Mods, mods and more mods...

[Pritzl]

Oh boy... There is such a thing as too much choice. Been browsing the TES source mods list for a couple of hours now and the variety is simply mind-boggling. The worst part is that some interesting mods have either too much included, are buggy or inadequately described. So, instead of trying all of them I thought I'd ask around first. Hopefully, I can get some good recommendations.

Here are the mods I'm looking for:

1. An alternate leveling system that does away with the whole attribute bonuses etc.. I'm not trying to become an uber character but I despise micromanaging my stats as it takes away from the gameplay. The vanilla system unfortunately requires it unless you don't intend to play beyond level 10 or so. I've seen quite a few but no idea where to start.

2. An NPC leveling fix that stops them being ridiculously over/under-powered as the game progresses. I want things to get a tad easier as I progress (otherwise, what's the point?) but not a complete walkover either. e.g. Guards constantly at a higher level and bandits wearing deadric doesn't particularly appeal to me. In short, I like Bethesda's idea of leveling creatures slightly but think they went too far because (a) what's the point of being a world-saving champion if any old guard could have done it; (b) it partially defeats the purpose of increasing your skills; and (c) it's nice to open a can of whoop ass on the occasional lower level npc late in the game. (justifies all that training)

3. More realistic animal behaviour, i.e. unpredictable rather than constantly hostile. (or completely docile like in some mods)

4. Sneak and archery are my preferred styles so anything more nuanced in those areas is appreciated. Note that I don't mean I'm looking for 4x damage bonuses, becoming completely undetectable or whatnot, just something more interesting and a tad more effective if you apply yourself.

Of course feel free to add any other mods and your reasons for recommending them. The key is that any mods recommended should hopefully be small, self-contained (to minimize conflicts) and applicable to save-games. Basically, I'd much rather put together a collection of smaller, targeted mods to suit me than use someone else's interpretation of an all-inclusive mod.

Thanks in advance...

[Pritzl]

Tough one huh? Ok, how about I list some mods I've installed already for some feedback?

Wildlife 1.3 by Tag: Great in theory but I have yet to see it in action. Rats at least seem still intent on attacking for no apparent reason. Any proven alternatives or is it just a bad coincidence that I haven't met any animals that have turned away from me yet?

"Fixed" Encumbrance: 25xStrength. Works, but a bit much. Will likely disable it. I'm guessing if I wanted to create a variation of this simple mod for my own taste (10x perhaps? Or (Strength + Endurance) x 5?) it would be pretty straight-forward?

More Merchant Money: adds a variable extra amount of money to merchants. No more selling enchanted loot for 1/10th of its base price.

Skill Diary: Malcolm Ware deserves a medal for this little gem! This mod is indispensable! At least until I find an alternate leveling system I like...



Thinking of Installing: Persuasion Overhaul by Eric Parsons, Romancing Eyja, No Obsolete Loot and Enemies, Survival Suite, moDem's Life, Saddle Bags, (so I can stop hacking the encumbrance system) KCAS or AF leveling. Any feedback based on personal experience of those would be appreciated.

[Lloyd DeVirr]

Martigans Monster Mod (MMM) should be good... atleast i've seen it mentioned a **** load of places on the official Elderscrolls forums.
I can also, personally, recommend a mod that'll give the game better weather effects, such as heavy fogs, storms and so forth. Once i got surprised by a storm cathcing me while i was out riding some Gods forsaking forest. Quite funny. I'll get the name for it later, i'm on a laptop right now, don't got it here.

[Ingvar]

There may be some good mods for you here:
http://www.oblivionsource.com/