Changing file paths for animations???

[Hal_Ra]

I'm fairly new to scripting, about a month worth, and I'll be the first to admit that this script might be beyond what I can write.

 

I'm looking to write a script that changes the file path that the Oblivion client looks to for PC animations, not NPC animations.

 

My idea is to have a keystroke mod that equips a specific weapon, and switches fighting styles.

 

Currently the file path for PC animations is /data/meshes/characters 1st person & _male, depending on view you take in the game.

 

That means, that all your one-hand animations are the same. Doesn't matter if you're using a dagger, mace, or sword...

 

And since the game doesn't differentiate between weapon types other than blunt/blade and 1h or 2h (excluding bow, staff), this doesn't leave much room for creativity between weapon styles.

 

You're pretty much stuck with whatever animations you have in the file for every 1h or 2h weapon you pick up, no matter if in reality the fighting styles would be completely different.

 

ANYWAY...I know Mayu's Animation Overhaul changed the file path that the NPC's looked to for their animations (Data\Meshes\Mayu's Projects[M]\Animation Overhaul\Vanilla), and I'm looking to do something very similar to this, only for the PC animations, for a specific weapon ID reference number (in the beginning, might be able to expand that later), and it will be TOGGLEABLE, giving the player the option to choose between 2 fighting stances within the same blade or blunt class ON THE FLY.

 

Normally when someone has something similar to what I'm looking to do, I look at their script and see what they did and how.

 

Unfortunately, Mayu did not include the script with her mod...and I haven't a clue about how to change the file path the client looks to...and that's a real heart-breaker. I'm trying to contact her now to see if she will share it with me, though. Wish me luck.

 

I need some feedback.

 

First of all, is this viable? A script that switches back and forth, loading and unloading data files with a keystroke while the game is running? That's my biggest concern. If the script(mod) would only work by being enabled/disabled before the launch, then there's really no hope for this idea.

 

 

Secondly, does anyone have any idea how Mayu went about writing such a script that changes the file path?

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

The whole idea behind this mod, is I'm adding on to some of my own Greek Warrior/Spartan mods, and I want to be able to switch from a shield/sword to a shield/spear, and accompanying each of those, a different and unique fighting style (attacks, idles, stances, blocks, power attacks, movement animations, etc etc). The sword and shield would be more wild, and undisciplined, while the shield/spear combo would be more tactical.

 

The only problem is, using a shield for both fighting styles. Since both of the weapons (spear, sword) fall under the 1hander category, there's no way to separate the animations/fighting styles between the two VERY different weapons. The animations for a sword, used with a spear in your hand, would just look stupid. Trust me. I've tried it. Every work around I've tried has failed.

 

OR

 

Another solution, if anyone knows how to make is so that the shield appears equipped (i.e. the character is holding it) along with a 2handed weapon, then there wouldn't be a need for the above stated. I'd simply make the animations for a 2hander similar to a one handed weapon. It would be purely aesthetic , as the armor rating from the shield wouldn't go through. But that can be fixed in other ways.

 

 

I honestly think this is great idea, and if it can be done, and perfected, can be changed so that everyone can have multiple combat styles/stances. Two...Three...even Four different fighting styles.

 

But...

 

Baby steps........baby steps....

 

Thanks for reading!

[Hal_Ra]

bump?

;)