diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/columnbase.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/columnbase.hpp
index 1eb6a88c1..19028de08 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/columnbase.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/columnbase.hpp
@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             Display_InfoCondComp,
             Display_String32,
             Display_LongString256,
+            Display_BookType,
+            Display_BloodType,
 
             Display_EffectSkill,     // must display at least one, unlike Display_Skill
             Display_EffectAttribute, // must display at least one, unlike Display_Attribute
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
index 028a759dc..534d7da05 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             { ColumnId_ArmorType, "Armor Type" },
             { ColumnId_Health, "Health" },
             { ColumnId_ArmorValue, "Armor Value" },
-            { ColumnId_Scroll, "Scroll" },
+            { ColumnId_BookType, "Book Type" },
             { ColumnId_ClothingType, "Clothing Type" },
             { ColumnId_WeightCapacity, "Weight Capacity" },
             { ColumnId_OrganicContainer, "Organic Container" },
@@ -112,8 +112,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             { ColumnId_Flies, "Flies" },
             { ColumnId_Walks, "Walks" },
             { ColumnId_Essential, "Essential" },
-            { ColumnId_SkeletonBlood, "Skeleton Blood" },
-            { ColumnId_MetalBlood, "Metal Blood" },
+            { ColumnId_BloodType, "Blood Type" },
+
             { ColumnId_OpenSound, "Open Sound" },
             { ColumnId_CloseSound, "Close Sound" },
             { ColumnId_Duration, "Duration" },
@@ -553,6 +553,16 @@ namespace
         "AI Wander", "AI Travel", "AI Follow", "AI Escort", "AI Activate", 0
     };
 
+    static const char *sBookType[] =
+    {
+        "Book", "Scroll", 0
+    };
+
+    static const char *sBloodType[] =
+    {
+        "Default (Red)", "Skeleton Blood (White)", "Metal Blood (Golden)", 0
+    };
+
     const char **getEnumNames (CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId column)
     {
         switch (column)
@@ -582,6 +592,8 @@ namespace
             case CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_AiPackageType: return sAiPackageType;
             case CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_InfoCondFunc: return CSMWorld::ConstInfoSelectWrapper::FunctionEnumStrings;
             case CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_InfoCondComp: return CSMWorld::ConstInfoSelectWrapper::RelationEnumStrings;
+            case CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_BookType: return sBookType;
+            case CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_BloodType: return sBloodType;
 
             default: return 0;
         }
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp
index e3899af73..2438d2de2 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.hpp
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             ColumnId_ArmorType = 77,
             ColumnId_Health = 78,
             ColumnId_ArmorValue = 79,
-            ColumnId_Scroll = 80,
+            ColumnId_BookType = 80,
             ColumnId_ClothingType = 81,
             ColumnId_WeightCapacity = 82,
             ColumnId_OrganicContainer = 83,
@@ -107,8 +107,8 @@ namespace CSMWorld
             ColumnId_Flies = 92,
             ColumnId_Walks = 93,
             ColumnId_Essential = 94,
-            ColumnId_SkeletonBlood = 95,
-            ColumnId_MetalBlood = 96,
+            ColumnId_BloodType = 95,
+            // unused
             ColumnId_OpenSound = 97,
             ColumnId_CloseSound = 98,
             ColumnId_Duration = 99,
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp
index 0da4769a8..b80f1ac2f 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.cpp
@@ -301,9 +301,9 @@ void CSMWorld::ArmorRefIdAdapter::setData (const RefIdColumn *column, RefIdData&
 }
 
 CSMWorld::BookRefIdAdapter::BookRefIdAdapter (const EnchantableColumns& columns,
-    const RefIdColumn *scroll, const RefIdColumn *skill, const RefIdColumn *text)
+    const RefIdColumn *bookType, const RefIdColumn *skill, const RefIdColumn *text)
 : EnchantableRefIdAdapter<ESM::Book> (UniversalId::Type_Book, columns),
-    mScroll (scroll), mSkill (skill), mText (text)
+    mBookType (bookType), mSkill (skill), mText (text)
 {}
 
