dwarf proportions file - tmp7704 mod for Dragon Age: Origins

zip file contains all modules,chose only 1 to install

IMPORTANT: Because this module makes some extensive changes to character skeleton (which is used to deform/animate 3d shape of the character) any custom armour (including reskins) which utilizes default game meshes isn't likely to be compatible with it and will display incorrectly in game. This incompatibility can be avoided through use of modified skeleton file rather than default one, but it is something that generally has to be done by author of the custom armour.

A number of custom light armours was converted by Serissia to be compatible with the proportions fix, and are available here: Social.bioware.com


Some aspects of the default DA female models have been criticized as too unnatural, most commonly the shoulder width and hand size. The models in this package address that, replacing the stock armour and outfit meshes with ones of slightly different proportions.


Changes, specifically:

* span of characters' shoulders was reduced.
* length of characters' arms was reduced.
* in some cases thickness of arms was increased, to match what could be expected from physically active characters.
* hand size was reduced to 90% of the original.
* the overall outline of bodies was adjusted to match shape of characters included in body mods like Natural Bodies/Realistic Look.
* gender-specific variants were added for massive armour models.
* default single mesh for light armour was replaced by 3 separate variants to better match variants created by armour textures.

Currently available version of the package is designed for characters with bust size slightly smaller than DA default.


installation:
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unzip the archive to folder "../Bioware/DragonAge/packages/core/override" which is typically located in "My Documents" folder.

To use alternative version of massive armour unzip the optional archive to the same folder, after unpacking the main file. When asked, confirm to overwrite existing files.

To use alternative version of light armour unzip the optional archive to the same folder, after unpacking the main file. When asked, confirm to overwrite existing files.

To use the underwear model replacement unzip the optional archive to the same folder, after unpacking the main file.


to uninstall:
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delete folder "proportions-dwarf" from folder "../Bioware/DragonAge/packages/core/override"

to uninstall just the underwear replacement, delete "underwear" sub-folder located in the "proportions-dwarf" directory


notes and known issues:
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If the module is installed together with another mod which changes the same mesh and/or hierarchy files (.msh and .mmh) only one of them is able to do its work. It won't affect the game performance but it's something to keep in mind as it can explain no visible changes to the models, or glitches in appearance.

The package replaces only the highest and medium level of detail models. This is generally not a problem since the model switch happens at distance which makes the resulting change in proportions pretty hard to spot, but recording it here just in case someone does notice it and wonders about it.

Installing the module will affect appearance of all dwarves, not just the player's character. A rather unavoidable side-effect given the way the game works.

Because package changes character shoulder span and length trying to mix armour from this package with items built in accordance with default proportions will result in visible mismatch between forearms and the rest of the body.

Change to proportions of character arms can result in some of the character animations (especially ones which involve interaction with other characters) appear more glitchy than usual -- specifically, you may observe more polygons clipping with one another and other misalignments.


technical notes:
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The .mmh files for chest armour piece and gloves were changed, by reducing length (x component of translation vector) of Shoulder bones by 2 cm, the Elbow bones by 7 cm and Wrist bones by 6 cm. The arms on chest piece meshes and the glove meshes were adjusted accordingly.

free to modify and use in your mod. credit my name if you please