NPC's? In TF2?

[forthex]

I'm working on my first map, and when my mapping in hammer is near completion, I need/want/like to make some custom models for it. A car, a some construction pylons, a lamppost maybe... I already downloaded the XSI Mod Tool, I just have to learn it (brand new to 3D CAD too!).

Anyway, I thought came across my mind: NPC's. Are they possible? Even in a non-animated, posable, simple form? For example, in an inaccessible but visible room, you see an engy standing and looking at one of the console computers in a thinking pose. Or a spy sitting ion a bench reading a newspaper?

My ultimate, pipe dream goal with this is to place a heavy sitting down in a van, in the driver's seat, with full facial expression in a glorious recreation of K. C. Green's TF2 "Sword Van" comic we all (should!) know and love.

So, NPC's? animated or completely still... is it possible?

[FaTony]

....using bot or prop_dynamic...

[Memento Mori]

You can definately get them in there if they aren't going to move. Not sure how you pose them though.

[grazr]

I think it would be a dynamic prop, that you would want to have set using a looped subtle animation, set to "fire" at random intervals. An animation you would probably have to produce yourself. In this case it wouldn't be an NPC in a traditional sense, so it would make things simpler for you. So you could do it, i am just unsure as to whether you can actually compile an npc model as a dynamic prop, i would presume yes as it has dynamic capabilities already.. but don't quote me on that.

If not, then you'll have to save it with dynamic functions or something, i am not sure of the modelling literacy here, i don't model, i just use them.

[A Boojum Snark]

i am just unsure as to whether you can actually compile an npc model as a dynamic prop
Yup. I've put in player models as prop_dynamic.

[Immortal-D]

You might also try prop_ragdoll.

[forthex]

Is there a way I could pose the models in gmod and export them?

[grazr]

You said you were using XSI, can you not pose them in that, then compile/save them as a new file?

[forthex]

"Using", sorry to say, is not the best word to describe what I'm doing, or rather not doing, with xsi. I just downloaded xsi and that's it. I haven't even open the program yet! So I'm a complete newbie.

I guess xsi is the way to go...

great, now I've got to go through the mess of decompiling everything.

Thanks for your time.