public:
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp
index 8e4c5ecef..1156cbc15 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ void Store<ESM::Cell>::load(ESM::ESMReader &esm, const std::string &id)
     //  and we merge all this data into one Cell object. However, we can't simply search for the cell id,
     //  as many exterior cells do not have a name. Instead, we need to search by (x,y) coordinates - and they
     //  are not available until both cells have been loaded! So first, proceed as usual.
-    
+
     // All cells have a name record, even nameless exterior cells.
     std::string idLower = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(id);
     ESM::Cell *cell = new ESM::Cell;
@@ -30,13 +30,14 @@ void Store<ESM::Cell>::load(ESM::ESMReader &esm, const std::string &id)
 
         // Get regular moved reference data. Adapted from CellStore::loadRefs. Maybe we can optimize the following
         //  implementation when the oher implementation works as well.
-        cell->getNextRef(esm, ref);
+        bool deleted = false;
+        cell->getNextRef(esm, ref, deleted);
 
         // Add data required to make reference appear in the correct cell.
         // We should not need to test for duplicates, as this part of the code is pre-cell merge.
         cell->mMovedRefs.push_back(cMRef);
         // But there may be duplicates here!
-        ESM::CellRefTracker::iterator iter = std::find(cellAlt->mLeasedRefs.begin(), cellAlt->mLeasedRefs.end(), ref.mRefnum);
+        ESM::CellRefTracker::iterator iter = std::find(cellAlt->mLeasedRefs.begin(), cellAlt->mLeasedRefs.end(), ref.mRefNum);
         if (iter == cellAlt->mLeasedRefs.end())
           cellAlt->mLeasedRefs.push_back(ref);
         else
@@ -72,11 +73,11 @@ void Store<ESM::Cell>::load(ESM::ESMReader &esm, const std::string &id)
             // merge lists of leased references, use newer data in case of conflict
             for (ESM::MovedCellRefTracker::const_iterator it = cell->mMovedRefs.begin(); it != cell->mMovedRefs.end(); ++it) {
                 // remove reference from current leased ref tracker and add it to new cell
-                ESM::MovedCellRefTracker::iterator itold = std::find(oldcell->mMovedRefs.begin(), oldcell->mMovedRefs.end(), it->mRefnum);
+                ESM::MovedCellRefTracker::iterator itold = std::find(oldcell->mMovedRefs.begin(), oldcell->mMovedRefs.end(), it->mRefNum);
                 if (itold != oldcell->mMovedRefs.end()) {
                     ESM::MovedCellRef target0 = *itold;
                     ESM::Cell *wipecell = const_cast<ESM::Cell*>(search(target0.mTarget[0], target0.mTarget[1]));
-                    ESM::CellRefTracker::iterator it_lease = std::find(wipecell->mLeasedRefs.begin(), wipecell->mLeasedRefs.end(), it->mRefnum);
+                    ESM::CellRefTracker::iterator it_lease = std::find(wipecell->mLeasedRefs.begin(), wipecell->mLeasedRefs.end(), it->mRefNum);
                     wipecell->mLeasedRefs.erase(it_lease);
                     *itold = *it;
                 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.hpp
index c25197319..7bd00d6bf 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.hpp
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
 #include <map>
 #include <stdexcept>
 
+#include <components/esm/esmwriter.hpp>
+
 #include "recordcmp.hpp"
 
 namespace MWWorld
@@ -18,10 +20,16 @@ namespace MWWorld
         virtual void listIdentifier(std::vector<std::string> &list) const {}
 
         virtual size_t getSize() const = 0;
+        virtual int getDynamicSize() const { return 0; }
         virtual void load(ESM::ESMReader &esm, const std::string &id) = 0;
 
         virtual bool eraseStatic(const std::string &id) {return false;}
         virtual void clearDynamic() {}
+
+        virtual void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const {}
+
+        virtual void read (ESM::ESMReader& reader) {}
+        ///< Read into dynamic storage
     };
 
     template <class T>
@@ -193,6 +201,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         void setUp() {
             //std::sort(mStatic.begin(), mStatic.end(), RecordCmp());
 
+            mShared.clear();
             mShared.reserve(mStatic.size());
             typename std::map<std::string, T>::iterator it = mStatic.begin();
             for (; it != mStatic.end(); ++it) {
@@ -212,6 +221,11 @@ namespace MWWorld
             return mShared.size();
         }
 
+        int getDynamicSize() const
+        {
+            return mDynamic.size();
+        }
+
         void listIdentifier(std::vector<std::string> &list) const {
             list.reserve(list.size() + getSize());
             typename std::vector<T *>::const_iterator it = mShared.begin();
@@ -290,8 +304,42 @@ namespace MWWorld
         bool erase(const T &item) {
             return erase(item.mId);
         }
+
+        void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+        {
+            for (typename Dynamic::const_iterator iter (mDynamic.begin()); iter!=mDynamic.end();
+                 ++iter)
+            {
+                writer.startRecord (T::sRecordId);
+                writer.writeHNString ("NAME", iter->second.mId);
+                iter->second.save (writer);
+                writer.endRecord (T::sRecordId);
+            }
+        }
+
+        void read (ESM::ESMReader& reader)
+        {
+            T record;
+            record.mId = reader.getHNString ("NAME");
+            record.load (reader);
+            insert (record);
+        }
     };
 
+    template <>
+    inline void Store<ESM::NPC>::clearDynamic()
+    {
+        std::map<std::string, ESM::NPC>::iterator iter = mDynamic.begin();
+
+        while (iter!=mDynamic.end())
+            if (iter->first=="player")
+                ++iter;
+            else
+                mDynamic.erase (iter++);
+
+        mShared.clear();
+    }
+
     template <>
     inline void Store<ESM::Dialogue>::load(ESM::ESMReader &esm, const std::string &id) {
         std::string idLower = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(id);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
index 340c2fa58..4e240195a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
 #include <components/bsa/bsa_archive.hpp>
 #include <components/files/collections.hpp>
 #include <components/compiler/locals.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/cellid.hpp>
 
 #include <boost/math/special_functions/sign.hpp>
 
@@ -21,7 +22,6 @@
 #include "../mwbase/soundmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
-#include "../mwbase/scriptmanager.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp"
 #include "../mwmechanics/movement.hpp"
@@ -50,30 +50,6 @@ using namespace Ogre;
 
 namespace
 {
-/*  // NOTE this code is never instantiated (proper copy in localscripts.cpp),
-    //      so this commented out to not produce syntactic errors
-
-    template<typename T>
-    void listCellScripts (const MWWorld::ESMStore& store,
-        MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& cellRefList, MWWorld::LocalScripts& localScripts,
-        MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore *cell)
-    {
-        for (typename MWWorld::CellRefList<T>::List::iterator iter (
-            cellRefList.mList.begin());
-            iter!=cellRefList.mList.end(); ++iter)
-        {
-            if (!iter->mBase->mScript.empty() && iter->mData.getCount())
-            {
-                if (const ESM::Script *script = store.get<ESM::Script>().find (iter->mBase->mScript))
-                {
-                    iter->mData.setLocals (*script);
-
-                    localScripts.add (iter->mBase->mScript, MWWorld::Ptr (&*iter, cell));
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-*/
     template<typename T>
     MWWorld::LiveCellRef<T> *searchViaHandle (const std::string& handle,
         MWWorld::CellRefList<T>& refList)
@@ -127,7 +103,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
           LoadersContainer mLoaders;
     };
 
-    Ptr World::getPtrViaHandle (const std::string& handle, Ptr::CellStore& cell)
+    Ptr World::getPtrViaHandle (const std::string& handle, CellStore& cell)
     {
         if (MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::Activator> *ref =
             searchViaHandle (handle, cell.mActivators))
@@ -198,9 +174,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
         if (mSky && (isCellExterior() || isCellQuasiExterior()))
         {
-            mRendering->skySetHour (mGlobalVariables->getFloat ("gamehour"));
-            mRendering->skySetDate (mGlobalVariables->getInt ("day"),
-                mGlobalVariables->getInt ("month"));
+            mRendering->skySetHour (mGlobalVariables["gamehour"].getFloat());
+            mRendering->skySetDate (mGlobalVariables["day"].getInteger(),
+                mGlobalVariables["month"].getInteger());
 
             mRendering->skyEnable();
         }
@@ -213,11 +189,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
         const std::vector<std::string>& contentFiles,
         const boost::filesystem::path& resDir, const boost::filesystem::path& cacheDir,
         ToUTF8::Utf8Encoder* encoder, const std::map<std::string,std::string>& fallbackMap, int mActivationDistanceOverride)
-    : mPlayer (0), mLocalScripts (mStore), mGlobalVariables (0),
+    : mPlayer (0), mLocalScripts (mStore),
       mSky (true), mCells (mStore, mEsm),
       mActivationDistanceOverride (mActivationDistanceOverride),
-      mFallback(fallbackMap), mPlayIntro(0), mTeleportEnabled(true), mLevitationEnabled(false),
-      mFacedDistance(FLT_MAX), mGodMode(false), mGoToJail(false)
+      mFallback(fallbackMap), mPlayIntro(0), mTeleportEnabled(true), mLevitationEnabled(true),
+      mFacedDistance(FLT_MAX), mGodMode(false), mContentFiles (contentFiles),
+      mGoToJail(false)
     {
         mPhysics = new PhysicsSystem(renderer);
         mPhysEngine = mPhysics->getEngine();
@@ -253,7 +230,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mStore.setUp();
         mStore.movePlayerRecord();
 
-        mGlobalVariables = new Globals (mStore);
+        mGlobalVariables.fill (mStore);
 
         mWorldScene = new Scene(*mRendering, mPhysics);
     }
@@ -263,29 +240,15 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mGoToJail = false;
         mLevitationEnabled = true;
         mTeleportEnabled = true;
-        mWorldScene->changeToVoid();
-
-        mStore.clearDynamic();
-        mStore.setUp();
-
-        mCells.clear();
 
         // Rebuild player
         setupPlayer();
-        mPlayer->setCell(NULL);
-        MWWorld::Ptr player = mPlayer->getPlayer();
-
-        // removes NpcStats, ContainerStore etc
-        player.getRefData().setCustomData(NULL);
 
         renderPlayer();
-        mRendering->resetCamera();
-
-        // make sure to do this so that local scripts from items that were in the players inventory are removed
-        mLocalScripts.clear();
 
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->updatePlayer();
 
+        // FIXME: this will add cell 0,0 as visible on the global map
         ESM::Position pos;
         const int cellSize = 8192;
         pos.pos[0] = cellSize/2;
@@ -296,29 +259,82 @@ namespace MWWorld
         pos.rot[2] = 0;
         mWorldScene->changeToExteriorCell(pos);
 
-
-        // enable collision
-        if(!mPhysics->toggleCollisionMode())
-            mPhysics->toggleCollisionMode();
-
         // FIXME: should be set to 1, but the sound manager won't pause newly started sounds
         mPlayIntro = 2;
 
