Would this be possible?

[1066]

Have a look at these two images:

http://whitemagic.com.au/images/products/jewellery/pendants/symbolic/norsesword.jpg

http://www.braceface.com/medical/Civil_War_Surgeons_swords_and_images/Sim%20sword/Sims%20sword%206.jpg

Now notice how the engraving in the first one flows in an almost "S" shape? And in the second one how the engraving goes around the handle?

Would it be possible to achieve this with Vray via a Displacement map?

I wish to do something similar but with deeper engraving so I was going to create a simple mesh and then add a displacement map to add some finer details to it.

Would I be able to create a disp map like that though? I'd need to get the displacement in the right place obviously. Would I be on the right lines in thinking that I would need to go into Bodypaint and create the UVs, export a map and add the details in Photoshop (black and white)?

I'm just not too sure whether it can be made that complex?

[stefan]

normally no problem.

it could be that in last version the displacment isnt optimal yet. if not we correct it soon. if you need help with displacment send me a file of this sword with the map and i can try help you.-)

cheers
stefan

[1066]

Ok I've had a mess about and come to the conclusion yes it would be possible in case anyone else is stuck in a similar situation.

It's just a question of creating a texture map and in BP drawing out the basic areas of displacement, exporting the texture map to Photoshop and then redrawing the basic detail properly in black and white on a new layer.

[1066]

Stefan, ok thanks - I wrote the above post before I saw yours.

I am doing nothing but displacement at the moment so if I find any problems or bugs I will let you know straight away.

Thanks!