Balancing Advice for a Newbie

[urthman]

I've just got Oblivion and have been installing a ton of mods before I really get started playing. I'm really impressed with the enormous amount of work modders have put in to making this great game even more amazing (especially the Unique Landscape series. Wow.)

 

Anyway, I'm interested in trying to play with some of the re-balancing mods, because the idea of every monster being the same level as the player seems really lame.

 

But I'm hesitant to dive in with OOO and FCOM because

 

1. It seems like a much more complicated installation than I'm comfortable with.

 

2. It sounds like it might make the game more difficult than I'd enjoy.

 

I'm really more interested in the exploring, adventuring, role-playing aspects than I am in really difficult combat and having to powergame my character's skills and equipment just to survive. I don't think I'm likely to play through the game with six different charcters, so I'd like to be able to play a more generalist character.

 

Given those preferences, anyone have some advice about what re-balancing mods might be a good fit for what I'm looking for out of the game? Would something like the Sagerbliv mod be a better fit? Or maybe try OOO by itself and turn down the difficulty slider? Has OOO evolved to the point that you really need all the other FCOM stuff at this point in order for the whole thing to be balanced?

 

Thanks so much to all the modders on this board. Lots of really awesome work here, and I'm greatful that you've shared it with us.

[ihateregisteringeverywhere]

The dificulty doesn't pick up THAT much.

 

But just in case you'd feel like it actualy IS too much you can always install deadly reflex, supreme magicka, attack and hide, armor magic resistance and similar mods that basicaly increase your chance of survival.

 

The instalation sounds crazy, I know, but acording to my experience it's just a bit of overhyped downloading, unpacking, putting into the propper pless and then messing with the load order and wrye bashing - nothing you wouldn't do with other mods. The tuttorials realy outline it nicely and you probably won't have trouble unless you've got too many other mods - who knows. Then again that's usualy just a matter of load order alchemy one way or the other.

 

But yes, there are other, smaller overhauls, I just can't recal the name of any for the very life of me. Imagine that.

[Shadowcran]

Deadly Reflex has far too many problems. Do not start with that. Use Locational Damage instead for that sort of thing. Supreme Magicka is also a tad complicated with all the different plugins that come with it. Just download Midas Magic(the #1 rated mod on the top 100)

 

There is Adventurer's Oblivion. It's a smaller overhaul mod. Also, get the Oblivion Mod Manager(OBMM for short) and FCOM Helper(this sorts your mods automatically into correct loading order in seconds) and learn to use them. Also Sagerbliv's Creatures and Items are a good place to start. MOst of Adventurer's and Sagerbliv's are now integrated into OOO so you know I'm leading you on the right path.

 

ALso, Oblivion WarCry is a big mod that's not very complicated. Make sure you install the EV or English Version as it was a german mod translated to English. You can get this one at PlanetOblivion.com. Also, there is a patch for it I recommend getting too. When patching, simply copy the patch over the original files when prompted.

 

Once you're comfortable with all that then try working either Francesco's Or Martigen's Monster Mod into the mix. Martigen's being the better, but can be a tad complicated figuring out all the different versions.(as of now, download the 3.5.5 version in it's entirety, and then the 3.6beta 2 over it). When you're ready to do these 2, Download and learn Wrye Bash to help with your modding. It's a tad complicated at first, but only LOOKs that way.

 

After you've mastered those, you'll be ready to tackle FCOM and OOO. Of course, people on Nexus are nice enough to help you when you do. You'll also be ready to put in body, texture, and hair/eyes type mods.

 

In the middle of all that, check out the weapon/armor, quests, dungeon, and assorted Gameplay and miscellanious tweaks. These are very uncomplicated and don't cause too many problems.

 

FCOM Convergence is needed when you're ready to put the BIG 4 Overhaul mods together so they don't overlap each other(also includes tie ins to a alot of other popular mods too). FCOM = F for Francesco's, C for warCry, O for Oscuros and M for Martigen's Monster Mod. I guess they could have used the W instead of the C in WarCry, but FWOM just doesn't roll off the tongue.

