Edit 1: Another awesome thread for modding gems; http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=954258

Edit 2: Most of the descriptions here are what I've gathered from screenshots and submitter-descriptions. My 'awaiting testing' list is already bigger than I care to admit. Though I sincerely wish I had time to play Oblivion all day using different load-orders for multiple characters, lol. But then, don't we all.

I'm talking about all the little things that have a huge impact on your game, stuff that you never see in another person's load order. Be it b/c the mod is old, or simply b/c it is so unique that normal searches turn up no results. There are certainly enough item and overhaul mods out there, so what's left? I'll try to update w/ new stuff that gets posted. In no particular order, these are a few gems I use w/out fail; Mods are now listed by category, albeit broadly.

Cosmetic, Environment

Here is a gem of a mod that is a must-have for serious role-players, and another 'why didn't Beth include this?' mod for the rest of us. http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=2777 does exactly what it sounds like. Whether you've just finished a swim or got caught in the rain, all characters and horses will have a cool drizzle effect. You won't even think about it b/c it feels so natural, lol.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21010 The moon is now The Death Star. What's not to love? :rolleyes:

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25314 Looks like another instant-download for me. A small cosmetic touch to further lose yourself in the world. The best kind of gem.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14822 + http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19063 A cool-looking combination of map mods. The former outlines every road and pathway, while the latter changes map icons to various colored X's, like you wrote them yourself.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8927 [TF2]This is Scout, rainbows make me cry[/TF2]

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16533 Now I must find a mod that adds sunglasses.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9276 No pics, and I'm not familar with it. Can anyone give us a better idea?

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8711 I can't believe I forgot about this mod. One of the most under-rated weather enhancers. Truly a gem.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=29735 Much improved glowing effects for various creatures.

Cosmetic, Loot

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17869 Winner of the 'not nearly as dirty as it sounds' award.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5392 Now all of the common notes and letters you find are unique. A really cool bit of immersion.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25091 While I never played this mod, a friend of mine has told me great things about it. It's not exactly a common search, but easy enough to find once you are at the nexus. Even still, this is a fantastic mod for anyone (like myself) who craves more story.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12626 I use this for OnSelf and OnTouch spells. There is just something empowering about unleashing potent magic w/ a snap of the fingers, lol.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24724 A nifty alternative to managing your massive list of spells. Not sure how this stacks up against Wizards Spell Book mod, but it certainly looks promising.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4354 Shiny! Wasn't this also a cheat code in Warcraft 2?

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=1909 http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=2221 http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=2425 Not sure about the vanilla replacers, but the new stuff for the artifact staves looks pretty cool.

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=2946 Does anyone know if this has been integrated into COBL?

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7693 For when gold simply isn't good enough.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27527 Holy crap on a stick, lol. Once glance at the pics is all you need to know. The only good alternative to Better Book Jackets that I have seen.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25982 Not really my personal taste, but the mod does look to provide a good variety of armor.

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=4451 Simple but effective (my favorite, lol), this mod grants a different color to each type of potion, in addition to increasing the weight based on strength.

Creatures & Loot

This is a mod you likely wouldn't find unless you knew exactly where to find it, since normal keywords won't get you the link; http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=4987. Using an old JQ resource for the models, Teal adds a huge variety of entertaining elixirs. Even if you're not a magic-type, finding one of the uber potions adds a nice variation to dungeon loot.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19862 If your character is even remotely evil, or you're just feeling a little bit sadistic, then you want this mod It adds a trap spell independent of the vanilla system, and it works on dead bodies too. Just cast it, and you get "Soul of targetname" gem added to your inventory. Nothing makes you feel important like having the soul of the emperor and his guards decorating your shelf

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5276 User be warned If you're already running a heavily modded game, this could put you over. I tried it, wanna say 8 or so months ago, and when combined w/ FCOM, Better Cities, etc., my game was ground to a halt. Still, if you have das-uber gpu, it's a really fun way to spice up your city life.

