diff --git a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
index 047cea760..4eb7aac70 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ add_openmw_dir (mwworld
     refdata worldimp physicssystem scene globals class action nullaction actionteleport
     containerstore actiontalk actiontake manualref player cellfunctors
     cells localscripts customdata weather inventorystore ptr actionopen actionread
-    actionequip timestamp actionalchemy cellstore actionapply
+    actionequip timestamp actionalchemy cellstore actionapply actioneat
     )
 
 add_openmw_dir (mwclass
diff --git a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
index 82bd3b69b..db6edf397 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
@@ -162,6 +162,10 @@ void OMW::Engine::loadBSA()
         dataDirectory = iter->string();
         std::cout << "Data dir " << dataDirectory << std::endl;
         Bsa::addDir(dataDirectory, mFSStrict);
+
+        // Workaround: Mygui does not find textures in non-BSA subfolders, _unless_ they are explicitely added like this
+        // For splash screens, this is OK to do, but eventually we will need an investigation why this is necessary
+        Bsa::addDir(dataDirectory + "/Splash", mFSStrict);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
index bd8b7eb18..58fe180e9 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
@@ -218,6 +218,7 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual void executeInConsole (const std::string& path) = 0;
 
             virtual void setLoadingProgress (const std::string& stage, int depth, int current, int total) = 0;
+            virtual void loadingDone() = 0;
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.cpp
index f0354de76..bdeb0e82b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 #include "../mwworld/actiontake.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/cellstore.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/physicssystem.hpp"
+#include "../mwworld/actioneat.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwgui/tooltips.hpp"
 
@@ -19,6 +20,14 @@
 
 namespace MWClass
 {
+    std::string Ingredient::getId (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const
+    {
+        MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::Ingredient> *ref =
+            ptr.get<ESM::Ingredient>();
+
+        return ref->base->mId;
+    }
+    
     void Ingredient::insertObjectRendering (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, MWRender::RenderingInterface& renderingInterface) const
     {
         const std::string model = getModel(ptr);
@@ -84,6 +93,16 @@ namespace MWClass
         return ref->base->data.value;
     }
 
+   
+    boost::shared_ptr<MWWorld::Action> Ingredient::use (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const
+    {
+        boost::shared_ptr<MWWorld::Action> action (new MWWorld::ActionEat (ptr));
+
+        action->setSound ("Swallow");
+
+        return action;    
+    }
+    
     void Ingredient::registerSelf()
     {
         boost::shared_ptr<Class> instance (new Ingredient);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.hpp
index 1365c4a71..0afd202fb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/ingredient.hpp
@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@ namespace MWClass
 
         public:
 
+            virtual std::string getId (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
+            ///< Return ID of \a ptr
+
             virtual void insertObjectRendering (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, MWRender::RenderingInterface& renderingInterface) const;
             ///< Add reference into a cell for rendering
 
@@ -37,6 +40,10 @@ namespace MWClass
             virtual int getValue (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
             ///< Return trade value of the object. Throws an exception, if the object can't be traded.
 
+            virtual boost::shared_ptr<MWWorld::Action> use (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr)
+                const;
+            ///< Generate action for using via inventory menu
+            
             static void registerSelf();
 
             virtual std::string getUpSoundId (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
index 8aab9da56..063f39d2a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
@@ -365,7 +365,7 @@ namespace MWClass
 
         /// \todo consider instant effects
 
-        return stats.getActiveSpells().addSpell (id);
+        return stats.getActiveSpells().addSpell (id, actor);
     }
 
     void Npc::skillUsageSucceeded (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, int skill, int usageType) const
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.cpp
index d93cc50c3..e41f2eec9 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/inputmanager.hpp"
 
+#include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
+
 namespace MWGui
 {
 
@@ -20,6 +22,8 @@ namespace MWGui
         , WindowBase("openmw_loading_screen.layout", parWindowManager)
         , mLoadingOn(false)
         , mLastRenderTime(0.f)
+        , mLastWallpaperChangeTime(0.f)
+        , mFirstLoad(true)
     {
         getWidget(mLoadingText, "LoadingText");
         getWidget(mProgressBar, "ProgressBar");
@@ -77,11 +81,7 @@ namespace MWGui
             mTotalRefsLoading = total;
         }
 
-        if (mTotalCellsLoading == 0)
-        {
-            loadingOff();
-            return;
-        }
+        assert (mTotalCellsLoading != 0);
 
         float refProgress;
         if (mTotalRefsLoading <= 1)
@@ -98,11 +98,6 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         float progress = (float(mCurrentCellLoading)+refProgress) / float(mTotalCellsLoading);
         assert(progress <= 1 && progress >= 0);
-        if (progress >= 1)
-        {
-            loadingOff();
-            return;
-        }
 
         mLoadingText->setCaption(stage + "... ");
         mProgressBar->setProgressPosition (static_cast<size_t>(progress * 1000));
@@ -113,6 +108,11 @@ namespace MWGui
         {
             mLastRenderTime = mTimer.getMilliseconds ();
 
