New SS2 modeler, in need of information

[675010dc92cd1Azereiah]

I would like to know the maximum number of polys that the Dark Engine can handle for non-static objects (Enemies, guns, items, etc.).

I would also like to know the effects that 3ds Max 2.5 has which the Dark Engine can support - That would make my job a lot easier, seeing as I would be able to make my weapons as realistic as possible. Bump mapping, glows, coronas, reflections, etc.

[675010dc9307bThiefsieFool]

Items and guns are static objects as far as the engine is concerned and generally Dark can't handle more than around 1000, you might be able to go slightly over the limit if you are very careful but remember to test your model in-game TEXTURED since that's the real crash test, and many models might work just fine as long as they're without a texture map.
Enemies and melee weapons fall under 'meshes' and can be of up to 2000-3000 polys.

As for 3ds Max effects as far as I know nothing works except setting transparency.