i am looking to get into skinned meshes for my engine and i have found many examples using the X File structure, however, i don't want to support DirectX. I have 3ds Model loading currently working, however, that is static objects, no bone loading or anything. Does anyone know of any sites, tut's or examples that load in the bones from a 3ds structure or if anyone has any good structures to use as alternatives. thanks in advance

Well, Cal3D is a piece of junk, but it at least mostly does what it says it does.

i have looked into cal3D, however, it seems to take away some of hte control, and learning experience i was looking for. i guess i kinda want to look inside the black box. in hopes of creating my own file format in the future. if that makes any sense.