+            if (mFirstLoad && mTimer.getMilliseconds () > mLastWallpaperChangeTime + 3000*1)
+            {
+                mLastWallpaperChangeTime = mTimer.getMilliseconds ();
+                changeWallpaper();
+            }
 
             // Turn off rendering except the GUI
             mSceneMgr->clearSpecialCaseRenderQueues();
@@ -139,8 +139,11 @@ namespace MWGui
             }
             else
             {
-                mBackgroundMaterial->getTechnique(0)->getPass(0)->getTextureUnitState(0)->setTextureName(chain->getCompositor ("gbufferFinalizer")->getTextureInstance ("no_mrt_output", 0)->getName());
-                mRectangle->setVisible(true);
+                if (!mFirstLoad)
+                {
+                    mBackgroundMaterial->getTechnique(0)->getPass(0)->getTextureUnitState(0)->setTextureName(chain->getCompositor ("gbufferFinalizer")->getTextureInstance ("no_mrt_output", 0)->getName());
+                    mRectangle->setVisible(true);
+                }
 
                 for (unsigned int i = 0; i<chain->getNumCompositors(); ++i)
                 {
@@ -158,19 +161,37 @@ namespace MWGui
                 {
                     Ogre::CompositorManager::getSingleton().setCompositorEnabled(mWindow->getViewport(0), chain->getCompositor(i)->getCompositor()->getName(), true);
                 }
-                mRectangle->setVisible(false);
             }
 
+            mRectangle->setVisible(false);
+
             // resume 3d rendering
             mSceneMgr->clearSpecialCaseRenderQueues();
             mSceneMgr->setSpecialCaseRenderQueueMode(Ogre::SceneManager::SCRQM_EXCLUDE);
         }
     }
 
+    void LoadingScreen::loadingDone()
+    {
+        loadingOff();
+    }
+
     void LoadingScreen::loadingOn()
     {
         setVisible(true);
         mLoadingOn = true;
+
+        if (mFirstLoad)
+        {
+            changeWallpaper();
+
+            mWindowManager.pushGuiMode(GM_LoadingWallpaper);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            mBackgroundImage->setImageTexture("");
+            mWindowManager.pushGuiMode(GM_Loading);
+        }
     }
 
 
@@ -178,5 +199,28 @@ namespace MWGui
     {
         setVisible(false);
         mLoadingOn = false;
+        mFirstLoad = false;
+
+        mWindowManager.removeGuiMode(GM_Loading);
+        mWindowManager.removeGuiMode(GM_LoadingWallpaper);
+    }
+
+    void LoadingScreen::changeWallpaper ()
+    {
+        /// \todo use a directory listing here
+        std::vector<std::string> splash;
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_Bonelord.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_ClannDaddy.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_Clannfear.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_Daedroth.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_Hunger.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_KwamaWarrior.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_Netch.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_NixHound.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_Siltstriker.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_Skeleton.tga");
+        splash.push_back ("Splash_SphereCenturion.tga");
+
+        mBackgroundImage->setImageTexture (splash[rand() % splash.size()]);
     }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.hpp
index abd59db49..a012793ca 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/loadingscreen.hpp
@@ -15,13 +15,17 @@ namespace MWGui
         virtual ~LoadingScreen();
 
         void setLoadingProgress (const std::string& stage, int depth, int current, int total);
+        void loadingDone();
 
         void onResChange(int w, int h);
 
     private:
+        bool mFirstLoad;
+
         Ogre::SceneManager* mSceneMgr;
         Ogre::RenderWindow* mWindow;
 
+        unsigned long mLastWallpaperChangeTime;
         unsigned long mLastRenderTime;
         Ogre::Timer mTimer;
 
@@ -43,6 +47,8 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         void loadingOn();
         void loadingOff();
+
+        void changeWallpaper();
     };
 
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp
index 4417f7b9c..7e1adcf8b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp
@@ -35,6 +35,9 @@ namespace MWGui
       // interactive MessageBox
       GM_InterMessageBox,
 
+      GM_Loading,
+      GM_LoadingWallpaper,
+
       GM_QuickKeysMenu
     };
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
index b29980b21..99f476574 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -248,6 +248,8 @@ void WindowManager::updateVisible()
     mSpellWindow->setVisible(false);
     mQuickKeysMenu->setVisible(false);
 
+    mHud->setVisible(true);
+
     // Mouse is visible whenever we're not in game mode
     MyGUI::PointerManager::getInstance().setVisible(isGuiMode());
 
@@ -340,6 +342,13 @@ void WindowManager::updateVisible()
         case GM_Journal:
             mJournal->setVisible(true);
             break;
+        case GM_LoadingWallpaper:
+            mHud->setVisible(false);
+            MyGUI::PointerManager::getInstance().setVisible(false);
+            break;
+        case GM_Loading:
+            MyGUI::PointerManager::getInstance().setVisible(false);
+            break;
         default:
             // Unsupported mode, switch back to game
             break;
@@ -909,3 +918,8 @@ void WindowManager::setLoadingProgress (const std::string& stage, int depth, int
 {
     mLoadingScreen->setLoadingProgress (stage, depth, current, total);
 }
+
+void WindowManager::loadingDone ()
+{
+    mLoadingScreen->loadingDone ();
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
index 5327bb868..e16b03e43 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -197,6 +197,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     virtual void executeInConsole (const std::string& path);
 
     virtual void setLoadingProgress (const std::string& stage, int depth, int current, int total);
+    virtual void loadingDone();
 
   private:
     OEngine::GUI::MyGUIManager *mGuiManager;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp
index 94b98d3be..67e5bad3d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp
@@ -5,12 +5,20 @@
 
