diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp
index a949cf6996..82e16bcfc8 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/activator.cpp
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ namespace MWClass
                  ++sound)
             {
                 if (type == sound->mType && !sound->mCreature.empty()
-                    && (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(*creatureId, sound->mCreature)))
+                    && (*creatureId ==  sound->mCreature))
                     sounds.push_back(&*sound);
                 if (type == sound->mType && sound->mCreature.empty())
                     fallbacksounds.push_back(&*sound);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/armor.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/armor.cpp
index 8ec988c52c..94ea269e5f 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/armor.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/armor.cpp
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ namespace MWClass
         const MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::Armor>* ref = ptr.get<ESM::Armor>();
 
         ESM::Armor newItem = *ref->mBase;
-        newItem.mId.clear();
+        newItem.mId = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         newItem.mName = newName;
         newItem.mData.mEnchant = enchCharge;
         newItem.mEnchant = enchId;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/book.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/book.cpp
index d64aa748d1..55d5d29485 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/book.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/book.cpp
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ namespace MWClass
         const MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::Book>* ref = ptr.get<ESM::Book>();
 
         ESM::Book newItem = *ref->mBase;
-        newItem.mId.clear();
+        newItem.mId = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         newItem.mName = newName;
         newItem.mData.mIsScroll = 1;
         newItem.mData.mEnchant = enchCharge;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/clothing.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/clothing.cpp
index c561db2c59..0a19ba6bec 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/clothing.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/clothing.cpp
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ namespace MWClass
         const MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::Clothing>* ref = ptr.get<ESM::Clothing>();
 
         ESM::Clothing newItem = *ref->mBase;
-        newItem.mId.clear();
+        newItem.mId = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         newItem.mName = newName;
         newItem.mData.mEnchant = enchCharge;
         newItem.mEnchant = enchId;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
index 207ef634dc..825ca75213 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/container.cpp
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ namespace MWClass
         {
             text += MWGui::ToolTips::getCellRefString(ptr.getCellRef());
             text += MWGui::ToolTips::getMiscString(ref->mBase->mScript.getRefIdString(), "Script");
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("stolen_goods")))
+            if (ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("stolen_goods"))
                 text += "\nYou can not use evidence chests";
         }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
index d6f0e1659a..beecc2c8b2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/creature.cpp
@@ -649,7 +649,7 @@ namespace MWClass
         while (sound != store.get<ESM::SoundGenerator>().end())
         {
             if (type == sound->mType && !sound->mCreature.empty()
-                && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ourId, sound->mCreature))
+                && ourId ==  sound->mCreature)
                 sounds.push_back(&*sound);
             if (type == sound->mType && sound->mCreature.empty())
                 fallbacksounds.push_back(&*sound);
@@ -673,7 +673,7 @@ namespace MWClass
                         while (sound != store.get<ESM::SoundGenerator>().end())
                         {
                             if (type == sound->mType && !sound->mCreature.empty()
-                                && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(fallbackId, sound->mCreature))
+                                && fallbackId ==  sound->mCreature)
                                 sounds.push_back(&*sound);
                             ++sound;
                         }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/misc.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/misc.cpp
index df63b5c40d..702a9947a0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/misc.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/misc.cpp
@@ -35,11 +35,11 @@ namespace MWClass
 
     bool Miscellaneous::isGold(const MWWorld::ConstPtr& ptr) const
     {
-        return ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_001"))
-            || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005"))
-            || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010"))
-            || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025"))
-            || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100"));
+        return ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_001")
+            || ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005")
+            || ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010")
+            || ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025")
+            || ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100");
     }
 
     void Miscellaneous::insertObjectRendering(
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ namespace MWClass
                     float soulValue = 0.0001 * pow(soul, 3) + 2 * soul;
 
                     // for Azura's star add the unfilled value
-                    if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("Misc_SoulGem_Azura")))
+                    if (ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("Misc_SoulGem_Azura"))
                         value += soulValue;
                     else
                         value = soulValue;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp
index 2c3c1db32f..832751adef 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ namespace MWClass
         const MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::Weapon>* ref = ptr.get<ESM::Weapon>();
 
         ESM::Weapon newItem = *ref->mBase;
-        newItem.mId.clear();
+        newItem.mId = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         newItem.mName = newName;
         newItem.mData.mEnchant = enchCharge;
         newItem.mEnchant = enchId;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanagerimp.cpp
index 3e6dbf3c0c..2b2afcbcf2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanagerimp.cpp
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ namespace MWDialogue
         if (actor.getClass().getCreatureStats(actor).isDead())
             return false;
 
-        mLastTopic.clear();
+        mLastTopic = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         // Note that we intentionally don't reset mPermanentDispositionChange
 
         mChoice = -1;
@@ -375,7 +375,7 @@ namespace MWDialogue
                     if (!inJournal(topicId, answer->mId))
                     {
                         // Does this dialogue contains some actor-specific answer?
-                        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(answer->mActor, mActor.getCellRef().getRefId()))
+                        if (answer->mActor ==  mActor.getCellRef().getRefId())
                             topicFlags |= MWBase::DialogueManager::TopicType::Specific;
                     }
                     else
@@ -744,7 +744,7 @@ namespace MWDialogue
         auto it = faction->mReactions.begin();
         for (; it != faction->mReactions.end(); ++it)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it->first, faction2))
+            if (it->first ==  faction2)
                 return it->second;
         }
         return 0;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp
index b2e2b723fc..df04e6b30f 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/filter.cpp
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ bool MWDialogue::Filter::testActor(const ESM::DialInfo& info) const
     // actor id
     if (!info.mActor.empty())
     {
-        if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(info.mActor, mActor.getCellRef().getRefId()))
+        if (!(info.mActor ==  mActor.getCellRef().getRefId()))
             return false;
     }
     else if (isCreature)
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ bool MWDialogue::Filter::testActor(const ESM::DialInfo& info) const
 
         MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::NPC>* cellRef = mActor.get<ESM::NPC>();
 
-        if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(info.mRace, cellRef->mBase->mRace))
+        if (!(info.mRace ==  cellRef->mBase->mRace))
             return false;
     }
 
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ bool MWDialogue::Filter::testActor(const ESM::DialInfo& info) const
 
         MWWorld::LiveCellRef<ESM::NPC>* cellRef = mActor.get<ESM::NPC>();
 
-        if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(info.mClass, cellRef->mBase->mClass))
+        if (!(info.mClass ==  cellRef->mBase->mClass))
             return false;
     }
 
