3d art

Is there a good program for creating 3d stuff in linux? I'm not particularly i nterested in hardcore 3d rendering or making video games, but I'd like to create some dorky 3d models for my rpg's and the like. Anyone have a good program for that? I find that googling isn't doing me much good because the whole topic is couched in lingo that I don't really get. The difference between 3d rendering and 3d modeling is beyond me at the moment. Maybe some wikipedia when my lunch break happens . . .