I need some cold-weather monsters. I haven't been able to find any (except the tundra yeti, for which I am very thankful) so I am going to have to make them, I guess. I think that re-skinning may be my best bet and I have heard it is not that hard. Here are the instructions I received:
From Dann on the discussion of his module Dragonglade, which was fun.
"It turns out that reskinning an existing model is really quite easy. I used the free DDS Converter 2.1 to change the Red Dragon body and wing textures to TGA images, made them white in an image editor, saved them (with the original alpha-channel), then converted them back to DDS. Putting them in the override folder makes all Red Dragons appear as White Dragons (in all modules), while making a HAK pack will only convert them for a specific module."
I have looked on the net for re-skinning tutorials and they are all really involved. Is it possible to do this without digging into the bowels of texturing and 3-d modelling?
Making White Dragons, arctic wyverns, ice trolls, and other cold weather beasties
Débuté par
M. Rieder
, janv. 14 2011 04:55
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#2
Guest_Chaos Wielder_*
Posté 14 janvier 2011 - 05:11
Guest_Chaos Wielder_*
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I've reskinned something along the lines of 40 creatures for my project, and I can assure you it's a simple process. Let's say, for this example, you want to make the Red Dragon white.
1) Go to the data install folder. Something like: C:\\Program Files\\Atari\\Neverwinter Nights 2\\Data
2) Find NWN2_Materials
3) Open it up
4) Since we're looking for a creature, look for C_ and then the name of the creature. In this case, C_Reddragon
5) Open up the Body and Wings files, as they're both part of the model. You don't need to touch which end in _I, _N or _T. Those are the glow, normal and tint maps(respectively). These don't matter for your purpose here.
6) Edit the files in something like Gimp, paintnet or photoshop as you desire. Change the hue, color balance or whatever.
7) Save them into your campaign folder, hak or override.
8) Load up the toolset, and check it!
Let me know if any of that isn't clear. The NWN2_Materials folder doesn't have every creature in it mind you. Let's say you wanted to reskin a SOZ creature. Well, its textures will be in a folder called NWN2_Materials_X2. Also, keep in mind this will overwrite the textures of *ALL* creatures that use that particular model. So, all your red dragons might be white or whatever.
I made a tutorial which shows how you can overwrite textures on an individual by individual basis without 2da editing here: http://shagretnwn2.b...lar-demand.html
1) Go to the data install folder. Something like: C:\\Program Files\\Atari\\Neverwinter Nights 2\\Data
2) Find NWN2_Materials
3) Open it up
4) Since we're looking for a creature, look for C_ and then the name of the creature. In this case, C_Reddragon
5) Open up the Body and Wings files, as they're both part of the model. You don't need to touch which end in _I, _N or _T. Those are the glow, normal and tint maps(respectively). These don't matter for your purpose here.
6) Edit the files in something like Gimp, paintnet or photoshop as you desire. Change the hue, color balance or whatever.
7) Save them into your campaign folder, hak or override.
8) Load up the toolset, and check it!
Let me know if any of that isn't clear. The NWN2_Materials folder doesn't have every creature in it mind you. Let's say you wanted to reskin a SOZ creature. Well, its textures will be in a folder called NWN2_Materials_X2. Also, keep in mind this will overwrite the textures of *ALL* creatures that use that particular model. So, all your red dragons might be white or whatever.
I made a tutorial which shows how you can overwrite textures on an individual by individual basis without 2da editing here: http://shagretnwn2.b...lar-demand.html
#3
Posté 14 janvier 2011 - 05:43
M. Rieder
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Chaos, you're a rock star. Thanks. I'll try it out when I get home. I still can't believe that all the dragon colors didn't come with NWN2. It just isn't right!
#4
Posté 15 janvier 2011 - 04:34
M. Rieder
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I had to download a DDS plugin for Gimp, in case anyone is following this. Found it easily with google. Installation very easy.
Here's a look at my first try:
400x300http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTEi2BGeuoI/AAAAAAAAAEc/I6yeGEumI2s/s1280/Obsidian%20Neverwinter%20Nights%202%20Toolset%20TWA%20Chapter%202%201142011%20112939%20PM.jpg[/IMG]
It still needs lots of finishing, but it's the right color.
