Genesis Siderea - new miniset for the Seraphim

[Pesmontis 166]

And now for something not completely different: a miniset called 'Genesis Siderea', originally meant to update an existing set.

Image 01: prototype in DeepExploration

 

Although.. mm.. it's actually completely different from the Sopor Aethernis set, as you'll soon discover :-)

The models for the boots, the pelvis and the torso were altered, and the model for the wings is new (derived from the 'envoy-of-death-wings02'). I also thought that the helmet model of Endijian's Artifacts would fit this set better, just because it's kind of futuristic apparel, and the helmet is the ultimate stargazer headpiece ;-)
It would have been nice to create a complete set, but I never got to alter the legs, arms and shoulders, because these parts are already very nice and fitting.

The textures are largely based on an image of a star-forming region:
http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic0702a/
This is also why the set is themed with star formation, and why it's called 'Genesis Siderea'. It's going to be part of the new version of the CM Items Mod.

Big thanks (again) to Silver_fox for reviewing the bonuses. Both Flix and Silver_fox have encouraged me to make this set even better, for instance by testing the altered running animation. And Flix, thanks for the screenshots of the bonuses :-)

The models of this set have actually undergone a wide range of very technical changes in order to make them fit precisely together. These technical edits include the mesh normals and the normal maps, and the way the meshes are affected by the bones. Also, the textures include a few miniature decals that can only be seen up-close.

Vessel of Chaos
This casque serves two purposes: (1) it's good for stargazing, (2) it's good for containment of awe, the direct result of (too much) stargazing. It also looks like a fighter pilot's helmet, and for that reason I added her squadron insignia: the well-known tiger constellation.

Image 02: Seraphim with one of the new buyable shields

 

Image 03: Seraphim with the new throw-potion 'Molotov Cocktail'

Dawn of Scheherazade
'Dawn' is of course meant as the re-appearence of (day)light.
The name of Scheherazade refers to the 'star' of the stories from "One Thousand and One Nights". She is a legendary Persian queen and she tells those stories for a reason. At dawn, she always stops storytelling with a cliffhanger, forcing the King to keep her alive for another day. So in fact this chestpiece is meant for survival in the first place, even though it looks like an arabian dancing top.
In the diffuse texture map, the pendant has received a small 'galaxy' decal.

Image 04: Seraphim with the new unique staff 'To Mega Therion'

 

Image 05: Seraphim with the new unigue staff 'Shaman's Totem'

Cradle of Light
A region in space where new stars are formed: the origin of light and joy.
The normal map texture has received an explicit lycra pattern.

Image 06: Seraphim with the new unique 'Delior's Holy Staff'

Fusion Igniters
These are the hands that have the (spell) power to light a star. The textures of these gloves have been made quite light colored, so that the effect of the original normal map is much more enhanced.

Dark Matter Conduits
These boots draw in dark matter as they move the Seraphim from place to place.
They'll get dirty, that's for sure, and not only with dust..
Technically, these boots have caused me headaches, because of the legs inside. I've tried hard to keep the boots slender, but the animations kept spoiling things. In the normal texture map, the folds at the knees have been erased, and on the inside of the boots, the diffuse texture map has received three decals to create more 'depth'.


Star Meadows
The eye catcher of the set has been textured with a 'volume texture' to increase the depth of the star field. The thickness of the wings is almost entirely created this way. The volume texure was created by color separation of the original image.

Image 07: new wings top view

 

Image 08: new wings side view

 

As an extra, the running animation of the Seraphim was changed slightly, in order to avoid clipping when she carries the new double laser sword:

Image 09: the 'new' way of carrying a two-handed sword

Set bonuses:

 

 

Gallery

Image 10: I guess this is actually what she's best at..

 

Image 11: Seraphim with the new 'Sylvanwood Longbow'

Edited April 9, 2014 by Pesmontis

[Silver_fox 398]

Your descriptions are always interesting to read. Even though I've seen the models and the stats before, this thread kept my attention for some time, and it was time well spent. (And I can always look at these pictures once again just because they do look good.)

 

Now all I need is to find the pieces of this set in game and make my Seraphim a Star.

[Flix 5,162]

I really enjoy looking at this set. The design truly combines "heavenly being" with "space explorer." A very welcome addition to the mod. My favorite piece is the wings, but I really love the idea for "Dawn of Scheherazade" the most.

