Adding body parts to pre-existing .nifs

[caradas1030]

I've run into this problem in the past and I would like to know the solution so I can solve it every time in the future.

What is the process of adding/changing body-parts to existing armors?

In this case, I would like to add hands to the Jewels Collection mod so that they can be worn as gloves/gauntelts for enchanting purposes.

[Symon]

Oh tricky.

The short answer is 'every Nif is different'. So how do you know what you can add and with what. The only answer is experience.

Firstly, you will either need NifSkope or Blender with the NifTools plugin. Nif Skope is the easier, but more limited, but also less scary, so I suggest you start by getting that and looking at Nifs in it.

Learn what the various nodes (prepare to see hundreds of them) all do. Learn how they link together. Try deleting some things you might not want and learn what is safe to delete.

Then try adding stuff (cut and paste between Nifs) and learn how important the skeletons are.

When you know if it can be done in NifSkope or not, you may then have to tackle Blender.

A warning: If you've never used 3D modeling software before, be prepared for a learning curve like you wouldn't believe.

[solstice37]

I would recommend Blender since compared to NifSkope; the difference is like night and day. To learn Blender is very daunting but also very fun. To change body types for a armor you need to master both the lattice tool and sculpt tool. Load in your armor; delete the body type with it's skeleton and then load in your new body type. Delete the skeleton and work on the areas that are clipping through using the lattice tool and finishing up with the sculpt tool. Then you just import only the skeleton that the new body type use. Last you select all and export your new .nif.

Refer to this post where I post the setting that you need to use to import armor, body and skeleton and export it.

Setting Post

Since a video can explain so much here is a video expain the lattice tool.

Lattice Modifier

[slash197]

Adding hands to bracelets is easy compared to other body parts.

1. Open the jewelry mesh in Nifskope.

2. Open your hands mesh in Nifskope. Right-click on the hand itself in the Nifskope renderer. Scroll down to Block, then choose Copy Branch.

3. Go back to the jewelry. Right-click Scene Root on the left section of Nifskope (the Block List), then scroll to Block, and choose Paste Branch.

This works because Krista always has the claws added to her meshes, which require the hands and fingers of the skeleton to be there.

For jewelry that doesn't include the hand bones, you'll have to copy the hands and jewelry to the full skeleton.

[caradas1030]

Adding hands to bracelets is easy compared to other body parts.

1. Open the jewelry mesh in Nifskope.

2. Open your hands mesh in Nifskope. Right-click on the hand itself in the Nifskope renderer. Scroll down to Block' date=' then choose Copy Branch.

3. Go back to the jewelry. Right-click Scene Root on the left section of Nifskope (the Block List), then scroll to Block, and choose Paste Branch.

This works because Krista always has the claws added to her meshes, which require the hands and fingers of the skeleton to be there.

For jewelry that doesn't include the hand bones, you'll have to copy the hands and jewelry to the full skeleton.

[/quote']

Thanks. Worked like a charm.

[caradas1030]

Adding hands to bracelets is easy compared to other body parts.

1. Open the jewelry mesh in Nifskope.

2. Open your hands mesh in Nifskope. Right-click on the hand itself in the Nifskope renderer. Scroll down to Block' date=' then choose Copy Branch.

3. Go back to the jewelry. Right-click Scene Root on the left section of Nifskope (the Block List), then scroll to Block, and choose Paste Branch.

This works because Krista always has the claws added to her meshes, which require the hands and fingers of the skeleton to be there.

For jewelry that doesn't include the hand bones, you'll have to copy the hands and jewelry to the full skeleton.

[/quote']

Thanks. Works like a charm.