I think I figured it out after 3 hours of tests...
both of these models REQUIRE to have helm hard set to 1 to properly show textures.
This is not a problem for panther - you can set any texture (inclduign 0) with helm 1 and it works fine.
This is a problem for orcs, because orc also requires texture # to match helm # to show proper model.
In other words the orcs HAVE to be either 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc, no combos allowed (or you get black spots)
However there is ALSO a model 0-0, which is impossible to get because helm 0 doesn't work right.
see pics below.
A: 0-0 (on the left) and 0-1 (on the right)
B 0-0 and 1-1
C: 0-0 and PROPER 0-0 (obtained by setting npc 1-1 in DB, and then manually switching texture to 0 in game)
PS I hope someone finds this helpful one day to spare them 3 hour headache
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