Returning to the game (EE version) and have decided on these mods:
- Ascension
- the tweaks anthology (only going to be using the xp remover)
- eex + bubbs spell menu
- portraits portraits portraits everywhere
- unfinished business
- OfHierloomsAndClasses
And some additional quest content from Lava:
- Whin Hill
- Southern Edge
- Bridges block
- Bloodied Stings of Barovia
Am I missing anything obvious and most importantly, is it worth learning how to install this through project infinity and doing that or should I just install these manually?
Given you're only installing a handful of mods, you could probably get away with just manually installing them. Will have to just read the readmes and work out an install order. I haven't used PI yet, used to use the mod install tool but its long outdated.
As a Mac user I never was able to get Project infinity to work, but I can tell you manual install is not too bad as long as you have everything in good order. I find it to be helpful because you learn how mods interact with each other
Well, I would say if you're going for the Bridge's Block then why not go for Lava's other small-area mods? I found the one with the island particularly nice. It has, perhaps, a tad too epic-level story at its end, but it's really nicely done, there are some great microquests, items that are not OP and sometimes fill interesting niches, and scripting I've never seen anywhere else, such as the game just recognising that you cast a specific spell.
Became fearful of adding too many mods at once, and got a bit worried that adding too much content might make me burn out before I finish the game
Valid. Lava's small things are just the thing, IMO, but you do you.