-        // global variables
-        delete mGlobalVariables;
-        mGlobalVariables = new Globals (mStore);
-
         // set new game mark
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt ("chargenstate", 1);
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt ("pcrace", 3);
+        mGlobalVariables["chargenstate"].setInteger (1);
+        mGlobalVariables["pcrace"].setInteger (3);
 
         // we don't want old weather to persist on a new game
         delete mWeatherManager;
+        mWeatherManager = 0;
         mWeatherManager = new MWWorld::WeatherManager(mRendering,&mFallback);
-
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getScriptManager()->resetGlobalScripts();
     }
 
+    void World::clear()
+    {
+        mLocalScripts.clear();
+        mPlayer->clear();
+
+        // enable collision
+        if (!mPhysics->toggleCollisionMode())
+            mPhysics->toggleCollisionMode();
+
+        mWorldScene->changeToVoid();
+
+        mStore.clearDynamic();
+        mStore.setUp();
+
+        if (mPlayer)
+        {
+            mPlayer->setCell (0);
+            mPlayer->getPlayer().getRefData() = RefData();
+            mPlayer->set (mStore.get<ESM::NPC>().find ("player"));
+        }
+
+        mCells.clear();
+
+        mProjectiles.clear();
+        mDoorStates.clear();
+
+        mGodMode = false;
+        mSky = true;
+        mTeleportEnabled = true;
+        mPlayIntro = 0;
+        mFacedDistance = FLT_MAX;
+
+        mGlobalVariables.fill (mStore);
+    }
+
+    int World::countSavedGameRecords() const
+    {
+        return
+            mStore.countSavedGameRecords()
+            +mGlobalVariables.countSavedGameRecords()
+            +1 // player record
+            +mCells.countSavedGameRecords();
+    }
+
+    void World::write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const
+    {
+        mStore.write (writer);
+        mGlobalVariables.write (writer);
+        mCells.write (writer);
+        mPlayer->write (writer);
+    }
+
+    void World::readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type,
+        const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap)
+    {
+        if (!mStore.readRecord (reader, type) &&
+            !mGlobalVariables.readRecord (reader, type) &&
+            !mPlayer->readRecord (reader, type) &&
+            !mCells.readRecord (reader, type, contentFileMap))
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error ("unknown record in saved game");
+        }
+    }
 
     void World::ensureNeededRecords()
     {
@@ -359,7 +375,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
         delete mWeatherManager;
         delete mWorldScene;
-        delete mGlobalVariables;
         delete mRendering;
         delete mPhysics;
 
@@ -393,16 +408,35 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return &mFallback;
     }
 
-    Ptr::CellStore *World::getExterior (int x, int y)
+    CellStore *World::getExterior (int x, int y)
     {
         return mCells.getExterior (x, y);
     }
 
-    Ptr::CellStore *World::getInterior (const std::string& name)
+    CellStore *World::getInterior (const std::string& name)
     {
         return mCells.getInterior (name);
     }
 
+    CellStore *World::getCell (const ESM::CellId& id)
+    {
+        if (id.mPaged)
+            return getExterior (id.mIndex.mX, id.mIndex.mY);
+        else
+            return getInterior (id.mWorldspace);
+    }
+
+    void World::useDeathCamera()
+    {
+        if(mRendering->getCamera()->isVanityOrPreviewModeEnabled() )
+        {
+            mRendering->getCamera()->togglePreviewMode(false);
+            mRendering->getCamera()->toggleVanityMode(false);
+        }
+        if(mRendering->getCamera()->isFirstPerson())
+            togglePOV();
+    }
+
     MWWorld::Player& World::getPlayer()
     {
         return *mPlayer;
@@ -428,60 +462,57 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return mWorldScene->hasCellChanged();
     }
 
-    Globals::Data& World::getGlobalVariable (const std::string& name)
+    void World::setGlobalInt (const std::string& name, int value)
     {
-        return (*mGlobalVariables)[name];
+        if (name=="gamehour")
+            setHour (value);
+        else if (name=="day")
+            setDay (value);
+        else if (name=="month")
+            setMonth (value);
+        else
+            mGlobalVariables[name].setInteger (value);
     }
 
-    Globals::Data World::getGlobalVariable (const std::string& name) const
+    void World::setGlobalFloat (const std::string& name, float value)
     {
-        return (*mGlobalVariables)[name];
+        if (name=="gamehour")
+            setHour (value);
+        else if (name=="day")
+            setDay (value);
+        else if (name=="month")
+            setMonth (value);
+        else
+            mGlobalVariables[name].setFloat (value);
+    }
+
+    int World::getGlobalInt (const std::string& name) const
+    {
+        return mGlobalVariables[name].getInteger();
+    }
+
+    float World::getGlobalFloat (const std::string& name) const
+    {
+        return mGlobalVariables[name].getFloat();
     }
 
     char World::getGlobalVariableType (const std::string& name) const
     {
-        return mGlobalVariables->getType (name);
+        return mGlobalVariables.getType (name);
     }
 
-    std::vector<std::string> World::getGlobals () const
+    std::string World::getCellName (const MWWorld::CellStore *cell) const
     {
-        return mGlobalVariables->getGlobals();
-    }
+        if (!cell)
+            cell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
 
-    std::string World::getCurrentCellName () const
-    {
-        std::string name;
+        if (!cell->mCell->isExterior() || !cell->mCell->mName.empty())
+            return cell->mCell->mName;
 
-        Ptr::CellStore *cell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
-        if (cell->mCell->isExterior())
-        {
-            if (cell->mCell->mName != "")
-            {
-                name = cell->mCell->mName;
-            }
-            else
-            {
-                const ESM::Region* region =
-                    MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Region>().search(cell->mCell->mRegion);
-                if (region)
-                    name = region->mName;
-                else
-                {
-                    const ESM::GameSetting *setting =
-                        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::GameSetting>().search("sDefaultCellname");
+        if (const ESM::Region* region = getStore().get<ESM::Region>().search (cell->mCell->mRegion))
+            return region->mName;
 
-                    if (setting && setting->mValue.getType()==ESM::VT_String)
-                        name = setting->mValue.getString();
-                }
-
-            }
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            name = cell->mCell->mName;
-        }
-
-        return name;
+        return getStore().get<ESM::GameSetting>().find ("sDefaultCellname")->mValue.getString();
     }
 
     void World::removeRefScript (MWWorld::RefData *ref)
@@ -510,7 +541,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         for (Scene::CellStoreCollection::const_iterator iter (mWorldScene->getActiveCells().begin());
             iter!=mWorldScene->getActiveCells().end(); ++iter)
         {
-            Ptr::CellStore* cellstore = *iter;
+            CellStore* cellstore = *iter;
             Ptr ptr = mCells.getPtr (lowerCaseName, *cellstore, true);
 
             if (!ptr.isEmpty())
@@ -547,7 +578,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         for (Scene::CellStoreCollection::const_iterator iter (mWorldScene->getActiveCells().begin());
             iter!=mWorldScene->getActiveCells().end(); ++iter)
         {
-            Ptr::CellStore* cellstore = *iter;
+            CellStore* cellstore = *iter;
             Ptr ptr = getPtrViaHandle (handle, *cellstore);
 
             if (!ptr.isEmpty())
@@ -557,7 +588,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return MWWorld::Ptr();
     }
 
-    void World::addContainerScripts(const Ptr& reference, Ptr::CellStore * cell)
+    void World::addContainerScripts(const Ptr& reference, CellStore * cell)
     {
         if( reference.getTypeName()==typeid (ESM::Container).name() ||
             reference.getTypeName()==typeid (ESM::NPC).name() ||
@@ -624,14 +655,15 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         mWeatherManager->advanceTime (hours);
 
-        hours += mGlobalVariables->getFloat ("gamehour");
+        hours += mGlobalVariables["gamehour"].getFloat();
 
         setHour (hours);
 
         int days = hours / 24;
 
         if (days>0)
-            mGlobalVariables->setInt ("dayspassed", days + mGlobalVariables->getInt ("dayspassed"));
+            mGlobalVariables["dayspassed"].setInteger (
+                days + mGlobalVariables["dayspassed"].getInteger());
     }
 
     void World::setHour (double hour)
@@ -643,14 +675,14 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         hour = std::fmod (hour, 24);
 
-        mGlobalVariables->setFloat ("gamehour", hour);
+        mGlobalVariables["gamehour"].setFloat (hour);
 
         mRendering->skySetHour (hour);
 
         mWeatherManager->setHour (hour);
 
         if (days>0)
-            setDay (days + mGlobalVariables->getInt ("day"));
+            setDay (days + mGlobalVariables["day"].getInteger());
     }
 
     void World::setDay (int day)
@@ -658,7 +690,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         if (day<1)
             day = 1;
 
-        int month = mGlobalVariables->getInt ("month");
+        int month = mGlobalVariables["month"].getInteger();
 
         while (true)
         {
@@ -673,14 +705,14 @@ namespace MWWorld
             else
             {
                 month = 0;
-                mGlobalVariables->setInt ("year", mGlobalVariables->getInt ("year")+1);
+                mGlobalVariables["year"].setInteger (mGlobalVariables["year"].getInteger()+1);
             }
 
             day -= days;
         }
 
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt ("day", day);
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt ("month", month);
+        mGlobalVariables["day"].setInteger (day);
+        mGlobalVariables["month"].setInteger (month);
 
         mRendering->skySetDate (day, month);
 
@@ -697,31 +729,56 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         int days = getDaysPerMonth (month);
 
-        if (mGlobalVariables->getInt ("day")>days)
-            mGlobalVariables->setInt ("day", days);
+        if (mGlobalVariables["day"].getInteger()>days)
+            mGlobalVariables["day"].setInteger (days);
 
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt ("month", month);
+        mGlobalVariables["month"].setInteger (month);
 
         if (years>0)
-            mGlobalVariables->setInt ("year", years+mGlobalVariables->getInt ("year"));
+            mGlobalVariables["year"].setInteger (years+mGlobalVariables["year"].getInteger());
 
-        mRendering->skySetDate (mGlobalVariables->getInt ("day"), month);
+        mRendering->skySetDate (mGlobalVariables["day"].getInteger(), month);
     }
 
-    int World::getDay()
+    int World::getDay() const
     {
-        return mGlobalVariables->getInt("day");
+        return mGlobalVariables["day"].getInteger();
     }
 
