(This item can be used with both Male and Female avatars)
PLEASE NOTE: This item is found under "Male Accessories" but works equally well for both Male *AND* Female avies. It attaches to the "PelvisNode" bone of the avatar's skeleton, so it might conflict with other hip attachments if you have too many on. Please use TRY IT before you BUY IT to ensure it works with your chosen outfit! There will be NO REFUNDS if it doesn't work with your existing outfit or body type.
Don't like Grey Steel? Prefer Gold? Blue Glowing? Or how about some SOUND FX's?? Well then, buddy, start Deriving! Make your own version, and even sell it the catalog for a small markup over my original, and keep the extra profits for yourself! You can express yourself AND earn credits at the same time. How's that for a sweet deal? You'll need a full account on IMVU, as well as a copy of Previewer. You can find out more about Deriving on the IMVU's Education Center. Below is the template you'll need to get started (Right Click and Save As to your computer):
The Tail is actually two Tails, a Surface Body and Under Body, used for the glowing effects. Holes are cut in the Surface Body via Opacity, allowing the animated effects on the Under Body to be seen. It's a very flexible setup, once you understand how to use it.
This is the actual Texture map used on the Tail's Surface. Use this for simple changes, such as color. The right and left sides are mirrored, so avoid adding any detail that would look odd if mirrored, like text or numbers. It's also used on every Tail segment except the very tip, so use an item that looks good repetitive:
This is the Opacity image for the Tail's Surface. An Opacity image is like a Black and White silhouette, which tells the computer which parts of the image should be visible, and which should not. Basically, the darker the image becomes, the less of the model is visible. You can use gray to make things glass-like or carve holes into the surface:
This is the Wireframe Template for the Tail's Surface. This shows you exactly how the Texture map adheres to the structure of the model. You'll need this if you want to create a completely new Texture map:
This is the Texture map for the Tail's Tip:
There is no Opacity Layer for the Tail's Tip, as it's suppose to be a solid weapon with no electronics in it.
This is the Wireframe Template for the Tail's Tip:
This is the Texture Tail's Under Body. This is a scrolling texture, so the right and left parts need to match, or a nasty line will appear to move under the tail's surface at the seam between the two ends:
To add sound, I highly recommend you download and use Audacity. It's a free sound editing tool that can export out OGG sound files. OGG sound files compress down to less then 1/10th the file size of WAV files. SO USE OGG FILES!!! You can download it here:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Also avoid looping sounds, as they tend to get annoying to listen to very quickly. Try to keep your volume levels low as well, as IMVU tends to over-amplify all audio playback to near ear-bleeding levels.