diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 1cc72e4a09..d00d576eec 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 
     Bug #3737: Scripts from The Underground 2 .esp do not play (all patched versions)
     Bug #3846: Strings starting with "-" fail to compile if not enclosed in quotes
+    Bug #3905: Great House Dagoth issues
+    Bug #5120: Scripted object spawning updates physics system
     Bug #5379: Wandering NPCs falling through cantons
     Bug #5453: Magic effect VFX are offset for creatures
     Bug #5483: AutoCalc flag is not used to calculate spells cost
@@ -16,6 +18,7 @@
     Bug #6131: Item selection in the avatar window not working correctly for large window sizes
     Bug #6133: Cannot reliably sneak or steal in the sight of the NPCs siding with player
     Feature #5489: MCP: Telekinesis fix for activators
+    Feature #6017: Separate persistent and temporary cell references when saving
 
 0.47.0
 ------
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp
index 44698cd2e3..8c17a3b8c1 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.cpp
@@ -253,10 +253,71 @@ int CSMDoc::WriteCellCollectionStage::setup()
     return mDocument.getData().getCells().getSize();
 }
 
+void CSMDoc::WriteCellCollectionStage::writeReferences (const std::deque<int>& references, bool interior, unsigned int& newRefNum)
+{
+    ESM::ESMWriter& writer = mState.getWriter();
+
+    for (std::deque<int>::const_iterator iter (references.begin());
+        iter!=references.end(); ++iter)
+    {
+        const CSMWorld::Record<CSMWorld::CellRef>& ref =
+            mDocument.getData().getReferences().getRecord (*iter);
+
+        if (ref.isModified() || ref.mState == CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_Deleted)
+        {
+            CSMWorld::CellRef refRecord = ref.get();
+
+            // Check for uninitialized content file
+            if (!refRecord.mRefNum.hasContentFile())
+                refRecord.mRefNum.mContentFile = 0;
+
+            // recalculate the ref's cell location
+            std::ostringstream stream;
+            if (!interior)
+            {
+                std::pair<int, int> index = refRecord.getCellIndex();
+                stream << "#" << index.first << " " << index.second;
+            }
+
+            if (refRecord.mNew || refRecord.mRefNum.mIndex == 0 ||
+                (!interior && ref.mState==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_ModifiedOnly &&
+                refRecord.mCell!=stream.str()))
+            {
+                refRecord.mRefNum.mIndex = newRefNum++;
+            }
+            else if ((refRecord.mOriginalCell.empty() ? refRecord.mCell : refRecord.mOriginalCell)
+                    != stream.str() && !interior)
+            {
+                // An empty mOriginalCell is meant to indicate that it is the same as
+                // the current cell.  It is possible that a moved ref is moved again.
+
+                ESM::MovedCellRef moved;
+                moved.mRefNum = refRecord.mRefNum;
+
+                // Need to fill mTarget with the ref's new position.
+                std::istringstream istream (stream.str().c_str());
+
+                char ignore;
+                istream >> ignore >> moved.mTarget[0] >> moved.mTarget[1];
+
+                refRecord.mRefNum.save (writer, false, "MVRF");
+                writer.writeHNT ("CNDT", moved.mTarget);
+            }
+
+            refRecord.save (writer, false, false, ref.mState == CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_Deleted);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 void CSMDoc::WriteCellCollectionStage::perform (int stage, Messages& messages)
 {
     ESM::ESMWriter& writer = mState.getWriter();
     const CSMWorld::Record<CSMWorld::Cell>& cell = mDocument.getData().getCells().getRecord (stage);
+    const CSMWorld::RefIdCollection& referenceables = mDocument.getData().getReferenceables();
+    const CSMWorld::RefIdData& refIdData = referenceables.getDataSet();
+
+    std::deque<int> tempRefs;
+    std::deque<int> persistentRefs;
 
     std::map<std::string, std::deque<int> >::const_iterator references =
         mState.getSubRecords().find (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase (cell.get().mId));
@@ -281,6 +342,18 @@ void CSMDoc::WriteCellCollectionStage::perform (int stage, Messages& messages)
 
                 CSMWorld::CellRef refRecord = ref.get();
 
+                CSMWorld::RefIdData::LocalIndex localIndex = refIdData.searchId(refRecord.mRefID);
+                unsigned int recordFlags = refIdData.getRecordFlags(refRecord.mRefID);
+                bool isPersistent = ((recordFlags & ESM::FLAG_Persistent) != 0)
+                    || refRecord.mTeleport
+                    || localIndex.second == CSMWorld::UniversalId::Type_Creature
+                    || localIndex.second == CSMWorld::UniversalId::Type_Npc;
+
+                if (isPersistent)
+                    persistentRefs.push_back(*iter);
+                else
+                    tempRefs.push_back(*iter);
+
                 if (refRecord.mNew ||
                     (!interior && ref.mState==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_ModifiedOnly &&
                     /// \todo consider worldspace
@@ -289,7 +362,6 @@ void CSMDoc::WriteCellCollectionStage::perform (int stage, Messages& messages)
 
                 if (refRecord.mRefNum.mIndex >= newRefNum)
                     newRefNum = refRecord.mRefNum.mIndex + 1;
-
             }
         }
 