-    int World::getMonth()
+    int World::getMonth() const
     {
-        return mGlobalVariables->getInt("month");
+        return mGlobalVariables["month"].getInteger();
+    }
+
+    int World::getYear() const
+    {
+        return mGlobalVariables["year"].getInteger();
+    }
+
+    std::string World::getMonthName (int month) const
+    {
+        if (month==-1)
+            month = getMonth();
+
+        const int months = 12;
+
+        if (month<0 || month>=months)
+            return "";
+
+        static const char *monthNames[months] =
+        {
+            "sMonthMorningstar", "sMonthSunsdawn", "sMonthFirstseed", "sMonthRainshand",
+            "sMonthSecondseed", "sMonthMidyear", "sMonthSunsheight", "sMonthLastseed",
+            "sMonthHeartfire", "sMonthFrostfall", "sMonthSunsdusk", "sMonthEveningstar"
+        };
+
+        return getStore().get<ESM::GameSetting>().find (monthNames[month])->mValue.getString();
     }
 
     TimeStamp World::getTimeStamp() const
     {
-        return TimeStamp (mGlobalVariables->getFloat ("gamehour"),
-            mGlobalVariables->getInt ("dayspassed"));
+        return TimeStamp (mGlobalVariables["gamehour"].getFloat(),
+            mGlobalVariables["dayspassed"].getInteger());
     }
 
     bool World::toggleSky()
@@ -757,7 +814,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     float World::getTimeScaleFactor() const
     {
-        return mGlobalVariables->getFloat ("timescale");
+        return mGlobalVariables["timescale"].getFloat();
     }
 
     void World::changeToInteriorCell (const std::string& cellName, const ESM::Position& position)
@@ -774,6 +831,14 @@ namespace MWWorld
         addContainerScripts(getPlayerPtr(), getPlayerPtr().getCell());
     }
 
+    void World::changeToCell (const ESM::CellId& cellId, const ESM::Position& position)
+    {
+        if (cellId.mPaged)
+            changeToExteriorCell (position);
+        else
+            changeToInteriorCell (cellId.mWorldspace, position);
+    }
+
     void World::markCellAsUnchanged()
     {
         return mWorldScene->markCellAsUnchanged();
@@ -1228,7 +1293,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
                 if (Misc::StringUtils::ciEqual (ids[i], record.mRace))
                     break;
 
-            mGlobalVariables->setInt ("pcrace", (i == ids.size()) ? 0 : i+1);
+            mGlobalVariables["pcrace"].setInteger (i == ids.size() ? 0 : i+1);
 
             const ESM::NPC *player =
                 mPlayer->getPlayer().get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase;
@@ -1293,7 +1358,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         updateWindowManager ();
 
-        if (mPlayer->getPlayer().getCell()->isExterior())
+        if (!paused && mPlayer->getPlayer().getCell()->isExterior())
         {
             ESM::Position pos = mPlayer->getPlayer().getRefData().getPosition();
             mPlayer->setLastKnownExteriorPosition(Ogre::Vector3(pos.pos));
@@ -1389,7 +1454,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     bool World::isCellExterior() const
     {
-        Ptr::CellStore *currentCell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
+        CellStore *currentCell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
         if (currentCell)
         {
             return currentCell->mCell->isExterior();
@@ -1399,7 +1464,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     bool World::isCellQuasiExterior() const
     {
-        Ptr::CellStore *currentCell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
+        CellStore *currentCell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
         if (currentCell)
         {
             if (!(currentCell->mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::QuasiEx))
@@ -1580,7 +1645,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     void World::dropObjectOnGround (const Ptr& actor, const Ptr& object, int amount)
     {
-        MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell = actor.getCell();
+        MWWorld::CellStore* cell = actor.getCell();
 
         ESM::Position pos =
             actor.getRefData().getPosition();
@@ -1682,7 +1747,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     }
 
     bool
-    World::isUnderwater(const MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell, const Ogre::Vector3 &pos) const
+    World::isUnderwater(const MWWorld::CellStore* cell, const Ogre::Vector3 &pos) const
     {
         if (!(cell->mCell->mData.mFlags & ESM::Cell::HasWater)) {
             return false;
@@ -1702,9 +1767,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return mRendering->vanityRotateCamera(rot);
     }
 
-    void World::setCameraDistance(float dist, bool adjust, bool override)
+    void World::setCameraDistance(float dist, bool adjust, bool override_)
     {
-        return mRendering->setCameraDistance(dist, adjust, override);;
+        return mRendering->setCameraDistance(dist, adjust, override_);
     }
 
     void World::setupPlayer()
@@ -1722,12 +1787,19 @@ namespace MWWorld
     void World::renderPlayer()
     {
         mRendering->renderPlayer(mPlayer->getPlayer());
+
+        // At this point the Animation object is live, and the CharacterController associated with it must be created.
+        // It has to be done at this point: resetCamera below does animation->setViewMode -> CharacterController::forceStateUpdate
+        // so we should make sure not to use a "stale" controller for that.
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->add(mPlayer->getPlayer());
+
         mPhysics->addActor(mPlayer->getPlayer());
+        mRendering->resetCamera();
     }
 
     int World::canRest ()
     {
-        Ptr::CellStore *currentCell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
+        CellStore *currentCell = mWorldScene->getCurrentCell();
 
         Ptr player = mPlayer->getPlayer();
         RefData &refdata = player.getRefData();
@@ -1763,6 +1835,11 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mRendering->frameStarted(dt, paused);
     }
 
+    void World::screenshot(Ogre::Image &image, int w, int h)
+    {
+        mRendering->screenshot(image, w, h);
+    }
+
     void World::activateDoor(const MWWorld::Ptr& door)
     {
         if (mDoorStates.find(door) != mDoorStates.end())
@@ -2296,6 +2373,11 @@ namespace MWWorld
         }
     }
 
+    const std::vector<std::string>& World::getContentFiles() const
+    {
+        return mContentFiles;
+    }
+
     void World::breakInvisibility(const Ptr &actor)
     {
         actor.getClass().getCreatureStats(actor).getActiveSpells().purgeEffect(ESM::MagicEffect::Invisibility);
@@ -2476,13 +2558,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
         int discount = bounty*fCrimeGoldDiscountMult;
         int turnIn = bounty * fCrimeGoldTurnInMult;
 
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt("pchascrimegold", (bounty <= playerGold) ? 1 : 0);
+        mGlobalVariables["pchascrimegold"].setInteger((bounty <= playerGold) ? 1 : 0);
 
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt("pchasgolddiscount", (discount <= playerGold) ? 1 : 0);
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt("crimegolddiscount", discount);
+        mGlobalVariables["pchasgolddiscount"].setInteger((discount <= playerGold) ? 1 : 0);
+        mGlobalVariables["crimegolddiscount"].setInteger(discount);
 
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt("crimegoldturnin", turnIn);
-        mGlobalVariables->setInt("pchasturnin", (turnIn <= playerGold) ? 1 : 0);
+        mGlobalVariables["crimegoldturnin"].setInteger(turnIn);
+        mGlobalVariables["pchasturnin"].setInteger((turnIn <= playerGold) ? 1 : 0);
     }
 
     void World::confiscateStolenItems(const Ptr &ptr)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
index 8b1bd9538..036cafe2d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 #include "localscripts.hpp"
 #include "timestamp.hpp"
 #include "fallback.hpp"
+#include "globals.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
@@ -41,6 +42,7 @@ namespace MWRender
     class SkyManager;
     class CellRender;
     class Animation;
+    class Camera;
 }
 
 struct ContentLoader;
@@ -64,7 +66,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             std::vector<ESM::ESMReader> mEsm;
             MWWorld::ESMStore mStore;
             LocalScripts mLocalScripts;
-            MWWorld::Globals *mGlobalVariables;
+            MWWorld::Globals mGlobalVariables;
             MWWorld::PhysicsSystem *mPhysics;
             bool mSky;
 
@@ -73,12 +75,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
             OEngine::Physic::PhysicEngine* mPhysEngine;
 
             bool mGodMode;
+            std::vector<std::string> mContentFiles;
 
             // not implemented
             World (const World&);
             World& operator= (const World&);
 
-            Ptr getPtrViaHandle (const std::string& handle, Ptr::CellStore& cellStore);
+            Ptr getPtrViaHandle (const std::string& handle, CellStore& cellStore);
 
             int mActivationDistanceOverride;
             std::string mFacedHandle;
@@ -125,7 +128,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             float getObjectActivationDistance ();
 
             void removeContainerScripts(const Ptr& reference);
-            void addContainerScripts(const Ptr& reference, Ptr::CellStore* cell);
+            void addContainerScripts(const Ptr& reference, CellStore* cell);
             void PCDropped (const Ptr& item);
 
             void processDoors(float duration);
@@ -170,13 +173,27 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             virtual void startNewGame();
 
+            virtual void clear();
+
+            virtual int countSavedGameRecords() const;
+
+            virtual void write (ESM::ESMWriter& writer) const;
+
+            virtual void readRecord (ESM::ESMReader& reader, int32_t type,
+                const std::map<int, int>& contentFileMap);
+
             virtual OEngine::Render::Fader* getFader();
-            ///< \ŧodo remove this function. Rendering details should not be exposed.
+            ///< \todo remove this function. Rendering details should not be exposed.
 
             virtual CellStore *getExterior (int x, int y);
 
             virtual CellStore *getInterior (const std::string& name);
 
+            virtual CellStore *getCell (const ESM::CellId& id);
+
+            //switch to POV before showing player's death animation
+            virtual void useDeathCamera();
+
             virtual void setWaterHeight(const float height);
 
             virtual void toggleWater();
@@ -215,16 +232,26 @@ namespace MWWorld
             virtual bool isPositionExplored (float nX, float nY, int x, int y, bool interior);
             ///< see MWRender::LocalMap::isPositionExplored
 
-            virtual Globals::Data& getGlobalVariable (const std::string& name);
+            virtual void setGlobalInt (const std::string& name, int value);
+            ///< Set value independently from real type.
 
-            virtual Globals::Data getGlobalVariable (const std::string& name) const;
+            virtual void setGlobalFloat (const std::string& name, float value);
+            ///< Set value independently from real type.
+
+            virtual int getGlobalInt (const std::string& name) const;
+            ///< Get value independently from real type.
+
+            virtual float getGlobalFloat (const std::string& name) const;
+            ///< Get value independently from real type.
 
             virtual char getGlobalVariableType (const std::string& name) const;
             ///< Return ' ', if there is no global variable with this name.
 
-            virtual std::vector<std::string> getGlobals () const;
-
-            virtual std::string getCurrentCellName () const;
+            virtual std::string getCellName (const MWWorld::CellStore *cell = 0) const;
+            ///< Return name of the cell.
+            ///
+            /// \note If cell==0, the cell the player is currently in will be used instead to
+            /// generate a name.
 
             virtual void removeRefScript (MWWorld::RefData *ref);
             //< Remove the script attached to ref from mLocalScripts
@@ -262,8 +289,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
             virtual void setDay (int day);
             ///< Set in-game time day.
 
