LotR mod: New Uruk-Hai model

[Duke John]

Hello everybody,

I've been following the LotR mods on these boards and I have found that they're not going the right way. I've got plenty of ideas concerning making a LotR mod myself, but first I wanted to create new models to use in the game. Well then, here's the first model I've created. It's all finished I now only need to animate it and create .bif files for it.

Below is my Uruk-Hai swordsmen:http://martyr.leftzed.com/lotr/images/uruk_hai.jpg

Hopefully this image will inspire more people to put some effort into the LotR mods. When I'm done with a model I will make it publicly available so that everone can test them out.

I'm creating these models with a 3D program and altough this goes alot faster than drawing frame by frame I don't have enough time to do all the races of Middle Earth. The coming months I focus on the Two Towers movie; meaning Uruk-Hai swordsmen, crossbowmen, pikemen and Rohan Riders, spearmen, bowmen.

So tell me what you think of it, I'm so curious after all the work...

Greetings, Duke John

[Brother Derfel]

WOW

I like it.

It would be great if people could get a LOTR mod done. Sorry I can't help, I have absolutely no modding skills or time to mod in.

Keep up the good work.

[Alrowan]

wow, thats really impressive, keep up the great work

[Gregoshi]

The Org welcomes Duke John and his Fighting Uruk-Hai Guys? Where'd everyone go? We need to welcome Duke John and a few thousand of his Uruk-...

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif
Gregoshi routs...

Very nice work BTW. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif

[SmokWawelski]

You probably have the biggest potential to actually accomplish something here. Keep these babies coming. I like it a lot, and hope that you can get your thing to work

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/shock.gif

[Smok follows Gregoshi into the bushes]

[Sir Robin]

Good work.

Anything that will bring orcs to the Total War battlefield I am all for.

The problem of course is that I have absolutely no talent or skill to speak of.

Except for upsetting my wife and coworkers.

[Emp. Conralius]

Great job Duke John It's your first post and you knock us all on our arsses

[Bane]

Excellent job http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[shand994]

Looks good. keep it up

what program do u use to make them??

[Massi]

Hi all
and hi to Duke John
John, I would really really like to play a LOTR mod http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I read also on another thread about at least other 2 groups trying to do that, but stil not being able to merge and finish the work.
(and maybe you can contact them... just an idea)

I wish you the best luck

PaladinoMassi.

[Gregoshi]

Greetings and welcome Massi. Nice suggestion but it sounds familiar:

One mod to rule them all.
One mod to find them.
One mod to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the land of Modders where the stat files lie.

[vortex]

I think most everyone would want to play a LOTR mod - its good to see some people working on it - keep up the good work Duke John I'll be interested to see your next model - you have a great start

[Duke John]

Well first of all, thanks for all the great responses Here's another just to get a clearer picture of the model:
http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2620302.jpg

For the ones who are interested:
A 3D program such as Lightwave or 3Dstudio are great programs to make models, though it took a few days to understand how it all worked. Then I animate them in 12 frames and save the output as images. Then I paste the Uruk-hais into bitmaps which I then convert into a bif using BIF-reader.

There should be indeed just one Lord of the Rings mod, otherwise people can't play together on the internet, which is my ultimate goal. Then you can recreate all the great battles in the book/movie, and that is so cool...but a few months a way.

Greetings, Duke John

[Swoosh So]

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

Your lotr mod have you a playable beta at the moment?
Forget vikings If you can pull this off this could be the greatest mod sofar


Swooooooooooosh

[Swoosh So]

excuse me i have a short attention span at 08:00 nice animations i hope someone can use them.

[Makkadam]

Excellent

Keep em coming.

[kyodai-britishbeef]

well done duke john those models are really great, and i hope u get a working mod up and running. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Duke John]

I can tell you one thing:
There will be Lord of the Rings mod.

I think the biggest problem modders had to face was making units that represent the Middle Earth armies, since I have tackled that, the way will be almost free to a complete mod. The next problem will be making a Middle Earth world map (or part thereof). But I believe work is already started on that by some people.

Although we're not all modders, all help I (or we if other modders contact me) can get will be usefull. So once I get a beta version of this mod, if you can find a glitch, spelling mistakes or whatever and report it, we will get closer to a perfect LotR mod.

Gregoshi and SmokWawelski did forget something when they hid in the bushes; the ancients Ents can be animated too.

Greetings, Duke John

[Dimeola]

Excellent mesh bro....cant wait to see the results. Would offer to help but am just starting to learn Max. I believe there is an Ent mesh at either 3dcommune or renderosity.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Dimeolas

[Duke John]

Well, still have some problems with the making bifs. The palette I have when creating .bmp's conflict with the palette of the program readbif. The models aren't really colourfull in this way. And I finally figured out how to make the green transparent on the different layers. I'm using 4 different programs to create the units, so please be patient.

