Hello.

I have struggled with trying to get a normal map created for a simple re-tex of a vanilla sign for too long. I do not have PhotoShop, have never even attempted this sort of thing, and so sadly I am watching the time just get burned away while on the edge of release of BladeSong because of this small, yet huge problem.

The sign original textures has barely been changed, apart from the text on the sign.

I could truly use some help here. My only other option is to just blank out the text area on the original normal map, and proceed without there being any 3d effects on the new lettering at all. Truly, it is not my area of knowledge, and need to get BladeSong out, after so much time spent on it, cannot afford to be hitched on this for days or a week.

I will happily put ones name directly in the credits on the main site for BladeSong, and anywhere else the credits listing is put down, for having created the normal map for this sign.

I'll be the first to admit I normally don't ask this sort of thing directly here, and usually try to figure it out myself, but I've seen enough from a few tutorials to know this is way out of my league, I'm a coder, not a modeler, and truly need some help.

I have packed up the new sign created of which needs a normal map, plus the original sign.dds, and the original signs _n.dds, plus the original .nif in case for some reason it is needed, all in the tiny download link below.

http://rapidshare.com/files/348439853/TessShopSignFiles.rar.html

Again, I expect nothing here, if worst comes to worse I will just go with a blank normal map for the new text, and hopefully that may 'fly'.. But if someone is willing to somewhat.. 'save the day here'.. I will give full credit direct in the mod creds for their aid.

Sincerely.

Sorn.

I'll forward this to InsanitySorrow - I'm sure he'd be able to help you out.

GIMP works for normal maps too , I can create one for you :foodndrink:

Edit: Nevermind, I'll make it like the vanila normal map

Edit2: http://www.4shared.com/file/218722892/f945e6e1/TessGeneralStoreVersionOne_n.html

It certainly is nice of InsanitySorrow to create the map for you. However, you can create your own normal map with reasonable ease using any one of several free programs. You can use http://developer.nvidia.com/object/texture_tools.html or http://shadermap.renderingsystems.com/. You can also use Paint.Net with the Height Field to Normal Map plugin. With any of these, you need to make a height field/displacement/bump map first. That's just a black and white image where the brightness corresponds to the height above the mean surface. Use that as input to any of the programs listed and you're in business. Both TT2 and ShaderMap CL are command line programs. For a little $$, you can get a graphically interactive program, either ShaderMap Pro ($19.95) or Crazy Bump ($99). Good luck.

I am SO grateful m8. I'm not sure how many times I can say thank you before I look like a madman here, but truly, thank you so much.

As long as you have no qualms with it, I have added your name to the credits list. Thanks again, ever need anything scripted I'd be happy to try to help.

As soon as I update the credits listing on the site I'd be happy to send over a link to you, the site is still 'private' until release, that is if it interested you at all anyhow..

Thanks again, and anything I could do in the future to return the favor just ask.

To properly respond to you other guys for helping :

'

Thanks a ton ShadeMe, not sure what else to say.. :wave:




I understand, and saw from the Tut's online that I could pull it off, but considering I have no experience in this area at all, and this one normal map is the only one I will likely ever need for modding, and with BladeSong so close to release, I simply couldn't even fathom getting acquainted with yet another whole new process of proper normal map generation over x days just for one sign.. I really had no idea it would end up getting that involved. Heck the sign re-tex itself took like 4 hours alone just for changing the text (fixing the new missing areas pixel by pixel).

I do thank you for the information though, and I am VERY thankful that InsanitySorrow came in to save the day.

Cheers!

You're welcome :foodndrink:, And no I don't have any issues with being added to credit lits ect.

Thanks for the offer, I'll be sure to keep you in mind if I need help. I'll also extend my offer to help you when ever needed with texture work.