-            virtual int getDay();
-            virtual int getMonth();
+            virtual int getDay() const;
+            virtual int getMonth() const;
+            virtual int getYear() const;
+
+            virtual std::string getMonthName (int month = -1) const;
+            ///< Return name of month (-1: current month)
 
             virtual TimeStamp getTimeStamp() const;
             ///< Return current in-game time stamp.
@@ -292,6 +323,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
             virtual void changeToExteriorCell (const ESM::Position& position);
             ///< Move to exterior cell.
 
+            virtual void changeToCell (const ESM::CellId& cellId, const ESM::Position& position);
+
             virtual const ESM::Cell *getExterior (const std::string& cellName) const;
             ///< Return a cell matching the given name or a 0-pointer, if there is no such cell.
 
@@ -410,7 +443,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             ///Is the head of the creature underwater?
             virtual bool isSubmerged(const MWWorld::Ptr &object) const;
             virtual bool isSwimming(const MWWorld::Ptr &object) const;
-            virtual bool isUnderwater(const MWWorld::Ptr::CellStore* cell, const Ogre::Vector3 &pos) const;
+            virtual bool isUnderwater(const MWWorld::CellStore* cell, const Ogre::Vector3 &pos) const;
             virtual bool isOnGround(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const;
 
             virtual void togglePOV() {
@@ -476,6 +509,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             virtual void playVideo(const std::string& name, bool allowSkipping);
             virtual void stopVideo();
             virtual void frameStarted (float dt, bool paused);
+            virtual void screenshot (Ogre::Image& image, int w, int h);
 
             /// Find center of exterior cell above land surface
             /// \return false if exterior with given name not exists, true otherwise
@@ -521,6 +555,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
             virtual void launchProjectile (const std::string& id, bool stack, const ESM::EffectList& effects,
                                            const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const std::string& sourceName);
 
+
+            virtual const std::vector<std::string>& getContentFiles() const;
+
             virtual void breakInvisibility (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
             // Are we in an exterior or pseudo-exterior cell and it's night?
             virtual bool isDark() const;
diff --git a/components/CMakeLists.txt b/components/CMakeLists.txt
index a037fd5fa..f2b16d4d5 100644
--- a/components/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/components/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ add_component_dir (esm
     loadinfo loadingr loadland loadlevlist loadligh loadlock loadprob loadrepa loadltex loadmgef loadmisc loadnpcc
     loadnpc loadpgrd loadrace loadregn loadscpt loadskil loadsndg loadsoun loadspel loadsscr loadstat
     loadweap records aipackage effectlist spelllist variant variantimp loadtes3 cellref filter
+    savedgame journalentry queststate locals globalscript player objectstate cellid cellstate globalmap lightstate inventorystate containerstate npcstate creaturestate
     )
 
 add_component_dir (misc
diff --git a/components/compiler/locals.cpp b/components/compiler/locals.cpp
index d93e73849..e2b1c5c96 100644
--- a/components/compiler/locals.cpp
+++ b/components/compiler/locals.cpp
@@ -15,27 +15,27 @@ namespace Compiler
         {
             case 's': return mShorts;
             case 'l': return mLongs;
-            case 'f': return mFloats;        
+            case 'f': return mFloats;
         }
-        
+
         throw std::logic_error ("unknown variable type");
     }
-    
+
     int Locals::searchIndex (char type, const std::string& name) const
     {
         const std::vector<std::string>& collection = get (type);
-        
+
         std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator iter =
             std::find (collection.begin(), collection.end(), name);
-            
+
         if (iter==collection.end())
             return -1;
-            
+
         return iter-collection.begin();
     }
-    
+
     bool Locals::search (char type, const std::string& name) const
-    {        
+    {
         return searchIndex (type, name)!=-1;
     }
 
@@ -45,10 +45,10 @@ namespace Compiler
         {
             case 's': return mShorts;
             case 'l': return mLongs;
-            case 'f': return mFloats;        
+            case 'f': return mFloats;
         }
-        
-        throw std::logic_error ("unknown variable type");    
+
+        throw std::logic_error ("unknown variable type");
     }
 
     char Locals::getType (const std::string& name) const
@@ -58,35 +58,35 @@ namespace Compiler
 
         if (search ('l', name))
             return 'l';
-        
+
         if (search ('f', name))
             return 'f';
-        
+
         return ' ';
     }
-    
+
     int Locals::getIndex (const std::string& name) const
     {
         int index = searchIndex ('s', name);
-        
+
         if (index!=-1)
             return index;
-        
+
         index = searchIndex ('l', name);
 
         if (index!=-1)
             return index;
 
-        return searchIndex ('f', name);        
+        return searchIndex ('f', name);
     }
-    
+
     void Locals::write (std::ostream& localFile) const
     {
         localFile
             << get ('s').size() << ' '
             << get ('l').size() << ' '
             << get ('f').size() << std::endl;
-            
+
         std::copy (get ('s').begin(), get ('s').end(),
             std::ostream_iterator<std::string> (localFile, " "));
         std::copy (get ('l').begin(), get ('l').end(),
@@ -94,12 +94,12 @@ namespace Compiler
         std::copy (get ('f').begin(), get ('f').end(),
             std::ostream_iterator<std::string> (localFile, " "));
     }
-    
+
     void Locals::declare (char type, const std::string& name)
     {
         get (type).push_back (name);
     }
-    
+
     void Locals::clear()
     {
         get ('s').clear();
diff --git a/components/compiler/locals.hpp b/components/compiler/locals.hpp
index e54b7798c..d5bf05253 100644
--- a/components/compiler/locals.hpp
+++ b/components/compiler/locals.hpp
@@ -8,35 +8,35 @@
 namespace Compiler
 {
     /// \brief Local variable declarations
-    
+
     class Locals
     {
             std::vector<std::string> mShorts;
             std::vector<std::string> mLongs;
             std::vector<std::string> mFloats;
-    
+
             int searchIndex (char type, const std::string& name) const;
 
             bool search (char type, const std::string& name) const;
-            
-            std::vector<std::string>& get (char type);   
-    
+
+            std::vector<std::string>& get (char type);
+
         public:
-    
+
             char getType (const std::string& name) const;
             ///< 's': short, 'l': long, 'f': float, ' ': does not exist.
-            
+
             int getIndex (const std::string& name) const;
             ///< return index for local variable \a name (-1: does not exist).
-            
+
             const std::vector<std::string>& get (char type) const;
 
             void write (std::ostream& localFile) const;
             ///< write declarations to file.
-            
+
             void declare (char type, const std::string& name);
             ///< declares a variable.
-            
+
             void clear();
             ///< remove all declarations.
     };
diff --git a/components/esm/cellid.cpp b/components/esm/cellid.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5bc8b7aef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/cellid.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+
+#include "cellid.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::CellId::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    mWorldspace = esm.getHNString ("SPAC");
+
+    if (esm.isNextSub ("CIDX"))
+    {
+        esm.getHT (mIndex, 8);
+        mPaged = true;
+    }
+    else
+        mPaged = false;
+}
+
+void ESM::CellId::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    esm.writeHNString ("SPAC", mWorldspace);
+
+    if (mPaged)
+        esm.writeHNT ("CIDX", mIndex, 8);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/cellid.hpp b/components/esm/cellid.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..54dbdae78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/cellid.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_CELLID_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_CELLID_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    struct CellId
+    {
+        struct CellIndex
+        {
+            int mX;
+            int mY;
+        };
+
+        std::string mWorldspace;
+        CellIndex mIndex;
+        bool mPaged;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/cellref.cpp b/components/esm/cellref.cpp
index e91059b26..00b15f4a3 100644
--- a/components/esm/cellref.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/cellref.cpp
@@ -1,11 +1,87 @@
 
 #include "cellref.hpp"
 
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
 #include "esmwriter.hpp"
 
-void ESM::CellRef::save(ESMWriter &esm) const
+void ESM::CellRef::load (ESMReader& esm, bool wideRefNum)
 {
-    esm.writeHNT("FRMR", mRefnum);
+    // NAM0 sometimes appears here, sometimes further on
+    mNam0 = 0;
+    if (esm.isNextSub ("NAM0"))
+        esm.getHT (mNam0);
+
+    if (wideRefNum)
+        esm.getHNT (mRefNum, "FRMR", 8);
+    else
+        esm.getHNT (mRefNum.mIndex, "FRMR");
+
+    mRefID = esm.getHNString ("NAME");
+
+    // Again, UNAM sometimes appears after NAME and sometimes later.
+    // Or perhaps this UNAM means something different?
+    mReferenceBlocked = -1;
+    esm.getHNOT (mReferenceBlocked, "UNAM");
+
+    mScale = 1.0;
+    esm.getHNOT (mScale, "XSCL");
+
+    mOwner = esm.getHNOString ("ANAM");
+    mGlob = esm.getHNOString ("BNAM");
+    mSoul = esm.getHNOString ("XSOL");
+
+    mFaction = esm.getHNOString ("CNAM");
+    mFactIndex = -2;
+    esm.getHNOT (mFactIndex, "INDX");
+
+    mGoldValue = 1;
+    mCharge = -1;
+    mEnchantmentCharge = -1;
+
+    esm.getHNOT (mEnchantmentCharge, "XCHG");
+
+    esm.getHNOT (mCharge, "INTV");
+
+    esm.getHNOT (mGoldValue, "NAM9");
+
+    // Present for doors that teleport you to another cell.
+    if (esm.isNextSub ("DODT"))
+    {
+        mTeleport = true;
+        esm.getHT (mDoorDest);
+        mDestCell = esm.getHNOString ("DNAM");
+    }
+    else
+        mTeleport = false;
+
+    mLockLevel = -1;
+    esm.getHNOT (mLockLevel, "FLTV");
+    mKey = esm.getHNOString ("KNAM");
+    mTrap = esm.getHNOString ("TNAM");
+
+    mFltv = 0;
+    esm.getHNOT (mReferenceBlocked, "UNAM");
+    esm.getHNOT (mFltv, "FLTV");
+
+    esm.getHNOT(mPos, "DATA", 24);
+
+    // Number of references in the cell? Maximum once in each cell,
+    // but not always at the beginning, and not always right. In other
+    // words, completely useless.
+    // Update: Well, maybe not completely useless. This might actually be
+    //  number_of_references + number_of_references_moved_here_Across_boundaries,
+    //  and could be helpful for collecting these weird moved references.
+    if (esm.isNextSub ("NAM0"))
+        esm.getHT (mNam0);
+}
+
+void ESM::CellRef::save (ESMWriter &esm, bool wideRefNum, bool inInventory) const
+{
+    if (wideRefNum)
+        esm.writeHNT ("FRMR", mRefNum, 8);
+    else
+        esm.writeHNT ("FRMR", mRefNum.mIndex, 4);
+
     esm.writeHNCString("NAME", mRefID);
 
     if (mScale != 1.0) {
@@ -31,34 +107,38 @@ void ESM::CellRef::save(ESMWriter &esm) const
         esm.writeHNT("NAM9", mGoldValue);
     }
 
