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The world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is no stranger to moral ambiguity. From thieving in the shadows to joining the Dark Brotherhood, players have long reveled in the chance to explore Tamriel’s darker side. Enter Skooma Dealer, a work-in-progress mod for Oblivion Remastered that leans hard into the gritty underbelly of Cyrodiil’s streets. This mod, still in development, offers a simple yet delightfully devious premise: players can now sell skooma to the game’s beggars for a tidy profit. If you’ve ever wanted to roleplay a shady hustler or just make a quick septim off the desperate, this mod is for you.

What Is Skooma Dealer?

At its core, Skooma Dealer adds a new interaction to Oblivion Remastered. Players can approach any beggar NPC—those downtrodden souls scattered across cities like the Imperial City, Bravil, and Anvil—and offer them skooma, the notorious drug that’s been a staple of The Elder Scrolls lore since Morrowind. As long as you have skooma in your inventory, you can strike a deal, unloading a single dose for 50 gold. It’s a straightforward mechanic that opens up a world of roleplaying possibilities, letting players embrace the life of a lowlife peddler preying on the vulnerable.

The mod’s creator describes it as a work-in-progress, hinting at potential updates that could expand its features. For now, though, its simplicity is part of its charm. There’s something darkly satisfying about sidling up to a beggar in the rain-soaked streets of Cheydinhal, offering them a hit of skooma, and walking away 50 gold richer. It’s not exactly heroic, but then again, not every Oblivion playthrough is about saving the world.

Why It Fits Oblivion

Skooma has always been more than just a potion in The Elder Scrolls. It’s a symbol of addiction, desperation, and the seedy side of Tamriel’s society. In Oblivion, you encounter skooma in quests like “The Sunken One” or through shady dealers like Nordinor in Bravil, but the game never quite lets you dive into the drug trade yourself. Skooma Dealer fills that gap, giving players a chance to engage with this murky part of the lore in a hands-on way.

The mod feels right at home in Oblivion’s world, where beggars already play a small but memorable role. These NPCs, often ignored by players rushing to close Oblivion Gates or hunt Daedric artifacts, are perfect targets for the mod’s premise. Their dialogue and ragged appearance scream desperation, making them believable customers for a quick skooma fix. Selling to them doesn’t just add a new gameplay mechanic—it deepens the immersion, letting you inhabit a corner of Cyrodiil that’s rarely explored.

Roleplaying Potential

One of Skooma Dealer’s biggest strengths is its roleplaying potential. Want to play a Khajiit rogue who’s turned to dealing to fund their adventures? Or maybe a corrupt Imperial guard shaking down the poor for extra coin? The mod supports a variety of character archetypes, from opportunistic thieves to cold-hearted profiteers. It’s easy to imagine pairing it with other mods—like those adding new underworld quests or enhancing the Thieves Guild—for a full-on crime lord experience.

The mod also adds a layer of moral complexity. Selling skooma to beggars isn’t exactly a noble pursuit, and it’s bound to make you question your character’s ethics. Do you justify it as giving them what they want, or do you lean into the villainy, cackling as you exploit the downtrodden? The choice is yours, and that freedom is what makes Oblivion’s modding scene so enduring.

What’s Next for Skooma Dealer?

As a work-in-progress, Skooma Dealer is still rough around the edges, but its core mechanic is already functional and fun. The mod’s creator hasn’t shared a full roadmap, but there’s plenty of room for growth. Future updates could include new dialogue options for beggars, random events tied to deals (like guards catching you in the act), or even a reputation system that tracks your notoriety as a dealer. Imagine a world where your skooma empire draws the attention of rival gangs or the Imperial Watch—now that’s a mod worth watching.

For now, the mod’s simplicity keeps it accessible. It’s easy to install and integrates seamlessly with Oblivion Remastered’s existing systems. Whether you’re a modding veteran or a newcomer looking to spice up your playthrough, Skooma Dealer offers a quick, flavorful addition to the game.

Final Thoughts

Skooma Dealer is a testament to the creativity of Oblivion’s modding community. By taking a small, overlooked aspect of the game—beggars and skooma—and turning it into a playable mechanic, it breathes new life into a classic RPG. It’s not a sprawling overhaul or a flashy visual upgrade, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, the best mods are the ones that let you see the world from a new perspective, even if that perspective is standing in a dark alley, haggling over a bottle of skooma.

So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner scoundrel, give Skooma Dealer a try. Just don’t expect an invitation to the Hero of Kvatch’s next victory party. This mod is for those who’d rather lurk in the shadows, making a profit one shady deal at a time.

Note: As a WIP, the mod may have bugs or limited features. Check the mod’s page for updates and compatibility notes before installing.