Hello all,
I'm thinking about returning to Baldur's Gate II after several years away. The game just keeps pulling me back, as I'm sure you all understand. However, I've really played the game through several times, so I'm looking for some more content this time around, some good stories, characters and quests that I won't have seen with the vanilla game. For all intents and purposes, let's assume I've never modded the game before.

Things I am looking for:
*Character exploration
*Additional quests, tying up loose ends (I hear stories of the Unfinished Business mod here)
*Possibly the new items, like the Cromwell mod.
*New NPCs. I tried out Kelsey once, but that game sort of petered out and I would consider him again, or others, if you think they're good.
*Mods that you believe are *absolutely crucial* to fixing major or highly bothersome glitches in the game.
*Possibly new abilities, I heard once about a Bhaalspawn powers regaining mod in ToB.

Things I am NOT looking for:
*Harder fights. I'm okay with the game's difficulty, I don't play it to be challenged. However, if a mod makes things more difficult but at the same time enhances the story, please let me know. Just also let me know how it ups the combat ante.
*Mods to "clean up" the game, the interface, whatnot; I don't really mind how the game looks/functions for the most part, I like it how it is.

Aside from that, I should mention I run a Windows 7 and am planning on buying the gog BGII complete package. I'm also toying with playing a bard or a cleric, neither of which I have ever completed a run on before.
I think that's about it. Thank you so much, for any help you can give!

-J

The fixpack is the only "essential" mod for bug fixing.

http://www.gibberlings3.net/bg2fixpack/

Two NPC mods I often use are Fade (thief)
Especially good if your playing a male & have Viconia in the party.

http://www.spellholdstudios.net/ie/fade

and Tashia (sorcerer)

http://www.spellholdstudios.net/ie/tashia

Either can be romanced by males if they like you.

The other 3 I never play without:
1pp
BG2_Tweaks
Widescreen Mod

Alternatives is good if you've played a few times & want an .....well...Alternative.

http://www.gibberlings3.net/alternatives/

Unfinished Business Restores cut content, minor encounters, smaller quests etc.

Keto Probably the best NPC mod that I've come across (read: not an over-the-top Mary-Sue), and she is also "banter-compatible" with Kelsey, so if you are going to use both, install Keto first.

Virtue Not really story related, but replaces the reputation system with virtue, which is a bit more refined. You'll still have reputation, but virtue will be the primary stat for determining your party's "alignment".

Every Mod and Dog Adds some fan made mini quests to BG2. Haven't tried it yet personally, but sounds okay.

Assassinations I recommend this one if you are playing a "morally flexible" protagonist; it adds a lengthy quest involving clandestine meetings and as the name suggests, assassination missions.