Here's a look at my first try:
400x300http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTEi2BGeuoI/AAAAAAAAAEc/I6yeGEumI2s/s1280/Obsidian%20Neverwinter%20Nights%202%20Toolset%20TWA%20Chapter%202%201142011%20112939%20PM.jpg[/IMG]
It still needs lots of finishing, but it's the right color.
#5
Guest_Chaos Wielder_*
Posté 15 janvier 2011 - 04:41
Guest_Chaos Wielder_*
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You could change its eye to glow blue by editing the file which ends in _I. This would complete the look. Glad to see it worked out for you!
#6
Posté 15 janvier 2011 - 06:13
M. Rieder
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Thanks for the advice. I there is anything else you know which could make it look better, I am all ears. I am not very good with image editing software. It took me a long time just to turn the thing white!
#7
Posté 15 janvier 2011 - 06:15
ArtEChoke
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It looks like it could use a very slight blue tint, like 5-10% just so its not so chalky. It would give it a sort of frosty feel.
Another good method for this sort of work is to dump the diffuse map and replace it with a copy of the normal map (just copy it and get rid of the _N). Then just apply contrast, tint and hue changes to the new diffuse until it looks right.
In the case of this particular critter though, you'd need to re-apply the alpha map from the old diffuse to the new one.
Edit: I'm such a jerk... I forgot to say, "Nice work!" so here it is: Nice work!
Another good method for this sort of work is to dump the diffuse map and replace it with a copy of the normal map (just copy it and get rid of the _N). Then just apply contrast, tint and hue changes to the new diffuse until it looks right.
In the case of this particular critter though, you'd need to re-apply the alpha map from the old diffuse to the new one.
Edit: I'm such a jerk... I forgot to say, "Nice work!" so here it is: Nice work!
Modifié par ArtEChoke, 15 janvier 2011 - 06:45 .
#8
Posté 15 janvier 2011 - 06:22
Alupinu
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M. Rieder, I hope your planning to release these snow creatures to the vault at a later date. Some time after your mod release. 
#9
Posté 16 janvier 2011 - 03:01
Shaughn78
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I like these!
One thing to consider it while you are reworking these maybe add a tint map (if they currently don't have one). Now your white dragon can become any color increasing it's diversity!
One thing to consider it while you are reworking these maybe add a tint map (if they currently don't have one). Now your white dragon can become any color increasing it's diversity!
#10
Posté 16 janvier 2011 - 05:12
M. Rieder
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Thanks for the feedback. When I get the part of building where I need to include it I am going to refine it and incorporate your ideas.
I was thinking it would be a good idea to release them onto the vault when I get them right. The current problem I have is that I am simply overriding the texture on the red dragon, not adding a new creature. I know it's possible, but I don't know how to do it, so it would not have much flexibility.
I was thinking it would be a good idea to release them onto the vault when I get them right. The current problem I have is that I am simply overriding the texture on the red dragon, not adding a new creature. I know it's possible, but I don't know how to do it, so it would not have much flexibility.
#11
Guest_Chaos Wielder_*
Posté 16 janvier 2011 - 08:37
Guest_Chaos Wielder_*
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You'd have to use the MDB cloner tool, create a new mdb and then add the required 2da line. With the red dragon, though, that could be a problem due to the way its model works(namely, that there are multiple models contributing to its whole). But, for something like the Wyvern or whatever, it's a relatively simple process of 2da editing--I assume you know how to do that. If not, a tutorial can be handily provided.
#12
Posté 16 janvier 2011 - 10:11
Morbane
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Good stuff here! Making notes from this...
#13
Posté 21 janvier 2011 - 01:56
M. Rieder
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Here's an Ice Troll using the same method.
400x300http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTjmpE-EjyI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wZScSLiDF9U/Fullscreen%20capture%201202011%2085038%20PM.jpg[/IMG]
I gave him (her? Who can tell, really?) a nice blue tint, and colored in the mouth, eye, loincloth, and claws.
400x300http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTjmpE-EjyI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wZScSLiDF9U/Fullscreen%20capture%201202011%2085038%20PM.jpg[/IMG]
I gave him (her? Who can tell, really?) a nice blue tint, and colored in the mouth, eye, loincloth, and claws.
Modifié par M. Rieder, 21 janvier 2011 - 01:57 .
#15
Posté 21 janvier 2011 - 04:02
Dann-J
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Looks great.
Either that loincloth is spread along his left leg - or he's very happy to see us.