-    if (mTeleport)
+    if (mTeleport && !inInventory)
     {
         esm.writeHNT("DODT", mDoorDest);
         esm.writeHNOCString("DNAM", mDestCell);
     }
 
-    if (mLockLevel != -1) {
+    if (mLockLevel != -1 && !inInventory)
         esm.writeHNT("FLTV", mLockLevel);
-    }
-    esm.writeHNOCString("KNAM", mKey);
-    esm.writeHNOCString("TNAM", mTrap);
 
-    if (mReferenceBlocked != -1) {
+    if (!inInventory)
+        esm.writeHNOCString ("KNAM", mKey);
+
+    if (!inInventory)
+        esm.writeHNOCString ("TNAM", mTrap);
+
+    if (mReferenceBlocked != -1)
         esm.writeHNT("UNAM", mReferenceBlocked);
-    }
-    if (mFltv != 0) {
-        esm.writeHNT("FLTV", mFltv);
-    }
 
-    esm.writeHNT("DATA", mPos, 24);
-    if (mNam0 != 0) {
+    if (mFltv != 0 && !inInventory)
+        esm.writeHNT("FLTV", mFltv);
+
+    if (!inInventory)
+        esm.writeHNT("DATA", mPos, 24);
+
+    if (mNam0 != 0 && !inInventory)
         esm.writeHNT("NAM0", mNam0);
-    }
 }
 
 void ESM::CellRef::blank()
 {
-    mRefnum = 0;
+    mRefNum.mIndex = 0;
+    mRefNum.mContentFile = -1;
     mRefID.clear();
     mScale = 1;
     mOwner.clear();
@@ -84,4 +164,9 @@ void ESM::CellRef::blank()
         mPos.pos[i] = 0;
         mPos.rot[i] = 0;
     }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
+
+bool ESM::operator== (const CellRef::RefNum& left, const CellRef::RefNum& right)
+{
+    return left.mIndex==right.mIndex && left.mContentFile==right.mContentFile;
+}
diff --git a/components/esm/cellref.hpp b/components/esm/cellref.hpp
index 4d9ebd046..16f6603a2 100644
--- a/components/esm/cellref.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/cellref.hpp
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 namespace ESM
 {
     class ESMWriter;
+    class ESMReader;
 
     /* Cell reference. This represents ONE object (of many) inside the
     cell. The cell references are not loaded as part of the normal
@@ -19,8 +20,14 @@ namespace ESM
     {
         public:
 
-            int mRefnum;           // Reference number
-            std::string mRefID;    // ID of object being referenced (must be lowercase)
+            struct RefNum
+            {
+                int mIndex;
+                int mContentFile; // -1 no content file
+            };
+
+            RefNum mRefNum;        // Reference number
+            std::string mRefID;    // ID of object being referenced
 
             float mScale;          // Scale applied to mesh
 
@@ -71,9 +78,6 @@ namespace ESM
             // -1 is not blocked, otherwise it is blocked.
             signed char mReferenceBlocked;
 
-            // Track deleted references. 0 - not deleted, 1 - deleted, but respawns, 2 - deleted and does not respawn.
-            int mDeleted;
-
             // Occurs in Tribunal.esm, eg. in the cell "Mournhold, Plaza
             // Brindisi Dorom", where it has the value 100. Also only for
             // activators.
@@ -83,10 +87,14 @@ namespace ESM
             // Position and rotation of this object within the cell
             Position mPos;
 
-            void save(ESMWriter &esm) const;
+            void load (ESMReader& esm, bool wideRefNum = false);
+
+            void save (ESMWriter &esm, bool wideRefNum = false, bool inInventory = false) const;
 
             void blank();
     };
+
+    bool operator== (const CellRef::RefNum& left, const CellRef::RefNum& right);
 }
 
 #endif
diff --git a/components/esm/cellstate.cpp b/components/esm/cellstate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1f7e8197e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/cellstate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+
+#include "cellstate.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::CellState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    mWaterLevel = 0;
+    esm.getHNOT (mWaterLevel, "WLVL");
+}
+
+void ESM::CellState::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    if (!mId.mPaged)
+        esm.writeHNT ("WLVL", mWaterLevel);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/cellstate.hpp b/components/esm/cellstate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cd0db3067
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/cellstate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_CELLSTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_CELLSTATE_H
+
+#include "cellid.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    /// \note Does not include references
+    struct CellState
+    {
+        CellId mId;
+
+        float mWaterLevel;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/containerstate.cpp b/components/esm/containerstate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5dcf17733
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/containerstate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+
+#include "containerstate.hpp"
+
+void ESM::ContainerState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    ObjectState::load (esm);
+
+    mInventory.load (esm);
+}
+
+void ESM::ContainerState::save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory) const
+{
+    ObjectState::save (esm, inInventory);
+
+    mInventory.save (esm);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/containerstate.hpp b/components/esm/containerstate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1ecf2b46e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/containerstate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_CONTAINERSTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_CONTAINERSTATE_H
+
+#include "objectstate.hpp"
+#include "inventorystate.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct ContainerState : public ObjectState
+    {
+        InventoryState mInventory;
+
+        virtual void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        virtual void save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory = false) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/creaturestate.cpp b/components/esm/creaturestate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..43cde3025
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/creaturestate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+
+#include "creaturestate.hpp"
+
+void ESM::CreatureState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    ObjectState::load (esm);
+
+    mInventory.load (esm);
+}
+
+void ESM::CreatureState::save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory) const
+{
+    ObjectState::save (esm, inInventory);
+
+    mInventory.save (esm);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/creaturestate.hpp b/components/esm/creaturestate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f7f9b8038
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/creaturestate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_CREATURESTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_CREATURESTATE_H
+
+#include "objectstate.hpp"
+#include "inventorystate.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct CreatureState : public ObjectState
+    {
+        InventoryState mInventory;
+
+        virtual void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        virtual void save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory = false) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/defs.hpp b/components/esm/defs.hpp
index dd7ebfe93..1b0125e78 100644
--- a/components/esm/defs.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/defs.hpp
@@ -83,6 +83,15 @@ enum RecNameInts
     REC_STAT = 0x54415453,
     REC_WEAP = 0x50414557,
 
+    // format 0 - saved games
+    REC_SAVE = 0x45564153,
+    REC_JOUR = 0x524f55a4,
+    REC_QUES = 0x53455551,
+    REC_GSCR = 0x52435347,
+    REC_PLAY = 0x59414c50,
+    REC_CSTA = 0x41545343,
+    REC_GMAP = 0x50414d47,
+
     // format 1
     REC_FILT = 0x544C4946
 };
diff --git a/components/esm/esmreader.cpp b/components/esm/esmreader.cpp
index 51d86a2ee..ebdb1e41f 100644
--- a/components/esm/esmreader.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/esmreader.cpp
@@ -8,6 +8,11 @@ namespace ESM
 
 using namespace Misc;
 
+    std::string ESMReader::getName() const
+    {
+        return mCtx.filename;
+    }
+
 ESM_Context ESMReader::getContext()
 {
     // Update the file position before returning
@@ -302,8 +307,14 @@ std::string ESMReader::getString(int size)
     char *ptr = &mBuffer[0];
     getExact(ptr, size);
 
+    if (size>0 && ptr[size-1]==0)
+        --size;
+
     // Convert to UTF8 and return
-    return mEncoder->getUtf8(ptr, size);
+    if (mEncoder)
+        return mEncoder->getUtf8(ptr, size);
+
+    return std::string (ptr, size);
 }
 
 void ESMReader::fail(const std::string &msg)
diff --git a/components/esm/esmreader.hpp b/components/esm/esmreader.hpp
index 3bf194c4e..897c8fe73 100644
--- a/components/esm/esmreader.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/esmreader.hpp
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ public:
   int getFormat() const;
   const NAME &retSubName() const { return mCtx.subName; }
   uint32_t getSubSize() const { return mCtx.leftSub; }
+  std::string getName() const;
 
   /*************************************************************************
    *
diff --git a/components/esm/esmwriter.cpp b/components/esm/esmwriter.cpp
index f39aa2b89..f38591b7b 100644
--- a/components/esm/esmwriter.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/esmwriter.cpp
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 
 namespace ESM
 {
-    ESMWriter::ESMWriter() : mRecordCount (0), mCounting (true) {}
+    ESMWriter::ESMWriter() : mEncoder (0), mRecordCount (0), mCounting (true) {}
 
     unsigned int ESMWriter::getVersion() const
     {
@@ -51,12 +51,6 @@ namespace ESM
         mHeader.mMaster.push_back(d);
     }
 
-    void ESMWriter::save(const std::string& file)
-    {
-        std::ofstream fs(file.c_str(), std::ios_base::out | std::ios_base::trunc);
-        save(fs);
-    }
-
     void ESMWriter::save(std::ostream& file)
     {
         mRecordCount = 0;
@@ -94,6 +88,16 @@ namespace ESM
         assert(mRecords.back().size == 0);
     }
 
+    void ESMWriter::startRecord (uint32_t name, uint32_t flags)
+    {
+        std::string type;
+        for (int i=0; i<4; ++i)
+            /// \todo make endianess agnostic
+            type += reinterpret_cast<const char *> (&name)[i];
+
+        startRecord (type, flags);
+    }
+
     void ESMWriter::startSubRecord(const std::string& name)
     {
         writeName(name);
@@ -123,6 +127,16 @@ namespace ESM
 
     }
 
+    void ESMWriter::endRecord (uint32_t name)
+    {
+        std::string type;
+        for (int i=0; i<4; ++i)
+            /// \todo make endianess agnostic
+            type += reinterpret_cast<const char *> (&name)[i];
+
+        endRecord (type);
+    }
+
     void ESMWriter::writeHNString(const std::string& name, const std::string& data)
     {
         startSubRecord(name);
@@ -152,9 +166,9 @@ namespace ESM
         else
         {
             // Convert to UTF8 and return
-            std::string ascii = mEncoder->getLegacyEnc(data);
+            std::string string = mEncoder ? mEncoder->getLegacyEnc(data) : data;
 
-            write(ascii.c_str(), ascii.size());
+            write(string.c_str(), string.size());
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/esmwriter.hpp b/components/esm/esmwriter.hpp
index 104f97f90..94f0a1004 100644
--- a/components/esm/esmwriter.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/esmwriter.hpp
@@ -36,9 +36,6 @@ class ESMWriter
 
         void addMaster(const std::string& name, uint64_t size);
 
-        void save(const std::string& file);
-        ///< Start saving a file by writing the TES3 header.
-
         void save(std::ostream& file);
         ///< Start saving a file by writing the TES3 header.
 
