Create 2D sprites with libGdx using a shape and a texture separately

Question

I am creating a 2D game with LibGdx that will have creatures that are generated from dozens of characteristics with potentially millions of unique combinations. For each segment of each creature, I want to use two sprites so that I can mix shapes and colors and cut down on my resources. I would like one sprite to be a black and white (or grayscale) of the shape of the body part while the second sprite is just a color pattern. I think I may need to write a shader that splices the color pattern onto my shape to give me the sprite I need. I just need some guidance on how to get started.

Another way of explaining this is with the example of clothing. I want to be able to draw a shirt shape, and pants shape, a socks shape, etc. and also draw different fabric patterns. Then I would mix and match the clothing with the pattern instead of drawing every possible combination. How can I accomplish this with LibGdx?

Answer 1

It sounds like what you are trying to achieve is masking. You want to maintain the shape of a given sprite A (thus only specifying black/white info), while having a second sprite B to form the texture.

In this case, you can achieve what you want by using a depth buffer. The code example of achieving something like what you want is located in that same link.