@@ -312,56 +384,9 @@ void CSMDoc::WriteCellCollectionStage::perform (int stage, Messages& messages)
         // write references
         if (references!=mState.getSubRecords().end())
         {
-            for (std::deque<int>::const_iterator iter (references->second.begin());
-                iter!=references->second.end(); ++iter)
-            {
-                const CSMWorld::Record<CSMWorld::CellRef>& ref =
-                    mDocument.getData().getReferences().getRecord (*iter);
-
-                if (ref.isModified() || ref.mState == CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_Deleted)
-                {
-                    CSMWorld::CellRef refRecord = ref.get();
-
-                    // Check for uninitialized content file
-                    if (!refRecord.mRefNum.hasContentFile())
-                        refRecord.mRefNum.mContentFile = 0;
-
-                    // recalculate the ref's cell location
-                    std::ostringstream stream;
-                    if (!interior)
-                    {
-                        std::pair<int, int> index = refRecord.getCellIndex();
-                        stream << "#" << index.first << " " << index.second;
-                    }
-
-                    if (refRecord.mNew || refRecord.mRefNum.mIndex == 0 ||
-                        (!interior && ref.mState==CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_ModifiedOnly &&
-                        refRecord.mCell!=stream.str()))
-                    {
-                        refRecord.mRefNum.mIndex = newRefNum++;
-                    }
-                    else if ((refRecord.mOriginalCell.empty() ? refRecord.mCell : refRecord.mOriginalCell)
-                            != stream.str() && !interior)
-                    {
-                        // An empty mOriginalCell is meant to indicate that it is the same as
-                        // the current cell.  It is possible that a moved ref is moved again.
-
-                        ESM::MovedCellRef moved;
-                        moved.mRefNum = refRecord.mRefNum;
-
-                        // Need to fill mTarget with the ref's new position.
-                        std::istringstream istream (stream.str().c_str());
-
-                        char ignore;
-                        istream >> ignore >> moved.mTarget[0] >> moved.mTarget[1];
-
-                        refRecord.mRefNum.save (writer, false, "MVRF");
-                        writer.writeHNT ("CNDT", moved.mTarget);
-                    }
-
-                    refRecord.save (writer, false, false, ref.mState == CSMWorld::RecordBase::State_Deleted);
-                }
-            }
+            writeReferences(persistentRefs, interior, newRefNum);
+            cellRecord.saveTempMarker(writer, int(references->second.size()) - persistentRefs.size());
+            writeReferences(tempRefs, interior, newRefNum);
         }
 
         writer.endRecord (cellRecord.sRecordId);
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp
index d3a0cc9b31..d59a1efe5e 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/doc/savingstages.hpp
@@ -171,6 +171,8 @@ namespace CSMDoc
             Document& mDocument;
             SavingState& mState;
 
+            void writeReferences (const std::deque<int>& references, bool interior, unsigned int& newRefNum);
+
         public:
 
             WriteCellCollectionStage (Document& document, SavingState& state);
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
index eaea66c2f9..cf04d96753 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
@@ -294,7 +294,6 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             { ColumnId_NpcReputation, "Reputation" },
             { ColumnId_NpcRank, "NPC Rank" },
             { ColumnId_Gold, "Gold" },
-            { ColumnId_NpcPersistence, "Persistent" },
 
             { ColumnId_RaceAttributes, "Race Attributes" },
             { ColumnId_Male, "Male" },
@@ -371,6 +370,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             { ColumnId_Skill6, "Skill 6" },
             { ColumnId_Skill7, "Skill 7" },
 
+            { ColumnId_Persistent, "Persistent" },
+
             { -1, 0 } // end marker
         };
     }
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp
index c85eaac5f1..16482d4898 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             ColumnId_NpcReputation = 258,
             ColumnId_NpcRank = 259,
             ColumnId_Gold = 260,
-            ColumnId_NpcPersistence = 261,
+            // unused
 
             ColumnId_RaceAttributes = 262,
             ColumnId_Male = 263,
@@ -343,6 +343,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             ColumnId_FactionAttrib1 = 311,
             ColumnId_FactionAttrib2 = 312,
 
+            ColumnId_Persistent = 313,
+
             // Allocated to a separate value range, so we don't get a collision should we ever need
             // to extend the number of use values.
             ColumnId_UseValue1 = 0x10000,
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp
index 644092f164..0dfc9945f7 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp
@@ -1108,7 +1108,6 @@ QVariant CSMWorld::NpcMiscRefIdAdapter::getNestedData (const RefIdColumn *column
             case 5: return static_cast<int>(record.get().mNpdt.mReputation);
             case 6: return static_cast<int>(record.get().mNpdt.mRank);
             case 7: return record.get().mNpdt.mGold;
-            case 8: return record.get().mPersistent == true;
             default: return QVariant(); // throw an exception here?
         }
     else
@@ -1122,7 +1121,6 @@ QVariant CSMWorld::NpcMiscRefIdAdapter::getNestedData (const RefIdColumn *column
             case 5: return static_cast<int>(record.get().mNpdt.mReputation);
             case 6: return static_cast<int>(record.get().mNpdt.mRank);
             case 7: return record.get().mNpdt.mGold;
-            case 8: return record.get().mPersistent == true;
             default: return QVariant(); // throw an exception here?
         }
 }
@@ -1147,7 +1145,6 @@ void CSMWorld::NpcMiscRefIdAdapter::setNestedData (const RefIdColumn *column,
             case 5: npc.mNpdt.mReputation = static_cast<signed char>(value.toInt()); break;
             case 6: npc.mNpdt.mRank = static_cast<signed char>(value.toInt()); break;
             case 7: npc.mNpdt.mGold = value.toInt(); break;
-            case 8: npc.mPersistent = value.toBool(); break;
             default: return; // throw an exception here?
         }
     else
@@ -1161,7 +1158,6 @@ void CSMWorld::NpcMiscRefIdAdapter::setNestedData (const RefIdColumn *column,
             case 5: npc.mNpdt.mReputation = static_cast<signed char>(value.toInt()); break;
             case 6: npc.mNpdt.mRank = static_cast<signed char>(value.toInt()); break;
             case 7: npc.mNpdt.mGold = value.toInt(); break;
-            case 8: npc.mPersistent = value.toBool(); break;
             default: return; // throw an exception here?
         }
 
@@ -1170,7 +1166,7 @@ void CSMWorld::NpcMiscRefIdAdapter::setNestedData (const RefIdColumn *column,
 
 int CSMWorld::NpcMiscRefIdAdapter::getNestedColumnsCount(const RefIdColumn *column, const RefIdData& data) const
 {
-    return 9; // Level, Health, Mana, Fatigue, Disposition, Reputation, Rank, Gold, Persist
+    return 8; // Level, Health, Mana, Fatigue, Disposition, Reputation, Rank, Gold
 }
 
 int CSMWorld::NpcMiscRefIdAdapter::getNestedRowsCount(const RefIdColumn *column, const RefIdData& data, int index) const
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp
index 3d784f1b2b..1d1b5a94a6 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp
@@ -114,8 +114,9 @@ namespace CSMWorld
     struct ModelColumns : public BaseColumns
     {
         const RefIdColumn *mModel;
+        const RefIdColumn *mPersistence;
 
