Hi scott, relief and embossing type work can be difficult in CAD.

But a few things to check out are this thread:
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=8952.1

and these:
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=602.7
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=2799.8
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=2640.1

and it could be easier to build an initial flat object and use Transform > Deform > Flow to place it onto your curved object rather than trying to construct it there in place:
http://moi3d.com/3.0/docs/moi_command_reference8.htm#flow

- Michael