@@ -93,8 +90,10 @@ class ESMWriter
         }
 
         void startRecord(const std::string& name, uint32_t flags = 0);
+        void startRecord(uint32_t name, uint32_t flags = 0);
         void startSubRecord(const std::string& name);
         void endRecord(const std::string& name);
+        void endRecord(uint32_t name);
         void writeHString(const std::string& data);
         void writeHCString(const std::string& data);
         void writeName(const std::string& data);
diff --git a/components/esm/globalmap.cpp b/components/esm/globalmap.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1fa5f907e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/globalmap.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+#include "globalmap.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+#include "defs.hpp"
+
+unsigned int ESM::GlobalMap::sRecordId = ESM::REC_GMAP;
+
+void ESM::GlobalMap::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    esm.getHNT(mBounds, "BNDS");
+
+    esm.getSubNameIs("DATA");
+    esm.getSubHeader();
+    mImageData.resize(esm.getSubSize());
+    esm.getExact(&mImageData[0], mImageData.size());
+}
+
+void ESM::GlobalMap::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    esm.writeHNT("BNDS", mBounds);
+
+    esm.startSubRecord("DATA");
+    esm.write(&mImageData[0], mImageData.size());
+    esm.endRecord("DATA");
+}
diff --git a/components/esm/globalmap.hpp b/components/esm/globalmap.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5d036c736
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/globalmap.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_COMPONENTS_ESM_GLOBALMAP_H
+#define OPENMW_COMPONENTS_ESM_GLOBALMAP_H
+
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    ///< \brief An image containing the explored areas on the global map.
+    struct GlobalMap
+    {
+        static unsigned int sRecordId;
+
+        // The minimum and maximum cell coordinates
+        struct Bounds
+        {
+            int mMinX, mMaxX, mMinY, mMaxY;
+        };
+
+        Bounds mBounds;
+
+        std::vector<char> mImageData;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/globalscript.cpp b/components/esm/globalscript.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..dcbd91140
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/globalscript.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+
+#include "globalscript.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::GlobalScript::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    mId = esm.getHNString ("NAME");
+
+    mLocals.load (esm);
+
+    mRunning = 0;
+    esm.getHNOT (mRunning, "RUN_");
+}
+
+void ESM::GlobalScript::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    esm.writeHNString ("NAME", mId);
+
+    mLocals.save (esm);
+
+    if (mRunning)
+        esm.writeHNT ("RUN_", mRunning);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/globalscript.hpp b/components/esm/globalscript.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4fb8b7c48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/globalscript.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_GLOBALSCRIPT_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_GLOBALSCRIPT_H
+
+#include "locals.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    /// \brief Storage structure for global script state (only used in saved games)
+
+    struct GlobalScript
+    {
+        std::string mId;
+        Locals mLocals;
+        int mRunning;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/inventorystate.cpp b/components/esm/inventorystate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4d8cbc622
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/inventorystate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+
+#include "inventorystate.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+namespace
+{
+    void read (ESM::ESMReader &esm, ESM::ObjectState& state, int& slot)
+    {
+        slot = -1;
+        esm.getHNOT (slot, "SLOT");
+
+        state.load (esm);
+    }
+
+    void write (ESM::ESMWriter &esm, const ESM::ObjectState& state, unsigned int type, int slot)
+    {
+        esm.writeHNT ("IOBJ", type);
+
+        if (slot!=-1)
+            esm.writeHNT ("SLOT", slot);
+
+        state.save (esm, true);
+    }
+}
+
+void ESM::InventoryState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    while (esm.isNextSub ("IOBJ"))
+    {
+        unsigned int id = 0;
+        esm.getHT (id);
+
+        if (id==ESM::REC_LIGH)
+        {
+            LightState state;
+            int slot;
+            read (esm, state, slot);
+            mLights.push_back (std::make_pair (state, slot));
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            ObjectState state;
+            int slot;
+            read (esm, state, slot);
+            mItems.push_back (std::make_pair (state, std::make_pair (id, slot)));
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+void ESM::InventoryState::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    for (std::vector<std::pair<ObjectState, std::pair<unsigned int, int> > >::const_iterator iter (mItems.begin()); iter!=mItems.end(); ++iter)
+        write (esm, iter->first, iter->second.first, iter->second.second);
+
+    for (std::vector<std::pair<LightState, int> >::const_iterator iter (mLights.begin());
+        iter!=mLights.end(); ++iter)
+        write (esm, iter->first, ESM::REC_LIGH, iter->second);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/inventorystate.hpp b/components/esm/inventorystate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3cfffbccc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/inventorystate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_INVENTORYSTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_INVENTORYSTATE_H
+
+#include "objectstate.hpp"
+#include "lightstate.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    /// \brief State for inventories and containers
+    struct InventoryState
+    {
+        // anything but lights (type, slot)
+        std::vector<std::pair<ObjectState, std::pair<unsigned int, int> > > mItems;
+
+        // lights (slot)
+        std::vector<std::pair<LightState, int> > mLights;
+
+        virtual void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        virtual void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/journalentry.cpp b/components/esm/journalentry.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..514bf3597
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/journalentry.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+
+#include "journalentry.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::JournalEntry::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    esm.getHNOT (mType, "JETY");
+    mTopic = esm.getHNString ("YETO");
+    mInfo = esm.getHNString ("YEIN");
+    mText = esm.getHNString ("TEXT");
+
+    if (mType==Type_Journal)
+    {
+        esm.getHNT (mDay, "JEDA");
+        esm.getHNT (mMonth, "JEMO");
+        esm.getHNT (mDayOfMonth, "JEDM");
+    }
+}
+
+void ESM::JournalEntry::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    esm.writeHNT ("JETY", mType);
+    esm.writeHNString ("YETO", mTopic);
+    esm.writeHNString ("YEIN", mInfo);
+    esm.writeHNString ("TEXT", mText);
+
+    if (mType==Type_Journal)
+    {
+        esm.writeHNT ("JEDA", mDay);
+        esm.writeHNT ("JEMO", mMonth);
+        esm.writeHNT ("JEDM", mDayOfMonth);
+    }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/journalentry.hpp b/components/esm/journalentry.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..94808dde6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/journalentry.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_JOURNALENTRY_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_JOURNALENTRY_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct JournalEntry
+    {
+        enum Type
+        {
+            Type_Journal = 0,
+            Type_Topic = 1,
+            Type_Quest = 2
+        };
+
+        int mType;
+        std::string mTopic;
+        std::string mInfo;
+        std::string mText;
+        int mDay; // time stamp
+        int mMonth;
+        int mDayOfMonth;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/lightstate.cpp b/components/esm/lightstate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1ef040823
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/lightstate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+
+#include "lightstate.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::LightState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    ObjectState::load (esm);
+
+    mTime = 0;
+    esm.getHNOT (mTime, "LTIM");
+}
+
+void ESM::LightState::save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory) const
+{
+    ObjectState::save (esm, inInventory);
+
+    if (mTime)
+        esm.writeHNT ("LTIM", mTime);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/lightstate.hpp b/components/esm/lightstate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a22735e07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/lightstate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_LIGHTSTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_LIGHTSTATE_H
+
+#include "objectstate.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct LightState : public ObjectState
+    {
+        float mTime;
+
+        virtual void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        virtual void save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory = false) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcell.cpp b/components/esm/loadcell.cpp
index f4bba7f19..dd7bf3e42 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcell.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcell.cpp
@@ -3,26 +3,52 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <sstream>
 #include <list>
+
 #include <boost/concept_check.hpp>
 
+#include <components/misc/stringops.hpp>
+
 #include "esmreader.hpp"
 #include "esmwriter.hpp"
 #include "defs.hpp"
+#include "cellid.hpp"
+
+namespace
+{
+    ///< Translate 8bit/24bit code (stored in refNum.mIndex) into a proper refNum
+    void adjustRefNum (ESM::CellRef::RefNum& refNum, ESM::ESMReader& reader)
+    {
+        int local = (refNum.mIndex & 0xff000000) >> 24;
+
+        if (local)
+        {
+            // If the most significant 8 bits are used, then this reference already exists.
+            // In this case, do not spawn a new reference, but overwrite the old one.
+            refNum.mIndex &= 0x00ffffff; // delete old plugin ID
+            refNum.mContentFile = reader.getGameFiles()[local-1].index;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            // This is an addition by the present plugin. Set the corresponding plugin index.
+            refNum.mContentFile = reader.getIndex();
+        }
+    }
+}
 
 namespace ESM
 {
     unsigned int Cell::sRecordId = REC_CELL;
 
-/// Some overloaded compare operators.
-bool operator==(const MovedCellRef& ref, int pRefnum)
-{
-  return (ref.mRefnum == pRefnum);
-}
+    // Some overloaded compare operators.
+    bool operator== (const MovedCellRef& ref, const CellRef::RefNum& refNum)
+    {
+        return ref.mRefNum == refNum;
+    }
 
-bool operator==(const CellRef& ref, int pRefnum)
-{
-  return (ref.mRefnum == pRefnum);
-}
+    bool operator== (const CellRef& ref, const CellRef::RefNum& refNum)
+    {
+        return ref.mRefNum == refNum;
+    }
 
 
 void Cell::load(ESMReader &esm, bool saveContext)
@@ -143,7 +169,7 @@ std::string Cell::getDescription() const
     }
 }
 
-bool Cell::getNextRef(ESMReader &esm, CellRef &ref)
+bool Cell::getNextRef(ESMReader &esm, CellRef &ref, bool& deleted)
 {
     // TODO: Try and document reference numbering, I don't think this has been done anywhere else.
     if (!esm.hasMoreSubs())
@@ -157,132 +183,28 @@ bool Cell::getNextRef(ESMReader &esm, CellRef &ref)
         // That should be it, I haven't seen any other fields yet.
     }
 
-    // NAM0 sometimes appears here, sometimes further on
-    ref.mNam0 = 0;
-    if (esm.isNextSub("NAM0"))
-    {
-        esm.getHT(ref.mNam0);
-        //esm.getHNOT(NAM0, "NAM0");
-    }
-
-    esm.getHNT(ref.mRefnum, "FRMR");
-    ref.mRefID = esm.getHNString("NAME");
+    ref.load (esm);
 