-        ModelColumns (const BaseColumns& base) : BaseColumns (base), mModel(nullptr) {}
+        ModelColumns (const BaseColumns& base) : BaseColumns (base), mModel(nullptr), mPersistence(nullptr) {}
     };
 
     /// \brief Adapter for IDs with models (all but levelled lists)
@@ -151,6 +152,9 @@ namespace CSMWorld
         if (column==mModel.mModel)
             return QString::fromUtf8 (record.get().mModel.c_str());
 
+        if (column==mModel.mPersistence)
+            return (record.get().mRecordFlags & ESM::FLAG_Persistent) != 0;
+
         return BaseRefIdAdapter<RecordT>::getData (column, data, index);
     }
 
@@ -164,6 +168,13 @@ namespace CSMWorld
         RecordT record2 = record.get();
         if (column==mModel.mModel)
             record2.mModel = value.toString().toUtf8().constData();
+        else if (column==mModel.mPersistence)
+        {
+            if (value.toInt() != 0)
+                record2.mRecordFlags |= ESM::FLAG_Persistent;
+            else
+                record2.mRecordFlags &= ~ESM::FLAG_Persistent;
+        }
         else
         {
             BaseRefIdAdapter<RecordT>::setData (column, data, index, value);
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp
index cd2dd89dff..0cf9a4e6dc 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp
@@ -54,6 +54,8 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdCollection::RefIdCollection()
 
     mColumns.emplace_back(Columns::ColumnId_Model, ColumnBase::Display_Mesh);
     modelColumns.mModel = &mColumns.back();
+    mColumns.emplace_back(Columns::ColumnId_Persistent, ColumnBase::Display_Boolean);
+    modelColumns.mPersistence = &mColumns.back();
 
     NameColumns nameColumns (modelColumns);
 
@@ -549,8 +551,6 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdCollection::RefIdCollection()
             new RefIdColumn (Columns::ColumnId_NpcRank, CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_UnsignedInteger8));
     mColumns.back().addColumn(
             new RefIdColumn (Columns::ColumnId_Gold, CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_Integer));
-    mColumns.back().addColumn(
-            new RefIdColumn (Columns::ColumnId_NpcPersistence, CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_Boolean));
 
     WeaponColumns weaponColumns (enchantableColumns);
 
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.cpp
index e2ffbcca6b..79a2efdcc8 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.cpp
@@ -87,6 +87,39 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdData::LocalIndex CSMWorld::RefIdData::searchId (
     return iter->second;
 }
 
+unsigned int CSMWorld::RefIdData::getRecordFlags (const std::string& id) const
+{
+    LocalIndex localIndex = searchId (id);
+
+    switch (localIndex.second)
+    {
+        case UniversalId::Type_Activator: return mActivators.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Potion:    return mPotions.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Apparatus: return mApparati.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Armor:     return mArmors.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Book:      return mBooks.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Clothing:  return mClothing.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Container: return mContainers.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Creature:  return mCreatures.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Door:      return mDoors.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Ingredient: return mIngredients.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_CreatureLevelledList: return mCreatureLevelledLists.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_ItemLevelledList: return mItemLevelledLists.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Light:     return mLights.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Lockpick:  return mLockpicks.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Miscellaneous: return mMiscellaneous.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Npc:       return mNpcs.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Probe:     return mProbes.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Repair:    return mRepairs.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Static:    return mStatics.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        case UniversalId::Type_Weapon:    return mWeapons.getRecordFlags(localIndex.first);
+        default:
+            break;
+    }
+
+    return 0;
+}
+
 void CSMWorld::RefIdData::erase (int index, int count)
 {
     LocalIndex localIndex = globalToLocalIndex (index);
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp
index 1480bb71d9..ab5269b390 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refiddata.hpp
@@ -47,6 +47,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
 
         virtual RecordBase& getRecord (int index)= 0;
 
+        virtual unsigned int getRecordFlags (int index) const = 0;
+
         virtual void appendRecord (const std::string& id, bool base) = 0;
 
         virtual void insertRecord (RecordBase& record) = 0;
@@ -72,6 +74,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
 
         RecordBase& getRecord (int index) override;
 
+        unsigned int getRecordFlags (int index) const override;
+
         void appendRecord (const std::string& id, bool base) override;
 
         void insertRecord (RecordBase& record) override;
@@ -111,6 +115,12 @@ namespace CSMWorld
         return mContainer.at (index);
     }
 
+    template<typename RecordT>
+    unsigned int RefIdDataContainer<RecordT>::getRecordFlags (int index) const
+    {
+        return mContainer.at (index).get().mRecordFlags;
+    }
+
     template<typename RecordT>
     void RefIdDataContainer<RecordT>::appendRecord (const std::string& id, bool base)
     {
@@ -209,7 +219,7 @@ namespace CSMWorld
         if (record.isModified() || record.mState == RecordBase::State_Deleted)
         {
             RecordT esmRecord = record.get();
-            writer.startRecord(esmRecord.sRecordId);
+            writer.startRecord(esmRecord.sRecordId, esmRecord.mRecordFlags);
             esmRecord.save(writer, record.mState == RecordBase::State_Deleted);
             writer.endRecord(esmRecord.sRecordId);
         }
@@ -273,6 +283,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
 
             RecordBase& getRecord (const LocalIndex& index);
 
+            unsigned int getRecordFlags(const std::string& id) const;
+
             void appendRecord (UniversalId::Type type, const std::string& id, bool base);
 
             int getAppendIndex (UniversalId::Type type) const;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp
index 364eb6ca5c..8ffcf70253 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp
@@ -39,6 +39,11 @@ namespace MWClass
     }
 
     void Activator::insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
+    {
+        insertObjectPhysics(ptr, model, rotation, physics, skipAnimated);
+    }
+
+    void Activator::insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
     {
         if(!model.empty())
             physics.addObject(ptr, model, rotation, MWPhysics::CollisionType_World, skipAnimated);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.hpp
index a0aefd075a..f7497f01bc 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.hpp
@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@ namespace MWClass
 
             void insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
 
+            void insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const override;
+
             std::string getName (const MWWorld::ConstPtr& ptr) const override;
             ///< \return name or ID; can return an empty string.
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
index b88d756cbc..5c1ddd8bd1 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
@@ -107,6 +107,11 @@ namespace MWClass
     }
 