 QVariant CSMWorld::BookRefIdAdapter::getData (const RefIdColumn *column,
@@ -312,8 +312,8 @@ QVariant CSMWorld::BookRefIdAdapter::getData (const RefIdColumn *column,
     const Record<ESM::Book>& record = static_cast<const Record<ESM::Book>&> (
         data.getRecord (RefIdData::LocalIndex (index, UniversalId::Type_Book)));
 
-    if (column==mScroll)
-        return record.get().mData.mIsScroll!=0;
+    if (column==mBookType)
+        return record.get().mData.mIsScroll;
 
     if (column==mSkill)
         return record.get().mData.mSkillId;
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ void CSMWorld::BookRefIdAdapter::setData (const RefIdColumn *column, RefIdData&
 
     ESM::Book book = record.get();
 
-    if (column==mScroll)
+    if (column==mBookType)
         book.mData.mIsScroll = value.toInt();
     else if (column==mSkill)
         book.mData.mSkillId = value.toInt();
@@ -458,7 +458,8 @@ CSMWorld::CreatureColumns::CreatureColumns (const ActorColumns& actorColumns)
   mOriginal(NULL),
   mAttributes(NULL),
   mAttacks(NULL),
-  mMisc(NULL)
+  mMisc(NULL),
+  mBloodType(NULL)
 {}
 
 CSMWorld::CreatureRefIdAdapter::CreatureRefIdAdapter (const CreatureColumns& columns)
@@ -489,6 +490,19 @@ QVariant CSMWorld::CreatureRefIdAdapter::getData (const RefIdColumn *column, con
     if (column==mColumns.mMisc)
         return QVariant::fromValue(ColumnBase::TableEdit_Full);
 
+    if (column == mColumns.mBloodType)
+    {
+        int mask = ESM::Creature::Skeleton | ESM::Creature::Metal;
+
+        if ((record.get().mFlags & mask) == ESM::Creature::Skeleton)
+            return 1;
+
+        if ((record.get().mFlags & mask) == ESM::Creature::Metal)
+            return 2;
+
+        return 0;
+    }
+
     std::map<const RefIdColumn *, unsigned int>::const_iterator iter =
         mColumns.mFlags.find (column);
 
@@ -512,6 +526,17 @@ void CSMWorld::CreatureRefIdAdapter::setData (const RefIdColumn *column, RefIdDa
         creature.mScale = value.toFloat();
     else if (column==mColumns.mOriginal)
         creature.mOriginal = value.toString().toUtf8().constData();
+    else if (column == mColumns.mBloodType)
+    {
+        int mask = ~(ESM::Creature::Skeleton | ESM::Creature::Metal);
+
+        if (value.toInt() == 1)
+            creature.mFlags = (creature.mFlags & mask) | ESM::Creature::Skeleton;
+        else if (value.toInt() == 2)
+            creature.mFlags = (creature.mFlags & mask) | ESM::Creature::Metal;
+        else
+            creature.mFlags = creature.mFlags & mask;
+    }
     else
     {
         std::map<const RefIdColumn *, unsigned int>::const_iterator iter =
@@ -696,7 +721,8 @@ CSMWorld::NpcColumns::NpcColumns (const ActorColumns& actorColumns)
   mHead(NULL),
   mAttributes(NULL),
   mSkills(NULL),
-  mMisc(NULL)
+  mMisc(NULL),
+  mBloodType(NULL)
 {}
 
 CSMWorld::NpcRefIdAdapter::NpcRefIdAdapter (const NpcColumns& columns)
@@ -735,6 +761,19 @@ QVariant CSMWorld::NpcRefIdAdapter::getData (const RefIdColumn *column, const Re
     if (column==mColumns.mMisc)
         return QVariant::fromValue(ColumnBase::TableEdit_Full);
 