 #include <components/esm/loadalch.hpp>
 #include <components/esm/loadspel.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/loadingr.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/loadmgef.hpp>
+#include <components/esm/loadskil.hpp>
 
 #include <components/esm_store/store.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
+#include "../mwworld/class.hpp"
+
+#include "creaturestats.hpp"
+#include "npcstats.hpp"
+
 namespace MWMechanics
 {
     void ActiveSpells::update() const
@@ -41,47 +49,102 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
 
         if (rebuild)
-        {
-            mEffects = MagicEffects();
+            rebuildEffects();
+    }
 
-            for (TIterator iter (begin()); iter!=end(); ++iter)
-            {
-                const ESM::EffectList& effects = getEffectList (iter->first);
+    void ActiveSpells::rebuildEffects() const
+    {
+        MWWorld::TimeStamp now = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeStamp();
+    
+        mEffects = MagicEffects();
+
+        for (TIterator iter (begin()); iter!=end(); ++iter)
+        {
+            std::pair<ESM::EffectList, bool> effects = getEffectList (iter->first);
 
-                const MWWorld::TimeStamp& start = iter->second.first;
-                float magnitude = iter->second.second;
+            const MWWorld::TimeStamp& start = iter->second.first;
+            float magnitude = iter->second.second;
 
-                for (std::vector<ESM::ENAMstruct>::const_iterator iter (effects.list.begin());
-                    iter!=effects.list.end(); ++iter)
+            for (std::vector<ESM::ENAMstruct>::const_iterator iter (effects.first.list.begin());
+                iter!=effects.first.list.end(); ++iter)
+            {
+                if (iter->duration)
                 {
-                    if (iter->duration)
+                    int duration = iter->duration;
+                    
+                    if (effects.second)
+                        duration *= magnitude;
+                    
+                    MWWorld::TimeStamp end = start;
+                    end += static_cast<double> (duration)*
+                        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeScaleFactor()/(60*60);
+
+                    if (end>now)
                     {
-                        MWWorld::TimeStamp end = start;
-                        end += static_cast<double> (iter->duration)*
-                            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeScaleFactor()/(60*60);
-
-                        if (end>now)
+                        EffectParam param;
+                        
+                        if (effects.second)
                         {
-                            EffectParam param;
-                            param.mMagnitude = static_cast<int> (
-                                (iter->magnMax-iter->magnMin+1)*magnitude + iter->magnMin);
-                            mEffects.add (*iter, param);
+                            const ESM::MagicEffect *magicEffect =
+                                MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().magicEffects.find (
+                                iter->effectID);                            
+                                
+                            if (iter->duration==0)
+                            {
+                                param.mMagnitude =
+                                    static_cast<int> (magnitude / (0.1 * magicEffect->data.baseCost));
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                param.mMagnitude =
+                                    static_cast<int> (0.05*magnitude / (0.1 * magicEffect->data.baseCost));
+                            }
                         }
+                        else
+                            param.mMagnitude = static_cast<int> (
+                                (iter->magnMax-iter->magnMin)*magnitude + iter->magnMin);
+                                
+                        mEffects.add (*iter, param);
                     }
                 }
             }
-        }
+        }    
     }
 
-    const ESM::EffectList& ActiveSpells::getEffectList (const std::string& id) const
+    std::pair<ESM::EffectList, bool> ActiveSpells::getEffectList (const std::string& id) const
     {
         if (const ESM::Spell *spell =
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().spells.search (id))
-            return spell->effects;
+            return std::make_pair (spell->effects, false);
 
         if (const ESM::Potion *potion =
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().potions.search (id))
-            return potion->effects;
+            return std::make_pair (potion->effects, false);
+
+        if (const ESM::Ingredient *ingredient =
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().ingreds.search (id))
+        {
+            const ESM::MagicEffect *magicEffect =
+                MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().magicEffects.find (
+                ingredient->data.effectID[0]);
+        
+            ESM::ENAMstruct effect;
+            effect.effectID = ingredient->data.effectID[0];
+            effect.skill = ingredient->data.skills[0];
+            effect.attribute = ingredient->data.attributes[0];
+            effect.range = 0;
+            effect.area = 0;
+            effect.duration = magicEffect->data.flags & ESM::MagicEffect::NoDuration ? 0 : 1;
+            effect.magnMin = 1;
+            effect.magnMax = 1;
+            
+            std::pair<ESM::EffectList, bool> result;
+            
+            result.first.list.push_back (effect);
+            result.second = true;
+            
+            return result;
+        }
 
         throw std::runtime_error ("ID " + id + " can not produce lasting effects");
     }
@@ -90,14 +153,14 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     : mSpellsChanged (false), mLastUpdate (MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeStamp())
     {}
 
