Quote: "I don't even know how to do any of that. I'm learning slow (actually I'm not learning much at all). "
this is where I started.. http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Category:A_beginner%27s_guide
The 3 building tutorials is a good place to start. these tutorials will show how to add/or change rooms and plus it shows how to set the ownership of items and doors and what not.
Quote: "Could you use 4.8? That's the latest (I think, I haven't checked on the Blender site in a while), and that's what I have."
I'm not really sure, I really don't see why not, but I myself just looked for and grabbed whatever the tutorials tell me too.
The latest NIF exporter was made for 2.47 so that is what I looked for.
Quote: "Python 2.54 That's required to run Blender at all."
Yes, but you will need to make sure you have PyFFI-py2.5-2.0.0 in order to install the blender NIF Scripts.
The OBMM is not entirely neccessary as there are other apps but it is the most recommended. As far as the Caligari site and a plugin, im not sure at all but I have already successfully imported a model from oblivion into it. I just used blender to import than exported out a .3ds and moved the dds texture over to truespace and applied it. It worked out fine. I havent tried getting animations to truespace yet though and not sure if it will happen or not. But in any case, you can still import and edit animations within blender itself. Which is another to do on my list anyway. Since I am on a learning binge with oblivion anyway, If you need help with something let me know.
And If I don't have an answer than you could rest assured i'll be looking for one.
Like you, I to am aiming at creating a quest, So much so that I am willing to spend the months or yr or yrs to get there. I have played Oblivion since it came out and I will play it till my pc dies so why not make some better use of it. In fact I have an idea floating around in my head that has been there since the day I started in 3D and the Oblivion game and engine is perfect for it. The main problem is the fact that it is going to require a fair bit of costume objects but may not be so bad if I use some of the textures from oblivion to work with. But if I can get my media into Oblivion and be able to interact with it, Than hopefully I will be able to build up enough media and a good story line to maybe draw in a couple helpers from the Tes Nexus site. I will make my proposition only when I have enough to show for.