+    if (column == mColumns.mBloodType)
+    {
+        int mask = ESM::NPC::Skeleton | ESM::NPC::Metal;
+
+        if ((record.get().mFlags & mask) == ESM::NPC::Skeleton)
+            return 1;
+
+        if ((record.get().mFlags & mask) == ESM::NPC::Metal)
+            return 2;
+
+        return 0;
+    }
+
     std::map<const RefIdColumn *, unsigned int>::const_iterator iter =
         mColumns.mFlags.find (column);
 
@@ -762,6 +801,17 @@ void CSMWorld::NpcRefIdAdapter::setData (const RefIdColumn *column, RefIdData& d
         npc.mHair = value.toString().toUtf8().constData();
     else if (column==mColumns.mHead)
         npc.mHead = value.toString().toUtf8().constData();
+    else if (column == mColumns.mBloodType)
+    {
+        int mask = ~(ESM::NPC::Skeleton | ESM::NPC::Metal);
+
+        if (value.toInt() == 1)
+            npc.mFlags = (npc.mFlags & mask) | ESM::NPC::Skeleton;
+        else if (value.toInt() == 2)
+            npc.mFlags = (npc.mFlags & mask) | ESM::NPC::Metal;
+        else
+            npc.mFlags = npc.mFlags & mask;
+    }
     else
     {
         std::map<const RefIdColumn *, unsigned int>::const_iterator iter =
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp
index 757a8ad77..b89b87ab1 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidadapterimp.hpp
@@ -694,13 +694,13 @@ namespace CSMWorld
 
     class BookRefIdAdapter : public EnchantableRefIdAdapter<ESM::Book>
     {
-            const RefIdColumn *mScroll;
+            const RefIdColumn *mBookType;
             const RefIdColumn *mSkill;
             const RefIdColumn *mText;
 
         public:
 
-            BookRefIdAdapter (const EnchantableColumns& columns, const RefIdColumn *scroll,
+            BookRefIdAdapter (const EnchantableColumns& columns, const RefIdColumn *bookType,
                 const RefIdColumn *skill, const RefIdColumn *text);
 
             virtual QVariant getData (const RefIdColumn *column, const RefIdData& data, int index)
@@ -757,6 +757,7 @@ namespace CSMWorld
         const RefIdColumn *mAttributes;
         const RefIdColumn *mAttacks;
         const RefIdColumn *mMisc;
+        const RefIdColumn *mBloodType;
 
         CreatureColumns (const ActorColumns& actorColumns);
     };
@@ -849,6 +850,7 @@ namespace CSMWorld
         const RefIdColumn *mAttributes; // depends on npc type
         const RefIdColumn *mSkills;     // depends on npc type
         const RefIdColumn *mMisc;       // may depend on npc type, e.g. FactionID
+        const RefIdColumn *mBloodType;
 
         NpcColumns (const ActorColumns& actorColumns);
     };
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp
index 5674ba327..a85ee5d25 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/refidcollection.cpp
@@ -291,8 +291,8 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdCollection::RefIdCollection()
     mColumns.push_back (RefIdColumn (Columns::ColumnId_ArmorValue, ColumnBase::Display_Integer));
     const RefIdColumn *armor = &mColumns.back();
 
-    mColumns.push_back (RefIdColumn (Columns::ColumnId_Scroll, ColumnBase::Display_Boolean));
-    const RefIdColumn *scroll = &mColumns.back();
+    mColumns.push_back (RefIdColumn (Columns::ColumnId_BookType, ColumnBase::Display_BookType));
+    const RefIdColumn *bookType = &mColumns.back();
 
     mColumns.push_back (RefIdColumn (Columns::ColumnId_Skill, ColumnBase::Display_SkillId));
     const RefIdColumn *skill = &mColumns.back();
@@ -346,15 +346,11 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdCollection::RefIdCollection()
         { Columns::ColumnId_Flies, ESM::Creature::Flies },
         { Columns::ColumnId_Walks, ESM::Creature::Walks },
         { Columns::ColumnId_Essential, ESM::Creature::Essential },
-        { Columns::ColumnId_SkeletonBlood, ESM::Creature::Skeleton },
-        { Columns::ColumnId_MetalBlood, ESM::Creature::Metal },
         { -1, 0 }
     };
 