-    bool ActiveSpells::addSpell (const std::string& id)
+    bool ActiveSpells::addSpell (const std::string& id, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor)
     {
-        const ESM::EffectList& effects = getEffectList (id);
+        std::pair<ESM::EffectList, bool> effects = getEffectList (id);
 
         bool found = false;
 
-        for (std::vector<ESM::ENAMstruct>::const_iterator iter (effects.list.begin());
-            iter!=effects.list.end(); ++iter)
+        for (std::vector<ESM::ENAMstruct>::const_iterator iter (effects.first.list.begin());
+            iter!=effects.first.list.end(); ++iter)
         {
             if (iter->duration)
             {
@@ -113,6 +176,22 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         float random = static_cast<float> (std::rand()) / RAND_MAX;
 
+        if (effects.second)
+        {
+            // ingredient -> special treatment required.
+            const CreatureStats& creatureStats = MWWorld::Class::get (actor).getCreatureStats (actor);
+            const NpcStats& npcStats = MWWorld::Class::get (actor).getNpcStats (actor);
+        
+            float x =
+                (npcStats.getSkill (ESM::Skill::Alchemy).getModified() +
+                0.2 * creatureStats.getAttribute (1).getModified()
+                + 0.1 * creatureStats.getAttribute (7).getModified())
+                * creatureStats.getFatigueTerm();
+            random *= 100;
+            random = random / std::min (x, 100.0f);
+            random *= 0.25 * x;
+        }
+
         if (iter==mSpells.end())
             mSpells.insert (std::make_pair (id,
                 std::make_pair (MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeStamp(), random)));
@@ -155,17 +234,20 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
     double ActiveSpells::timeToExpire (const TIterator& iterator) const
     {
-        const ESM::EffectList& effects = getEffectList (iterator->first);
+        std::pair<ESM::EffectList, bool> effects = getEffectList (iterator->first);
 
         int duration = 0;
 
-        for (std::vector<ESM::ENAMstruct>::const_iterator iter (effects.list.begin());
-            iter!=effects.list.end(); ++iter)
+        for (std::vector<ESM::ENAMstruct>::const_iterator iter (effects.first.list.begin());
+            iter!=effects.first.list.end(); ++iter)
         {
             if (iter->duration>duration)
                 duration = iter->duration;
         }
 
+        if (effects.second)
+            duration *= iterator->second.second;
+
         double scaledDuration = duration *
               MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeScaleFactor()/(60*60);
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.hpp
index 2226cea84..e7a239854 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.hpp
@@ -15,6 +15,11 @@ namespace ESM
     struct EffectList;
 }
 
+namespace MWWorld
+{
+    class Ptr;
+}
+
 namespace MWMechanics
 {
     /// \brief Lasting spell effects
@@ -36,14 +41,16 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             mutable MWWorld::TimeStamp mLastUpdate;
 
             void update() const;
+            
+            void rebuildEffects() const;
 
-            const ESM::EffectList& getEffectList (const std::string& id) const;
+            std::pair<ESM::EffectList, bool> getEffectList (const std::string& id) const;
 
         public:
 
             ActiveSpells();
 
-            bool addSpell (const std::string& id);
+            bool addSpell (const std::string& id, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
             ///< Overwrites an existing spell with the same ID. If the spell does not have any
             /// non-instant effects, it is ignored.
             ///
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp
index 09603bff2..91a9225fe 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp
@@ -1,58 +1,206 @@
 #include "creaturestats.hpp"
 
+#include <algorithm>
+
+#include <components/esm_store/store.hpp>
+
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+
 namespace MWMechanics
-{
-    CreatureStats::CreatureStats()
-    {}
+{  
+    const AiSequence& CreatureStats::getAiSequence() const
+    {
+        return mAiSequence;
+    }
     