But to further wet your appetite here's a test I made using the Uruk-Hai unit (of which I have already the standing and walking frames).

http://martyr.leftzed.com/lotr/images/uruk_hai.jpg

Greetings, Duke John

[Dimeola]

Wow, they look excellent.
Dimeolas

[Gregoshi]

Oh yeah Great work. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

[vortex]

They look great, keep em coming

[GoldenKnightX2]

Quote[/b] (Duke John @ May 17 2003,02:09)]Well first of all, thanks for all the great responses Here's another just to get a clearer picture of the model:
http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2620302.jpg

For the ones who are interested:
A 3D program such as Lightwave or 3Dstudio are great programs to make models, though it took a few days to understand how it all worked. Then I animate them in 12 frames and save the output as images. Then I paste the Uruk-hais into bitmaps which I then convert into a bif using BIF-reader.

There should be indeed just one Lord of the Rings mod, otherwise people can't play together on the internet, which is my ultimate goal. Then you can recreate all the great battles in the book/movie, and that is so cool...but a few months a way.

Greetings, Duke John
How did you make that http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

[Duke John]

Now I've got figured all out, and it's all pretty simple. There just so many edits I must make in Paint Shop Pro before I have all the animations properly. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/dizzy.gif

But my Uruk-Hai unit is reaching it's completion, I've got all the animations except die finished and will release it soon. So make sure you chech the Main Hall and the Dungeon for updates and downloads

Greetings, Duke John

[Dionysus9]

Wahooo Looks like a breakthrough there DJ Nice work, and especially promising to see them all lined up in formation with a unit flag.

I wonder...since .bif's dont have anything to do with combat stats, if you can change your own .bifs without damaging the Multiplayer playability of the game.

So, lets say I wanted to make my Militia Sargents look like Uruk-Hai...could I do that and still play MP online?

That would be very cool.

[Duke John]

Yes, you will be able to do that. Oh, just think of the possibilities http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Gregoshi]

Duke, keep your mod announcement in the Dungeon and here (the Entrance Hall allows all topics). The Main Hall deals with single player campaigns, not mods. Everything has its place, and a place for everything.

[Duke John]

The Fighting Uruk-Hai are released onto the battlefields of Total War

To download go here (http://www.3ddownloads.com/strategy-gaming/totalwar/MTW/Stats/Uruk_Hai.zip).

Any further updates will be in the Dungeon.

Greetings, Duke John

[Ser Clegane]

Quote[/b] (Duke John @ May 18 2003,16:50)]But to further wet your appetite here's a test I made using the Uruk-Hai unit (of which I have already the standing and walking frames).
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif wow - spectacular

Never used a mod on TW before

But this one will have me reconsider

Great work

[Duke John]

Note that this isn't really a mod. I've created all new animations (except die) for the Uruk-Hai. The files in the zip just replaces the images for Abysinian Guard. This means the Uruk-Hai can be seen by selecting AG and also have the same stats as AG. As a plus you don't have to reinstall to play MultiPlayers since it doesn't mess around with the unit and productionfiles.

I've checked the animations in-game and as far as I know there aren't any faults. But if you do see one, please report it so I can fix it.

Greetings, Duke John

[Duke John]

CoughBumpCough

Sorry for the shamelessness. But I just want to get everyones attention on this new Uruk-Hai unit. I posted in the Dungeon and Wellington offered his help on making new LotR units. With his help we will be able to mass product new units.
So download the unit and get a taste of what is to come It doesn't harm your MP playability at all. And since no one uses Abysinian Guard you won't see the difference unless you select them yourself. Really it's worth it

Get ready for a mod that will reach the level of the VI expansion.

Greetings, Duke John

[Dimeola]

Sounds excellent If you guys need any artwork done please let me know.
Dimeolas

[Duke John]

We do need some new artwork. I don't know what already has been done, but I have come up with the following relative easy things:

a) Making pictures for the unit descriptions and unit icons. I will be able as I continue to make new units to pose one dramatically which you can use with an appropiate background.

b) Adding Tolkien runic letters as a top and bottom border on the parchments. This is just a minor touch but I think it will add alot of atmosphere.

c) Making concept sketches for banner and shield designs for the different races.

If you can do this, welcome on the team

[Dimeola]

Here goes all my free time http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif. Will be glad to help in any way I can. Will need the meshes for the units you need pics of. Preposed is fine. If you havent textured them yet just send description. Can also do any architecture pics or scenes you need.
DimeolasDimeolas site (http://www.dimeolas.com)lisle@sbcglobal.net

[Duke John]

The meshes are in Lightwave format, don't know if that's of any use for you. If it is I will send it to you. They're already textured, but to a level that's enough for in-game graphics. Up close it doesn't look too nice. But perhaps you can alter it with a painting program.
Also we probably need new building graphics. The Orcs, Elves, Dwarves should have different building icons.

And about having free time, how do you think I've been able to create the Uruk-Hai in just 10 days? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

Check out the Dungeon that will be the main topic for the LotR mod.