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ bool MWDialogue::Filter::testActor(const ESM::DialInfo& info) const
         if (isCreature)
             return true;
 
-        if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mActor.getClass().getPrimaryFaction(mActor), info.mFaction))
+        if (!(mActor.getClass().getPrimaryFaction(mActor) ==  info.mFaction))
             return false;
 
         // check rank
@@ -536,19 +536,19 @@ bool MWDialogue::Filter::getSelectStructBoolean(const SelectWrapper& select) con
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_NotId:
 
-            return !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mActor.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
+            return !(mActor.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_NotFaction:
 
-            return !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mActor.getClass().getPrimaryFaction(mActor), ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
+            return !(mActor.getClass().getPrimaryFaction(mActor) ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_NotClass:
 
-            return !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mActor.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mClass, ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
+            return !(mActor.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mClass ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_NotRace:
 
-            return !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mActor.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace, ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
+            return !(mActor.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId(select.getName()));
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_NotCell:
         {
@@ -562,8 +562,7 @@ bool MWDialogue::Filter::getSelectStructBoolean(const SelectWrapper& select) con
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_SameRace:
 
-            return ESM::RefId::ciEqual(
-                mActor.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace, player.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace);
+            return mActor.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace == player.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace;
 
         case SelectWrapper::Function_SameFaction:
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp
index 3212b42ecc..2620307806 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/birth.cpp
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         size_t count = mBirthList->getItemCount();
         for (size_t i = 0; i < count; ++i)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ESM::RefId::stringRefId(*mBirthList->getItemDataAt<std::string>(i)), birthId))
+            if (ESM::RefId::stringRefId(*mBirthList->getItemDataAt<std::string>(i)) ==  birthId)
             {
                 mBirthList->setIndexSelected(i);
                 break;
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ namespace MWGui
             return;
 
         const ESM::RefId birthId = ESM::RefId::stringRefId(*mBirthList->getItemDataAt<std::string>(_index));
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mCurrentBirthId, birthId))
+        if (mCurrentBirthId ==  birthId)
             return;
 
         mCurrentBirthId = birthId;
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ namespace MWGui
                 mBirthList->setIndexSelected(index);
                 mCurrentBirthId = birthsignPair.first;
             }
-            else if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(birthsignPair.first, mCurrentBirthId))
+            else if (birthsignPair.first ==  mCurrentBirthId)
             {
                 mBirthList->setIndexSelected(index);
             }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
index af0cbbdfa1..3b24c10b12 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ namespace MWGui
                     break;
                 case GM_ClassGenerate:
                     mGenerateClassStep = 0;
-                    mGenerateClass.clear();
+                    mGenerateClass = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
                     mGenerateClassSpecializations[0] = 0;
                     mGenerateClassSpecializations[1] = 0;
                     mGenerateClassSpecializations[2] = 0;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp
index 3a3fafdbe1..94bf43948e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/class.cpp
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         size_t count = mClassList->getItemCount();
         for (size_t i = 0; i < count; ++i)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(*mClassList->getItemDataAt<ESM::RefId>(i), classId))
+            if (*mClassList->getItemDataAt<ESM::RefId>(i) ==  classId)
             {
                 mClassList->setIndexSelected(i);
                 break;
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ namespace MWGui
             return;
 
         const ESM::RefId* classId = mClassList->getItemDataAt<ESM::RefId>(_index);
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mCurrentClassId, *classId))
+        if (mCurrentClassId ==  *classId)
             return;
 
         mCurrentClassId = *classId;
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ namespace MWGui
                 mCurrentClassId = id;
                 mClassList->setIndexSelected(index);
             }
-            else if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(id, mCurrentClassId))
+            else if (id ==  mCurrentClassId)
             {
                 mClassList->setIndexSelected(index);
             }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp
index d939f46ff7..0291fe5004 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp
@@ -805,7 +805,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
             // skip different stacks of the same item, or we will get stuck as stacking/unstacking them may change their
             // relative ordering
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(lastId, item.getCellRef().getRefId()))
+            if (lastId ==  item.getCellRef().getRefId())
                 continue;
 
             lastId = item.getCellRef().getRefId();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalwindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalwindow.cpp
index 506191b18e..f60d3afba5 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalwindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/journalwindow.cpp
@@ -422,7 +422,7 @@ namespace
             intptr_t topicId = 0; /// \todo get rid of intptr ids
             for (MWBase::Journal::TTopicIter i = journal->topicBegin(); i != journal->topicEnd(); ++i)
             {
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(i->first, topic))
+                if (i->first ==  topic)
                     topicId = intptr_t(&i->second);
             }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/quickkeysmenu.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/quickkeysmenu.cpp
index f7f061b652..7876013e64 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/quickkeysmenu.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/quickkeysmenu.cpp
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         else
         {
             key->type = Type_Unassigned;
-            key->id.clear();
+            key->id = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
             key->name.clear();
 
             MyGUI::TextBox* textBox = key->button->createWidgetReal<MyGUI::TextBox>(
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/race.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/race.cpp
index de4617f449..ad227e9f5c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/race.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/race.cpp
@@ -165,13 +165,13 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         for (unsigned int i = 0; i < mAvailableHeads.size(); ++i)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mAvailableHeads[i], proto.mHead))
+            if (mAvailableHeads[i] ==  proto.mHead)
                 mFaceIndex = i;
         }
 
         for (unsigned int i = 0; i < mAvailableHairs.size(); ++i)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mAvailableHairs[i], proto.mHair))
+            if (mAvailableHairs[i] ==  proto.mHair)
                 mHairIndex = i;
         }
 
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         size_t count = mRaceList->getItemCount();
         for (size_t i = 0; i < count; ++i)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ESM::RefId::stringRefId(*mRaceList->getItemDataAt<std::string>(i)), raceId))
+            if (ESM::RefId::stringRefId(*mRaceList->getItemDataAt<std::string>(i)) ==  raceId)
             {
                 mRaceList->setIndexSelected(i);
                 break;
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ namespace MWGui
             return;
 
