adding models etc

[Mathious]

Um... first post so i apologise if this topic has been discussed elsewhere (although i couldnt find anything on it -hence this message).

Im just wondering if anyone knows what software is needed to add custom buildings / characters into PS.
I noticed a thread Mogura did about how to customize characters, but I want to import my own models into the game (as npcs for now).

I am using 3DS Max 5 on windows xp (if that makes any difference).

Cheers.

[Kiva]

First off, you can\'t import your own stuff into PS, because you\'d need to import them into the server map, and you can\'t do that. All you can do is change the models and looks of current things.

How you do that, well... On the LWW site there is a MAX -> CS stuff exporter, but I have no idea if there is a CS -> MAX thing... You\'d have to ask one of the devs about guidance on such a thing.

Edit: Actually, I have no idea if those model files are even saved in CS format, but I know some of the stuff can be found throughout the PlaneShift folder as .spr files.

[Mathious]

...I know I cant upload stuff to the server - unless I set up my own server....
Basically I think I need to learn how to get models in before I start making my own full Planeshift world, but thats kind of the end objective.

If anyone can give me a definitive answer to this one I would be much much grateful, but thanks anyhow Gronomist - ile look into that max to cs thing!

[orogor]

i don think than there s any CS => max exporter

[Mathious]

..... heard from psybur that the only way to nick models out of the existing PS map is by using notepad and editing the world file manually..............doh.
I dont even understand all the stuff in the world file - its all greek to me, i gather that its divided into sectors of the level, then objects, then mapping coordinates for sadi objects..... but if theres no way to export this to a 3d editor then its all a bit useless.
Shame cos i wanted to keep some of the original stuff in the level im gonna upload to my server....
if anyone has any input on this t\'would be most appreciated....

[Mathious]

Ok well im half way there- managed to download the crystal space engine, which means i cant actually test my levels (using walktest) without having to connect with the psclient (also means i get error feedback!).

Only problem I have now is interpreting the weird xml type language that CS levels are built with - which to be honest is seeming a little impossible for a man of little skills such as myself.

If anyone can understand these files, and would like to show me how (in laymans terms- not like the crystal space guide) or could suggest a 3d app which can render and edit CS files WYSIWYG stylee, then that would be great