A bit more about Anim8or.  For some idea of what is possible with it, you really ought to check out some You Tube videos on character animation by a guy called Soysauce.  The guy makes an Anime character, adds bones and poses it, and makes it look easy.  The only thing he did not cover, I think, is animation once you get your character.  Actually, the Soysauce has made something like 30 videos.  All the ones I have seen so far are a help and inspiration.