         ESM::RefId raceId = ESM::RefId::stringRefId(*mRaceList->getItemDataAt<std::string>(_index));
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mCurrentRaceId, raceId))
+        if (mCurrentRaceId ==  raceId)
             return;
 
         mCurrentRaceId = raceId;
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ namespace MWGui
                 && idString[idString.size() - 2] == 's' && idString[idString.size() - 1] == 't';
             if (firstPerson)
                 continue;
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(bodypart.mRace, mCurrentRaceId))
+            if (bodypart.mRace ==  mCurrentRaceId)
                 out.push_back(bodypart.mId);
         }
     }
@@ -393,7 +393,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         for (auto& item : items)
         {
             mRaceList->addItem(item.second, item.first);
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item.first, mCurrentRaceId))
+            if (item.first ==  mCurrentRaceId)
                 mRaceList->setIndexSelected(index);
             ++index;
         }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradeitemmodel.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradeitemmodel.cpp
index e68e660f79..b89b60aca6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradeitemmodel.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradeitemmodel.cpp
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ namespace MWGui
             if (!mMerchant.isEmpty())
             {
                 MWWorld::Ptr base = item.mBase;
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(base.getCellRef().getRefId(), MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId))
+                if (base.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId)
                     continue;
 
                 if (!base.getClass().showsInInventory(base))
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
index d3cc605509..620a1c3cf6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -1344,7 +1344,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     void WindowManager::setSelectedEnchantItem(const MWWorld::Ptr& item)
     {
         mSelectedEnchantItem = item;
-        mSelectedSpell.clear();
+        mSelectedSpell = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         const ESM::Enchantment* ench = mStore->get<ESM::Enchantment>().find(item.getClass().getEnchantment(item));
 
         int chargePercent
@@ -1377,7 +1377,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     void WindowManager::unsetSelectedSpell()
     {
-        mSelectedSpell.clear();
+        mSelectedSpell = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mSelectedEnchantItem = MWWorld::Ptr();
         mHud->unsetSelectedSpell();
 
@@ -1770,7 +1770,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         mToolTips->clear();
 
-        mSelectedSpell.clear();
+        mSelectedSpell = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mCustomMarkers.clear();
 
         mForceHidden = GW_None;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp
index 230da2ef69..5ec928f0ff 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/activespells.cpp
@@ -419,7 +419,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     bool ActiveSpells::isSpellActive(const ESM::RefId& id) const
     {
         return std::find_if(mSpells.begin(), mSpells.end(), [&](const auto& spell) {
-            return ESM::RefId::ciEqual(spell.mId, id);
+            return spell.mId ==  id;
         }) != mSpells.end();
     }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/alchemy.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/alchemy.cpp
index 4f9c5b20ae..98769884a2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/alchemy.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/alchemy.cpp
@@ -449,7 +449,7 @@ int MWMechanics::Alchemy::addIngredient(const MWWorld::Ptr& ingredient)
 
     for (TIngredientsIterator iter(mIngredients.begin()); iter != mIngredients.end(); ++iter)
         if (!iter->isEmpty()
-            && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ingredient.getCellRef().getRefId(), iter->getCellRef().getRefId()))
+            && ingredient.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  iter->getCellRef().getRefId())
             return -1;
 
     mIngredients[slot] = ingredient;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/autocalcspell.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/autocalcspell.cpp
index ec386c0add..b4c0480cc2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/autocalcspell.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/autocalcspell.cpp
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             caps.mLimit = iAutoSpellSchoolMax[i];
             caps.mReachedLimit = iAutoSpellSchoolMax[i] <= 0;
             caps.mMinCost = std::numeric_limits<int>::max();
-            caps.mWeakestSpell.clear();
+            caps.mWeakestSpell = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
             schoolCaps[i] = caps;
         }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp
index bb1c09accb..2b4ccc34bd 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/creaturestats.cpp
@@ -371,7 +371,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
     void CreatureStats::clearLastHitObject()
     {
-        mLastHitObject.clear();
+        mLastHitObject = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 
     const ESM::RefId& CreatureStats::getLastHitObject() const
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
     void CreatureStats::clearLastHitAttemptObject()
     {
-        mLastHitAttemptObject.clear();
+        mLastHitAttemptObject = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 
     const ESM::RefId& CreatureStats::getLastHitAttemptObject() const
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/enchanting.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/enchanting.cpp
index 798b66e235..bd7024b5af 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/enchanting.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/enchanting.cpp
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         // Exception for Azura Star, new one will be added after enchanting
         auto azurasStarId = ESM::RefId::stringRefId("Misc_SoulGem_Azura");
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mSoulGemPtr.get<ESM::Miscellaneous>()->mBase->mId, azurasStarId))
+        if (mSoulGemPtr.get<ESM::Miscellaneous>()->mBase->mId ==  azurasStarId)
             store.add(azurasStarId, 1, player);
 
         if (mSelfEnchanting)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/inventory.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/inventory.hpp
index 178eb6d54a..b26d40f301 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/inventory.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/inventory.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         T copy = *MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<T>().find(actorId);
         for (auto& it : copy.mInventory.mList)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it.mItem, itemId))
+            if (it.mItem == itemId)
             {
                 const int sign = it.mCount < 1 ? -1 : 1;
                 it.mCount = sign * std::max(it.mCount * sign + amount, 0);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
index ea12a2af93..0a3f1b7a69 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -513,7 +513,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         const MWWorld::Store<ESM::GameSetting>& gmst
             = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::GameSetting>();
         static const float fDispRaceMod = gmst.find("fDispRaceMod")->mValue.getFloat();
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(npc->mBase->mRace, player->mBase->mRace))
+        if (npc->mBase->mRace ==  player->mBase->mRace)
             x += fDispRaceMod;
 
         static const float fDispPersonalityMult = gmst.find("fDispPersonalityMult")->mValue.getFloat();
@@ -913,7 +913,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             return false;
 
         // A special case for evidence chest - we should not allow to take items even if it is technically permitted
-        return !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(cellref.getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("stolen_goods"));
+        return !(cellref.getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("stolen_goods"));
     }
 
     bool MechanicsManager::sleepInBed(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& bed)
@@ -1013,7 +1013,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         const ESM::RefId& victimFaction = victim.getClass().getPrimaryFaction(victim);
         if (!victimFaction.empty()
-            && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item.getCellRef().getFaction(), victimFaction)) // Is the item faction-owned?
+            && item.getCellRef().getFaction() ==  victimFaction) // Is the item faction-owned?
         {
             owner.first = victimFaction;
             owner.second = true;
@@ -1118,7 +1118,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             }
         }
 