     // Identify references belonging to a parent file and adapt the ID accordingly.
-    int local = (ref.mRefnum & 0xff000000) >> 24;
-    size_t global = esm.getIndex() + 1;
-    if (local)
+    adjustRefNum (ref.mRefNum, esm);
+
+    if (esm.isNextSub("DELE"))
     {
-        // If the most significant 8 bits are used, then this reference already exists.
-        // In this case, do not spawn a new reference, but overwrite the old one.
-        ref.mRefnum &= 0x00ffffff; // delete old plugin ID
-        const std::vector<Header::MasterData> &masters = esm.getGameFiles();
-        global = masters[local-1].index + 1;
-        ref.mRefnum |= global << 24; // insert global plugin ID
+        esm.skipHSub();
+        deleted = true;
     }
     else
-    {
-        // This is an addition by the present plugin. Set the corresponding plugin index.
-        ref.mRefnum |= global << 24; // insert global plugin ID
-    }
-
-    // getHNOT will not change the existing value if the subrecord is
-    // missing
-    ref.mScale = 1.0;
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mScale, "XSCL");
-
-    // TODO: support loading references from saves, there are tons of keys not recognized yet.
-    // The following is just an incomplete list.
-    if (esm.isNextSub("ACTN"))
-        esm.skipHSub();
-    if (esm.isNextSub("STPR"))
-        esm.skipHSub();
-    if (esm.isNextSub("ACDT"))
-        esm.skipHSub();
-    if (esm.isNextSub("ACSC"))
-        esm.skipHSub();
-    if (esm.isNextSub("ACSL"))
-        esm.skipHSub();
-    if (esm.isNextSub("CHRD"))
-        esm.skipHSub();
-    else if (esm.isNextSub("CRED")) // ???
-        esm.skipHSub();
-
-    ref.mOwner = esm.getHNOString("ANAM");
-    ref.mGlob = esm.getHNOString("BNAM");
-    ref.mSoul = esm.getHNOString("XSOL");
-
-    ref.mFaction = esm.getHNOString("CNAM");
-    ref.mFactIndex = -2;
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mFactIndex, "INDX");
-
-    ref.mGoldValue = 1;
-    ref.mCharge = -1;
-    ref.mEnchantmentCharge = -1;
-
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mEnchantmentCharge, "XCHG");
-
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mCharge, "INTV");
-
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mGoldValue, "NAM9");
-
-    // Present for doors that teleport you to another cell.
-    if (esm.isNextSub("DODT"))
-    {
-        ref.mTeleport = true;
-        esm.getHT(ref.mDoorDest);
-        ref.mDestCell = esm.getHNOString("DNAM");
-    } else {
-        ref.mTeleport = false;
-    }
-
-    // Integer, despite the name suggesting otherwise
-    ref.mLockLevel = -1;
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mLockLevel, "FLTV");
-    ref.mKey = esm.getHNOString("KNAM");
-    ref.mTrap = esm.getHNOString("TNAM");
-
-    ref.mReferenceBlocked = -1;
-    ref.mFltv = 0;
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mReferenceBlocked, "UNAM");
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mFltv, "FLTV");
-
-    esm.getHNOT(ref.mPos, "DATA", 24);
-
-    // Number of references in the cell? Maximum once in each cell,
-    // but not always at the beginning, and not always right. In other
-    // words, completely useless.
-    // Update: Well, maybe not completely useless. This might actually be
-    //  number_of_references + number_of_references_moved_here_Across_boundaries,
-    //  and could be helpful for collecting these weird moved references.
-    if (esm.isNextSub("NAM0"))
-    {
-        esm.getHT(ref.mNam0);
-        //esm.getHNOT(NAM0, "NAM0");
-    }
-
-    if (esm.isNextSub("DELE")) {
-        esm.skipHSub();
-        ref.mDeleted = 2; // Deleted, will not respawn.
-        // TODO: find out when references do respawn.
-    } else
-        ref.mDeleted = 0;
+        deleted = false;
 
     return true;
 }
 
 bool Cell::getNextMVRF(ESMReader &esm, MovedCellRef &mref)
 {
-    esm.getHT(mref.mRefnum);
+    esm.getHT(mref.mRefNum.mIndex);
     esm.getHNOT(mref.mTarget, "CNDT");
 
-    // Identify references belonging to a parent file and adapt the ID accordingly.
-    int local = (mref.mRefnum & 0xff000000) >> 24;
-    size_t global = esm.getIndex() + 1;
-    mref.mRefnum &= 0x00ffffff; // delete old plugin ID
-    const std::vector<Header::MasterData> &masters = esm.getGameFiles();
-    global = masters[local-1].index + 1;
-    mref.mRefnum |= global << 24; // insert global plugin ID
+    adjustRefNum (mref.mRefNum, esm);
 
     return true;
 }
@@ -318,4 +240,24 @@ bool Cell::getNextMVRF(ESMReader &esm, MovedCellRef &mref)
         *original = *modified;
         original->mWater = waterLevel;
     }
+
+    CellId Cell::getCellId() const
+    {
+        CellId id;
+
+        id.mPaged = !(mData.mFlags & Interior);
+
+        if (id.mPaged)
+        {
+            id.mWorldspace = "default";
+            id.mIndex.mX = mData.mX;
+            id.mIndex.mY = mData.mY;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            id.mWorldspace = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (mName);
+        }
+
+        return id;
+    }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcell.hpp b/components/esm/loadcell.hpp
index 71478946f..f01c88c65 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcell.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcell.hpp
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ namespace ESM
 {
 class ESMReader;
 class ESMWriter;
+    class CellId;
 
 /* Moved cell reference tracking object. This mainly stores the target cell
         of the reference, so we can easily know where it has been moved when another
@@ -27,7 +28,7 @@ class ESMWriter;
 class MovedCellRef
 {
 public:
-    int mRefnum;
+    CellRef::RefNum mRefNum;
 
     // Target cell (if exterior)
     int mTarget[2];
@@ -37,9 +38,9 @@ public:
     //  introduces a henchman (which no one uses), so we may need this as well.
 };
 
-/// Overloaded copare operator used to search inside a list of cell refs.
-bool operator==(const MovedCellRef& ref, int pRefnum);
-bool operator==(const CellRef& ref, int pRefnum);
+/// Overloaded compare operator used to search inside a list of cell refs.
+bool operator==(const MovedCellRef& ref, const CellRef::RefNum& refNum);
+bool operator==(const CellRef& ref, const CellRef::RefNum& refNum);
 
 typedef std::list<MovedCellRef> MovedCellRefTracker;
 typedef std::list<CellRef> CellRefTracker;
@@ -147,7 +148,7 @@ struct Cell
      All fields of the CellRef struct are overwritten. You can safely
      reuse one memory location without blanking it between calls.
   */
-  static bool getNextRef(ESMReader &esm, CellRef &ref);
+  static bool getNextRef(ESMReader &esm, CellRef &ref, bool& deleted);
 
   /* This fetches an MVRF record, which is used to track moved references.
    * Since they are comparably rare, we use a separate method for this.
@@ -156,6 +157,8 @@ struct Cell
 
     void blank();
     ///< Set record to default state (does not touch the ID/index).
+
+    CellId getCellId() const;
 };
 }
 #endif
diff --git a/components/esm/loadland.cpp b/components/esm/loadland.cpp
index 9c97eaa4d..1b701229e 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadland.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadland.cpp
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ void Land::LandData::save(ESMWriter &esm)
         esm.writeHNT("VNML", mNormals, sizeof(VNML));
     }
     if (mDataTypes & Land::DATA_VHGT) {
-        static VHGT offsets;
+        VHGT offsets;
         offsets.mHeightOffset = mHeights[0] / HEIGHT_SCALE;
         offsets.mUnk1 = mUnk1;
         offsets.mUnk2 = mUnk2;
diff --git a/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp b/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp
index 30460c17a..de679e815 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp
@@ -26,24 +26,24 @@ void Script::load(ESMReader &esm)
     if (esm.isNextSub("SCVR"))
     {
         int s = mData.mStringTableSize;
-        char* tmp = new char[s];
-        esm.getHExact(tmp, s);
+
+        std::vector<char> tmp (s);
+        esm.getHExact (&tmp[0], s);
 
         // Set up the list of variable names
         mVarNames.resize(mData.mNumShorts + mData.mNumLongs + mData.mNumFloats);
 
         // The tmp buffer is a null-byte separated string list, we
         // just have to pick out one string at a time.
-        char* str = tmp;
+        char* str = &tmp[0];
         for (size_t i = 0; i < mVarNames.size(); i++)
         {
             mVarNames[i] = std::string(str);
             str += mVarNames[i].size() + 1;
 
-            if (str - tmp > s)
+            if (str - &tmp[0] > s)
                 esm.fail("String table overflow");
         }
-        delete[] tmp;
     }
 
     // Script mData
diff --git a/components/esm/loadtes3.cpp b/components/esm/loadtes3.cpp
index 262d4f6fa..d3d525049 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadtes3.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadtes3.cpp
@@ -19,6 +19,15 @@ void ESM::Header::blank()
 
 void ESM::Header::load (ESMReader &esm)
 {
+    if (esm.isNextSub ("FORM"))
+    {
+        esm.getHT (mFormat);
+        if (mFormat<0)
+            esm.fail ("invalid format code");
+    }
+    else
+        mFormat = 0;
+
     if (esm.isNextSub("HEDR"))
     {
       esm.getSubHeader();
@@ -29,15 +38,6 @@ void ESM::Header::load (ESMReader &esm)
       esm.getT(mData.records);
     }
 
-    if (esm.isNextSub ("FORM"))
-    {
-        esm.getHT (mFormat);
-        if (mFormat<0)
-            esm.fail ("invalid format code");
-    }
-    else
-        mFormat = 0;
-
     while (esm.isNextSub ("MAST"))
     {
         MasterData m;
@@ -49,11 +49,11 @@ void ESM::Header::load (ESMReader &esm)
 
 void ESM::Header::save (ESMWriter &esm)
 {
-    esm.writeHNT ("HEDR", mData, 300);
-
     if (mFormat>0)
         esm.writeHNT ("FORM", mFormat);
 
