How to add new dragon model to Skyrim

[zdzichorowerzysta]

I write this tutorial because user Scrabbulor requested it.

 

Ok, first of all you need some software, i will use 3ds max in this tutorial. You can download 30 day trial for free from Autodesk site. Next, you need NIF plugins, download version 3.7.2.1 or 3.7.2

On 3.7.1. meshes won't export well, and on 3.7.2 animations won't export well, but in this tutorial we will change mesh, so just grab 3.7.2 this time.

You need also tool named nifskope.

And BSA Browser or FoMM to extract game content, like dragon meshes/textures/sounds and other stuff.

 

If you have all those things, let's get started

Run BSA Browser, and open "Skyrim - Meshes.bsa" file located for example in "X:\Steam\steamapps\common\skyrim\Data\". It will take a minute to load this file, it contains meshes from game. Select "skeleton.nif"(from "meshes\actors\dragon\character assets", thats important, if you select skeleton.nif from other path, mesh won't import to 3ds max) and "alduin.nif" for example. Then click Action->Extract

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/1-9.png

 

 

Now it's time to run 3ds max. Click on File->Import...->skyrim\Data\meshes\actors\dragon\character assets\alduin.nif->Open, use default import settings, like this:

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/2-8.png

 

 

Set path to "skeleton.nif" file, for example "X:\skyrim\Data\meshes\actors\dragon\character assets\skeleton.nif" then click Import button. Now you can edit mesh. After you finish with this, you must add "Skin" modifier

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/3-6.png

 

 

1-add modifier

2-click on "Add" button

3-Click on "All" button, then hold ctrl and unselect some bones, in this case unselect those:

 

AlduinAnim:1

Capsule01

Capsule09

MagicEffectsNode

NPC

NPC COM

NPC Head MagicNode [Hmag]

NPC Hub01

NPC LFootBall

NPC Footstep

NPC LHeel

NPC NeckHub

NPC RFootBall

NPC RFootstep

NPC RHeel

NPC Root [Root]

NPC TailHub

 

4-click "Select" button

 

Now i guess you should do some rigging, but it's not necessary.

Add "BSDismemberSkin" modifier, and mesh is ready for export now. Click File->Export...->blabla.nif[select "Save as type:" Netimmerse/Gamebryo (*.KF, *.NIF)] i guess you should use those settings to export:

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/4-5.png

 

 

Then, you know, click on "Export" button. Now it's time to work in NifSkope, so run this tool. File->Load... choose your exported file and click Open. First, delete NiAlphaProperty block from NiTriShape tree:

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/5-4.png

 

 

Last, click on "BSDismemberSkinInstance" block and in "Partitions" change Body Part "BP_TORSO" to "30"

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/6-3.png

 

 

Now click File->Save As...->alduin.nif, put alduin.nif file to "skyrim\Data\meshes\actors\dragon\character assets\" and you've done. It's not as hard as it seems, is'nt it?

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/th_2-9.jpg

 

 

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h333/izomuli/th_1-10.jpg

 

 

If you have any questions, post them here or on PW. Also, i like cupcakes

[t55]

Thanks a million!! Havent tried it yet but if i works il be really happy. :)

[huntsman2310]

Was looking for something like this for my Wyrm and Slitherer's.

 

Many thanks. :thumbsup:

[amirrezasepehr]

I thought Porygon was only in Pokemon...

[Scrabbulor]

Ah so beautifully simple! I've been grinding my head against a wall of skin wrapped deformities for days lmao. You have done me and the community a great service! Thank you so much! THANK YOU! :D Edited February 25, 2012 by Scrabbulor

[Scrabbulor]

*issue resolved* Edited March 4, 2012 by Scrabbulor

[kgleaton01]

I have a question - I created a custom German Shepherd and would like to make a Dog Follower using that mesh - Any ideas?

 

Thanks!!!!

[DragonRiderOmaga]

Is there any way to ad a true dragon 4 legs 2 wings and is on good side? Also hopefully female dragon?

[NexusComa]

Why not just edit a dragon in the game change the name and the mesh to yours ...

Yes, to create new object ... then after edit the new dragon with the options you need.

like it's a fire, ice exc. dragon.

 

oh I see you're editing the mesh nvm.

Edited December 15, 2016 by NexusComa