Is there a s4f <-> fbx/obj converter out there?

[MrCrow]

Hi all,

I've a past experience in low poly 3d modeling and I was wondering if there is a converter that allows to convert s4f in fbx or obj and then back to s4f.

Thank you,
MrCrow

[pipfromslitherine]

That's not a tool that we have built unfortunately.

Cheers

Pip

[MrCrow]

That's not a tool that we have built unfortunately.

Cheers

Pip

Thank you for your reply. I want to further explain you why I've asked that question because maybe you can help me with an alternative.

My goal is to change some models in game. A tool that converts from s4f to fbx would be great to get the pre-existent models and use them as a base, but it's not mandatory because I'm able to create a model from zero. So a valid alternative would be also to have just a converter from fbx to s4f and a "fake" 3d model (for example a sphere or a cylinder) in fbx format that contains the skeleton (the skeleton used by the animations) and is linked to all the needed texture (just fake textures used as placeholder to give me an example of the size and the type used by the game). In that case I can create my own model, rig it to the skeleton, link it to my own textures and convert it in s4f format.

Is there anything that can help me doing this?

[pipfromslitherine]

I'll see what can be done fairly easily.

Cheers

Pip

[MrCrow]

I'll see what can be done fairly easily.

Cheers

Pip

Thank you Pip. Any news?

[pipfromslitherine]

I'm seeing about sharing some FBX's of the units, but that needs artist input.

Cheers

Pip

[MrCrow]

I'm seeing about sharing some FBX's of the units, but that needs artist input.

Cheers

Pip

It would be really great! Thank you for your support!

[MrCrow]

I'm seeing about sharing some FBX's of the units, but that needs artist input.

Cheers

Pip

Hi Pip, any news?

[pipfromslitherine]

I'll chase them - artists!

Cheers

Pip

[pipfromslitherine]

Here are some examples that they gave me. Hope they are of interest.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a5we74fj ... wreos&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/p437cvmx ... xnw93&dl=0

Cheers

Pip

[MrCrow]

Here are some examples that they gave me. Hope they are of interest.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a5we74fj ... wreos&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/p437cvmx ... xnw93&dl=0

Cheers

Pip

Hi Pip, thank you very much for your time. Unfortunately those files are not what I'm searching for: they are 2 .max files that can be open just using 3D Max, a paid software that I don't own. I have also tried to convert them to .obj using some online converter, but it doesn't work. And it doesn't seems a good idea either because something may be lost during the conversion.

What I need is a 3D model containing the bones used for animation in a format that can be open by some free software (for example Blender). So a format like fbx or obj would be perfect. Furthermore I need that together with the model file there are also all the placeholder textures required already linked to the model's metadata. And last but not least, I need to know what I should use to convert the fbx to the s4f format that is the one used by the game.

I've read here https://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewto ... 7&start=20 and Patrick Ward talks about this converter. So I think it should exists.

Thank you

[Karvon]

I'd be interested in getting some more current info on this as well. In my search through the forums I found one thread which shares links to a tool and some documentation, but this is from 6 years ago, so not sure if this the current state of things.

https://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewto ... 92&t=81693

I haven't had time to play around with this yet, but posting it for those who may want to.

Karvon

[Karvon]

And here's a bit more info from another post by the guy who did the Napoleonic mod mentioned.

Re: New Objects

Post by JamesManhattan » 21 Mar 2018 03:15
I could probably help out on this. I have imported a bunch of 3D models into Pike & Shot and FoG II. I even made a video tutorial on the Pike & Shot forums.

The new Slitherine converter named Archaon simply takes an FBX format file and converts it to a game ready S4F file. They won't let you go the opposite way.
That FBX file is a format used in a lot of 3D design tools. I think it was made specifically so differing programs could import/export and exchange 3D objects with each other.

So you could make a 3D object in any program, such as Blender, or 3DS Max and export it to FBX, then get it into the game.

What might save you time and effort, is if you look through "Pike & Shot" and "Battle Academy", or even "Hell" for already made scenery to import. "Hell" might have some medieval/fantasy terrain that might come close. "Sengoku Jidai" also might have similar walls etc. Look at the picture below, that slanted stone wall could probably double in a Gallic setting. I think I even see a type of Palisade on the bottom right.

I am also just about to start a mini project trying to get some American Farm Fences (Split-Rail fences, aka ZigZag fences) into the game, so I can see if I find any Palisade type walls.

[Karvon]

A bit more digging turned up a slighter newer version of the tool kit. I've still not had the time to play around with this at all though.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fdkiqfpp ... 3&e=2&dl=0