     // for re-use in NPC records
     const RefIdColumn *essential = 0;
-    const RefIdColumn *skeletonBlood = 0;
-    const RefIdColumn *metalBlood = 0;
 
     for (int i=0; sCreatureFlagTable[i].mName!=-1; ++i)
     {
@@ -364,11 +360,14 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdCollection::RefIdCollection()
         switch (sCreatureFlagTable[i].mFlag)
         {
             case ESM::Creature::Essential: essential = &mColumns.back(); break;
-            case ESM::Creature::Skeleton: skeletonBlood = &mColumns.back(); break;
-            case ESM::Creature::Metal: metalBlood = &mColumns.back(); break;
         }
     }
 
+    mColumns.push_back(RefIdColumn(Columns::ColumnId_BloodType, ColumnBase::Display_BloodType));
+    // For re-use in NPC records.
+    const RefIdColumn *bloodType = &mColumns.back();
+    creatureColumns.mBloodType = bloodType;
+
     creatureColumns.mFlags.insert (std::make_pair (respawn, ESM::Creature::Respawn));
 
     // Nested table
@@ -497,9 +496,8 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdCollection::RefIdCollection()
 
     npcColumns.mFlags.insert (std::make_pair (autoCalc, ESM::NPC::Autocalc));
 
-    npcColumns.mFlags.insert (std::make_pair (skeletonBlood, ESM::NPC::Skeleton));
-
-    npcColumns.mFlags.insert (std::make_pair (metalBlood, ESM::NPC::Metal));
+    // Re-used from Creature records.
+    npcColumns.mBloodType = bloodType;
 
     // Need a way to add a table of stats and values (rather than adding a long list of
     // entries in the dialogue subview) E.g. attributes+stats(health, mana, fatigue), skills
@@ -659,7 +657,7 @@ CSMWorld::RefIdCollection::RefIdCollection()
     mAdapters.insert (std::make_pair (UniversalId::Type_Armor,
         new ArmorRefIdAdapter (enchantableColumns, armorType, health, armor, partRef)));
     mAdapters.insert (std::make_pair (UniversalId::Type_Book,
-        new BookRefIdAdapter (enchantableColumns, scroll, skill, text)));
+        new BookRefIdAdapter (enchantableColumns, bookType, skill, text)));
     mAdapters.insert (std::make_pair (UniversalId::Type_Clothing,
         new ClothingRefIdAdapter (enchantableColumns, clothingType, partRef)));
     mAdapters.insert (std::make_pair (UniversalId::Type_Container,
diff --git a/apps/opencs/view/doc/viewmanager.cpp b/apps/opencs/view/doc/viewmanager.cpp
index 024636f34..b3a8d03d4 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/view/doc/viewmanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/view/doc/viewmanager.cpp
@@ -107,6 +107,8 @@ CSVDoc::ViewManager::ViewManager (CSMDoc::DocumentManager& documentManager)
         { CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_IngredEffectId, CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_EffectId, true },
         { CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_EffectSkill, CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_Skill, false },
         { CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_EffectAttribute, CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_Attribute, false },
+        { CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_BookType, CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_BookType, false},
+        { CSMWorld::ColumnBase::Display_BloodType, CSMWorld::Columns::ColumnId_BloodType, false}
     };
 