     void Container::insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
+    {
+        insertObjectPhysics(ptr, model, rotation, physics, skipAnimated);
+    }
+
+    void Container::insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
     {
         if(!model.empty())
             physics.addObject(ptr, model, rotation, MWPhysics::CollisionType_World, skipAnimated);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp
index 02ec9b1012..1cbc5a6142 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.hpp
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ namespace MWClass
             ///< Add reference into a cell for rendering
 
             void insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
+            void insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
 
             std::string getName (const MWWorld::ConstPtr& ptr) const override;
             ///< \return name or ID; can return an empty string.
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
index acf969bd3a..141bf99e92 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
@@ -588,7 +588,7 @@ namespace MWClass
     bool Creature::isPersistent(const MWWorld::ConstPtr &actor) const
     {
         const MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::Creature>* ref = actor.get<ESM::Creature>();
-        return ref->mBase->mPersistent;
+        return (ref->mBase->mRecordFlags & ESM::FLAG_Persistent) != 0;
     }
 
     std::string Creature::getSoundIdFromSndGen(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr, const std::string &name) const
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.cpp
index 1407d6a0d5..e608c27000 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.cpp
@@ -57,8 +57,7 @@ namespace MWClass
 
     void Door::insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
     {
-        if(!model.empty())
-            physics.addObject(ptr, model, rotation, MWPhysics::CollisionType_Door, skipAnimated);
+        insertObjectPhysics(ptr, model, rotation, physics, skipAnimated);
 
         // Resume the door's opening/closing animation if it wasn't finished
         if (ptr.getRefData().getCustomData())
@@ -71,6 +70,12 @@ namespace MWClass
         }
     }
 
+    void Door::insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
+    {
+        if(!model.empty())
+            physics.addObject(ptr, model, rotation, MWPhysics::CollisionType_Door, skipAnimated);
+    }
+
     bool Door::isDoor() const
     {
         return true;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.hpp
index f80c9bb416..5882842e91 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/door.hpp
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ namespace MWClass
             ///< Add reference into a cell for rendering
 
             void insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
+            void insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
 
             bool isDoor() const override;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp
index ca744be7bc..ad5eb4e737 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.cpp
@@ -39,9 +39,7 @@ namespace MWClass
             ptr.get<ESM::Light>();
         assert (ref->mBase != nullptr);
 
-        // TODO: add option somewhere to enable collision for placeable objects
-        if (!model.empty() && (ref->mBase->mData.mFlags & ESM::Light::Carry) == 0)
-            physics.addObject(ptr, model, rotation, MWPhysics::CollisionType_World, skipAnimated);
+        insertObjectPhysics(ptr, model, rotation, physics, skipAnimated);
 
         if (!ref->mBase->mSound.empty() && !(ref->mBase->mData.mFlags & ESM::Light::OffDefault))
             MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->playSound3D(ptr, ref->mBase->mSound, 1.0, 1.0,
@@ -49,6 +47,13 @@ namespace MWClass
                                                                       MWSound::PlayMode::Loop);
     }
 
+    void Light::insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
+    {
+        // TODO: add option somewhere to enable collision for placeable objects
+        if (!model.empty() && (ptr.get<ESM::Light>()->mBase->mData.mFlags & ESM::Light::Carry) == 0)
+            physics.addObject(ptr, model, rotation, MWPhysics::CollisionType_World, skipAnimated);
+    }
+
     bool Light::useAnim() const
     {
         return true;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp
index 7641722788..55fef759aa 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/light.hpp
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ namespace MWClass
             ///< Add reference into a cell for rendering
 
             void insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
+            void insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
 
             bool useAnim() const override;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
index 933ba5cd38..6131f86269 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/npc.cpp
@@ -403,7 +403,7 @@ namespace MWClass
     bool Npc::isPersistent(const MWWorld::ConstPtr &actor) const
     {
         const MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::NPC>* ref = actor.get<ESM::NPC>();
-        return ref->mBase->mPersistent;
+        return (ref->mBase->mRecordFlags & ESM::FLAG_Persistent) != 0;
     }
 
     std::string Npc::getModel(const MWWorld::ConstPtr &ptr) const
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.cpp
index 323e482bf0..25029528ea 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.cpp
@@ -24,6 +24,11 @@ namespace MWClass
     }
 
     void Static::insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
+    {
+        insertObjectPhysics(ptr, model, rotation, physics, skipAnimated);
+    }
+
+    void Static::insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
     {
         if(!model.empty())
             physics.addObject(ptr, model, rotation, MWPhysics::CollisionType_World, skipAnimated);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.hpp
index 211b93de2a..d1991d0550 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/static.hpp
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ namespace MWClass
             ///< Add reference into a cell for rendering
 
             void insertObject(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
+            void insertObjectPhysics(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& model, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const override;
 
             std::string getName (const MWWorld::ConstPtr& ptr) const override;
             ///< \return name or ID; can return an empty string.
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwphysics/physicssystem.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwphysics/physicssystem.cpp
index 034a35f38e..e5bd936abb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwphysics/physicssystem.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwphysics/physicssystem.cpp
@@ -463,6 +463,8 @@ namespace MWPhysics
 
     void PhysicsSystem::addObject (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& mesh, osg::Quat rotation, int collisionType, bool skipAnimated)
     {
+        if (ptr.mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed)
+            return;
         osg::ref_ptr<Resource::BulletShapeInstance> shapeInstance = mShapeManager->getInstance(mesh);
         if (!shapeInstance || !shapeInstance->getCollisionShape())
             return;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
index 5538e8536f..c28f2b8951 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
@@ -168,6 +168,8 @@ namespace MWScript
                 void execute (Interpreter::Runtime& runtime) override
                 {
                     MWWorld::Ptr ptr = R()(runtime);
+                    if(!ptr.isEmpty() && !ptr.mRef->mData.isEnabled())
+                        ptr.mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed = false;
                     MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->enable (ptr);
                 }
         };
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/transformationextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/transformationextensions.cpp
index dbd8e905aa..096e78d34b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/transformationextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/transformationextensions.cpp
@@ -42,10 +42,19 @@ namespace MWScript
 
                 void execute (Interpreter::Runtime& runtime) override
                 {
-                    MWWorld::Ptr from = R()(runtime);
+                    MWWorld::Ptr from = R()(runtime, !R::implicit);
                     std::string name = runtime.getStringLiteral (runtime[0].mInteger);
                     runtime.pop();
 