 

When you're ready for all this(and it won't be as long as you think) your load order might look like mine:

 

00 Oblivion.esm

01 Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items Mod.esm

02 Francesco's Optional New Items Add-On.esm

03 Children Of Rourken.esm

04 Jog_X_Mod.esm

05 CM Partners.esm

06 Inventory Tracker.esm

07 Qarls_Harvest.esm

08 Tamrielic Ingredients.esm

09 Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.esm [Version 1.34Beta3]

0A Mart's Monster Mod.esm [Version 3.6beta2]

0B TamrielTravellers.esm [Version 1.37a]

0C Armamentarium.esm

0D Enhanced Daedric Invasion.esm

0E FCOM_Convergence.esm [Version 0.9.9a7]

0F Kvatch Rebuilt.esm

10 Cybiades.esm [Version 2.0]

11 Adrenaline Locational Masterfile.esm

12 You Are Here.esm

13 SewerExpansion.esm

** TNR ALL RACES FINAL.esp

** TNR - ALL RACES FINAL.esp

** TNR - ShiveringIsles no helms.esp

14 Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp [Version 3.0.0]

15 DLCShiveringIsles.esp

16 Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch-MOBS-FCOM.esp [Version 1.4.0]

17 Francesco's Optional Chance of Stronger Bosses.esp

18 Francesco's Optional Chance of Stronger Enemies.esp

19 Francesco's Optional Chance of More Enemies.esp

1A Francesco's Optional Leveled Guards.esp

++ FCOM_Francescos.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_FrancescosItemsAddOn.esp [Version 0.9.9]

1B FCOM_FrancescosNamedBosses.esp [Version 0.9.9]

1C Natural_Weather_by_Max_Tael.esp

1D Natural_Habitat_by_Max_Tael.esp

1E Natural_Water_by_Max_Tael.esp

++ Louder Nirnroot Sound.esp

++ Symphony of Violence.esp

1F PCSoundRhett.esp [Version 2.6]

20 Book Jackets Oblivion.esp

++ 300_Random_Clutter.esp

21 BookTrackerOBSE.esp

++ Brighter_Torches.esp

22 Damsels In Distress.esp

++ FGPorter_nofollow.esp

23 Qarls_Harvest.esp

24 Qarls_logs.esp

** Rational Names, 2.esp [Version 2-04]

25 Harvest[Containers].esp

26 Harvest[Containers] - Player Home Add-on.esp

27 Living Economy.esp

28 Living Economy - Items.esp

29 Crowded Cities 15.esp

2A Crowded Roads.esp [Version 1.6]

2B ArmamentariumVendors.esp

2C CapesandCloaks.esp

2D Crossbows of Cyrodiil.esp

++ Darkgreen Glass Armour.esp

2E Dreadweave Complete_Heavy.esp

2F Dreadweave Complete_Light.esp

30 KDCirclets.esp

31 KDClothCirclets.esp

32 SentientWeapon.esp [Version 3]

33 Slof's Oblivion Robe Trader.esp

34 The Bow of the Mongolian Horseman.esp

35 tkRapiers.esp

36 MaleBodyReplacerV3.esp

37 StockClothingArmor-forExnems.esp

38 ExnemEC_Rogue01.esp

39 AncientTowers.esp

3A ExnemRuneskulls.esp

++ FCOM_ExnemRuneskulls.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_TamrielicIngredients.esp [Version 0.9.9]

3B Bob's Armory Oblivion.esp

3C Cheat Bob's Armory Oblivion.esp

3D FCOM_BobsArmory.esp [Version 0.9.9]

3E Loth's Blunt Weapons for Npcs.esp

++ FCOM_LothsBluntWeapons.esp [Version 0.9.9]

3F Oblivion WarCry EV.esp

40 FCOM_WarCry.esp [Version 0.9.9]

41 Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.esp [Version 1.34Beta3]

42 Mart's Monster Mod - Additional Enemy NPC Vars.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

43 FCOM_Convergence.esp [Version 0.9.9]

44 FCOM_OscurosOverhaul.esp [Version 0.9.8]

45 FCOM_RealSwords.esp [Version 0.9.9]

46 Mart's Monster Mod - Hunting & Crafting.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

++ Mart's Monster Mod - Looting NPCs & Creatures.esp

47 FCOM_DurabilityAndDamage.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ Mart's Monster Mod - Less Bone Loot.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