     for (std::size_t i=0; i<sizeof (sMapping)/sizeof (Mapping); ++i)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
index 3a53c3253..f103ce191 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
@@ -215,7 +215,9 @@ namespace MWBase
             virtual std::string getSelectedSpell() = 0;
             virtual void setSelectedSpell(const std::string& spellId, int successChancePercent) = 0;
             virtual void setSelectedEnchantItem(const MWWorld::Ptr& item) = 0;
+            virtual const MWWorld::Ptr& getSelectedEnchantItem() const = 0;
             virtual void setSelectedWeapon(const MWWorld::Ptr& item) = 0;
+            virtual const MWWorld::Ptr& getSelectedWeapon() const = 0;
             virtual void unsetSelectedSpell() = 0;
             virtual void unsetSelectedWeapon() = 0;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
index e21d7f480..60d405307 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
@@ -572,6 +572,9 @@ namespace MWBase
             /// Export scene graph to a file and return the filename.
             /// \param ptr object to export scene graph for (if empty, export entire scene graph)
             virtual std::string exportSceneGraph(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) = 0;
+
+            /// Preload VFX associated with this effect list
+            virtual void preloadEffects(const ESM::EffectList* effectList) = 0;
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.hpp
index c5ae45789..e2ef52be0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.hpp
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         void setSelectedSpell(const std::string& spellId, int successChancePercent);
         void setSelectedEnchantItem(const MWWorld::Ptr& item, int chargePercent);
+        const MWWorld::Ptr& getSelectedEnchantItem();
         void setSelectedWeapon(const MWWorld::Ptr& item, int durabilityPercent);
         void unsetSelectedSpell();
         void unsetSelectedWeapon();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
index 1bf57aec6..4fb096a7f 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -1286,6 +1286,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     void WindowManager::setSelectedSpell(const std::string& spellId, int successChancePercent)
     {
         mSelectedSpell = spellId;
+        mSelectedEnchantItem = MWWorld::Ptr();
         mHud->setSelectedSpell(spellId, successChancePercent);
 
         const ESM::Spell* spell = mStore->get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellId);
@@ -1295,6 +1296,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     void WindowManager::setSelectedEnchantItem(const MWWorld::Ptr& item)
     {
+        mSelectedEnchantItem = item;
         mSelectedSpell = "";
         const ESM::Enchantment* ench = mStore->get<ESM::Enchantment>()
                 .find(item.getClass().getEnchantment(item));
@@ -1305,17 +1307,29 @@ namespace MWGui
         mSpellWindow->setTitle(item.getClass().getName(item));
     }
 
+    const MWWorld::Ptr &WindowManager::getSelectedEnchantItem() const
+    {
+        return mSelectedEnchantItem;
+    }
+
     void WindowManager::setSelectedWeapon(const MWWorld::Ptr& item)
     {
+        mSelectedWeapon = item;
         int durabilityPercent =
              static_cast<int>(item.getClass().getItemHealth(item) / static_cast<float>(item.getClass().getItemMaxHealth(item)) * 100);
         mHud->setSelectedWeapon(item, durabilityPercent);
         mInventoryWindow->setTitle(item.getClass().getName(item));
     }
 
+    const MWWorld::Ptr &WindowManager::getSelectedWeapon() const
+    {
+        return mSelectedWeapon;
+    }
+
     void WindowManager::unsetSelectedSpell()
     {
         mSelectedSpell = "";
+        mSelectedEnchantItem = MWWorld::Ptr();
         mHud->unsetSelectedSpell();
 
         MWWorld::Player* player = &MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayer();
@@ -1327,6 +1341,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     void WindowManager::unsetSelectedWeapon()
     {
+        mSelectedWeapon = MWWorld::Ptr();
         mHud->unsetSelectedWeapon();
         mInventoryWindow->setTitle("#{sSkillHandtohand}");
     }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
index 4e2cef8af..a8f6263c2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@
 
 #include "../mwbase/windowmanager.hpp"
 
+#include "../mwworld/ptr.hpp"
+
 #include <components/settings/settings.hpp>
 #include <components/to_utf8/to_utf8.hpp>
 
@@ -244,7 +246,9 @@ namespace MWGui
     virtual std::string getSelectedSpell() { return mSelectedSpell; }
     virtual void setSelectedSpell(const std::string& spellId, int successChancePercent);
     virtual void setSelectedEnchantItem(const MWWorld::Ptr& item);
+    virtual const MWWorld::Ptr& getSelectedEnchantItem() const;
     virtual void setSelectedWeapon(const MWWorld::Ptr& item);
+    virtual const MWWorld::Ptr& getSelectedWeapon() const;
     virtual void unsetSelectedSpell();
     virtual void unsetSelectedWeapon();
 
