A Weapon Modders beginner guide...?

[SiniVII]

Hi there! I have been fooling around a little with the TESCS and I am getting sort of familiar with it, but now I want to try creating a weapon! Something that's easy. I realize I need a painting program of some sort don't I? To create textures or stuff?

 

In the end I want to try creating This weapon:

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/1233/335047-soul_calibur_super.jpg

 

Do you guys think I'll have to work for a long time to create something like this? Anyway back to point.

 

I want to try creating weapons just to get the feel of it, is there a beginners guide somewhere I could follow?

[Pronam]

Something that's easy

Don't underestimate it...it isn't simple to create a texture, that's one thing. But don't forget you've got to create a new model for your weapon as well.

 

think I'll have to work for a long time

That depends on how fast you'll learn things and know about modelling/texturing..but I would say yes for the moment..It would take quite some while. But it is always worth to try...

 

I imagine you don't have a model-program like Blender, get the easy/working package here.

Take a look at this tutorial: Custom_Sword_in_Blender

 

Take a look at this example as well.

[mcole254]

You will need a 3D modeling program to create the mesh. Blender is probably your best bet since it's free (unless you have access to other programs such a 3DS Max or Maya).

 

To get you started check this thread http://thenexusforums.com/index.php?showtopic=153621 for making the blade.

 

Also look at Tutorial for a sword. If you have never used Blender it is a good idea to take a look at a beginner's guide for Blender (I don't have the link sorry someone else could give it to you). Good luck

[RagnaHighArc]

He can make a height map with that image and then convert that image into a 3d mesh with Anim8or with Terranim8or(http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/Heightmap) that can then be used to cut out the shape(Boolean Subtraction)from a rectangle in 3dsMax.

 

That would give you one side of the sword which can then be copied and fused with the other half. the mesh created this way might not look the same as the image, but with some work it could be perfected.

 

in Terranim8or Build > Terrain > From Height map - http://www.biederman.net/leslie/tutorials/...in/terrain1.htm

[SiniVII]

Thank you for your suggestions everyone! I'll make sure to check each one of them. =)

[dezdimona]

xxxEvanderxxx has a great sword creation tutorial

[mcole254]

He can make a height map with that image and then convert that image into a 3d mesh with Anim8or with Terranim8or(http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/Heightmap) that can then be used to cut out the shape(Boolean Subtraction)from a rectangle in 3dsMax.

 

That would give you one side of the sword which can then be copied and fused with the other half. the mesh created this way might not look the same as the image, but with some work it could be perfected.

 

in Terranim8or Build > Terrain > From Height map - http://www.biederman.net/leslie/tutorials/...in/terrain1.htm

I think the way I mentioned in my previous post would be much easier and more effective (you have more control over the model),

 

Besides anim8or in very limited in what it can do, I'd use Blender if you want to stay with a free program

[LHammonds]

For that particular sword, using a trace method to get an outline probably is not going to be your best bet. Start with a low-poly version by taking a cube and extruding it into the basic shape. Then go back and continue to refine and add detail. Also, remember to model in the same manner you would actually build the sword. I break out the design by doing the blade, then the hilt, then the handle and finally the pommel. If necessary, I'll join the separate objects into one at the end.

 

Due to the complexity of this sword, I'd do 1/2 of the blade first. Then mirror it on the other side to get the other half. Then I'd make one of the spiral wings and then duplicate and mirror it on the other side, etc. But make sure you do your UV Map first before duplicating and mirroring so you don't have to do it twice!

 

Articles:

 

How To Make Mods

List of DDS Texture Tools

Resources for 3D Modeling

 

Blender: Weapons with Multiple Collision Objects

Blender: How To Make Swords with Scabbards

Blender Video: Adding Textures

Blender Video: Convex Collision

 

What Are All These Texture Files?

Image File Types and How To Best Use Them

 

3D Modeling Bundle Specific for Oblivion Modding: Blender

Graphics editing Bundle Specific for Oblivion Modding: GIMP

 

LHammonds

[SickleYield]

A scabbard tutorial? Egad!

 

Learn something new every day. :)

[mcole254]

I would trace the blade and get the entire 3D shape (after mirroring in the whole bit) then I would extrude the twisted pieces off the back end of the blade and subdive with a hypernurb (not sure what its called in blender but it makes it smother and rounded) then model the wings seprate and attach them. But thats me.