+    esm.writeHNT ("HEDR", mData, 300);
+
     for (std::vector<Header::MasterData>::iterator iter = mMaster.begin();
          iter != mMaster.end(); ++iter)
     {
diff --git a/components/esm/locals.cpp b/components/esm/locals.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9c470a025
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/locals.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+
+#include "locals.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::Locals::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    while (esm.isNextSub ("LOCA"))
+    {
+        std::string id = esm.getHString();
+
+        Variant value;
+        value.read (esm, Variant::Format_Info);
+
+        mVariables.push_back (std::make_pair (id, value));
+    }
+}
+
+void ESM::Locals::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, Variant> >::const_iterator iter (mVariables.begin());
+        iter!=mVariables.end(); ++iter)
+    {
+        esm.writeHNString ("LOCA", iter->first);
+        iter->second.write (esm, Variant::Format_Info);
+    }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/locals.hpp b/components/esm/locals.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..af5afb23b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/locals.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_LOCALS_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_LOCALS_H
+
+#include <vector>
+#include <string>
+
+#include "variant.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    /// \brief Storage structure for local variables (only used in saved games)
+    ///
+    /// \note This is not a top-level record.
+
+    struct Locals
+    {
+        std::vector<std::pair<std::string, Variant> > mVariables;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/npcstate.cpp b/components/esm/npcstate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c452611a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/npcstate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+
+#include "npcstate.hpp"
+
+void ESM::NpcState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    ObjectState::load (esm);
+
+    mInventory.load (esm);
+}
+
+void ESM::NpcState::save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory) const
+{
+    ObjectState::save (esm, inInventory);
+
+    mInventory.save (esm);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/npcstate.hpp b/components/esm/npcstate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ceb18b88b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/npcstate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_NPCSTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_NPCSTATE_H
+
+#include "objectstate.hpp"
+#include "inventorystate.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct NpcState : public ObjectState
+    {
+        InventoryState mInventory;
+
+        virtual void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        virtual void save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory = false) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/objectstate.cpp b/components/esm/objectstate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..be00f3ef6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/objectstate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+
+#include "objectstate.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::ObjectState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    mRef.load (esm, true);
+
+    mHasLocals = 0;
+    esm.getHNOT (mHasLocals, "HLOC");
+
+    if (mHasLocals)
+        mLocals.load (esm);
+
+    mEnabled = 1;
+    esm.getHNOT (mEnabled, "ENAB");
+
+    mCount = 1;
+    esm.getHNOT (mCount, "COUN");
+
+    esm.getHNOT (mPosition, "POS_", 24);
+
+    esm.getHNOT (mLocalRotation, "LROT", 12);
+}
+
+void ESM::ObjectState::save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory) const
+{
+    mRef.save (esm, true, inInventory);
+
+    if (mHasLocals)
+    {
+        esm.writeHNT ("HLOC", mHasLocals);
+        mLocals.save (esm);
+    }
+
+    if (!mEnabled && !inInventory)
+        esm.writeHNT ("ENAB", mEnabled);
+
+    if (mCount!=1)
+        esm.writeHNT ("COUN", mCount);
+
+    if (!inInventory)
+    {
+        esm.writeHNT ("POS_", mPosition, 24);
+        esm.writeHNT ("LROT", mLocalRotation, 12);
+    }
+}
+
+ESM::ObjectState::~ObjectState() {}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/objectstate.hpp b/components/esm/objectstate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9c9ca5f2e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/objectstate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_OBJECTSTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_OBJECTSTATE_H
+
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include "cellref.hpp"
+#include "locals.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    ///< \brief Save state for objects, that do not use custom data
+    struct ObjectState
+    {
+        CellRef mRef;
+
+        unsigned char mHasLocals;
+        Locals mLocals;
+        unsigned char mEnabled;
+        int mCount;
+        ESM::Position mPosition;
+        float mLocalRotation[3];
+
+        virtual void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        virtual void save (ESMWriter &esm, bool inInventory = false) const;
+
+        virtual ~ObjectState();
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/player.cpp b/components/esm/player.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d5ddc74d0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/player.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+
+#include "player.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::Player::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    mObject.load (esm);
+
+    mCellId.load (esm);
+
+    esm.getHNT (mLastKnownExteriorPosition, "LKEP", 12);
+
+    if (esm.isNextSub ("MARK"))
+    {
+        mHasMark = true;
+        esm.getHT (mMarkedPosition, 24);
+        mMarkedCell.load (esm);
+    }
+    else
+        mHasMark = false;
+
+    mAutoMove = 0;
+    esm.getHNOT (mAutoMove, "AMOV");
+
+    mBirthsign = esm.getHNString ("SIGN");
+}
+
+void ESM::Player::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    mObject.save (esm);
+
+    mCellId.save (esm);
+
+    esm.writeHNT ("LKEP", mLastKnownExteriorPosition, 12);
+
+    if (mHasMark)
+    {
+        esm.writeHNT ("MARK", mMarkedPosition, 24);
+        mMarkedCell.save (esm);
+    }
+
+    if (mAutoMove)
+        esm.writeHNT ("AMOV", mAutoMove);
+
+    esm.writeHNString ("SIGN", mBirthsign);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/player.hpp b/components/esm/player.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0d70ee090
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/player.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_PLAYER_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_PLAYER_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+#include "npcstate.hpp"
+#include "cellid.hpp"
+#include "defs.hpp"
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct Player
+    {
+        NpcState mObject;
+        CellId mCellId;
+        float mLastKnownExteriorPosition[3];
+        unsigned char mHasMark;
+        ESM::Position mMarkedPosition;
+        CellId mMarkedCell;
+        unsigned char mAutoMove;
+        std::string mBirthsign;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/queststate.cpp b/components/esm/queststate.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e93826725
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/queststate.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+
+#include "queststate.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+
+void ESM::QuestState::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    mTopic = esm.getHNString ("YETO");
+    esm.getHNOT (mState, "QSTA");
+    esm.getHNOT (mFinished, "QFIN");
+}
+
+void ESM::QuestState::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    esm.writeHNString ("YETO", mTopic);
+    esm.writeHNT ("QSTA", mState);
+    esm.writeHNT ("QFIN", mFinished);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/queststate.hpp b/components/esm/queststate.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1769336f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/queststate.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_QUESTSTATE_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_QUESTSTATE_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct QuestState
+    {
+        std::string mTopic;
+        int mState;
+        unsigned char mFinished;
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/components/esm/savedgame.cpp b/components/esm/savedgame.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d6887f170
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/savedgame.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+
+#include "savedgame.hpp"
+
+#include "esmreader.hpp"
+#include "esmwriter.hpp"
+#include "defs.hpp"
+
+unsigned int ESM::SavedGame::sRecordId = ESM::REC_SAVE;
+
+void ESM::SavedGame::load (ESMReader &esm)
+{
+    mPlayerName = esm.getHNString("PLNA");
+    esm.getHNOT (mPlayerLevel, "PLLE");
+    mPlayerClass = esm.getHNString("PLCL");
+    mPlayerCell = esm.getHNString("PLCE");
+    esm.getHNT (mInGameTime, "TSTM", 16);
+    esm.getHNT (mTimePlayed, "TIME");
+    mDescription = esm.getHNString ("DESC");
+
+    while (esm.isNextSub ("DEPE"))
+        mContentFiles.push_back (esm.getHString());
+
+    esm.getSubNameIs("SCRN");
+    esm.getSubHeader();
+    mScreenshot.resize(esm.getSubSize());
+    esm.getExact(&mScreenshot[0], mScreenshot.size());
+}
+
+void ESM::SavedGame::save (ESMWriter &esm) const
+{
+    esm.writeHNString ("PLNA", mPlayerName);
+    esm.writeHNT ("PLLE", mPlayerLevel);
+    esm.writeHNString ("PLCL", mPlayerClass);
+    esm.writeHNString ("PLCE", mPlayerCell);
+    esm.writeHNT ("TSTM", mInGameTime, 16);
+    esm.writeHNT ("TIME", mTimePlayed);
+    esm.writeHNString ("DESC", mDescription);
+
+    for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator iter (mContentFiles.begin());
+         iter!=mContentFiles.end(); ++iter)
+         esm.writeHNString ("DEPE", *iter);
+
+    esm.startSubRecord("SCRN");
+    esm.write(&mScreenshot[0], mScreenshot.size());
+    esm.endRecord("SCRN");
+}
diff --git a/components/esm/savedgame.hpp b/components/esm/savedgame.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9c7bf551d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/esm/savedgame.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+#ifndef OPENMW_ESM_SAVEDGAME_H
+#define OPENMW_ESM_SAVEDGAME_H
+
+#include <vector>
+#include <string>
+
+namespace ESM
+{
+    class ESMReader;
+    class ESMWriter;
+
+    // format 0, saved games only
+
+    struct SavedGame
+    {
+        static unsigned int sRecordId;
+
+        struct TimeStamp
+        {
+            float mGameHour;
+            int mDay;
+            int mMonth;
+            int mYear;
+        };
+
+        std::vector<std::string> mContentFiles;
+        std::string mPlayerName;
+        int mPlayerLevel;
+        std::string mPlayerClass; // this is the ID and not the name of the class
+        std::string mPlayerCell;
+        TimeStamp mInGameTime;
+        double mTimePlayed;
+        std::string mDescription;
+        std::vector<char> mScreenshot; // raw jpg-encoded data
+
+        void load (ESMReader &esm);
+        void save (ESMWriter &esm) const;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/components/esm/variant.hpp b/components/esm/variant.hpp
index 2bba60a15..8ba9bb34f 100644
--- a/components/esm/variant.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/variant.hpp
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ namespace ESM
             {
                 Format_Global,
                 Format_Gmst,
-                Format_Info
+                Format_Info // also used for local variables in saved game files
             };
 
             Variant();
diff --git a/files/mygui/openmw_savegame_dialog.layout b/files/mygui/openmw_savegame_dialog.layout
index 18de6a239..ceb1a8428 100644
--- a/files/mygui/openmw_savegame_dialog.layout
+++ b/files/mygui/openmw_savegame_dialog.layout
@@ -17,8 +17,6 @@
 
                 <Widget type="ComboBox" skin="MW_ComboBox" position="0 0 200 24" name="SelectCharacter">
                     <Property key="Caption" value="Select Character"/>
-                    <Property key="AddItem" value="Gandalf (Level 654)"/>
-                    <Property key="AddItem" value="Frodo (Level 3)"/>
                     <UserString key="HStretch" value="true"/>
                 </Widget>
 
@@ -26,11 +24,6 @@
                 <Widget type="ListBox" skin="MW_List" position="0 0 200 200" name="SaveList">
                     <UserString key="HStretch" value="true"/>
                     <UserString key="VStretch" value="true"/>
-                    <Property key="AddItem" value="Quicksave"/>
-                    <Property key="AddItem" value="Autosave"/>
-                    <Property key="AddItem" value="Save 3"/>
-                    <Property key="AddItem" value="Save 2"/>
-                    <Property key="AddItem" value="Save 1"/>
                 </Widget>
 
             </Widget>
@@ -51,8 +44,6 @@
                 <Widget type="AutoSizedEditBox" skin="SandText" position="0 0 263 0" name="InfoText">
                     <Property key="Static" value="true"/>
                     <Property key="MultiLine" value="true"/>
-
-                    <Property key="Caption" value="4:21 AM\nTuesday, November 5, 2013\n\nLevel 23\nBalmora, Guild of Mages\n16 Last Seed (Day 12) 9 a.m. "/>
                 </Widget>
 
 
diff --git a/files/settings-default.cfg b/files/settings-default.cfg
index 22391fe93..4fb7097f8 100644
--- a/files/settings-default.cfg
+++ b/files/settings-default.cfg
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# WARNING: Editing this file might have no effect, as these 
+# WARNING: Editing this file might have no effect, as these
 # settings are overwritten by your user settings file.
 
 [Video]
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ screen = 0
 # Valid values:
 # OpenGL Rendering Subsystem
 # Direct3D9 Rendering Subsystem
-render system = 
+render system =
 
 # Valid values:
 # none
@@ -171,6 +171,9 @@ ui y multiplier = 1.0
 # Always use the most powerful attack when striking with a weapon (chop, slash or thrust)
 best attack = false
 
+[Saves]
+character =
+
 [Windows]
 inventory x = 0
 inventory y = 0.4275