+                    if (from.isEmpty())
+                    {
+                        std::string error = "Missing implicit ref";
+                        runtime.getContext().report(error);
+                        Log(Debug::Error) << error;
+                        runtime.push(0.f);
+                        return;
+                    }
+
                     if (from.getContainerStore()) // is the object contained?
                     {
                         MWWorld::Ptr container = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->findContainer(from);
@@ -501,6 +510,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                         pos.rot[0] = pos.rot[1] = 0;
                         pos.rot[2] = osg::DegreesToRadians(zRotDegrees);
                         MWWorld::ManualRef ref(MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore(),itemID);
+                        ref.getPtr().mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed = !ref.getPtr().getClass().isActor();
                         ref.getPtr().getCellRef().setPosition(pos);
                         MWWorld::Ptr placed = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->placeObject(ref.getPtr(),store,pos);
                         placed.getClass().adjustPosition(placed, true);
@@ -548,6 +558,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                     pos.rot[0] = pos.rot[1] = 0;
                     pos.rot[2] = osg::DegreesToRadians(zRotDegrees);
                     MWWorld::ManualRef ref(MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore(),itemID);
+                    ref.getPtr().mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed = !ref.getPtr().getClass().isActor();
                     ref.getPtr().getCellRef().setPosition(pos);
                     MWWorld::Ptr placed = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->placeObject(ref.getPtr(),store,pos);
                     placed.getClass().adjustPosition(placed, true);
@@ -588,6 +599,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                     {
                         // create item
                         MWWorld::ManualRef ref(MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore(), itemID, 1);
+                        ref.getPtr().mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed = !ref.getPtr().getClass().isActor();
 
                         MWWorld::Ptr ptr = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->safePlaceObject(ref.getPtr(), actor, actor.getCell(), direction, distance);
                         MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->scaleObject(ptr, actor.getCellRef().getScale());
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
index 051273f21d..e8d46b1574 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
@@ -610,9 +610,17 @@ namespace MWWorld
                 ref.mRefNum.mContentFile = ESM::RefNum::RefNum_NoContentFile;
 
                 // Get each reference in turn
+                ESM::MovedCellRef cMRef;
+                cMRef.mRefNum.mIndex = 0;
                 bool deleted = false;
-                while(mCell->getNextRef(esm[index], ref, deleted))
+                while(mCell->getNextRef(esm[index], ref, deleted, /*ignoreMoves*/true, &cMRef))
                 {
+                    if (cMRef.mRefNum.mIndex)
+                    {
+                        cMRef.mRefNum.mIndex = 0;
+                        continue; // ignore refs that are moved
+                    }
+
                     // Don't load reference if it was moved to a different cell.
                     ESM::MovedCellRefTracker::const_iterator iter =
                         std::find(mCell->mMovedRefs.begin(), mCell->mMovedRefs.end(), ref.mRefNum);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp
index 04dfba6b97..96f03af6c3 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.cpp
@@ -35,6 +35,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     }
 
+    void Class::insertObjectPhysics(const Ptr& ptr, const std::string& mesh, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated) const
+    {}
+
     bool Class::apply (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string& id,  const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) const
     {
         return false;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp
index e225e0187c..7937209c6e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/class.hpp
@@ -80,6 +80,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             virtual void insertObjectRendering (const Ptr& ptr, const std::string& mesh, MWRender::RenderingInterface& renderingInterface) const;
             virtual void insertObject(const Ptr& ptr, const std::string& mesh, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const;
             ///< Add reference into a cell for rendering (default implementation: don't render anything).
+            virtual void insertObjectPhysics(const Ptr& ptr, const std::string& mesh, osg::Quat rotation, MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem& physics, bool skipAnimated = false) const;
 
             virtual std::string getName (const ConstPtr& ptr) const = 0;
             ///< \return name or ID; can return an empty string.
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp
index f6a445d619..29c669caf9 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.cpp
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         mChanged = refData.mChanged;
         mDeletedByContentFile = refData.mDeletedByContentFile;
         mFlags = refData.mFlags;
+        mPhysicsPostponed = refData.mPhysicsPostponed;
 
         mAnimationState = refData.mAnimationState;
 
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     }
 
     RefData::RefData()
-    : mBaseNode(nullptr), mDeletedByContentFile(false), mEnabled (true), mCount (1), mCustomData (nullptr), mChanged(false), mFlags(0)
+    : mBaseNode(nullptr), mDeletedByContentFile(false), mEnabled (true), mCount (1), mCustomData (nullptr), mChanged(false), mFlags(0), mPhysicsPostponed(false)
     {
         for (int i=0; i<3; ++i)
         {
@@ -57,7 +58,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     : mBaseNode(nullptr), mDeletedByContentFile(false), mEnabled (true),
       mCount (1), mPosition (cellRef.mPos),
       mCustomData (nullptr),
-      mChanged(false), mFlags(0) // Loading from ESM/ESP files -> assume unchanged
+      mChanged(false), mFlags(0), mPhysicsPostponed(false) // Loading from ESM/ESP files -> assume unchanged
     {
     }
 
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
       mPosition (objectState.mPosition),
       mAnimationState(objectState.mAnimationState),
       mCustomData (nullptr),
-      mChanged(true), mFlags(objectState.mFlags) // Loading from a savegame -> assume changed
+      mChanged(true), mFlags(objectState.mFlags), mPhysicsPostponed(false) // Loading from a savegame -> assume changed
     {
         // "Note that the ActivationFlag_UseEnabled is saved to the reference,
         // which will result in permanently suppressed activation if the reference script is removed.
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp
index 8979c8505d..e2f77d09e0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/refdata.hpp
@@ -58,6 +58,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         public:
 
+            bool mPhysicsPostponed;
+
             RefData();
 
