[1.12.1] Possible to model-swap mobs using CreatureCache.wdb?

[leeviathan]

I'm working on a Druid Form patch for Classic servers, see thread ([Release][1.12.1] Cohesive Druid Forms). I would like to figure out a way to avoid replacing all 'Tiger' type mobs in the game with bird models, which happens due to the Travel Form model swap (Tiger.M2 -> StormCrowDruid.M2).

Before I go on a manic sleepless frenzy, I was wondering if anyone knew if it would even be possible--in theory--to model-swap mobs individually using the CreatureCache.wdb file in tandem with CreatureDisplayInfo.dbc/CreatureModelData.dbc.

Theory:
-I'm thinking I would need to find all the 'Tiger' type mobs in the game (literally find them so they get added to my cache), get their creatureIDs (see WoWDev page for CreatureCache.wdb)
-Modify each row in CreatureCache.wdb associated with said creatureIDs; probably just need to change "DisplayID" field to some unused mob...maybe...(I'm hoping there are unused mobs I could use to model swap. I would need 11 I think, for each of the possible 'Tiger' skins)

Fail scenario: there aren't any unused creatures in CreatureDisplayInfo.dbc that I can point my DisplayIDs to

-Next I would probably need to modify the pointed-to entries in CreatureDisplayInfo.dbc (and CreatureModelData.dbc?). Basically I need to change these entry's so that the model/skin/sounds/footprints/etc. are all those of the desired creature. I'm very hazy about this part, I haven't had much luck figuring out CreatureDisplayInfo/CreatureModelData so far.


So, before I do all that, can anyone tell me if the road I'm on leads to nowhere? Thankya!

[[Soul Eater]]

Nope that is not possible. DBC editing and M2 swapping are the same thing in the sense that when you replace one model, all models are swapped. Your idea could work in theory if WoW actually did made seperate IDs for each "unique" mob, but they didn't. The thing is, the tiger mobs use all the same models but they use different textures. So for example, tiger1 and tiger2 are different because of the textures, but they both use the same model.

But if I remember correctly, all druid forms except for the humanoid version got "unique" models, so you shouldn't replace all tiger-like models with another model if you just swapped the correct form model.

[leeviathan]

all druid forms except for the humanoid version got "unique" models

Travel form uses the 'Tiger' model, which is unfortunately shared by nearly every cat-like mob in the game except some maned lions.


Are you saying that editing the DisplayID of a creature in the CreatureCache.WBD file wouldn't change the display of that specific creature? I'm working off the same concept that is used for gear-swapping; we don't swap the gear models, we go into the itemCache and actually tell the game to use a different model for that piece of gear. That part of it is easy to test. I'll report my findings when I get a chance to test it.

Edit: Oh wait, nevermind, not easy to test since I can't find any way to decipher the WDB file. I figured there would be a tool for looking at/editing WDB files in general (Can only find itemCache-specific viewers)

[leeviathan]

TOTALLY POSSIBLE!

screenshot:

[[Soul Eater]]

Nice going, didn't knew that was possible with cache editing. Oh well my mind is being rusty, is a long time I did something in dbc. But thinking about it, you only swapped the displayIDs from cache file or did you implent it in a MPQ? Else you might as well export dbc file from MPQ and edit it straight from there instead of doing it from cache.

EDIT: Then again if it's only the druid forms you going for, cache is better, saves you the hassle of finding the IDs I guess. Only need to empty cache, log in empty city and shapeshift to cache the IDs of the forms.

[leeviathan]

Actually after I finally deciphered the CreatureCache.WDB file it ended up not working; changing the displayID has no effect at all. The solution I found is actually a LOT easier than what I had in mind. CreatureDisplayInfo.DBC actually lists every mob in the game as far as I can tell, so it's as simple as changing the column for the model and the column for the skin. Bingo Bango.

[leeviathan]

Did it!

Look, two creatures that use the same model in game, using different models. Isn't it marvelous?


Sound is correct too. I have an idea to get faction-specific forms running at the same time too, I just need to find a Tauren in Travel/Aquatic Form. Or if anyone has a level 30+ Tauren Druid I could borrow on Kronos/Nostalrius that would be a big help

well it's 3:00AM and I have work tomorrow. So much for NOT going into a sleepless manic frenzy