I just started modding and am creating a little dungeon for now. I have two separate issues.

1. When i put lights in certain areas it will light up the surrounding area in squares(a little hard to describe.) One mid static piece will be lit up normally while the one right next to it is dark which creates a very obvious, abrupt, unnatural change in the lighting. I've tried using different lights, one with and without shadows and a variety of different kinds to no avail. I've also tried repositioning the lights on all the axis which interestingly worked in some areas and not others.

2. I'm trying to create a scenario where you walk into a room with an open portcullis which drops later after triggering it. I cannot get the portcullis to be open at first. I am able to get it to be down at first and then triggered to open but I'm looking for it to be up and triggered down. I tried checking the "open by default" box but it does nothing. The portcullis is not static, though I've tried messing with all different kinds of portcullis'. I simply want it to start off up rather than down.

I tried searching the forums but found it difficult to find answers. Any help?