-        if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item.getCellRef().getRefId(), MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId))
+        if (!(item.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId))
         {
             if (victim.isEmpty()
                 || (victim.getClass().isActor() && victim.getRefData().getCount() > 0
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/recharge.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/recharge.cpp
index d07b11b074..db5361ef69 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/recharge.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/recharge.cpp
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
             ESM::RefId soulGemAzura = ESM::RefId::stringRefId("Misc_SoulGem_Azura");
             // special case: readd Azura's Star
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(gem.get<ESM::Miscellaneous>()->mBase->mId, soulGemAzura))
+            if (gem.get<ESM::Miscellaneous>()->mBase->mId ==  soulGemAzura)
                 player.getClass().getContainerStore(player).add(soulGemAzura, 1, player);
         }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/repair.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/repair.cpp
index 3d02bd6bb0..1a35bf3c66 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/repair.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/repair.cpp
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             // try to find a new tool of the same ID
             for (MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator iter(store.begin()); iter != store.end(); ++iter)
             {
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter->getCellRef().getRefId(), mTool.getCellRef().getRefId()))
+                if (iter->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  mTool.getCellRef().getRefId())
                 {
                     mTool = *iter;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelleffects.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelleffects.cpp
index d8b9453e00..bc097aa215 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelleffects.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelleffects.cpp
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ namespace
     {
         MWWorld::InventoryStore& store = actor.getClass().getInventoryStore(actor);
         auto item = std::find_if(store.begin(), store.end(),
-            [&](const auto& it) { return ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it.getCellRef().getRefId(), itemId); });
+            [&](const auto& it) { return it.getCellRef().getRefId() == itemId; });
         if (item == store.end())
             return;
         int slot = getBoundItemSlot(*item);
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ namespace
         auto currentItem = store.getSlot(slot);
 
         bool wasEquipped
-            = currentItem != store.end() && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(currentItem->getCellRef().getRefId(), itemId);
+            = currentItem != store.end() && currentItem->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  itemId;
 
         if (wasEquipped)
             store.remove(*currentItem, 1, actor);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelllist.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelllist.cpp
index 0a9ee0a366..b0b87e07de 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelllist.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spelllist.cpp
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         bool changed = withBaseRecord([&](auto& spells) {
             for (const auto& it : spells)
             {
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(id, it))
+                if (id ==  it)
                     return false;
             }
             spells.push_back(id);
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         bool changed = withBaseRecord([&](auto& spells) {
             for (auto it = spells.begin(); it != spells.end(); it++)
             {
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(id, *it))
+                if (id ==  *it)
                 {
                     spells.erase(it);
                     return true;
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     {
         bool changed = withBaseRecord([&](auto& spells) {
             const auto it = std::remove_if(spells.begin(), spells.end(), [&](const auto& spell) {
-                const auto isSpell = [&](const auto& id) { return ESM::RefId::ciEqual(spell, id); };
+                const auto isSpell = [&](const auto& id) { return spell ==  id; };
                 return ids.end() != std::find_if(ids.begin(), ids.end(), isSpell);
             });
             if (it == spells.end())
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellpriority.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellpriority.cpp
index 3994957b88..eb3e865d3a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellpriority.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellpriority.cpp
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ namespace
         int actorId = caster.getClass().getCreatureStats(caster).getActorId();
         const auto& active = target.getClass().getCreatureStats(target).getActiveSpells();
         return std::find_if(active.begin(), active.end(), [&](const auto& spell) {
-            return spell.getCasterActorId() == actorId && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(spell.getId(), id);
+            return spell.getCasterActorId() == actorId && spell.getId() ==  id;
         }) != active.end();
     }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spells.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spells.cpp
index 0afadb1d24..b856da9c97 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spells.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spells.cpp
@@ -82,8 +82,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         removeSpell(spell);
         mSpellList->remove(spell);
 
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(spellId, mSelectedSpell))
-            mSelectedSpell.clear();
+        if (spellId ==  mSelectedSpell)
+            mSelectedSpell = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 
     void Spells::removeSpell(const ESM::Spell* spell)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp
index 818929818f..3bb8840687 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ namespace
                     continue;
                 if (female != (bodypart.mData.mFlags & ESM::BodyPart::BPF_Female))
                     continue;
-                if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(bodypart.mRace, race))
+                if (!(bodypart.mRace == race))
                     continue;
                 sVampireMapping[thisCombination] = &bodypart;
             }
@@ -1209,7 +1209,7 @@ namespace MWRender
                 if (bodypart.mData.mType != ESM::BodyPart::MT_Skin)
                     continue;
 
-                if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(bodypart.mRace, race))
+                if (!(bodypart.mRace == race))
                     continue;
 
                 bool partFirstPerson = isFirstPersonPart(&bodypart);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/containerextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/containerextensions.cpp
index 7024058ed0..ab2ed41c68 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/containerextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/containerextensions.cpp
@@ -104,9 +104,9 @@ namespace MWScript
                 if (count == 0)
                     return;
 
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005")) || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010"))
-                    || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025")) || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100")))
-                    item =  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_001");
+                if (item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005") ||item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010")
+                    || item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025") ||item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100"))
+                    item = ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_001");
 
                 // Check if "item" can be placed in a container
                 MWWorld::ManualRef manualRef(MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore(), item, 1);
@@ -191,8 +191,8 @@ namespace MWScript
                 ESM::RefId item = ESM::RefId::stringRefId(runtime.getStringLiteral(runtime[0].mInteger));
                 runtime.pop();
 
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005")) || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010"))
-                    || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025")) || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100")))
+                if (item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005") ||item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010")
+                    || item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025") ||item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100"))
                     item =  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_001");
 
                 MWWorld::ContainerStore& store = ptr.getClass().getContainerStore(ptr);
@@ -222,8 +222,8 @@ namespace MWScript
                 if (count == 0)
                     return;
 
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005")) || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010"))
-                    || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025")) || ESM::RefId::ciEqual(item, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100")))
+                if (item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_005") || item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_010")
+                    || item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_025") || item == ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_100"))
                     item =  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("gold_001");
 
