ok so i solved the problem: i had something in the VTM files named incorrectly, onto the last part of the project which is the handcam, thank you so much for everything you were an incredible help.

i think my last message about the paths didnt send properly because of the links

Ok so i tried just converting the regular images to VTF through vtf converter and the textures still aren't reading
https://imgur.com/a/c2HSqS8
image 1 is the file path of the materials folder
image 2 is the cdmaterials command in the qc file
image 3 is a full screencap of one of the VMT files
image 4 is the contents of the gus_mats folder

i think that answers my question

i was having a look at my normal maps and all of them are blanked out white, i ran the textures through the fennecai converter btw

$cdmaterials "models\name\gus_mats\" this is the name of the cd for the mats in my qc file

https://imgur.com/a/WK3NVNr this is the file path down to where the vtm files are

ok just the mats left and hes ready to go

IT WORKS

removed the IK chain comman, it fixed the feet but made the whole model a little stretched looking.

https://imgur.com/a/Tpcqg6I

image 1 and 2 are how it looks post IK chain removal
image 3 is how it should look

where am removing the ik command from?