@@ -403,6 +407,8 @@ namespace MWGui
     void onWindowChangeCoord(MyGUI::Window* _sender);
 
     std::string mSelectedSpell;
+    MWWorld::Ptr mSelectedEnchantItem;
+    MWWorld::Ptr mSelectedWeapon;
 
     std::stack<WindowModal*> mCurrentModals;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.cpp
index 437aae277..cc1434d52 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.cpp
@@ -426,6 +426,9 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             MWWorld::InventoryStore& inv = actor.getClass().getInventoryStore(actor);
             inv.setSelectedEnchantItem(inv.end());
         }
+
+        const ESM::Spell* spell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Spell>().find(mSpellId);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->preloadEffects(&spell->mEffects);
     }
 
     float ActionSpell::getCombatRange (bool& isRanged) const
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
index 551e20888..33bb84345 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include <limits>
+#include <cstdlib>
 
 #include <osg/Light>
 #include <osg/LightModel>
@@ -202,7 +203,8 @@ namespace MWRender
 
         mObjects.reset(new Objects(mResourceSystem, sceneRoot, mUnrefQueue.get()));
 
-        mViewer->setIncrementalCompileOperation(new osgUtil::IncrementalCompileOperation);
+        if (getenv("OPENMW_DONT_PRECOMPILE") == NULL)
+            mViewer->setIncrementalCompileOperation(new osgUtil::IncrementalCompileOperation);
 
         mResourceSystem->getSceneManager()->setIncrementalCompileOperation(mViewer->getIncrementalCompileOperation());
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
index c2145c389..94beccf79 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.cpp
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 #include <components/misc/resourcehelpers.hpp>
 #include <components/settings/settings.hpp>
 #include <components/resource/resourcesystem.hpp>
+#include <components/resource/scenemanager.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
@@ -679,6 +680,35 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return Ptr();
     }
 
+    class PreloadMeshItem : public SceneUtil::WorkItem
+    {
+    public:
+        PreloadMeshItem(const std::string& mesh, Resource::SceneManager* sceneManager)
+            : mMesh(mesh), mSceneManager(sceneManager)
+        {
+        }
+
+        virtual void doWork()
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                mSceneManager->getTemplate(mMesh);
+            }
+            catch (std::exception& e)
+            {
+            }
+        }
+    private:
+        std::string mMesh;
+        Resource::SceneManager* mSceneManager;
+    };
+
+    void Scene::preload(const std::string &mesh)
+    {
+        if (!mRendering.getResourceSystem()->getSceneManager()->checkLoaded(mesh, mRendering.getReferenceTime()))
+            mRendering.getWorkQueue()->addWorkItem(new PreloadMeshItem(mesh, mRendering.getResourceSystem()->getSceneManager()));
+    }
+
     void Scene::preloadCells(float dt)
     {
         const MWWorld::ConstPtr player = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPlayerPtr();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp
index 328538076..cbceb14f5 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/scene.hpp
@@ -132,6 +132,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
             bool isCellActive(const CellStore &cell);
 
             Ptr searchPtrViaActorId (int actorId);
+
+            void preload(const std::string& mesh);
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
index c91d446db..a126e7e88 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
       mGodMode(false), mScriptsEnabled(true), mContentFiles (contentFiles), mUserDataPath(userDataPath),
       mActivationDistanceOverride (activationDistanceOverride), mStartupScript(startupScript),
       mStartCell (startCell), mDistanceToFacedObject(-1), mTeleportEnabled(true),
-      mLevitationEnabled(true), mGoToJail(false), mDaysInPrison(0)
+      mLevitationEnabled(true), mGoToJail(false), mDaysInPrison(0), mSpellPreloadTimer(0.f)
     {
         mPhysics = new MWPhysics::PhysicsSystem(resourceSystem, rootNode);
         mRendering = new MWRender::RenderingManager(viewer, rootNode, resourceSystem, workQueue, &mFallback, resourcePath);
@@ -1653,6 +1653,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
         updateSoundListener();
 