[Dimeola]

LWO is fine.....I have a ton of textures to play with and can make my own if need be. Send a list of buildings for each race.....and am on DSL so big files ok also.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Dimeolas

[Duke John]

If you can work with Lightwave, and you're great with textures, then you're indeed a great addition to mod-making. If I make the animated models and UV-maps, then you will be able to paint the textures. This will speed up the process considerably

So we've got in our team so far:
Me making the models and animations;
Dimeolas adding textures to the models;
Wellington adding shields and weapons to the bifs.

Instead of one man spending a week on one model, we now have 3 people spending each 2/3 days on one model.

But you'll to wait for now, since I'll be adjusting the Uruk-Hai model. By the end of the week I'll send the files. And can you post in the Dungeon so that we concentrate all our efforts and knowledge?

Thanks for the response

[Dimeola]

Hate to say but am not in Lightwave....am going into Max. Buildings will be Max or Bryce.
Dimeolas

[Duke John]

Ok, too bad. But I will soon send the .lwo files anyway, perhaps Max can import it.

And do you know a image-hoster with a high maximum bandwith. I have villagephoto's, but 5mb isn't enough. And I really want everyone be able to see the pictures.

I think we need to brainstorm first about what units to make and what the building requirements are (ie techtree). After that you'll have a clear picture what buildings to make. But Elven swordsmith and spearmaker are definetely in, so perhaps you can start making those elegant buildings.

Cheers

[Dimeola]

LWO is fine, Bryce can import them and I believe Max also. Will start researching tech tree etc.....check my site www.dimeolas.com for my orc....and my email if you wish.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Dimeolas

[Duke John]

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif you're lying If you made all the models and renderings... I'm stunned. Although I started using Lightwave only 2 weeks ago, the level you have reached with the Orc and especially the Legionnaires coming out of the water is absolutely fabulous

I was so proud of my model, but after I saw yours... you wanna take over the torch?

I'll say it again... I'm stunned.

Will e-mail you soon.

[Dimeola]

Sorry you misunderstand.....the meshes of people are free meshes or ones I bought....the architecture for the most I made. The renderings are 100% mine. The figure pics are rendered in Poser. The Spartan coming out of the water and the others were rendered in Bryce. Figures are opened in Poser, textured and posed then exported to Bryce to be included in the scene.
Sadly Bryce doesnt have the modelling capability of Max and LW...which is why am getting into Max.
Started with Terragen, landscapes...then Bryce to add vegetation and objects....Poser for people.....and now Max for modelling, enhaced textures and lighting.
Two weeks? Damn you learn fast I will be asking you for modelling advice...you keep going bro.
Now the meshes I use are ok for non-commercial use.
Dimeolas

[Duke John]

Apparently they have uploaded the zip file to 3ddownloads. Here's the new link (http://www.3ddownloads.com/strategy-gaming/totalwar/MTW/Stats/Uruk_Hai.zip). You can also find it by going to downloads -> Medieval mods -> Uruk-Hai (new unit)

Dimeolas:
I'll discuss further with you in the Dungeon.

[Massi]

It is great I read the developing at the dungeon, and really looks great

I´m away for 2 weels, but when I´m back, I really would like to contribute (though my only skill is the knowledge of the Tolkien World...)

cu soon LOTR-TotalWar fans

PaladinoMassi.

[Duke John]

Your knowledge is appreciated See you in two weeks.

Cheers, Duke John

[Hagbard la Suede]

DJThis is amazing =D

[Emp. Conralius]

The LOTR mod is in the creation process, but we'll need a lot more people to help. Here's were we are basically:

So what are the jobs?
Unit animation: me
Programming: Wellington
Buildings creation: Dimeolas
Background: Conralius and Cugel?
Mapmaking: ?
Campaignmap: ?
Techtree: ?
Faction descriptions: ?
Faction balancing: ?
Unit descriptions: Conralius?
Unit and building modding: ?
Unit balancing: ?
Find out needs to and can be modded: ?
General modding: ?

[_Martyr_]

I'll do some maps.

[hoom]

Ha And I remember such hostility to the idea of a LOTR mod back when MTW first came out...

I'll be keen to see this http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[_Martyr_]

Heres a Shire map (http://martyr.leftzed.com/others/Shire.zip) I did. Its my first serious map so be nice. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Lotar]

I can't post in the dungeon yet, so I'll have to post this here.
On you map, Mirkwood can go the the wood elves (thats where Legolas is from). I believe that Rivendale, and Lorien would be the last of the High Elves.

[Lotar]

One more thing, how will the faction leaders be handled. It would be kind of wierd having Sauron, Saruman, Galadriel, or Elrond die of old age/sickness.

[Gregoshi]

Just use MTW and make them generals. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Lotar]

Maybe you can make them born in the future, so that theyre like -2000 years old or something. I know you can do that with princes'

[Emp. Conralius]

Lotar

In the strategic map of Middle Earth, we wont want any unrealistic alliances (i.e. Mordor + Rohan) so we're eliminating treaty-offering units.

I'de hate it if a princess of Rohan was married off to a Goblin noble http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[_Martyr_]

Here test this (http://martyr.leftzed.com/others/rohan-castle.zip) map. Its the castle for Rohan. I believe Its called Edoras. Test it and tell me what needs fixing/changing. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif