mod managers/behind-the-scenes/patches
Oblivion mod manager or Nexus mod manager
Wrye Bash
OBSE =Oblivion script extender
OBSE-Elys- Universal Silent Voice= for mods with no spoken audio dialogue, slows the subtitles of conversations so they are readable
NifSE=sorta like OBSE i think
Cobl=like OBSE, but also adds a few things of its own
game mechanics
Living Economy-creates a economy with fluctuating prices for goods
Real Sleep Extended with portable bedrolls = mainly makes sleep a more dynamic thing, like give benefits depending on how long you sleep, and makes you create sleeping patterns
Oblivion - Enhanced Camera=musthave, makes first person camera act similar to warbands, if you look down, you can see your characters body!
Extinguish the Lights - Compatible with Real Lights =ability to extinguish lights for stealth
MenuQue - OBSE Plugin =needed for HUD status bars
Drop Lit Torches OBSE = lets you drop lit torches, duh...good for dark dungeons
Darker Dungeons= darkens the dungeons, makes torches and such a must use..very realistic
Enhanced Weather 2
Populated Prisons=populates prisons with random convicts
Better Cities 2=makes cities a bit more lively, i think
Trade and Commerce= gives you the ability to open and run your own store.
Bathing Mod=adds baths! and the need to bathe so you dont smell!
Skooma Deals - Buying-Selling-Having Others do it for you = not much to say
Keychain = must have, makes easy organization of all the keys you end up getting
Choices and Consequences =creates skill requirements for ranking up in guilds, kinda like morrowind...atleast its supposed to
Reneers Guard Overhaul=changes guard behavior
SoT Holidays = add lore-friendly holidays!
AliveWaters
Reznod Mannequins = adds mannequins
Character Change Amulet
Unnecessary Violence III - Critical Mess=fucking wicked mod, complete overhaul of the combat, combo moves, dual wielding, kicks, dodges, dismemberments! all sorts of awesome shit
Oblivion XP = changes leveling for the better, youd like this
Tamriel Travellers=populates the roads with travelling people n vendors
TRN One of the Gang=disguise yourself as a guard and try to clear your bounties
Quests n adventures n stuff
A Brotherhood Renewed
Knights of the Nine Revelation
The Golden Crest - A Major Pirate Quest
Ruined Tails Tale
Oblivion Kvatch Battle
Knights of the White Stallion
Black Horse Courier Expanded
Servant of the Dawn
The Blackwood Company
many might not be compatible with each other