Either that loincloth is spread along his left leg - or he's very happy to see us.
Modifié par DannJ, 21 janvier 2011 - 04:03 .
#16
Posté 21 janvier 2011 - 05:46
Eguintir Eligard
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If you need to make an actual different texture (not just color change) that is also possible. Its harder with an unwrapped skin like that, but I did it to turn earth elementals into iron by simply using a seamless metal texture I found. Only had to do the diffuse map.
PS why do people INSIST on calling dragons/other huge stuff critters? This is faerun not georgia and even if it was it only applies to little furry animals. These are critters:
www.google.ca/images
PS why do people INSIST on calling dragons/other huge stuff critters? This is faerun not georgia and even if it was it only applies to little furry animals. These are critters:
www.google.ca/images
#17
Posté 21 janvier 2011 - 09:30
Banshe
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Eguintir Eligard wrote...
PS why do people INSIST on calling dragons/other huge stuff critters? This is faerun not georgia and even if it was it only applies to little furry animals. These are critters:
www.google.ca/images
LOL
I'm guilty of this. It is because using the same terms (monsters/creatures) over and over again is a bit boring. And it can add a little flavor. It makes the most dangerous of creatures sound harmless. A bit like that cuddly dinosaur with a nasty surprise in Jurassic park.
Great work btw M. Reider!
#19
Posté 22 janvier 2011 - 04:24
M. Rieder
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Cyphre69 wrote...
Still looking for some beasties for cold environments? .. If you need some arctic animals feel free to convert them out of this.. CLICK ME !! (Highland Snake, Snow Tiger, Arctic Boar, Polar Bear, ..).
I am still looking for more! Thank you. If I want to use these as someting other than companions, do I just make a new blueprint and set the appropriate appearance?
#20
Posté 22 janvier 2011 - 05:59
dunniteowl
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You could also try taking Hellfire's Purple Worm (aka: Rockworm) and making it white for an arctic version (with a few frills and some other appendages, it would also make a great Rhemorraz.)
dno
dno
#21
Posté 22 janvier 2011 - 02:55
Shaughn78
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Are you currently just overriding the models or are you creating new appearances in the 2da?
#22
Posté 22 janvier 2011 - 03:00
Hellfire_RWS
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The purple worm is already tintable
#23
Posté 23 janvier 2011 - 12:34
dunniteowl
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Yeah, HF, note I didn't mention any reskinning or retinting. I said, "... and make it white for an arctic version..." I didn't mean to imply that he had to reskin it, just make it white.
Apologies for any confusions. You know you and I talked about it at length during it's creation and I knew it was tintable. Then again, talented though you are, you do seem somewhat forgetful at times of conversations. It's a true marker of the mad scientist, so no worries.
dunniteowl
Apologies for any confusions. You know you and I talked about it at length during it's creation and I knew it was tintable. Then again, talented though you are, you do seem somewhat forgetful at times of conversations. It's a true marker of the mad scientist, so no worries.
dunniteowl
#24
Posté 23 janvier 2011 - 03:15
M. Rieder
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Just the other day, I was wondering if it would be possible to make an arctic worm. I'm glad to hear it's already tintable, that makes my life easier. The worm looks awesome, by the way.
#25
Posté 23 janvier 2011 - 03:18
M. Rieder
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Shaughn78 wrote...
Are you currently just overriding the models or are you creating new appearances in the 2da?
Just overriding. I haven't tried making new models yet. I'm pretty deep in TWA2, but when I get a chance, I would like to create new models with the modified skins and post them to the vault for general use.
![400x300http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTEi2BGeuoI/AAAAAAAAAEc/I6yeGEumI2s/s1280/Obsidian%20Neverwinter%20Nights%202%20Toolset%20TWA%20Chapter%202%201142011%20112939%20PM.jpg[/IMG]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTEi2BGeuoI/AAAAAAAAAEc/I6yeGEumI2s/s1280/Obsidian%20Neverwinter%20Nights%202%20Toolset%20TWA%20Chapter%202%201142011%20112939%20PM.jpg){kind=link}
![400x300http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTjmpE-EjyI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wZScSLiDF9U/Fullscreen%20capture%201202011%2085038%20PM.jpg[/IMG]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9ocWRSkzdqs/TTjmpE-EjyI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wZScSLiDF9U/Fullscreen%20capture%201202011%2085038%20PM.jpg){kind=link}