++ FCOM_SaferRoads.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ Mart's Monster Mod - No Blood.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

48 Mart's Monster Mod - Foxes.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

49 Mart's Monster Mod - Dungeons of MMM.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

4A Mart's Monster Mod - Bats Addon.esp

4B Mart's Monster Mod - More Wilderness Life No Gates.esp [Version 3.5.5b4]

4C Mart's Monster Mod - Extra Wounding.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

++ FCOM_FriendlierFactions.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_DiverseGuardUnity.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_BobsGuardUnity.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_HungersUnitySI.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_Archery.esp [Version 0.9.9]

4D FCOM_VanillaItemReleveler.esp

4E TamrielTravellers4000.esp [Version 1.37a]

4F ShiveringIsleTravellers.esp [Version 1.37a]

++ FCOM_TamrielTravelers.esp [Version 0.9.9]

50 T.I.E4MODS.esp [Version 0.1]

++ T.I.E4OOO+FCOM.esp [Version 0.1]

51 Nightshade_Armor.esp

52 Castle Ravenpride.esp [Version 1.01]

53 bartholm.esp

54 Cybiades.esp [Version 2.1]

55 CybiadesDungeon.esp [Version 2.1]

56 300_Artifacts.esp

57 300_White Stallion 4.esp

58 3_Numbers_v.1.0.esp

59 ArmoryLab.esp

5A Artefacts of the Ancestors.esp

5B Bjornheim.esp

5C castleofnight.esp

5D ChangeinManagement.esp

5E COR-Episode1 Secret of Enourk.esp

5F DexwoodFamilySaga.esp

60 DJ Markov Manor.esp

61 Fort Ferrion.esp

62 GlenvarCastle.esp

63 GTAesgaard.esp

64 Hand of Dawn.esp

65 HauntedHouse.esp

66 HoarfrostCastle.esp

67 ICSewerDBsanctuary.esp

68 Lyn-StoriesFromTheSeaMod.esp

69 Mad Mike's Crypts of Cyrodiil.esp

6A NakedNord.esp

6B Nanaelas Heartbreak.esp

6C Pek_Halls_of_The_Phoenix_Order.esp

6D Quest For The Elements.esp

6E Ruins of Aeris Zul.esp

6F Ruins of Tarnesia.esp [Version 1.0]

70 Spirit's Edge.esp

71 sunk ships.esp

72 TempleoftheFullMoon.esp

73 The_Dragon_Citadel-6178.esp

74 The_Tower_of_the_Lich_King-4492.esp

75 thievery.esp

76 Tomb of the Unknown Knight.esp

77 Treasure Maps Blood Ransom.esp

78 Treasure Maps_Boethia's Burden.esp

79 treasure maps captus demus.esp

7A Treasure Maps Meridias Womb.esp

7B Treasure_Maps_The_Legend_Of_Jauffres_Gold.esp

7C VHBloodlines 1.2.esp [Version 1.4]

7D Village of Lily 2.0.esp

7E WellspringGrove.esp

7F WOTFH_1.3.esp

80 za_bankmod.esp

81 sir_balin_mod.esp

82 Knights.esp

83 Knights Patch.esp [Version -02]

84 Damarask.esp [Version 1.02]

85 The Lost Spires.esp

86 TOTF.esp

87 Ruin.esp [Version 2.50]

88 Mighty Umbra.esp

89 Ungarion1TheWelkyndSword.esp [Version 1.4]

8A Lost Paladins of the Divines.esp

8B Origin of the Mages Guild.esp [Version 5.1]

8C The Mystery of the Dulan cult.esp

8D MannimarcoComplete.esp

++ FCOM_Knights.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_MightyUmbra.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_Ruin.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_SlofsRobeTrader.esp [Version 0.9.9]

8E FCOM_OMG.esp [Version 0.9.9]

++ FCOM_OMGSRT.esp [Version 0.9.9]

8F FCOM_DulanCult.esp [Version 0.9.9]

90 Enhanced Daedric Invasion.esp

++ FCOM_EnhancedDaedricInvasion.esp [Version 0.9.9]

