I have been employing a "new" technique with several of my latest characters. Actually, it's a new twist on probably the oldest tried and true method in 3D modeling. I used it on the current Miss August, Cynamon; I also used it on Penny Candy, and quite extensively on the character shown here, "Autumn". Using magnets and my exisiting morphs, I approximated the final shape I wanted. Then using RDS5.5, I further refined the shape, smoothing out all the unwanted lumps, bumps, and humps left by the morphs and magnets. I made it perfectly symmetrical while I was at it. Finally, the seam coordinates where the collar joins the chest (38 points, or 115 numbers per collar) I jotted down in NotePad. Then the corresponding coordinates for both right and left collar objects were again individually set using the numbers I wrote down. Voila! An extensively remodeled chest, yet with perfectly matching collars. For those who care about such things, that's 4 seams at 38 points each times 3 coordinates each, or 456 2-decimal place numbers individually typed in just for the collar joints. Now all that's left are those 40 vertices joining the chest to the ab, the 50 from ab to hip, 58 EACH from hip to right and left thighs... The same smoothing technique was used on the faces of all 3 models I mentioned, mainly concentrating on the nose and lips area. The most work has been done on Autumn. Not for the squeamish; the whole process on Autumn alone took many hours, spread out across several days. Probably been easier in a "real" modeler, but she turned out okay I guess for a text file (Larger image in the gallery.) Thorne =};-}>

::Shakes head:: Damn' that is impressive Thorne. I knew you put one hell of a lot of work into these characters, but I had no idea just how much. And the picture is, as always, totally superb Paul

Spoken like a true pro, Thorne! I didnt understand half of the things you wrote about.. hehe... I would have settled for mesh-smooth and some photoshop refinements. Live well... /Jacko

Thorne, is this group matching something that could not be approached by working on the two or more groups in MFM if they were there together?

Ha! Yes, in theory that would be easier.:o) However, it seems that joining the groups together in the MFM (unless it is the whole entire figure) changes the order that the coordinates are listed internally. The resulting .OBJ will load as a morph target because it still has the same number of points, but the different order causes it to blow up, because the offsets get applied to the wrong points. I just read here that Masa has created a utility that makes symmetry on morphs, so I'll have to definitely check that out. Also, please forgive my further ignorance, but what is mesh smooth? Oh well, seems I always try to do things the hard way. Must be that faerie stubborness... =};-}>

He he :-) Well, mesh-smooth is a modifier in MAX that basically adds more vertexes to your model making them smoother. Hmm, not as fancy as you do it but I seldom need more for my Posermodels. Then again... when you rock the foundations... I go hide in the bushes. :-) Bye, my faerie friend. /Jacko

Jaager, How bout a grin and a six-pack? Marque acbts@cwo.com

Thorne... Beautiful as all your characters are.... sigh Thank you for the tech report too.. it's kinda nice to understand what you do to get these great figures )

RDS has a subdivide function that quadruples the vertice count. Not much use for morph targets though. A nice averaging tool would be helpful. Okay, now my curiosity is piqued- will tree frog beer (a favorite of faeries everywhere) be acceptable? I'll even roll in the floor laughing if you promise to not make me look too dumb! =};-}>

MeshSmooth in MAX is more of an averager. Tessallate will subdivide the Polys into more (tris or Quads)with up to 4 iterations(Not for the "Impatient ones"):-) I have to try and make Morphs in MAX, to see if the coord. will change! Pardon my ignorance! what's MFM?(MorphManager?) Marc

Sorry, doesn't understand as much. But anyway, Thorne i like all your characters. Have all who could be picked downloaded, and at the time i own P4 i promise to use them. SHARKEY

Thorne, this open my eyes wide how modeling character is really a job. Thanks for the info and Bravo for the result.

Great Info. I love your characters. Have all the downloadable ones, and the three from the store. Will this one be available too? Keep up the good work!

Thorne, for a man like me that prefers small flatchested women, you make the most beautiful characters in existence. I just wonder how many layers you model for the hair. I'm guessing at least four

Thanks! Jaager! For the Info! I'm out of touch sometimes with the simple things! Oh! Thorne, forgot to say a BIG THANK YOU! for your lovely Creatures of the wood! Did 2 pics as a salute to you & your "Damsels"! And forgot to send you a note about it! Since i did Promise a pic for the rejoining of Tisa with her "sisters of the Wood"... :-) If you can't recall what i'm referring to, drop me a line. And i'll show you the Parchment with thy "Plea"... Marc viomar@sympatico.ca

Next time you say 'fashionably late', we'll have a better understanding of what that means. Thanks again for all you have done.

Hey THorne I love her she's pretty!!