                 // Explicit calls to non-unique actors affect the base record
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 std::string_view itemName;
                 for (MWWorld::ConstContainerStoreIterator iter(store.cbegin()); iter != store.cend(); ++iter)
                 {
-                    if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter->getCellRef().getRefId(), item))
+                    if (iter->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  item)
                     {
                         itemName = iter->getClass().getName(*iter);
                         break;
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 // With soul gems we prefer filled ones.
                 for (auto it = invStore.begin(); it != invStore.end(); ++it)
                 {
-                    if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it->getCellRef().getRefId(), item))
+                    if (it->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  item)
                     {
                         found = it;
                         const ESM::RefId& soul = it->getCellRef().getSoul();
@@ -425,7 +425,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 for (int slot = 0; slot < MWWorld::InventoryStore::Slots; ++slot)
                 {
                     MWWorld::ConstContainerStoreIterator it = invStore.getSlot(slot);
-                    if (it != invStore.end() && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it->getCellRef().getRefId(), item))
+                    if (it != invStore.end() && it->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  item)
                     {
                         runtime.push(1);
                         return;
@@ -452,7 +452,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                      = invStore.cbegin(MWWorld::ContainerStore::Type_Miscellaneous);
                      it != invStore.cend(); ++it)
                 {
-                    if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it->getCellRef().getSoul(), name))
+                    if (it->getCellRef().getSoul() ==  name)
                         count += it->getRefData().getCount();
                 }
                 runtime.push(count);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
index da88dac501..d30a542b44 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ namespace
                 ++it;
                 continue;
             }
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(itemId, it->mId))
+            if (itemId ==  it->mId)
                 it = list->mList.erase(it);
             else
                 ++it;
@@ -612,7 +612,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 MWWorld::InventoryStore& store = ptr.getClass().getInventoryStore(ptr);
                 for (MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator it = store.begin(); it != store.end(); ++it)
                 {
-                    if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it->getCellRef().getSoul(), soul))
+                    if (it->getCellRef().getSoul() ==  soul)
                     {
                         store.remove(*it, 1, ptr);
                         return;
@@ -655,7 +655,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                     for (int slot = 0; slot < MWWorld::InventoryStore::Slots; ++slot)
                     {
                         MWWorld::ConstContainerStoreIterator it = store.getSlot(slot);
-                        if (it != store.end() && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it->getCellRef().getRefId(), item))
+                        if (it != store.end() && it->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  item)
                         {
                             numNotEquipped -= it->getRefData().getCount();
                         }
@@ -664,7 +664,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                     for (int slot = 0; slot < MWWorld::InventoryStore::Slots && amount > numNotEquipped; ++slot)
                     {
                         MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator it = store.getSlot(slot);
-                        if (it != store.end() && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(it->getCellRef().getRefId(), item))
+                        if (it != store.end() && it->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  item)
                         {
                             int numToRemove = std::min(amount - numNotEquipped, it->getRefData().getCount());
                             store.unequipItemQuantity(*it, ptr, numToRemove);
@@ -674,7 +674,7 @@ namespace MWScript
 
                     for (MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator iter(store.begin()); iter != store.end(); ++iter)
                     {
-                        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter->getCellRef().getRefId(), item)
+                        if (iter->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  item
                             && !store.isEquipped(*iter))
                         {
                             int removed = store.remove(*iter, amount, ptr);
@@ -730,7 +730,7 @@ namespace MWScript
 
                 for (MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator iter(store.begin()); iter != store.end(); ++iter)
                 {
-                    if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter->getCellRef().getSoul(), soul))
+                    if (iter->getCellRef().getSoul() ==  soul)
                     {
                         MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->dropObjectOnGround(ptr, *iter, 1);
                         store.remove(*iter, 1, ptr);
@@ -953,7 +953,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 runtime.pop();
 
                 MWMechanics::CreatureStats& stats = ptr.getClass().getCreatureStats(ptr);
-                bool hit = ESM::RefId::ciEqual(objectID, stats.getLastHitObject());
+                bool hit = objectID ==  stats.getLastHitObject();
                 runtime.push(hit);
                 if (hit)
                     stats.clearLastHitObject();
@@ -972,7 +972,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 runtime.pop();
 
                 MWMechanics::CreatureStats& stats = ptr.getClass().getCreatureStats(ptr);
-                bool hit = ESM::RefId::ciEqual(objectID, stats.getLastHitAttemptObject());
+                bool hit = objectID ==  stats.getLastHitAttemptObject();
                 runtime.push(hit);
                 if (hit)
                     stats.clearLastHitAttemptObject();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/statsextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/statsextensions.cpp
index a071aadba0..f99bae6833 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/statsextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/statsextensions.cpp
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 runtime.pop();
 
                 // workaround broken endgame scripts that kill dagoth ur
-                if (!R::implicit && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getRefId(), ESM::RefId::stringRefId("dagoth_ur_1")))
+                if (!R::implicit && ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("dagoth_ur_1"))
                 {
                     runtime.push(peek);
 
@@ -870,7 +870,7 @@ namespace MWScript
 
                 const ESM::RefId& npcRace = ptr.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace;
 
-                runtime.push(ESM::RefId::ciEqual(race, npcRace));
+                runtime.push(race ==  npcRace);
             }
         };
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
index 4cdbfc9a4e..8975846ce4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/cellstore.cpp
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ namespace
             {
                 for (auto& item : state.mInventory.mItems)
                 {
-                    if (item.mCount > 0 && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(baseItem.mItem, item.mRef.mRefID))
+                    if (item.mCount > 0 && baseItem.mItem ==  item.mRef.mRefID)
                         item.mCount = -item.mCount;
                 }
             }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
index e21817ab80..33b8894a54 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ namespace
 
         for (MWWorld::LiveCellRef<T>& liveCellRef : list.mList)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(liveCellRef.mBase->mId, id) && liveCellRef.mData.getCount())
+            if ((liveCellRef.mBase->mId == id) && liveCellRef.mData.getCount())
             {
                 MWWorld::Ptr ptr(&liveCellRef, nullptr);
                 ptr.setContainerStore(store);
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ int MWWorld::ContainerStore::count(const ESM::RefId& id) const
 {
     int total = 0;
     for (const auto&& iter : *this)
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter.getCellRef().getRefId(), id))
+        if (iter.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  id)
             total += iter.getRefData().getCount();
     return total;
 }
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ bool MWWorld::ContainerStore::stacks(const ConstPtr& ptr1, const ConstPtr& ptr2)
     const MWWorld::Class& cls1 = ptr1.getClass();
     const MWWorld::Class& cls2 = ptr2.getClass();
 
-    if (!ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr1.getCellRef().getRefId(), ptr2.getCellRef().getRefId()))
+    if (!(ptr1.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  ptr2.getCellRef().getRefId()))
         return false;
 