-    // Can't use all benefits of members initialization because of
-    // lack of copy constructors
-    CreatureStats::CreatureStats(const CreatureStats &orig)
-      : mLevel(orig.mLevel), mHello(orig.mHello), mFight(orig.mFight),
-      mFlee(orig.mFlee), mAlarm(orig.mAlarm)
-    {
-        for (int i = 0; i < 8; ++i) {
-            mAttributes[i] = orig.mAttributes[i];
+    AiSequence& CreatureStats::getAiSequence()
+    {
+        return mAiSequence;   
+    }
+    
+    float CreatureStats::getFatigueTerm() const  
+    {
+        int max = getFatigue().getModified();
+        int current = getFatigue().getCurrent();
+        
+        float normalised = max==0 ? 1 : std::max (0.0f, static_cast<float> (current)/max);
+
+        const ESMS::ESMStore& store = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore();
+         
+        return store.gameSettings.find ("fFatigueBase")->getFloat()
+            - store.gameSettings.find ("fFatigueMult")->getFloat() * (1-normalised);
+    }
+    
+    const Stat<int> &CreatureStats::getAttribute(int index) const
+    {
+        if (index < 0 || index > 7) {
+            throw std::runtime_error("attribute index is out of range");
         }
-        for (int i = 0; i < 3; ++i) {
-            mDynamic[i] = orig.mDynamic[i];
+        return mAttributes[index];
+    }
+
+    const DynamicStat<int> &CreatureStats::getHealth() const
+    {
+        return mDynamic[0];
+    }
+
+    const DynamicStat<int> &CreatureStats::getMagicka() const
+    {
+        return mDynamic[1];
+    }
+
+    const DynamicStat<int> &CreatureStats::getFatigue() const
+    {
+        return mDynamic[2];
+    }
+
+    const Spells &CreatureStats::getSpells() const
+    {
+        return mSpells;
+    }
+
+    const ActiveSpells &CreatureStats::getActiveSpells() const
+    {
+        return mActiveSpells;
+    }
+
+    const MagicEffects &CreatureStats::getMagicEffects() const
+    {
+        return mMagicEffects;
+    }
+
+    int CreatureStats::getLevel() const
+    {
+        return mLevel;
+    }
+   
+    int CreatureStats::getHello() const
+    {
+        return mHello;
+    }
+
+    int CreatureStats::getFight() const
+    {
+        return mFight;
+    }
+
+    int CreatureStats::getFlee() const
+    {
+        return mFlee;
+    }
+
+    int CreatureStats::getAlarm() const
+    {
+        return mAlarm;
+    }
+
+    Stat<int> &CreatureStats::getAttribute(int index)
+    {
+        if (index < 0 || index > 7) {
+            throw std::runtime_error("attribute index is out of range");
         }
-        mSpells = orig.mSpells;
-        mActiveSpells = orig.mActiveSpells;
-        mMagicEffects = orig.mMagicEffects;
+        return mAttributes[index];
     }
 
-    CreatureStats::~CreatureStats()
-    {}
+    DynamicStat<int> &CreatureStats::getHealth()
+    {
+        return mDynamic[0];
+    }
+
+    DynamicStat<int> &CreatureStats::getMagicka()
+    {
+        return mDynamic[1];
+    }
+
+    DynamicStat<int> &CreatureStats::getFatigue()
+    {
+        return mDynamic[2];
+    }
 
-    const CreatureStats &
-    CreatureStats::operator=(const CreatureStats &orig)
+    DynamicStat<int> &CreatureStats::getDynamic(int index)
     {
-        for (int i = 0; i < 8; ++i) {
-            mAttributes[i] = orig.mAttributes[i];
+        if (index < 0 || index > 2) {
+            throw std::runtime_error("dynamic stat index is out of range");
         }
-        for (int i = 0; i < 3; ++i) {
-            mDynamic[i] = orig.mDynamic[i];
+        return mDynamic[index];
+    }
+
+    Spells &CreatureStats::getSpells()
+    {
+        return mSpells;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setSpells(const Spells &spells)
+    {
+        mSpells = spells;
+    }
+
+    ActiveSpells &CreatureStats::getActiveSpells()
+    {
+        return mActiveSpells;
+    }
+
+    MagicEffects &CreatureStats::getMagicEffects()
+    {
+        return mMagicEffects;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setAttribute(int index, const Stat<int> &value)
+    {
+        if (index < 0 || index > 7) {
+            throw std::runtime_error("attribute index is out of range");
         }
-        mLevel = orig.mLevel;
-        mSpells = orig.mSpells;
-        mActiveSpells = orig.mActiveSpells;
-        mMagicEffects = orig.mMagicEffects;
-        mHello = orig.mHello;
-        mFight = orig.mFight;
-        mFlee = orig.mFlee;
-        mAlarm = orig.mAlarm;
+        mAttributes[index] = value;
+    }
 
-        return *this;
+    void CreatureStats::setHealth(const DynamicStat<int> &value)
+    {
+        mDynamic[0] = value;
     }
-    
-    const AiSequence& CreatureStats::getAiSequence() const
+
+    void CreatureStats::setMagicka(const DynamicStat<int> &value)
     {
-        return mAiSequence;
+        mDynamic[1] = value;
     }
-    
-    AiSequence& CreatureStats::getAiSequence()
+
+    void CreatureStats::setFatigue(const DynamicStat<int> &value)
     {
-        return mAiSequence;   
+        mDynamic[2] = value;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setLevel(int level)
+    {
+        mLevel = level;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setActiveSpells(const ActiveSpells &active)
+    {
+        mActiveSpells = active;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setMagicEffects(const MagicEffects &effects)
+    {
+        mMagicEffects = effects;
     }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setHello(int value)
+    {
+        mHello = value;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setFight(int value)
+    {
+        mFight = value;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setFlee(int value)
+    {
+        mFlee = value;
+    }
+
+    void CreatureStats::setAlarm(int value)
+    {
+        mAlarm = value;
+    }    
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp
index d19972e7b..a6fb6779a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp
@@ -31,11 +31,6 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         AiSequence mAiSequence;
 
     public:
-        CreatureStats();
-        CreatureStats(const CreatureStats &);
-        virtual ~CreatureStats();
-
-        const CreatureStats & operator=(const CreatureStats &);
 
         const Stat<int> & getAttribute(int index) const;
 
