Grendal wants to make 3D models!

Grendals.motheR · Post by **Grendals.motheR** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:58 pm

I wish to begin constructing 3D Models for this project, Tamriel Rebuilt. I need some help where to begin, such as some concept art to base my project on, and also some help understanding the difference between models for Morrowind, and models for Oblivion. I will be using Blender for my models, and I need instructions on how to export these projects as .nif file formats.

Thank you for your time,
Grendals.motheR

blackbird · Post by **blackbird** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:58 pm

Download python v2.5.2 first and not v3.0. You can also find some nif scripts somewhere on the internet and place it the right folder. It happened too long ago for me.
But if it works, you'll be able to convert to a nif file, but you have to chose for which game you want this file. There will be a list of soem games and MW + OB are included.
However you can't put textures on an object with blender, you'll nifskope.

BTW modeling can take a very long time to learn.

Lady Nerevar · Post by **Lady Nerevar** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:16 pm

blender is a very well supported tool with lots of tutorials, i suggest you start there. modeling for oblivion and morrowind is very similar, in fact i think the nif version (selectable, as blackbird mentioned, during export) is probably the biggest difference. textures have a few more, such as the presence of normal (_n) maps, but the basics are still the same.

if youre just begining to model i sugest doing some simple blocky meshes (such as a basic house or a basic sword) before jumping in concept based items. when you think youre ready however, i suggest you check out Lutemoth's thread in the Concept Art forum - just about everything in there is model worthy. the threads of Myzel, Elfane, and Lighter than Some also have some great concepts. If you really can't pick i'd be more than happy to find you something to model

the blender tutorial to end all blender tutorials is [url=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Blender_3D:_Noob_to_Pro/Beginner_Tutorials/Print_version]here[/url]. Then there are also the portals for [url=http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Portal:Modeling]Modeling[/url] and [url=http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Portal:Texturing]Texturing[/url] on the CS wiki, which have some great tutorials regarding oblivion and modeling/texturing in general. I think that about covers it, if you have any specific questions feel free to ask

Grendals.motheR · Post by **Grendals.motheR** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:57 pm

Thank you both for your rapid responses and your readiness and willingness to assist me. I am familiar with the basics of Blender, as I have been using it for my 3D modeling class. Thank you Lady Nerevar for the great tutorial

I hope that my creations can soon contribute to the success of this amazing project.

Grendals.motheR

Post by **Haplo** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 11:14 pm

When you feel that they do, go ahead and post screenshots and, if they're relatively small in file size(if you're unsure just ask) the actual files, if you want, all in this thread.

Grendals.motheR · Post by **Grendals.motheR** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:43 am

Something that I am unsure about, is where can I find these models that are mentioned in many of the tutorials on the CS wiki, such as the body parts that are used to model a piece of armor around. Would I need to purchase a copy of Oblivion to obtain these files?

Faalen · Post by **Faalen** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 2:26 am

Jelle · Post by **Jelle** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 11:03 am

First of all, welcome to the forums.

You don't need Oblivion to model for TR, but it will make work a lot easier, because you can test your models yourself, and indeed, use the vanilla oblivion meshes as a reference.

I'd start with modelling furniture and the like. Armor is a pain in the ass, especially because the need of rigging and weight-painting.
Have a look in the furniture thread and take shot at that. A modelled small set of furniture would be enough to prove that you can contribute to the project as a modeller, you really don't have to be able to model armor and stuff. Flora is good to start with too, it forces you to keep your polycount low and use alphamaps. Have a look in the Concept Art section.

Looking forward to your work.

NexUmMonastica · Post by **NexUmMonastica** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:19 am

Again, welcome to the project: feel free to PM me anytime with questions about meshing: I won't be able to help you with blender since I work with 3dsmax but I can help you with general modeling techniques. Hope to see some of your work posted soon.