     // If it has an enchantment, don't stack when some of the charge is already used
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator MWWorld::ContainerStore::addImp(const Ptr& ptr,
 
         for (MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator iter(begin(type)); iter != end(); ++iter)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter->getCellRef().getRefId(), MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId))
+            if (iter->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId)
             {
                 iter->getRefData().setCount(addItems(iter->getRefData().getCount(false), realCount));
                 flagAsModified();
@@ -512,7 +512,7 @@ int MWWorld::ContainerStore::remove(
     int toRemove = count;
 
     for (ContainerStoreIterator iter(begin()); iter != end() && toRemove > 0; ++iter)
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter->getCellRef().getRefId(), itemId))
+        if (iter->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  itemId)
             toRemove -= remove(*iter, toRemove, actor, equipReplacement, resolveFirst);
 
     flagAsModified();
@@ -789,7 +789,7 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWWorld::ContainerStore::findReplacement(const ESM::RefId& id)
     for (auto&& iter : *this)
     {
         int iterHealth = iter.getClass().hasItemHealth(iter) ? iter.getClass().getItemHealth(iter) : 1;
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(iter.getCellRef().getRefId(), id))
+        if (iter.getCellRef().getRefId() ==  id)
         {
             // Prefer the stack with the lowest remaining uses
             // Try to get item with zero durability only if there are no other items found
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp
index 33a0ffab60..b4aacd6a1e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/esmstore.cpp
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ namespace
                 {
                     Log(Debug::Verbose) << "NPC '" << npc.mId << "' (" << npc.mName << ") has nonexistent faction '"
                                         << npc.mFaction << "', ignoring it.";
-                    npc.mFaction.clear();
+                    npc.mFaction = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
                     npc.mNpdt.mRank = 0;
                     changed = true;
                 }
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ namespace
         {
             if (!item.mScript.empty() && !scripts.search(item.mScript))
             {
-                item.mScript.clear();
+                item.mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
                 Log(Debug::Verbose) << "Item '" << id << "' (" << item.mName << ") has nonexistent script '"
                                     << item.mScript << "', ignoring it.";
             }
@@ -687,7 +687,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
 
         auto& npcs = getWritable<ESM::NPC>();
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(npc.mId, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("player")))
+        if (npc.mId ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("player"))
         {
             return npcs.insert(npc);
         }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp
index ff79ae44eb..afe1f185b8 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/player.cpp
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     void Player::clear()
     {
         mCellStore = nullptr;
-        mSign.clear();
+        mSign = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mMarkedCell = nullptr;
         mAutoMove = false;
         mForwardBackward = 0;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/projectilemanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/projectilemanager.cpp
index de768496b4..95e82bde46 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/projectilemanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/projectilemanager.cpp
@@ -544,7 +544,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
                 MWWorld::InventoryStore& inv = caster.getClass().getInventoryStore(caster);
                 MWWorld::ContainerStoreIterator invIt = inv.getSlot(MWWorld::InventoryStore::Slot_CarriedRight);
                 if (invIt != inv.end()
-                    && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(invIt->getCellRef().getRefId(), projectileState.mBowId))
+                    && invIt->getCellRef().getRefId() ==  projectileState.mBowId)
                     bow = *invIt;
             }
             if (projectile->getHitWater())
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp
index c36e2d4258..f17d3838db 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/store.cpp
@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             while (sharedIter != mShared.end() && sharedIter != end)
             {
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual((*sharedIter)->mId, id))
+                if ((*sharedIter)->mId ==  id)
                 {
                     mShared.erase(sharedIter);
                     break;
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             ESM::LandTexture* tex = const_cast<ESM::LandTexture*>(search(lt.mIndex, i));
             if (tex)
             {
-                if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(tex->mId, lt.mId))
+                if (tex->mId ==  lt.mId)
                     tex->mTexture = lt.mTexture;
             }
         }
@@ -716,7 +716,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         const ESM::Cell* cell = nullptr;
         for (const ESM::Cell* sharedCell : mSharedExt)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ESM::RefId::stringRefId(sharedCell->mName), id))
+            if (ESM::RefId::stringRefId(sharedCell->mName) ==  id)
             {
                 if (cell == nullptr || (sharedCell->mData.mX > cell->mData.mX)
                     || (sharedCell->mData.mX == cell->mData.mX && sharedCell->mData.mY > cell->mData.mY))
@@ -732,7 +732,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         const ESM::Cell* cell = nullptr;
         for (const ESM::Cell* sharedCell : mSharedExt)
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(sharedCell->mRegion, id))
+            if (sharedCell->mRegion ==  id)
             {
                 if (cell == nullptr || (sharedCell->mData.mX > cell->mData.mX)
                     || (sharedCell->mData.mX == cell->mData.mX && sharedCell->mData.mY > cell->mData.mY))
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/weather.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/weather.cpp
index c96b0651da..d6f5a84f6b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/weather.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/weather.cpp
@@ -203,8 +203,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
         else
             mAmbientLoopSoundID = ESM::RefId::stringRefId(Fallback::Map::getString("Weather_" + name + "_Ambient_Loop_Sound_ID"));
 
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(mAmbientLoopSoundID, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("None")))
-            mAmbientLoopSoundID.clear();
+        if (mAmbientLoopSoundID ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("None"))
+            mAmbientLoopSoundID = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 
     float Weather::transitionDelta() const
@@ -827,7 +827,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         if (mAmbientSound)
             MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->stopSound(mAmbientSound);
         mAmbientSound = nullptr;
-        mPlayingSoundID.clear();
+        mPlayingSoundID = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 
     float WeatherManager::getWindSpeed() const
@@ -959,7 +959,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
         stopSounds();
 
-        mCurrentRegion.clear();
+        mCurrentRegion = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mTimePassed = 0.0f;
         mWeatherUpdateTime = 0.0f;
         forceWeather(0);
@@ -991,7 +991,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         MWWorld::ConstPtr player = MWMechanics::getPlayer();
         if (player.isInCell())
         {
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(regionID, mCurrentRegion))
+            if (regionID ==  mCurrentRegion)
             {
                 addWeatherTransition(region.getWeather());
             }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
index 89a43f5b98..4dcdb06364 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
@@ -1759,13 +1759,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
     {
         bool update = false;
 
-        if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(record.mId, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("player")))
+        if (record.mId ==  ESM::RefId::stringRefId("player"))
         {
             const ESM::NPC* player = mPlayer->getPlayer().get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase;
 