91 Kvatch Rebuilt.esp

92 FightersGuildContracts.esp

93 Natural_Vegetation_by_Max_Tael.esp

94 DEJ Harvest - Flora.esp

95 AutoBookPlacer_v2.esp

96 Cobl Hmm.esp

++ Essential_Trainers-8374.esp

++ Great Gate Essential NPC's.esp

++ GuilesNameReplace-Scrolls.esp

++ Light Elven Weapons and Mithril Armor.esp

++ NameReplacer-Clothing.esp

++ No Quest Items.esp

97 P1DkeyChain.esp [Version 4.20]

++ P1DkeyExtraMouseButton.esp

98 SA Social Alertness.esp

99 Speedy Disrobe OBSE.esp [Version 1.3]

9A lorecreatures.esp

9B RealisticForceMedium.esp

9C RealisticMagicForceMedium.esp

9D Enhanced Mercantile Progress.esp [Version 1.0a]

9E All+5AttributeModifiers.esp

9F Nanite's Legendary Alchemy.esp

A0 Legendary Abilities-Reflect MOJ.esp

A1 Grandmaster of Alchemy.esp

A2 MidasSpells.esp

A3 Advanced Magecraft.esp

++ SM_OOO.esp [Version 0.80]

++ SM_AbsorbRestoration.esp [Version 0.80]

++ SM_EnableCharmChameleon.esp [Version 0.80]

A4 SM_EnchantStaff.esp [Version 0.80]

A5 CLS-AlchemyTools.esp

A6 Multiple Enchantments.esp

++ dyseso_Light_Ingred_Appar.esp

A7 300ft_crime_detection-7319.esp

A8 Adrenaline-Fuelled Combat.esp

A9 Locational Damage- Core.esp

AA Locational Damage- Effects.esp

AB Locational Damage- Accurate Armour Damage.esp

AC Enhanced_Hand_to_hand-2329.esp

AD Fiery Fists v1.2.esp

AE Enter The Shinobi - Coors916.esp

AF Better Hand to Hand.esp

B0 No More Annoying Comments.esp

B1 NoMerchantBarterChatter.esp

B2 CM Partners.esp

++ [GFX]_Initial_Glow-all.esp

++ [GFX]_Initial_Glow-self.esp

++ [GFX]_Initial_Glow-creatures.esp

++ Real Lava v1.2.esp

++ Mart's Monster Mod - Resized Races.esp [Version 3.6Beta2]

B3 Willful Resistance.esp [Version 2.0]

B4 Duke Patricks - Near Miss Magic And Arrow Shots Alert The Target.esp

B5 Duke Patricks - NPC MAGIC and Arrows Can Miss Now.esp

B6 Duke Patricks Basic Denock Arrows.esp

B7 Bashed Patch, 0.esp

B8 Streamline 3.1.esp

B9 BXX Blue Flame.esp

BA BXX Island of Arennis.esp

BB AC_ModM701.esp

BC AddisHeadhunterMod EV.esp

BD Advanced Fletching.esp

BE Adventurers_1.0.esp

BF Angelic Alliance.esp

C0 bloodscorncastle.esp

C1 BookQuest.esp

C2 CyrodiilsLastHope.esp

C3 Damage Text v2.esp

C4 DarkReign_The Discovery.esp

C5 Fort Baltsine.esp

C6 HauntedHouse v1.4.esp

C7 JaySuSHarmonyIslandModV11.esp

C8 Julianos Priory.esp

C9 Labyrinth.esp

CA Legends Baleful Eye.esp

CB Life_Translated-2681.esp

CC Netherworld01.esp

CD OS Artifacts.esp [Version 1.0]

CE Pirates Grave V1.1.esp

CF Platinum Armor and Weapons.esp

D0 Polearms.esp

D1 PotR.esp

++ Duke Patricks - BASIC Script Effect Silencer BETA.esp

D2 Annoying messages begone!.esp

D3 BoneMaster.esp

D4 2367-1.0-Borderless Cyrodiil-TESSource.esp

D5 Drekin's Keep 2.3.esp

D6 RightingtheWrongs.esp

D7 Duke Patricks - Bob and Weave Dodge Mark II.esp

D8 Duke Patricks - Smash of the Titans.esp

D9 FCOM_NewItemsTemplate.esp [Version 0.9.4]