         updatePlayer(paused);
+
+        mSpellPreloadTimer -= duration;
+        if (mSpellPreloadTimer <= 0.f)
+        {
+            mSpellPreloadTimer = 0.1f;
+            preloadSpells();
+        }
     }
 
     void World::updatePlayer(bool paused)
@@ -1709,7 +1716,39 @@ namespace MWWorld
             if (result.mHit)
                 mRendering->getCamera()->setCameraDistance((result.mHitPos - focal).length() - radius, false, false);
         }
+    }
 
+    void World::preloadSpells()
+    {
+        std::string selectedSpell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getSelectedSpell();
+        if (!selectedSpell.empty())
+        {
+            const ESM::Spell* spell = mStore.get<ESM::Spell>().search(selectedSpell);
+            if (spell)
+                preloadEffects(&spell->mEffects);
+        }
+        const MWWorld::Ptr& selectedEnchantItem = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getSelectedEnchantItem();
+        if (!selectedEnchantItem.isEmpty())
+        {
+            std::string enchantId = selectedEnchantItem.getClass().getEnchantment(selectedEnchantItem);
+            if (!enchantId.empty())
+            {
+                const ESM::Enchantment* ench = mStore.get<ESM::Enchantment>().search(selectedEnchantItem.getClass().getEnchantment(selectedEnchantItem));
+                if (ench)
+                    preloadEffects(&ench->mEffects);
+            }
+        }
+        const MWWorld::Ptr& selectedWeapon = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getSelectedWeapon();
+        if (!selectedWeapon.isEmpty())
+        {
+            std::string enchantId = selectedWeapon.getClass().getEnchantment(selectedWeapon);
+            if (!enchantId.empty())
+            {
+                const ESM::Enchantment* ench = mStore.get<ESM::Enchantment>().search(enchantId);
+                if (ench && ench->mData.mType == ESM::Enchantment::WhenStrikes)
+                    preloadEffects(&ench->mEffects);
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     void World::updateSoundListener()
@@ -2803,7 +2842,6 @@ namespace MWWorld
         if (!selectedSpell.empty())
         {
             const ESM::Spell* spell = getStore().get<ESM::Spell>().find(selectedSpell);
-
             cast.cast(spell);
         }
         else if (actor.getClass().hasInventoryStore(actor))
@@ -3439,4 +3477,30 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return mPhysics->getHitDistance(weaponPos, target) - halfExtents.y();
     }
 
+    void preload(MWWorld::Scene* scene, const ESMStore& store, const std::string& obj)
+    {
+        if (obj.empty())
+            return;
+        MWWorld::ManualRef ref(store, obj);
+        std::string model = ref.getPtr().getClass().getModel(ref.getPtr());
+        if (!model.empty())
+            scene->preload(model);
+    }
+
+    void World::preloadEffects(const ESM::EffectList *effectList)
+    {
+        for (std::vector<ESM::ENAMstruct>::const_iterator it = effectList->mList.begin(); it != effectList->mList.end(); ++it)
+        {
+            const ESM::MagicEffect *effect = mStore.get<ESM::MagicEffect>().find(it->mEffectID);
+
+            preload(mWorldScene, mStore, effect->mCasting);
+            preload(mWorldScene, mStore, effect->mHit);
+
+            if (it->mArea > 0)
+                preload(mWorldScene, mStore, effect->mArea);
+            if (it->mRange == ESM::RT_Target)
+                preload(mWorldScene, mStore, effect->mBolt);
+        }
+    }
+
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
index e1ef388d3..0cd4c6746 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
@@ -135,6 +135,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
             void updateWindowManager ();
             void updatePlayer(bool paused);
 
