In the context of Nif files used by Bethesda for 3D modeling and animation, the "scene root" or "root" refers to the top-level node in the hierarchical structure of the Nif file. This node serves as the primary parent or starting point for the entire scene graph. It is responsible for organizing and encapsulating the various elements of the 3D model, including meshes, skeletons, animations, and other related data. The scene root essentially acts as the foundational structure upon which the entire 3D model is built, providing a reference point for the placement and manipulation of other components within the Nif file.

When creating custom bones for an animated clothing mesh such as skirts and scarves, it's generally recommended to use skeletal bones as parent bones rather than skin bones. Skeletal bones are specifically designed to define the structure and hierarchy of the skeleton used for, making them more suitable for controlling and influencing the movement of the clothing mesh. Using skeletal bones as parent bones ensures better and control within the context of the overall skeletal structure and animation system.

Yes, Nifskope does provide a way to see the parent bones for each custom bone. When working with custom bones in Nifskope, you can open the skeleton file and navigate to the specific custom bone you are interested in. By selecting the bone in the Nifskope interface, you can then view its properties, which will include information about its parent bone. This allows you to identify and understand the hierarchical relationship between custom bones and their respective parent bones within the Nif file.