@@ -106,185 +101,10 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         const AiSequence& getAiSequence() const;
         
         AiSequence& getAiSequence();
-    };
-
-    // Inline const getters
-
-    inline const Stat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getAttribute(int index) const {
-        if (index < 0 || index > 7) {
-            throw std::runtime_error("attribute index is out of range");
-        }
-        return mAttributes[index];
-    }
-
-    inline const DynamicStat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getHealth() const {
-        return mDynamic[0];
-    }
-
-    inline const DynamicStat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getMagicka() const {
-        return mDynamic[1];
-    }
-
-    inline const DynamicStat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getFatigue() const {
-        return mDynamic[2];
-    }
-
-    inline const Spells &
-    CreatureStats::getSpells() const {
-        return mSpells;
-    }
-
-    inline const ActiveSpells & 
-    CreatureStats::getActiveSpells() const {
-        return mActiveSpells;
-    }
-
-    inline const MagicEffects & 
-    CreatureStats::getMagicEffects() const {
-        return mMagicEffects;
-    }
-
-    inline int
-    CreatureStats::getLevel() const {
-        return mLevel;
-    }
    
-    inline int
-    CreatureStats::getHello() const {
-        return mHello;
-    }
-
-    inline int
-    CreatureStats::getFight() const {
-        return mFight;
-    }
-
-    inline int
-    CreatureStats::getFlee() const {
-        return mFlee;
-    }
-
-    inline int
-    CreatureStats::getAlarm() const {
-        return mAlarm;
-    }
-
-    // Inline non-const getters
-
-    inline Stat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getAttribute(int index) {
-        if (index < 0 || index > 7) {
-            throw std::runtime_error("attribute index is out of range");
-        }
-        return mAttributes[index];
-    }
-
-    inline DynamicStat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getHealth() {
-        return mDynamic[0];
-    }
-
-    inline DynamicStat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getMagicka() {
-        return mDynamic[1];
-    }
-
-    inline DynamicStat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getFatigue() {
-        return mDynamic[2];
-    }
-
-    inline DynamicStat<int> &
-    CreatureStats::getDynamic(int index) {
-        if (index < 0 || index > 2) {
-            throw std::runtime_error("dynamic stat index is out of range");
-        }
-        return mDynamic[index];
-    }
-
-    inline Spells & 
-    CreatureStats::getSpells() {
-        return mSpells;
-    }
-
-    inline void 
-    CreatureStats::setSpells(const Spells &spells) {
-        mSpells = spells;
-    }
-
-    inline ActiveSpells & 
-    CreatureStats::getActiveSpells() {
-        return mActiveSpells;
-    }
-
-    inline MagicEffects & 
-    CreatureStats::getMagicEffects() {
-        return mMagicEffects;
-    }
-
-    // Inline setters
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setAttribute(int index, const Stat<int> &value) {
-        if (index < 0 || index > 7) {
-            throw std::runtime_error("attribute index is out of range");
-        }
-        mAttributes[index] = value;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setHealth(const DynamicStat<int> &value) {
-        mDynamic[0] = value;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setMagicka(const DynamicStat<int> &value) {
-        mDynamic[1] = value;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setFatigue(const DynamicStat<int> &value) {
-        mDynamic[2] = value;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setLevel(int level) {
-        mLevel = level;
-    }
-
-    inline void 
-    CreatureStats::setActiveSpells(const ActiveSpells &active) {
-        mActiveSpells = active;
-    }
-
-    inline void 
-    CreatureStats::setMagicEffects(const MagicEffects &effects) {
-        mMagicEffects = effects;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setHello(int value) {
-        mHello = value;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setFight(int value) {
-        mFight = value;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setFlee(int value) {
-        mFlee = value;
-    }
-
-    inline void
-    CreatureStats::setAlarm(int value) {
-        mAlarm = value;
-    }
+        float getFatigueTerm() const;
+        ///< Return effective fatigue
+    };
 }
 
 #endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.cpp
index eba605d0c..60ecd4303 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.cpp
@@ -11,9 +11,6 @@
 #include <OgreBillboardSet.h>
 #include <OgreEntity.h>
 #include <OgreSubEntity.h>
-#include <OgreOverlay.h>
-#include <OgreOverlayManager.h>
-#include <OgreOverlayContainer.h>
 