+            void preloadSpells();
+
             MWWorld::Ptr getFacedObject(float maxDistance, bool ignorePlayer=true);
 
     public: // FIXME
@@ -174,6 +176,8 @@ namespace MWWorld
             bool mGoToJail;
             int mDaysInPrison;
 
+            float mSpellPreloadTimer;
+
             float feetToGameUnits(float feet);
             float getActivationDistancePlusTelekinesis();
 
@@ -680,6 +684,9 @@ namespace MWWorld
             /// Export scene graph to a file and return the filename.
             /// \param ptr object to export scene graph for (if empty, export entire scene graph)
             virtual std::string exportSceneGraph(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
+
+            /// Preload VFX associated with this effect list
+            virtual void preloadEffects(const ESM::EffectList* effectList);
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/components/resource/objectcache.cpp b/components/resource/objectcache.cpp
index 7caf5366c..d80561c24 100644
--- a/components/resource/objectcache.cpp
+++ b/components/resource/objectcache.cpp
@@ -49,6 +49,18 @@ osg::ref_ptr<osg::Object> ObjectCache::getRefFromObjectCache(const std::string&
     else return 0;
 }
 
+bool ObjectCache::checkInObjectCache(const std::string &fileName, double timeStamp)
+{
+    OpenThreads::ScopedLock<OpenThreads::Mutex> lock(_objectCacheMutex);
+    ObjectCacheMap::iterator itr = _objectCache.find(fileName);
+    if (itr!=_objectCache.end())
+    {
+        itr->second.second = timeStamp;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else return false;
+}
+
 void ObjectCache::updateTimeStampOfObjectsInCacheWithExternalReferences(double referenceTime)
 {
     OpenThreads::ScopedLock<OpenThreads::Mutex> lock(_objectCacheMutex);
diff --git a/components/resource/objectcache.hpp b/components/resource/objectcache.hpp
index 82aca76f0..3d65df546 100644
--- a/components/resource/objectcache.hpp
+++ b/components/resource/objectcache.hpp
@@ -64,6 +64,9 @@ class ObjectCache : public osg::Referenced
         /** Get an ref_ptr<Object> from the object cache*/
         osg::ref_ptr<osg::Object> getRefFromObjectCache(const std::string& fileName);
 
+        /** Check if an object is in the cache, and if it is, update its usage time stamp. */
+        bool checkInObjectCache(const std::string& fileName, double timeStamp);
+
         /** call releaseGLObjects on all objects attached to the object cache.*/
         void releaseGLObjects(osg::State* state);
 
diff --git a/components/resource/scenemanager.cpp b/components/resource/scenemanager.cpp
index c975286ce..9cda7d755 100644
--- a/components/resource/scenemanager.cpp
+++ b/components/resource/scenemanager.cpp
@@ -272,6 +272,14 @@ namespace Resource
         mShaderManager->setShaderPath(path);
     }
 
+    bool SceneManager::checkLoaded(const std::string &name, double timeStamp)
+    {
+        std::string normalized = name;
+        mVFS->normalizeFilename(normalized);
+
+        return mCache->checkInObjectCache(normalized, timeStamp);
+    }
+
     /// @brief Callback to read image files from the VFS.
     class ImageReadCallback : public osgDB::ReadFileCallback
     {
diff --git a/components/resource/scenemanager.hpp b/components/resource/scenemanager.hpp
index ee4a453a3..97e5b43be 100644
--- a/components/resource/scenemanager.hpp
+++ b/components/resource/scenemanager.hpp
@@ -77,6 +77,9 @@ namespace Resource
 
         void setShaderPath(const std::string& path);
 
+        /// Check if a given scene is loaded and if so, update its usage timestamp to prevent it from being unloaded
+        bool checkLoaded(const std::string& name, double referenceTime);
+
         /// Get a read-only copy of this scene "template"
         /// @note If the given filename does not exist or fails to load, an error marker mesh will be used instead.
         ///  If even the error marker mesh can not be found, an exception is thrown.