Check your environment (press 8): Tint should be White and Level 1.0, and Ambient should be Black. Also make sure Object Properties -> Vertex Channel Display is unchecked.
Isn't that what slates are for? ( just wish Asus or Samsung would make a 15" - 23 " win 8 slate whose bezels were lined with a long row of macro keys )
I think you're looking for "Far Attenuation"? It's under "Intensity/Color/Attenuation" This covers it in a little more detail. http://www.polycount.com/forum/showpost.php?p=774270&postcount=8
You could probably cut down the number of edge loops on the handle, 8 to 12 is probably sufficient. You could also separate the handle and axe head into separate geo.
Here's another shot, I highlighted the edges of the wood and skewed the roof a little more. **There are 8 512x512 textures used here - the plan is to reuse these throughout our other structures.
loved the artstyle in DX:HR and it sounds like fusing the scifi elements with some other classical style would give a really nice unique piece, can't wait man 8)
I still don't understand how the Chief could have a kid... Huh? I thought the (don't know what the fuck her # is - 8?) was the only one made to reproduce.