             /// @param cellRef Used to copy constant data such as position into this class where it can
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
index 45b0c5d9f8..d3b381d2af 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
@@ -343,7 +343,10 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         cell->forEach(visitor);
         for (const auto& ptr : visitor.mObjects)
+        {
             mPhysics->remove(ptr);
+            ptr.mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed = false;
+        }
 
         if (cell->getCell()->isExterior())
         {
@@ -626,6 +629,24 @@ namespace MWWorld
             }
             return cellsPositionsToLoad;
         };
+
+        for(const auto& cell : mActiveCells)
+        {
+            cell->forEach([&](const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr)
+            {
+                if(ptr.mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed)
+                {
+                    ptr.mRef->mData.mPhysicsPostponed = false;
+                    if(ptr.mRef->mData.isEnabled() && ptr.mRef->mData.getCount() > 0) {
+                        std::string model = getModel(ptr, MWBase::Environment::get().getResourceSystem()->getVFS());
+                        const auto rotation = makeNodeRotation(ptr, RotationOrder::direct);
+                        ptr.getClass().insertObjectPhysics(ptr, model, rotation, *mPhysics);
+                    }
+                }
+                return true;
+            });
+        }
+
         auto cellsPositionsToLoad = cellsToLoad(mActiveCells,mHalfGridSize);
         auto cellsPositionsToLoadInactive = cellsToLoad(mInactiveCells,mHalfGridSize+1);
 
diff --git a/components/esm/cellref.cpp b/components/esm/cellref.cpp
index 20edf00a8b..7ec7e00f1a 100644
--- a/components/esm/cellref.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/cellref.cpp
@@ -118,8 +118,10 @@ void ESM::CellRef::loadData(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
                 esm.getHT(mPos, 24);
                 break;
             case ESM::FourCC<'N','A','M','0'>::value:
+            {
                 esm.skipHSub();
                 break;
+            }
             case ESM::SREC_DELE:
                 esm.skipHSub();
                 isDeleted = true;
@@ -145,7 +147,7 @@ void ESM::CellRef::save (ESMWriter &esm, bool wideRefNum, bool inInventory, bool
     esm.writeHNCString("NAME", mRefID);
 
     if (isDeleted) {
-        esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+        esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
         return;
     }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/debugprofile.cpp b/components/esm/debugprofile.cpp
index 17249d8a3b..1dcf661fc9 100644
--- a/components/esm/debugprofile.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/debugprofile.cpp
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ void ESM::DebugProfile::save (ESMWriter& esm, bool isDeleted) const
 
     if (isDeleted)
     {
-        esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+        esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
         return;
     }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/esmcommon.hpp b/components/esm/esmcommon.hpp
index 749e9a85d6..10e05de905 100644
--- a/components/esm/esmcommon.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/esmcommon.hpp
@@ -16,6 +16,11 @@ enum Version
     VER_13 = 0x3fa66666
   };
 
+enum RecordFlag
+  {
+    FLAG_Persistent = 0x00000400,
+    FLAG_Blocked    = 0x00002000
+  };
 
 // CRTP for FIXED_STRING class, a structure used for holding fixed-length strings
 template< template<size_t> class DERIVED, size_t SIZE>
diff --git a/components/esm/filter.cpp b/components/esm/filter.cpp
index 4f0519f80b..5bae1ed03e 100644
--- a/components/esm/filter.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/filter.cpp
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ void ESM::Filter::save (ESMWriter& esm, bool isDeleted) const
 
     if (isDeleted)
     {
-        esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+        esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
         return;
     }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadacti.cpp b/components/esm/loadacti.cpp
index ba35535b8f..6a08bca749 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadacti.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadacti.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Activator::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         while (esm.hasMoreSubs())
@@ -50,7 +51,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadacti.hpp b/components/esm/loadacti.hpp
index 4cc72d5283..5b88ad379f 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadacti.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadacti.hpp
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ struct Activator
     /// Return a string descriptor for this record type. Currently used for debugging / error logs only.
     static std::string getRecordType() { return "Activator"; }
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mScript, mModel;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadalch.cpp b/components/esm/loadalch.cpp
index 85c24dc2d1..b7c81ebdb4 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadalch.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadalch.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Potion::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         mEffects.mList.clear();
 
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadalch.hpp b/components/esm/loadalch.hpp
index 9ef390ebd9..d573531134 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadalch.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadalch.hpp
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ struct Potion
     };
     ALDTstruct mData;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript;
     EffectList mEffects;
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadappa.cpp b/components/esm/loadappa.cpp
index 1bd1f93798..e9ff3ea86c 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadappa.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadappa.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Apparatus::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadappa.hpp b/components/esm/loadappa.hpp
index 74f8dd6aea..fcd9100be4 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadappa.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadappa.hpp
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ struct Apparatus
     };
 
     AADTstruct mData;
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mModel, mIcon, mScript, mName;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadarmo.cpp b/components/esm/loadarmo.cpp
index 6743702539..902d4a4467 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadarmo.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadarmo.cpp
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Armor::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         mParts.mParts.clear();
 
@@ -99,7 +100,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadarmo.hpp b/components/esm/loadarmo.hpp
index ef3bb734c0..195230fbf2 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadarmo.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadarmo.hpp
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@ struct Armor
     AODTstruct mData;
     PartReferenceList mParts;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript, mEnchant;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadbody.cpp b/components/esm/loadbody.cpp
index 3e5895c2c6..4ddefc92c7 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadbody.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadbody.cpp
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadbook.cpp b/components/esm/loadbook.cpp
index ee3c0c4af5..756f01da9c 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadbook.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadbook.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Book::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -66,7 +67,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadbook.hpp b/components/esm/loadbook.hpp
index bb2d7912f7..60b03f7a36 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadbook.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadbook.hpp
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ struct Book
 
     BKDTstruct mData;
     std::string mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript, mEnchant, mText;
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadbsgn.cpp b/components/esm/loadbsgn.cpp
index e3b2f76a3a..1f679af39a 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadbsgn.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadbsgn.cpp
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
         esm.writeHNOCString("FNAM", mName);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcell.cpp b/components/esm/loadcell.cpp
index bf70aad96f..d43911135a 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcell.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcell.cpp
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ namespace ESM
             }
         }
 