I was fortunate to catch the development thread for this mod when it first started. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17254 adds the classic shape-shifter to your world It comes up as the first hit, but I suspect many people would have never thought to search it in the first place.

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6472 As if I didn't have enough mods on my 'instant-download and awaiting testing' list, lol. A really cool collection of torches, each with unique properties.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24139 Akin to D&D, now you can different bonus versions of vanilla weapons, i.e. Glass Sword +2.

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=435 Turns the Wells into more of a treasure hunt by adding a permanent magica bonus for each one you locate.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5571 This mod adds the Welkynd-equivalent of Sigil Stones, and increases their power based on your level. Not really my personal taste, but it does sound like interesting loot.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28012 For anyone not already using the fantastic Mage Equipment mod, this is a nice way to round out the vanilla items.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7155 The only thing that really stands out (at least for me) is the unique stuff like creature skulls. Can anyone give us more information?

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3249 I actually thought this mod was pretty common, but I've been wrong before. I clearly remember doing a reverse-pickpocket on Vicente and giving him poison garlic

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=548 I was never one for Ranger or Spell Sword characters. For those of you who are however, this mod is a must-have.

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=1037 The author claims that the vanilla Sigils are untouched, so this should be compatible with overhaul mods that do change the originals. The mod adds a ton more stones, most with class-specific attributes in mind. The stones also have more color-variety (yay).

Dungeons, Quests, & Houses

This mod is one of my favs. Though obviously quite popular, I don't know a single person (other than myself) who actually uses it. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20372 is wonderfully executed w/ brilliant writing. The spells are well-balanced, and the writing is worthy of a novel. Whether you want to be a peaceful forest guardian, or a rampaging eco-nut who wages war against the man, this is the mod for you.

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=2835 Adds immersion/lore friendly hints for the difficult tracking quests like Umbacono and Daedric Quests.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27583 Another mod that doesn't strike me as particularly interesting, but whom am I to judge? If your character is super-noble, or maybe just bored, you can now rescue helpless fair-maidens (and the dude-equivalent) from various dungeons.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28105 I honestly don't know if this qualifies as a gem, but it certainly looks like a fun dungeon.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8024 A very good-looking and spacious tower. I'm very picky about my houses, and this one looks good enough for me to try.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9086 http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27500 We're talking Better Cities quality here. Running a completely unmodded game, BC grinds my custom built dual-core rig to a meager 10fps, so I won't even bother trying this mod. I'd love to see screenshots from anyone who can run it. (my gpu is 9800gt, 512mb 256-bit gddr3)

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19892 A quaint little town between the IC and Cheydinhal.

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20100 An alternate-start mod that places you in The Waterfront District.

Major Overhauls & Gameplay Changes

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20514 Money doesn't grow on Daedra (at least we hope not). Getting free heals at the chapel means offering a little support.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5478 Use any of the random alchemy equipment in the world, no longer needing to haul the gear w/ you every time you leave the house. High recommend by me (for whatever that's worth).

These next 2 are perhaps the epitome of what constitutes a real gem. Their function is simple and specific, yet their impact on the game is immeasurable http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23366 & http://www.moddb.com/mods/spawn In short, these mods together will randomize (and in my opinion add a touch of fun chaos) to all of the respawns in Oblivion.

For the true spell-sword, I give you http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25224 Charge weapons based on your magic pool, not the evil of soul gems. Very cool mod for the role-player, or anyone looking to use a different enchantment system.

Now this mod is an instant-download for me. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28292. Although the spell requirement seems rather high (both sneak and school-skill are higher than spell cost), this definitely sounds worth trying.

If you want a higher risk/reward for dabbling in the dark arts, you should definitely try http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25844

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13433 Makes enchanting dependent on Mysticism, and adds a wide variety of features like 'constant enchantment' and using soul gems for enchanting essence. If you want to work a bit harder for your enchantments (and gain an equal reward), this seems like a good mod to try.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17150 Like driving a horse, cept now it's a boat.