-            update = record.isMale() != player->isMale() || !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(record.mRace, player->mRace)
-                || !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(record.mHead, player->mHead)
-                || !ESM::RefId::ciEqual(record.mHair, player->mHair);
+            update = record.isMale() != player->isMale() || !(record.mRace ==  player->mRace)
+                || !(record.mHead ==  player->mHead)
+                || !(record.mHair ==  player->mHair);
         }
         const ESM::NPC* ret = mStore.insert(record);
         if (update)
@@ -2719,7 +2719,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
             if (ptr.getClass().getCapacity(ptr) <= 0.f)
                 return true;
 
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getOwner(), mOwner.getCellRef().getRefId()))
+            if (ptr.getCellRef().getOwner() ==  mOwner.getCellRef().getRefId())
                 mOut.push_back(ptr);
 
             return true;
@@ -2741,7 +2741,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         {
             cellstore->forEach([&](const auto& ptr) {
                 if (ptr.getRefData().getBaseNode()
-                    && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(ptr.getCellRef().getOwner(), npc.getCellRef().getRefId()))
+                    && ptr.getCellRef().getOwner() ==  npc.getCellRef().getRefId())
                     out.push_back(ptr);
                 return true;
             });
diff --git a/components/esm/refid.cpp b/components/esm/refid.cpp
index 6ab1b8cfc5..74a8c352d0 100644
--- a/components/esm/refid.cpp
+++ b/components/esm/refid.cpp
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 
 #include "components/misc/strings/algorithm.hpp"
 
-bool ESM::RefId::ciEqual(const RefId & left, const RefId & right)
+bool ESM::RefId::operator==(const RefId& rhs) const
 {
-    return Misc::StringUtils::ciEqual(left.mId, right.mId);
+    return Misc::StringUtils::ciEqual(this->mId, rhs.mId);
 }
 
 namespace ESM
diff --git a/components/esm/refid.hpp b/components/esm/refid.hpp
index a010704a8e..a36fe3165b 100644
--- a/components/esm/refid.hpp
+++ b/components/esm/refid.hpp
@@ -9,13 +9,11 @@ namespace ESM
     struct RefId
     {
         const static RefId sEmpty;
-        void clear() { mId.clear(); }
         bool empty() const { return mId.empty(); }
         void swap(RefId& rhs) { mId.swap(rhs.mId); }
-        bool operator==(const RefId& rhs) const { return ciEqual(*this, rhs); }
+        bool operator==(const RefId& rhs) const;
         bool operator<(const RefId& rhs) const { return mId < rhs.mId; }
         bool operator>(const RefId& rhs) const { return mId > rhs.mId; }
-        static bool ciEqual(const RefId& left, const RefId& right);
 
         friend std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& os, const RefId& dt);
 
@@ -38,11 +36,7 @@ namespace std
     {
         std::size_t operator()(const ESM::RefId& k) const
         {
-            using std::hash;
-            using std::size_t;
-            using std::string;
-
-            return hash<string>()(k.getRefIdString());
+            return std::hash<std::string>()(k.getRefIdString());
         }
     };
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/cellref.cpp b/components/esm3/cellref.cpp
index bf7ae77142..179541bb1f 100644
--- a/components/esm3/cellref.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/cellref.cpp
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ namespace ESM
                 if (cellRef.mLockLevel == 0 && !cellRef.mKey.empty())
                 {
                     cellRef.mLockLevel = UnbreakableLock;
-                    cellRef.mTrap.clear();
+                    cellRef.mTrap = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -260,12 +260,12 @@ namespace ESM
     void CellRef::blank()
     {
         mRefNum.unset();
-        mRefID.clear();
+        mRefID = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mScale = 1;
-        mOwner.clear();
+        mOwner = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mGlobalVariable.clear();
-        mSoul.clear();
-        mFaction.clear();
+        mSoul = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mFaction = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mFactionRank = -2;
         mChargeInt = -1;
         mChargeIntRemainder = 0.0f;
@@ -273,8 +273,8 @@ namespace ESM
         mGoldValue = 1;
         mDestCell.clear();
         mLockLevel = 0;
-        mKey.clear();
-        mTrap.clear();
+        mKey = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mTrap = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mReferenceBlocked = -1;
         mTeleport = false;
 
diff --git a/components/esm3/inventorystate.cpp b/components/esm3/inventorystate.cpp
index c8a9b1bba6..a59a963d74 100644
--- a/components/esm3/inventorystate.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/inventorystate.cpp
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ namespace ESM
             const int count = entry.second;
             for (auto& item : mItems)
             {
-                if (item.mCount == count && ESM::RefId::ciEqual(id, item.mRef.mRefID))
+                if (item.mCount == count && id ==  item.mRef.mRefID)
                     item.mCount = -count;
             }
         }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadacti.cpp b/components/esm3/loadacti.cpp
index 86c7f87c5a..c233f50dcc 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadacti.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadacti.cpp
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ namespace ESM
     {
         mRecordFlags = 0;
         mName.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mModel.clear();
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadalch.cpp b/components/esm3/loadalch.cpp
index 91d857798c..76b153f05a 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadalch.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadalch.cpp
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mEffects.mList.clear();
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadappa.cpp b/components/esm3/loadappa.cpp
index 6b231a91a3..f80ae9781b 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadappa.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadappa.cpp
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mData.mValue = 0;
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mName.clear();
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadarmo.cpp b/components/esm3/loadarmo.cpp
index 4139988e6d..16039f39dd 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadarmo.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadarmo.cpp
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
-        mEnchant.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mEnchant = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadbody.cpp b/components/esm3/loadbody.cpp
index 68c19fc161..3165a76548 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadbody.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadbody.cpp
@@ -71,6 +71,6 @@ namespace ESM
         mData.mType = 0;
 