 #include <boost/lexical_cast.hpp>
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.hpp
index 09d56dbd9..ee1360853 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/sky.hpp
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ namespace Ogre
     class Entity;
     class BillboardSet;
     class TextureUnitState;
-    class Overlay;
 }
 
 namespace MWRender
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actioneat.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actioneat.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..abd1ac4b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actioneat.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+
+#include "actioneat.hpp"
+
+#include <cstdlib>
+
+#include <components/esm/loadskil.hpp>
+
+#include <components/esm_store/store.hpp>
+
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp"
+#include "../mwmechanics/npcstats.hpp"
+
+#include "class.hpp"
+
+namespace MWWorld
+{
+    void ActionEat::executeImp (const Ptr& actor)
+    {
+        // remove used item
+        getTarget().getRefData().setCount (getTarget().getRefData().getCount()-1);
+
+        // check for success
+        const MWMechanics::CreatureStats& creatureStats = MWWorld::Class::get (actor).getCreatureStats (actor);
+        MWMechanics::NpcStats& npcStats = MWWorld::Class::get (actor).getNpcStats (actor);
+    
+        float x =
+            (npcStats.getSkill (ESM::Skill::Alchemy).getModified() +
+            0.2 * creatureStats.getAttribute (1).getModified()
+            + 0.1 * creatureStats.getAttribute (7).getModified())
+            * creatureStats.getFatigueTerm();
+
+        if (x>=100*static_cast<float> (std::rand()) / RAND_MAX)
+        {
+            // apply to actor
+            std::string id = Class::get (getTarget()).getId (getTarget());
+            
+            Class::get (actor).apply (actor, id, actor);
+            // we ignore the result here. Skill increases no matter if the ingredient did something or not.      
+        
+            // increase skill
+            Class::get (actor).skillUsageSucceeded (actor, ESM::Skill::Alchemy, 1);
+        }
+    }    
+
+    ActionEat::ActionEat (const MWWorld::Ptr& object) : Action (false, object) {}
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actioneat.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actioneat.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ce5330db7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actioneat.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#ifndef GAME_MWWORLD_ACTIONEAT_H
+#define GAME_MWWORLD_ACTIONEAT_H
+
+#include "action.hpp"
+#include "ptr.hpp"
+
+namespace MWWorld
+{
+    class ActionEat : public Action
+    {
+            virtual void executeImp (const Ptr& actor);
+
+        public:
+
+            ActionEat (const MWWorld::Ptr& object);
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
index c3843b831..8a4a09358 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
@@ -290,7 +290,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         mCurrentCell = *iter;
 
-
         // adjust player
         playerCellChange (mCurrentCell, position, adjustPlayerPos);
 
@@ -300,6 +299,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mRendering.switchToExterior();
 
         mCellChanged = true;
+
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager ()->loadingDone ();
     }
 
     //We need the ogre renderer and a scene node.
@@ -369,6 +370,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->adjustSky();
 
         mCellChanged = true;
+
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager ()->loadingDone ();
     }
 
     void Scene::changeToExteriorCell (const ESM::Position& position)
diff --git a/components/esm/loadgmst.cpp b/components/esm/loadgmst.cpp
index 677642e31..4bd464da6 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadgmst.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadgmst.cpp
@@ -1,8 +1,15 @@
 #include "loadgmst.hpp"
 
+#include <stdexcept>
+
+#include "defs.hpp"
+
 namespace ESM
 {
 
+/// \todo Review GMST "fixing". Probably remove completely or at least make it optional. Its definitely not
+/// working properly in its current state and I doubt it can be fixed without breaking other stuff.
+
 // Some handy macros
 #define cI(s,x) { if(id == (s)) return (i == (x)); }
 #define cF(s,x) { if(id == (s)) return (f == (x)); }
@@ -169,4 +176,32 @@ void GameSetting::load(ESMReader &esm)
         dirty = true;
 }
 
+int GameSetting::getInt() const
+{
+    switch (type)
+    {
+        case VT_Float: return static_cast<int> (f);
+        case VT_Int: return i;
+        default: throw std::runtime_error ("GMST " + id + " is not of a numeric type");
+    }
+}
+
+int GameSetting::getFloat() const
+{
+    switch (type)
+    {
+        case VT_Float: return f;
+        case VT_Int: return i;
+        default: throw std::runtime_error ("GMST " + id + " is not of a numeric type");
+    }
+}
+
+std::string GameSetting::getString() const
+{
+    if (type==VT_String)
+        return str;
+        
+    throw std::runtime_error ("GMST " + id + " is not a string");
+}
+
 }
diff --git a/components/esm/loadgmst.hpp b/components/esm/loadgmst.hpp
index 01fbc3067..f63028731 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadgmst.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadgmst.hpp
@@ -83,6 +83,15 @@ struct GameSetting
     bool isDirtyBloodmoon();
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm);
+    
+    int getInt() const;
+    ///< Throws an exception if GMST is not of type int or float.
+    
+    int getFloat() const;
+    ///< Throws an exception if GMST is not of type int or float.
+    
+    std::string getString() const;
+    ///< Throwns an exception if GMST is not of type string.
 };
 }
 #endif
diff --git a/components/esm/loadmgef.cpp b/components/esm/loadmgef.cpp
index 2eda67b61..9aa6b26e3 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadmgef.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadmgef.cpp
@@ -1,5 +1,30 @@
 #include "loadmgef.hpp"
 