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9544 Another buff for Mysticism, this makes enchantments regenerate.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14750 A gem of a mod from Skyranger, EMS lets you do all kinds of amazing things w/ the creation of custom spells. This mod also has my personal endorsemant (again, whatever that is worth).

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22653 Now the outfits you wear are actually important. The guards react better to armor, while nobles approve of more elegant apparel.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17154 Having an hourglass, weights, and/or scales in your inventory will confer a bonus to Alchemy. Sigh, yet another 'omg this is so cool I can't wait to test it' mod for my 'awaiting testing' list.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19067 Seems like everything CLShade touches becomes a gem, lol. Basically, the more you use a weapon or armor, the more skilled you become with that specific item. Sounds like serious win for role players, or any character old enough to have it's own story. i.e. You will have more skill with your personal steel short-sword that you've been using since prison than you will with a generic sword looted from some bandit later on.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20652 This is like every Paladin's best friend. If your character is a serious good guy, you want this mod.

Miscellaneous Fun Stuff

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27259 Allows you to increase your skills using all of the training equipment in Oblivion. Groovy.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5243 + http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21966 Must-have mods for any serious role-player and/or those who enjoy making elaborate screen shots.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23305 Download is in the description, this link is for 2 videos. And from what I've seen, my life-long dream of being Spiderman may finally come to fruition

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22957 I believe Fearsome Magica offers a similar spell. In the mean time however, this is a good substitute to having Force Powers

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12996 Not what I consider a gem, but fun to play w/ none the less.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15501Another mod which I know of, but never played. This mod actually lets you see the future in a crystal ball

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23242 Now this looks interesting. Allows you to give potions to friendly npcs, on the off-chance you don't have a healing spell or companion mod.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3785 Here is an interesting alternative to the Gardening plugin from Armory lab. Has anyone played with this mod recently?

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17894 This mod claims to disable the time-freeze during lockpicking, and remove the minigame. Can anyone give us some more information?

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8158 Assuming you're one of the few people not using FCOM, this mod allows for more npcs in both combat and regular scenes.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14669 Apparently this mod allows NPC's to utilize their various animations during a conversation. Sounds like a fun bit of immersion.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17011 If you get a ranged crit and the light-indicator is dark, your Sneak skill will increase.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20956 Now even low-level characters can get more picks via the conversion steel arrows, though there is a skill requirement.

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=360 On the offchance that you're not using Kyomas Journal or one of the many map overhauls available. Landmarks will denote all of the Runestones, Wayshrines, etc. (after you find them of course).

Tools and/or Utilities

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16704 Anyone using a modded game should also have this. It lets you identify anything in the world, and see what mods are affecting it.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16217 For when you really really want to see the aftermath of your death. Useful for screens and vids.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15677 If you're using a ton of magic mods and need a little performance help, (or in my case get the clouds bug from SM), then this is a good tool to have.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6021 & http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12397 I am truly amazed at how few people use this incredible mod. If anything is worth a couple pictures, this is it. Behold the awesome power of the DA; http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg204/Immortal-D/Best%20of%20Oblivion/OblivionLibrary1.jpg http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg204/Immortal-D/Best%20of%20Oblivion/OblivionLibrary3.jpg

http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15697 If you're one of the few people not using the UOP and/or Wrye Bash, this removes the aging effects of becoming a vampire.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23305

Oh http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22957 definitley. I love this mod. Loads of fun to use and I never see it in anyone's load order. Such a shame. This is a very well done small mod that offers big things.

Nice to see SPAWN getting some love ^_^

:P'>Clever, clever !

These two comes into mind:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11083 make sure I do not become such a vile creature when I go on a killing spree in a random dungeon.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=23242 can let me give my potion to a NPC that does need it, especially the ones that love to go suicidal on a mob.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12996


http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15501



Two of my favorites.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10803 - Shows Raindrops on your Character.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5276 - Add cats which stalk rats, take cover during rain, groom themselves etc. Belive it or not, this actually makes the game more Immersive. Nice to see some pets around the towns. Makes them seem more lively/lived in. I was looking for a mod that added pets I could keep in my house, but found this instead.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14344 - Adds realistic town sounds. Might actually be more well known, but no-one I know seems to have it.