-        if (saveContext) 
+        if (saveContext)
         {
             mContextList.push_back(esm.getContext());
             esm.skipRecord();
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
@@ -197,9 +197,12 @@ namespace ESM
             if (mMapColor != 0)
                 esm.writeHNT("NAM5", mMapColor);
         }
+    }
 
-        if (mRefNumCounter != 0)
-            esm.writeHNT("NAM0", mRefNumCounter);
+    void Cell::saveTempMarker(ESMWriter &esm, int tempCount) const
+    {
+        if (tempCount != 0)
+            esm.writeHNT("NAM0", tempCount);
     }
 
     void Cell::restore(ESMReader &esm, int iCtx) const
@@ -251,6 +254,8 @@ namespace ESM
         {
             ref.load (esm, isDeleted);
 
+            // TODO: should count the number of temp refs and validate the number
+
             // Identify references belonging to a parent file and adapt the ID accordingly.
             adjustRefNum (ref.mRefNum, esm);
             return true;
@@ -275,7 +280,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mWater = 0;
         mWaterInt = false;
         mMapColor = 0;
-        mRefNumCounter = 0;
+        mRefNumCounter = -1;
 
         mData.mFlags = 0;
         mData.mX = 0;
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcell.hpp b/components/esm/loadcell.hpp
index d06b509c5a..c49dc20c59 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcell.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcell.hpp
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ struct Cell
            mWater(0),
            mWaterInt(false),
            mMapColor(0),
-           mRefNumCounter(0)
+           mRefNumCounter(-1)
   {}
 
   // Interior cells are indexed by this (it's the 'id'), for exterior
@@ -133,6 +133,7 @@ struct Cell
   void loadCell(ESMReader &esm, bool saveContext = true); // Load everything, except NAME, DATAstruct and references
 
   void save(ESMWriter &esm, bool isDeleted = false) const;
+  void saveTempMarker(ESMWriter &esm, int tempCount) const;
 
   bool isExterior() const
   {
@@ -183,7 +184,7 @@ struct Cell
   /// \param ignoreMoves ignore MVRF record and read reference like a regular CellRef.
   static bool getNextRef(ESMReader &esm, 
                          CellRef &ref, 
-                         bool &isDeleted, 
+                         bool &isDeleted,
                          bool ignoreMoves = false, 
                          MovedCellRef *mref = nullptr);
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadclas.cpp b/components/esm/loadclas.cpp
index 1e18bc0540..b76fc57067 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadclas.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadclas.cpp
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadclot.cpp b/components/esm/loadclot.cpp
index 12f0d495d5..cf03dbad36 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadclot.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadclot.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Clothing::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         mParts.mParts.clear();
 
@@ -69,7 +70,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadclot.hpp b/components/esm/loadclot.hpp
index 4db791c0c1..bbc8449a95 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadclot.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadclot.hpp
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ struct Clothing
 
     PartReferenceList mParts;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mEnchant, mScript;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcont.cpp b/components/esm/loadcont.cpp
index 107aea7cf6..03092571a4 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcont.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcont.cpp
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Container::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         mInventory.mList.clear();
 
@@ -95,7 +96,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcont.hpp b/components/esm/loadcont.hpp
index 0cac580748..ade9004214 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcont.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcont.hpp
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ struct Container
         Unknown = 8
     };
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mScript;
 
     float mWeight; // Not sure, might be max total weight allowed?
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcrea.cpp b/components/esm/loadcrea.cpp
index 52138e2232..02d664e1f2 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcrea.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcrea.cpp
@@ -13,8 +13,7 @@ namespace ESM {
     void Creature::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
-
-        mPersistent = (esm.getRecordFlags() & 0x0400) != 0;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         mAiPackage.mList.clear();
         mInventory.mList.clear();
@@ -115,7 +114,7 @@ namespace ESM {
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadcrea.hpp b/components/esm/loadcrea.hpp
index 0ab09ee122..f6b188d96e 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadcrea.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadcrea.hpp
@@ -76,10 +76,9 @@ struct Creature
     int mBloodType;
     unsigned char mFlags;
 
-    bool mPersistent;
-
     float mScale;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mModel, mName, mScript;
     std::string mOriginal; // Base creature that this is a modification of
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loaddial.cpp b/components/esm/loaddial.cpp
index d7e0a6ee17..59fb13484b 100644
--- a/components/esm/loaddial.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loaddial.cpp
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ namespace ESM
         esm.writeHNCString("NAME", mId);
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
         }
         else
         {
diff --git a/components/esm/loaddoor.cpp b/components/esm/loaddoor.cpp
index 523d8a1efc..3c446789b7 100644
--- a/components/esm/loaddoor.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loaddoor.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Door::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         while (esm.hasMoreSubs())
@@ -57,7 +58,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loaddoor.hpp b/components/esm/loaddoor.hpp
index 3afe5d5e4b..167eda20f5 100644
--- a/components/esm/loaddoor.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loaddoor.hpp
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ struct Door
     /// Return a string descriptor for this record type. Currently used for debugging / error logs only.
     static std::string getRecordType() { return "Door"; }
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mScript, mOpenSound, mCloseSound;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadench.cpp b/components/esm/loadench.cpp
index 8c4dd8c644..3c1a2f1eda 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadench.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadench.cpp
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadfact.cpp b/components/esm/loadfact.cpp
index ff2fbf66d1..bd0962721b 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadfact.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadfact.cpp
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadinfo.cpp b/components/esm/loadinfo.cpp
index 38bb163e61..15921249f4 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadinfo.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadinfo.cpp
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadingr.cpp b/components/esm/loadingr.cpp
index a18e321ff7..26873a6eea 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadingr.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadingr.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Ingredient::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -84,7 +85,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadingr.hpp b/components/esm/loadingr.hpp
index c0f4450238..34e05da2c1 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadingr.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadingr.hpp
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ struct Ingredient
     };
 
     IRDTstruct mData;
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadland.cpp b/components/esm/loadland.cpp
index d23452d76e..1fac79082d 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadland.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadland.cpp
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadlevlist.cpp b/components/esm/loadlevlist.cpp
index 0aed15aa94..450bf06ecb 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadlevlist.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadlevlist.cpp
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void LevelledListBase::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasList = false;
@@ -80,7 +81,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadlevlist.hpp b/components/esm/loadlevlist.hpp
index ed4131c165..d3451b70ae 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadlevlist.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadlevlist.hpp
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ struct LevelledListBase
 {
     int mFlags;
     unsigned char mChanceNone; // Chance that none are selected (0-100)
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId;
 