DA Harvest[Containers] - Flat-Top Barrels Add-on.esp

DB Harvest[Containers] - Havok Crates Add-on.esp

DC SewerExpansion-Bravil.esp

DD SewerExpansion-Cheydinhal.esp

DE OBF Bandit Fix.esp

DF OBF Marksman Fix.esp

E0 Quest Award Leveling_v1_6.esp

E1 RegionalBounty.esp

E2 Ruins of Nalcarum.esp

E3 Sagerbliv RareItems v20.esp

E4 WoodNymph.esp

E5 Ravengoldplugin.esp

E6 The SilverDragonArmorQuest.esp

E7 Absolutely_Sexy_Jensine.esp

E8 Fair x2 Spawns v1.0.esp

E9 Master-Crafting-1.1-MMM Greaves fix.esp

----> DELINQUENT MASTER: Master-Crafting-1.1-MMM.esp

EA 10% HandToHandBlock.esp

EB TolawaylAyleidCity_Quest.esp

EC Duke Patricks - Momentum Lite Damage Bonus.esp

ED Master-Crafting-1.1-MMM.esp

EE Legendary Abilities-Shield MOJ.esp

EF Tumbderdon.esp

F0 VeridiusInvestigations.esp

F1 Tunnels of Tamriel.esp

F2 Wondrous_Inventory_v091.esp

++ MerchantsBuyYourClutter 1.1.esp

++ More Lockpicks.esp

++ Pretty Elves.esp

++ Burns.esp

++ JewelryEnchantmentFixes.esp

++ NoHelms.esp

++ EyjaFaceFixed.esp

++ Potion Sorter v1.0 + Potions Recolored v0.2.1 - No Tweaks.esp

++ Loadies_vol_01.esp

++ OBF Clutter Fix.esp

++ OBF Daedra Fix.esp

++ ImperialdragAR.esp

++ BeautifulJensine.esp

++ WellspringGroveZahrashaBook.esp

F3 AyleidTreasury.esp

++ Annoying fan.esp

++ Sagerbliv Weapons v20.esp

++ arrow_speed.esp

F4 AutoSheath.esp

F5 NoObsoleteEnemies.esp

F6 Restore_Health_Enchantment-8830.esp

F7 EnchantmentRemoval.esp

F8 Water Nymphs.esp

++ OBF 2-Handed Weapon Fix.esp

++ OBF Enchant Fix.esp

++ OBF Quest Item Fix.esp

F9 Daedric Lord Armor.esp

++ daywalkers_mod.esp

++ Better Torches.esp

++ nomoreflicker.esp

++ Shadow's Horse Wander Fix v1.2.esp

++ Lyn-LessGodlikeBoundItems.esp

++ Lyn-SweetLittleMudCrabs.esp

++ Lyn-BiggerBearsAndBoars.esp

++ master_essentials.esp

++ Bandits to Brigands.esp

++ Unlimited_Adventures_v1.3.esp

++ Adoring Fan Respawn Disabler v100.esp [Version 1.00]

++ Hands And Feet.esp

++ Goblin shaman overhaul.esp

++ zom813 - Your Unkillable Horses 1.0.esp

++ Weightless Ring of Silence.esp

++ Less Weightless Items.esp

++ better lights.esp

++ Weightless_Repair_Hammers-7731.esp

FA WolfPacks.esp

++ Weightless_Arrows-9515.esp

++ Unlimited Torches.esp

++ BetterCoins.esp

++ OBF Fathis Aren Fix.esp

++ OBF Doubled Ranged Magic Speed.esp

++ OBF Vampire Fix.esp

++ Health_Spell_Cost-2088.esp

++ Ingredient Overhaul + Food simplifier.esp

++ dbpoisonapple.esp

++ Respawning SI Amber & Madness Ore.esp

++ Essential_Unicorn-3157.esp

++ The_Student_Mod-3069.esp

++ No_More_Quest_Items-4810.esp

++ no_wind-2578.esp

++ ShiveringIsleTravellersFriendlyFactions.esp [Version 1.37a]

FB Beautiful PeopleV22 - MaleReplacerV3.esp

FC SM Hand Combat.esp [Version 0.5]

[urthman]

Hmm. Not sure that's the best way to convince me that it's really not that complicated. :)

 

I guess the stuff that's put me off trying OOO / FCOM is stuff like this in one of the OOO FAQ pages:

 

OOO-modified Oblivion is a tough game, particularly so for low-level characters. However, oftentimes it's due to a character creation plan that wasn't well thought-out...The key to making a survivable character for OOO is specialization. "Universal" characters don't do well, since their skills are too jack-of-all-tradesy (and you should know that the appendix to that is "and master of none").