[Pesmontis 166]

.. and I like "Space Explorer" very much

And since she's quite capable of handling any crisis, she might also be a steely-eyed missile woman ;-)

[Silver_fox 398]

As we are talking about favorite pieces, I have to say that my personal favorite, besides the obviously awesome wings, is the helmet. Because you just made it fit. Really and truly fit. People always complained about Endijian's set, about how it was different from the rest of the game's style and unfitting for the Seraphim who is otherwise a hot babe in chainmail bikini, and how its pieces never match the rest of seraphim's armor. And you just took the (awesome in my opinion) helmet model from the Ancient set and combined it with the models based on the most minimalistic Mistique set - and you made them look good together. It's a wonder.

 

You're right that it sort of looks like a fighter pilot's helmet, but the Seraphim is a fighter and with those wings, she can be considered a pilot. The tiger is a nice touch - she never forgets about her favourite cat even when she is on foot. Out of all small decals this one is the most visible and recognizable.

[AngelShade 53]

is there any way to make the wings huge ? I mean looking like real wings, but with a tech looking feel on to it . Im not a 3d creator genious nor did I ever did 3d models and design in general thats why I asked.

 

And the set looks awsome, altough the helmet could be a little more better, rest its 10/10.

 

Oh I have a ideea lose the covers for the head, and let the covers for the face from the helmet , since the seraphim armor you made looks half naked , having the full head covered isnt blending with the set.

 

If they can fight half naked how come you cant fight without your head being all showed.

Edited April 9, 2014 by AngelShade

[Pesmontis 166]

> ".. make the wings huge ?.."

Sure, they can extend at least to the size of some of the original wings. I just thought it looks better this way: otherwise their presence would be enormously overwhelming. Besides, I listen to others who say that a seraphim with 'real' wings an 'real' eyes would spoil her essence.

 

> ".. fight without your head being all showed.."

Because of the eyes. The seraphim doesn't have 'real' eyes, they wouldn't be much appreciated. So how to hide (contain) the seraphim's stargaze? Add a visor! And with the visor comes the helmet, it's that simple.

[Yoshio 91]

That is simply amazing! Finally we can see some real wings for the Seraphim! Many thanks for that!

When will it be that we can strive through Ancaria to find those master pieces!?

[Flix 5,162]

I'm contemplating pushing out a new version in a few weeks. There are some BIG things planned for version 2, more than just items, but as that will take a while, I think enough new items have accumulated to make a version 1.1 sometime soon.

[gogoblender 3,184]

Texturing and coloring on the wings is outstanding. I didn't even know something like this was possible with the game.

I'm a big fan of the wings that have been in this game, yes, even the hated, but much-loved (for me anyway! ) noodle wings. First time I saw them blowing backwards in the wind when she was moving fast or on mount, was a "moment" for me.

 

gogo

[DaveO 88]

I can't look at any of the pictures. It says I don't have permission.

[Dragon Brother 619]

Pretty wings! All the starry universe contained therein

[Flix 5,162]

As a bonus Pesmontis also made a pair of more natural "angelic" feathered wings to add to the mod. I added them in so that they can be found or shopped as random rare wings. I guess you could call them "Sacred 3-style" wings.

 

Edited April 11, 2014 by Flix

[Silver_fox 398]

These feathered wings are really good. Thank you both for taking them into the game, at least as random item - the texture is too good to just be discarded (even though it does not have much volume, all feather details still make it interesting to look at).

 

>"..."Sacred 3-style" wings..."

For this, they need to be glowing and semi-transparent ghostly wings. But then again, we can make a texture that would look exactly like that (referenced from ghost enemies or new energy shield items).

[Pesmontis 166]

> ".. Sacred 3-style wings.."

Image?

[Silver_fox 398]

The Seraphim's wings in the Sacred 3 trailer:

They do not look this impressive in the gameplay video, but the design is the same.

[Gilberticus 374]

The Seraphim in some Scriptures have eyes all over their wings, I wonder if that would look good in our game?

[Pesmontis 166]

> ".. eyes all over their wings.."

It's a nice idea & we might follow up on it.

[Gilberticus 374]

Christian Scripture, boss, they have imagery there creepier than any Clive Barker movie I've ever seen

[Silver_fox 398]

> ".. eyes all over their wings.."

Something akin to the Faceless in Heroes of Might and Magic?

[Gilberticus 374]

I'm not familiar with that game, the one I tried was turn-based, and I REALLY dislike turn-based games

[Pesmontis 166]

> ".. akin to the Faceless in Heroes.."

Looks like a nice option for a dark / shadow set for the seraphim..

[Dragon Brother 619]

I like that axe. The snake wrapped around the haft is cool, something you've implemented or already ingame?

[Flix 5,162]

It's coming soon. Too much stuff to announce all at once, or even keep straight half the time.

 

^Preparing the mod for release

Edited April 12, 2014 by Flix

[Dragon Brother 619]

Based on what we received in the last mod that picture looks suitably appropriate