... It's always the little mods that you miss out on. That looks pretty good. I'm installing it now.

The "Other mods" in my signature.
I'm likely the only one USING them
Bleh, they aren't exactly "little gems", more like amateur stuff, but I like them

Good stuff all around I already found 2 mods that I'm going to try at the first opportunity, lol. I've updated the op up to this point. I did not link the 'no vampirism' and 'ambient towns', b/c those are fairly common searches, and there are multiple mods to choose from.

Edit 1: Stupid Ninjas :ninja: The 'other mods' mentioned above me is certainly a diverse collection.

Tattoo Armor!
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4340

A GREAT mod for characters playing as an unarmed monk like character but still want some scaleable defense from armor. Fun to play around with in Nifscope as well to make full body versions that work with Seph's Hand to Hand animations. Just simply swap "burgundy pants" in Nifscope if you dont want to be a diaper wearing monk!

Anything in my signature?

I wouldn't call something downloaded over 10,000 times little-known.

Heh, I didn't know that this is possible! Cool!

Yeah that was pretty clever too.

I recommend http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25091.

Thank you for reminding me about Lore Dialogue Totally going to reinstall that. Also, the aforementioned armor mod is the first hit for 'Oblivion tattoo'. A gem should be a mod that is very old, hard to find for whatever reason, or so unique that nobody would think to look for it in the first place. With that in mind, I added another of my favorites; Trophy Soul Gems using the Leviathan Gems resource. Check the op and give it a read, it's tons of fun

I'm going to try out No Vampirism. I've always found the whole vampire/werewolf thing in TES to be silly. Thanks for pointing this out.

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=416

Probably because the Bashed Patch has got that functionality.

Lady Eternity's http://www.proudfootimaging.com/ladye/ does just that, in a very RPGish way. You buy the seeds, you plant them, you harvest, and in a month you've got another crop. Works easily, and doesn't interfere with anything else, as far as I have been able to tell.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25224 - Kamikaze


With this plugin you can enchant weapons using spells from your spell book. It is an alternative to normal enchanted weapons meant for Spellsword-ish or arcane archer type characters. Weapons enchanted this way are called "conduits" and are not charged, but drain magicka directly from your magicka pool. The amount drained is equal to the spell cost at the time of creation. If you run out of magicka the enchantment is dispelled.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21010 - Infiniti

This mod replaces Masser (TES's Moon) with the... mmm... Death Star.
This... D-Masser

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17894

This mod exchanges the lockpicking minigame with real-time lockpicking. It integrates (almost) seamlessly into Oblivion, including animations, sounds and easy configuration.

Was going to post that too, but I didn't know if it was 'little-known' enough. Great mod!

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28292. Its brilliant, finally makes those useless "absorb speechcraft" or "absorb personality" spells have some use.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15697

As long as you disable skin tone changing and ageing, you completely disable the vampire face bug.
On top of that, if you disable eye colour change as well you can make your vampires actually look like they would blend in

This might actually be really well known, but I never see it anywhere...

Updated the op, including another of my favorites that lets you become a true Druid However, the vampire bug fix is already in the Bashed Patch, so I didn't include it. I'm beginning to think this thread was a mistake. Using full FCOM, I'm already close to the 250 limit, and there are like half a dozen new mods I want to test now

I'm glad everyone is loving Damage Telekinesis, that one took me a while to script :wacko: By the way, Strategy Master integrated telekinetic damage into his telekinesis spells in Supreme Magicka. No awesome quest with SM though

I love http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25844, perfect alternative to Sorcerys Toll, which I thought was a little harsh.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28105, literally the best dungeon I've been through, I can't believe it only has 1200 downloads...

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=26612 ^_^