I'm reskinning some character models, but want to start witha proper UV map, not paint over existing textures: they dont have all the information, edges are fuzzy, etc. How do I get a proper template for the character models?
Hm, i think you should take the effort and look into riggin. Not only it seems its one of the less regarded diciplines around here, but you can also do your models justice. Both, reskinning and riggin takes its time, but i think in the end you will be more pleased with the result of your models rigged.
And though i never looked into riggin myself, i think its fairly manageable.
I will learn to rig, but at this rate the mod will take another 2 years to produce.
i think all your mods share your feelings :/
You definitly need more guys. Where to get them, i cant tell you.
I learned animating because of the shortage of animators.
How many different models do you have if I might ask? In how far do they differ? Would it be a one time rig thing? I mean are your models a basic model with certain things attached (headgear, stuff like the pouches etc) and a different skin?
Edit: Just checked your pics on moddb. Looks like it is the same playermodel with a different skin and shields and headgear attached. You should get away with only riggin one model and getting all in. I definitly wont go for the reskinning of the RO models.