3d modeling is quite simple, I prefer to use milkshape over 3dsmax, I have both lol, but max has too many hotkeys its like /headache
and in milkshape you can easily place vertex points which is a big plus
Vertex Points: Points in space which make up a 3d face/ object.
First off, get a picture of what you are going to make, or if your a free hander, like me, get an image in your head of what you're going to create.
I'll just make a basic sword for example. I sugjest making half of the object at a time, it looks better this way and its quite easier to texture.
So my first step in doing this is to place my vertex points in the right spots.
Notice the Vertex points in the middle. These are what are going to define your sword and make it 3d. But first, lets add faces to your model.
Select the face tool (Button that says "Face")
Now select the vertex points you are making a face with in a COUNTER clockwise Triangular rotation, so if its a equal lateral triangle with the face up you would go top Vertex Point(VP), left VP, and then right VP.
Should look something like this:
Now fill in the rest of your faces.
The next step is to add demention to your model!
Select the middle vertex points, or any vertex point that needs to be brought out towards you. and simply drag it out on the screen that has a top view. If your faces look black, then you will either need to drag it the other way, or reverse your vertex order. Counter clockwise is very important.
Now to texture! To add texture you will need to either make an image like 128 x 128 or 64 x 64, multiples of 4. Select the selection tool, and select faces, so now you are selecting faces instead of vertex points. select all the faces thaty ou want to have this texture, and go to groups and select regroup. Then go to matterials, and add a material, click the browse, and find your texture, and then assign the matterial to your group. Go to Windows>Texture Coordinate Editor, or press Cntrl + T this will show the texture you just added in a new window press remap. now you will see all the vertex points you have made that are assinged to this texture. Align the points to match the texture and then your done texturing!
Now back to the model making lol...
Select All, and press Cntrl + D, to duplicate then go to Vertex> Mirror right.
now you will notice your model looks a little more complete. (Cntrl +N and then Cntrl + W)snap and Weld all the middle vertex points together. Then Select All Cntrl + D and mirror it back. Go to your selection tool, and select vertexes, and make sure the ignore back vertex points box isn't checked. Now select all the points arount the edges and weld them together. And your done, be proud of your project. Export> Warcraft III.