     // Record name used to read references. Must be set before load() is
diff --git a/components/esm/loadligh.cpp b/components/esm/loadligh.cpp
index 2a6dac14b0..e53c82cc3f 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadligh.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadligh.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Light::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -63,7 +64,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadligh.hpp b/components/esm/loadligh.hpp
index 8509c64b6d..901fe6ec85 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadligh.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadligh.hpp
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ struct Light
 
     LHDTstruct mData;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mSound, mScript, mModel, mIcon, mName, mId;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadlock.cpp b/components/esm/loadlock.cpp
index b14353ec5a..88ce77e34e 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadlock.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadlock.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Lockpick::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadlock.hpp b/components/esm/loadlock.hpp
index 9db41af978..9cd40c0d4f 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadlock.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadlock.hpp
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ struct Lockpick
     }; // Size = 16
 
     Data mData;
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadltex.cpp b/components/esm/loadltex.cpp
index 3e150f9c0c..6bdc40e5fc 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadltex.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadltex.cpp
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadmisc.cpp b/components/esm/loadmisc.cpp
index 3ba6626505..39d589eac8 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadmisc.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadmisc.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Miscellaneous::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadmisc.hpp b/components/esm/loadmisc.hpp
index e7a3239042..72aaa5de3b 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadmisc.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadmisc.hpp
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ struct Miscellaneous
     };
     MCDTstruct mData;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadnpc.cpp b/components/esm/loadnpc.cpp
index 2bb0811ac9..e1fb9b5931 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadnpc.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadnpc.cpp
@@ -11,8 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void NPC::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
-
-        mPersistent = (esm.getRecordFlags() & 0x0400) != 0;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         mSpells.mList.clear();
         mInventory.mList.clear();
@@ -135,7 +134,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadnpc.hpp b/components/esm/loadnpc.hpp
index 687afeaf64..ba9f415760 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadnpc.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadnpc.hpp
@@ -116,8 +116,6 @@ struct NPC
     int mBloodType;
     unsigned char mFlags;
 
-    bool mPersistent;
-
     InventoryList mInventory;
     SpellList mSpells;
 
@@ -129,6 +127,7 @@ struct NPC
 
     AIPackageList     mAiPackage;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mRace, mClass, mFaction, mScript;
 
     // body parts
diff --git a/components/esm/loadpgrd.cpp b/components/esm/loadpgrd.cpp
index 9abeba2605..7bf60ca5fc 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadpgrd.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadpgrd.cpp
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadprob.cpp b/components/esm/loadprob.cpp
index 6307df3298..8f03189686 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadprob.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadprob.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Probe::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadprob.hpp b/components/esm/loadprob.hpp
index da203b456b..930e31a971 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadprob.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadprob.hpp
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ struct Probe
     }; // Size = 16
 
     Data mData;
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadrace.cpp b/components/esm/loadrace.cpp
index fbdf22fb6d..ce3cc95bf8 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadrace.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadrace.cpp
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadregn.cpp b/components/esm/loadregn.cpp
index ada33dc3f8..91ea92e305 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadregn.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadregn.cpp
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadrepa.cpp b/components/esm/loadrepa.cpp
index c04691c12f..ecb693c0c5 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadrepa.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadrepa.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Repair::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadrepa.hpp b/components/esm/loadrepa.hpp
index 2537c53cb6..312c87b7b4 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadrepa.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadrepa.hpp
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ struct Repair
     }; // Size = 16
 
     Data mData;
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mScript;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp b/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp
index 1ad90dbc31..19602fef62 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadscpt.cpp
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadsndg.cpp b/components/esm/loadsndg.cpp
index 9bd806641b..c6ea930a20 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadsndg.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadsndg.cpp
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadsoun.cpp b/components/esm/loadsoun.cpp
index 3b3dc1eacd..ccb5f6fdce 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadsoun.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadsoun.cpp
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadspel.cpp b/components/esm/loadspel.cpp
index 947e6c9ec8..34e146501c 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadspel.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadspel.cpp
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadsscr.cpp b/components/esm/loadsscr.cpp
index f8854493b9..f436c32a1c 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadsscr.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadsscr.cpp
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ namespace ESM
         esm.writeHNCString("NAME", mId);
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
         }
         else
         {
diff --git a/components/esm/loadstat.cpp b/components/esm/loadstat.cpp
index 6c9de22bd1..1073ab48e2 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadstat.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadstat.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ namespace ESM
     void Static::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
+        //bool isBlocked = (mRecordFlags & ESM::FLAG_Blocked) != 0;
+        //bool isPersistent = (mRecordFlags & ESM::FLAG_Persistent) != 0;
 
         bool hasName = false;
         while (esm.hasMoreSubs())
@@ -43,7 +46,7 @@ namespace ESM
         esm.writeHNCString("NAME", mId);
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
         }
         else
         {
diff --git a/components/esm/loadstat.hpp b/components/esm/loadstat.hpp
index 3d91440402..038fb9f52b 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadstat.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadstat.hpp
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ struct Static
     /// Return a string descriptor for this record type. Currently used for debugging / error logs only.
     static std::string getRecordType() { return "Static"; }
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mModel;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);
diff --git a/components/esm/loadweap.cpp b/components/esm/loadweap.cpp
index 4a77ff6a00..78b9bb4073 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadweap.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadweap.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Weapon::load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted)
     {
         isDeleted = false;
+        mRecordFlags = esm.getRecordFlags();
 
         bool hasName = false;
         bool hasData = false;
@@ -62,7 +63,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
         if (isDeleted)
         {
-            esm.writeHNCString("DELE", "");
+            esm.writeHNString("DELE", "", 3);
             return;
         }
 
diff --git a/components/esm/loadweap.hpp b/components/esm/loadweap.hpp
index 90431756d7..8d1591854b 100644
--- a/components/esm/loadweap.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/loadweap.hpp
@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ struct Weapon
 
     WPDTstruct mData;
 
+    unsigned int mRecordFlags;
     std::string mId, mName, mModel, mIcon, mEnchant, mScript;
 
     void load(ESMReader &esm, bool &isDeleted);