 

I understand why some people like that kind of thing, but I'm not that interested in a game where you have to min/max your character race and stats from the very beginning or else you're screwed. (And the alternative the site mentions, bring up the console and use cheat codes to buff your character up a bit doesn't sound that much fun either.)

 

On the other hand, all that extra content lovingly put together by devoted fans is awfully appealing. How lame would it be to just install everything and turn down the difficulty slider?

[Shadowcran]

No problem at all lowering the difficulty level for it. Lower it to 25% and gradually move it up.

 

I, too, like being a jack of all trades.

[SickleYield]

I use FCOM and have not had problems with the difficulty level (except in ways that made things more fun - e.g. actually having to run away from something once in a while). Installation took maybe a half hour to an hour of moving the load order around, that was all.

 

I also use Deadly Reflexes and am not sure to what "problems" Shadowcran refers, except a greater probability of crashes if my computer is really hot and I use the combustive convulsion spell.

 

I tend to use a lot of modded equipment (since I'm an armor/weapons modeler/texturer myself) with higher-than-normal stats. I've found this usually levels things out to where I can use and enjoy FCOM without dying every ten seconds, although if I start a new character I usually will train up to about level 5 with trainers and Madh's Training Dolls before wandering the wilderness much. I haven't found minmaxing to be at all necessary - leveling minor skills is rewarding no matter what class/sign you play.

 

Using companion characters from Toaster's or CM Partners that are tagged essential may occasionally help you survive longer, although I've usually found they tend to get killed quickly and repeatedly (You will get tired of the "so and so is unconscious" message) and will either a.) hit you or b.)dive in front of you often enough to outweigh any real advantage from them. Mostly I use them because they're entertaining company.

[urthman]

Okay, y'all convinced me, and thanks to this really-helpful step-by-step, I manged to get the whole blasted FCOM installed. Everything seems to be working okay.

 

Taking my first-level Assassin through Sideways dungeon straight out of the sewers (after killing a few bandits and sleeping in their tent), has been a major challenge! Couldn't do it without lots of 3x sneak-attack arrows.

 

So thanks for the advice, I guess. We'll see.

 

I have one question. After installing everything and bashing it all together, is it still possible to go back and change some of the options I selected? For instance, I selected the default OOO leveling. Could I change that to a more conservative 2x leveling by just installing the right .esp? Or do i need to go back and reinstall the whole OOO package?

[Khet]

Just overwrite the esp, and if it doesn't overwrite install the new one, then disable or delete the old leveling rate. That'll set you right as rain. Personally I use Francesco's leveling rate (with FCOM running) which is set to 75% slower leveling.

 

As a note for FCOM, don't get discouraged if you have to run from a LOT of fights as a new character. It always felt to me that FCOM was built with higher leveled characters in mind, and a fresh-from-the-prison character seems to have some difficulty, but after you get a few levels it should start to even out pretty quick (though you still run from fights!)

[tcwleblanc]

yeah you will be running a lot at first, right now my new character is at lvl 7 with fcom and some other mods running and its getting to the point where i dont have to "kite" monsters around to kill them anymore :)

[urthman]

I'll check again, but I wasn't able to find a "leveling" .esp associated with OOO. I just remember choosing the default option when the .omod file was installed. Should I install/reinstall the OOO.omod? Or can I just put a different leveling .esp lower down in my modlist? How would I even know if it was working right?

 

I've found that the Perception Spell mod (which puts an aura around creatures to indicate how their level compares with yours) to be a big help in avoiding fights I'm not ready for yet. (Which is not to say I haven't *tried* to attack a few red-auraed monsters...).

 

Oblivion has such an amazing modding community supporting it. This is why I tend to wait a year or two to buy games:

 

1. Cheaper

2. My hardware can run it better

3. Bugs more likely to be patched.

4. Possibility that a modding community has sprung up and made the game anywhere from 2 - 30x better.