+namespace
+{
+    const int NumberOfHardcodedFlags = 143;
+    const int HardcodedFlags[NumberOfHardcodedFlags] = {
+        0x11c8, 0x11c0, 0x11c8, 0x11e0, 0x11e0, 0x11e0, 0x11e0, 0x11d0,
+        0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11e0, 0x11c0, 0x11184, 0x11184, 0x1f0, 0x1f0,
+        0x1f0, 0x11d2, 0x11f0, 0x11d0, 0x11d0, 0x11d1, 0x1d2, 0x1f0,
+        0x1d0, 0x1d0, 0x1d1, 0x1f0, 0x11d0, 0x11d0, 0x11d0, 0x11d0,
+        0x11d0, 0x11d0, 0x11d0, 0x11d0, 0x11d0, 0x1d0, 0x1d0, 0x11c8,
+        0x31c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x1180, 0x11d8, 0x11d8, 0x11d0,
+        0x11d0, 0x11180, 0x11180, 0x11180, 0x11180, 0x11180, 0x11180, 0x11180,
+        0x11180, 0x11c4, 0x111b8, 0x1040, 0x104c, 0x104c, 0x104c, 0x104c,
+        0x1040, 0x1040, 0x1040, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x1cc, 0x1cc, 0x1cc,
+        0x1cc, 0x1cc, 0x1c2, 0x1c0, 0x1c0, 0x1c0, 0x1c1, 0x11c2,
+        0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c1, 0x11c0, 0x21192, 0x20190, 0x20190,
+        0x20190, 0x21191, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0,
+        0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x11c0, 0x1c0, 0x11190, 0x9048, 0x9048,
+        0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048,
+        0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x9048, 0x11c0, 0x1180, 0x1180,
+        0x5048, 0x5048, 0x5048, 0x5048, 0x5048, 0x5048, 0x1188, 0x5048,
+        0x5048, 0x5048, 0x5048, 0x5048, 0x1048, 0x104c, 0x1048, 0x40,
+        0x11c8, 0x1048, 0x1048, 0x1048, 0x1048, 0x1048, 0x1048
+    };
+}
+
 namespace ESM
 {
 
@@ -8,6 +33,10 @@ void MagicEffect::load(ESMReader &esm)
   esm.getHNT(index, "INDX");
 
   esm.getHNT(data, "MEDT", 36);
+  
+  if (index>=0 && index<NumberOfHardcodedFlags)
+    data.flags |= HardcodedFlags[index];
+  
   icon = esm.getHNOString("ITEX");
   particle = esm.getHNOString("PTEX");
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadmgef.hpp b/components/esm/loadmgef.hpp
index b0b330aeb..0c224f5e0 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadmgef.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadmgef.hpp
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ struct MagicEffect
 {
     enum Flags
     {
+        NoDuration = 0x4,
         SpellMaking = 0x0200,
         Enchanting = 0x0400,
         Negative = 0x0800 // A harmful effect. Will determine whether
diff --git a/components/nifbullet/bullet_nif_loader.cpp b/components/nifbullet/bullet_nif_loader.cpp
index 071f03630..0fb758ea8 100644
--- a/components/nifbullet/bullet_nif_loader.cpp
+++ b/components/nifbullet/bullet_nif_loader.cpp
@@ -164,6 +164,13 @@ void ManualBulletShapeLoader::handleNode(Nif::Node *node, int flags,
     // the flags we currently use, at least.
     flags |= node->flags;
 
+    // Marker objects: no collision
+    /// \todo don't do this in the editor
+    if (node->name.find("marker") != std::string::npos)
+    {
+        flags |= 0x800;
+    }
+
     // Check for extra data
     Nif::Extra *e = node;
     while (!e->extra.empty())
@@ -178,12 +185,10 @@ void ManualBulletShapeLoader::handleNode(Nif::Node *node, int flags,
             // affecting the entire subtree of this node
             Nif::NiStringExtraData *sd = (Nif::NiStringExtraData*)e;
 
-            if (sd->string == "NCO" && !raycastingOnly)
+            if (sd->string == "NCO")
             {
                 // No collision. Use an internal flag setting to mark this.
-                // We ignor this node!
                 flags |= 0x800;
-                return;
             }
             else if (sd->string == "MRK" && !raycastingOnly)
                 // Marker objects. These are only visible in the
@@ -229,7 +234,7 @@ void ManualBulletShapeLoader::handleNode(Nif::Node *node, int flags,
     }
     else if (node->recType == Nif::RC_NiTriShape && (isCollisionNode || !hasCollisionNode))
     {
-        cShape->collide = true;
+        cShape->collide = !(flags&0x800);
         handleNiTriShape(dynamic_cast<Nif::NiTriShape*>(node), flags,node->trafo.rotation,node->trafo.pos,node->trafo.scale,raycastingOnly);
     }
     else if(node->recType == Nif::RC_RootCollisionNode)
diff --git a/components/nifogre/ogre_nif_loader.cpp b/components/nifogre/ogre_nif_loader.cpp
index 5a5a614ef..5127af966 100644
--- a/components/nifogre/ogre_nif_loader.cpp
+++ b/components/nifogre/ogre_nif_loader.cpp
@@ -940,6 +940,11 @@ public:
     {
         flags |= node->flags;
 
+        // Marker objects: just skip the entire node
+        /// \todo don't do this in the editor
+        if (node->name.find("marker") != std::string::npos)
+            return;
+
         Nif::ExtraPtr e = node->extra;
         while(!e.empty())
         {