         mModel.clear();
-        mRace.clear();
+        mRace = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadbook.cpp b/components/esm3/loadbook.cpp
index 62b9e26806..259b7e99a8 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadbook.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadbook.cpp
@@ -88,8 +88,8 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
-        mEnchant.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mEnchant = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mText.clear();
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadcell.cpp b/components/esm3/loadcell.cpp
index 9e2d813621..e354f71651 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadcell.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadcell.cpp
@@ -315,7 +315,7 @@ namespace ESM
     void Cell::blank()
     {
         mName.clear();
-        mRegion.clear();
+        mRegion = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mWater = 0;
         mWaterInt = false;
         mMapColor = 0;
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadclot.cpp b/components/esm3/loadclot.cpp
index 00f8cb2e20..45b5405f5b 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadclot.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadclot.cpp
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mEnchant.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mEnchant = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadcont.cpp b/components/esm3/loadcont.cpp
index b648310fde..f52cfbc557 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadcont.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadcont.cpp
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mRecordFlags = 0;
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mWeight = 0;
         mFlags = 0x8; // set default flag value
         mInventory.mList.clear();
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadcrea.cpp b/components/esm3/loadcrea.cpp
index f9e317e7dd..f4314254e0 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadcrea.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadcrea.cpp
@@ -152,8 +152,8 @@ namespace ESM
         mScale = 1.f;
         mModel.clear();
         mName.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
-        mOriginal.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mOriginal = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mInventory.mList.clear();
         mSpells.mList.clear();
         mAiData.blank();
diff --git a/components/esm3/loaddoor.cpp b/components/esm3/loaddoor.cpp
index 1d3e49383a..a3a02030e4 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loaddoor.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loaddoor.cpp
@@ -71,8 +71,8 @@ namespace ESM
         mRecordFlags = 0;
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
-        mOpenSound.clear();
-        mCloseSound.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mOpenSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mCloseSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadinfo.cpp b/components/esm3/loadinfo.cpp
index 36a6dd241e..b6ef11d9f8 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadinfo.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadinfo.cpp
@@ -140,15 +140,15 @@ namespace ESM
         mData = {};
 
         mSelects.clear();
-        mPrev.clear();
-        mNext.clear();
-        mActor.clear();
-        mRace.clear();
-        mClass.clear();
-        mFaction.clear();
-        mPcFaction.clear();
-        mCell.clear();
-        mSound.clear();
+        mPrev = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mNext = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mActor = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mRace = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mClass = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mFaction = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mPcFaction = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mCell = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mResponse.clear();
         mResultScript.clear();
         mFactionLess = false;
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadingr.cpp b/components/esm3/loadingr.cpp
index 11101fb51d..09240218b8 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadingr.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadingr.cpp
@@ -102,6 +102,6 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadligh.cpp b/components/esm3/loadligh.cpp
index 510b51dd7f..54b53ebc9a 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadligh.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadligh.cpp
@@ -82,8 +82,8 @@ namespace ESM
         mData.mRadius = 0;
         mData.mColor = 0;
         mData.mFlags = 0;
-        mSound.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
         mName.clear();
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadlock.cpp b/components/esm3/loadlock.cpp
index cdec3ff925..1f2756bb8d 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadlock.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadlock.cpp
@@ -81,6 +81,6 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadltex.cpp b/components/esm3/loadltex.cpp
index a8e0a575c2..0234c6c257 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadltex.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadltex.cpp
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
     void LandTexture::blank()
     {
-        mId.clear();
+        mId = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mTexture.clear();
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadmgef.cpp b/components/esm3/loadmgef.cpp
index 47bc868bb4..f3858b6c8a 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadmgef.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadmgef.cpp
@@ -581,14 +581,14 @@ namespace ESM
 
         mIcon.clear();
         mParticle.clear();
-        mCasting.clear();
-        mHit.clear();
-        mArea.clear();
-        mBolt.clear();
-        mCastSound.clear();
-        mBoltSound.clear();
-        mHitSound.clear();
-        mAreaSound.clear();
+        mCasting = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mHit = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mArea = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mBolt = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mCastSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mBoltSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mHitSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mAreaSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mDescription.clear();
     }
 
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadmisc.cpp b/components/esm3/loadmisc.cpp
index 49bd18ecca..613eacbfa8 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadmisc.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadmisc.cpp
@@ -79,6 +79,6 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadnpc.cpp b/components/esm3/loadnpc.cpp
index 2788c77d04..bd8b58a93d 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadnpc.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadnpc.cpp
@@ -202,12 +202,12 @@ namespace ESM
         mAiPackage.mList.clear();
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
-        mRace.clear();
-        mClass.clear();
-        mFaction.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
-        mHair.clear();
-        mHead.clear();
+        mRace = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mClass = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mFaction = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mHair = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mHead = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 
     void NPC::blankNpdt()
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadpgrd.cpp b/components/esm3/loadpgrd.cpp
index aac9b866d8..8fd822036f 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadpgrd.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadpgrd.cpp
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ namespace ESM
 
     void Pathgrid::blank()
     {
-        mCell.clear();
+        mCell = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mData.mX = 0;
         mData.mY = 0;
         mData.mS1 = 0;
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadprob.cpp b/components/esm3/loadprob.cpp
index 00f782b41b..2b69657aef 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadprob.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadprob.cpp
@@ -81,6 +81,6 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadregn.cpp b/components/esm3/loadregn.cpp
index 361119d562..a4470eac9f 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadregn.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadregn.cpp
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mMapColor = 0;
 
         mName.clear();
-        mSleepList.clear();
+        mSleepList = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
         mSoundList.clear();
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadrepa.cpp b/components/esm3/loadrepa.cpp
index 76b7fde15a..41914311e3 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadrepa.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadrepa.cpp
@@ -81,6 +81,6 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadsndg.cpp b/components/esm3/loadsndg.cpp
index 515a9abb9e..3e46832f1f 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadsndg.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadsndg.cpp
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ namespace ESM
     {
         mRecordFlags = 0;
         mType = LeftFoot;
-        mCreature.clear();
-        mSound.clear();
+        mCreature = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mSound = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/loadweap.cpp b/components/esm3/loadweap.cpp
index 5080fa8bcd..782366816a 100644
--- a/components/esm3/loadweap.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/loadweap.cpp
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ namespace ESM
         mName.clear();
         mModel.clear();
         mIcon.clear();
-        mEnchant.clear();
-        mScript.clear();
+        mEnchant = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
+        mScript = ESM::RefId::sEmpty;
     }
 }
diff --git a/components/esm3/spelllist.cpp b/components/esm3/spelllist.cpp
index a2625fc7b3..6a78700b95 100644
--- a/components/esm3/spelllist.cpp
+++ b/components/esm3/spelllist.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ namespace ESM
     bool SpellList::exists(const ESM::RefId& spell) const
     {
         for (auto it = mList.begin(); it != mList.end(); ++it)
-            if (ESM::RefId::ciEqual(*it, spell))
+            if (*it ==  spell)
                 return true;
         return false;
     }