Volund Starfire

I own a Liberator and it is a good saber. Lightweight and balanced. However, the big question is which lightsaber are you trying to do? This is the COTF lightsaber that Nihilus is seen holding in the pictures. It can be made by hand using epoxy putty and a good saber as a base (or building it all from scratch). This one is best for COTF. This is the lightsaber that appears in the promotional materials for the KOTOR game, specifically those of the duel against Atris. It is the one pictured in the CRLs. This is a choice for either KOTOR or COTF as it can go either way. This is the KOTOR lightsaber directly from the game. It is the most simple to build. It is best for KOTOR. With that being said, you are not required to have a lightsaber for entrance. It is considered an accessory and not a requirement. You can, however, use any appropriate lightsaber as long as it is at least along the same lines as those above. From ultrasabers, for the COTF version, I would highly suggest the MONARCH as the bulbous style and one-handed grip is similar in design to the COTF saber. Though, for the KOTOR version, the Prophecy or Standard Issue Battle Saber would be more along the correct lines because of the angled emitter.

I have a mask, skull, and cowl made by MWA. All I can say is this: I hope you have a narrow face. The mask is an ABS pull with a reinforced nose and is so tight on the sides that it leaves a line on my skin for about half-an-hour. Also, the nostril holes aren't very wide, so I literally breathe through the eyes. With that said, the skull is amazing and I have gotten nothing but complements (and little kids crying--which is another form of a complement. The cowl is good, but the material could be better. Also, you might need a piece of sintra or styrene to get the appropriate skull shape.

I got a grab bag saber for $60 and received one that would have cost me $120. The only problem... a small scratch on a part of the saber that I actually had to look for to find! Otherwise, even if you are building your own sabers, I would suggest them.

No, no... three separate sources exist. The first is the Cinematic trailers. (Blur Studios) The second is the game itself. (Bioware) The third is the comic books that came out during game development. (Dark Horse Comics)

SpecOps handles the Sith Troops from KOTOR, so more than likely they would host this one, as well.

With the closeness of the mouth to the front of the helmet, you might want to look into a throat mic instead. That way it won't pick up your breathing or reverb if you turn the volume up too much.

I would say Darth Malgus (along with the gauntlets and other armor pieces), but I think I bug you enough over on RPF for that already.

I have a friend who is in the middle of ripping some of the game files for pepakura armor and weapons. I will ask him to add this character to the list.

The first thing that I am noticing is that you need some better lighting for your submission pictures. I would suggest that you take the pictures outside on a sunny day with the sun at the camera-person's back (in your face). That will show the quilting on the sleeves as well as some of the other black-on-black material changes. There does not appear to be enough of a U-type bowing between the kitty ears of the head. This is where the jewel of the mask should sit. So, barring better pictures, you might need to change that a little. I would also like some side shots to see how much of a pronounced point you have to the rear of the head. The gloves, boots, belt, and obi look very good. Also, I am a fan of the molded face under the mask, so definite props for that, too. For now, lacking better pictures, I would say that you need to tweak the ears and forehead a little, get some better lit shots, and then post them. As for the lightsaber, there are a couple of custom saber builders who are making them. At this moment, I am trying to finalize a PVC design for my own (the bulbous hilt). However, if you can find a KOTOR-style saber or one that looks close enough to the various pics, I am sure you could use that for your saber. For the moment, I am using a MR Force FX ESB Vader hilt and have received no complaints. However, you don't need a lightsaber for submission, so it's all good.

OMG, I've found it!!! Now, I just have to order it!

Actually, Charal wouldn't be non-501st since she is G-Canon. I love the idea of this character. I looked into making it for my wife a while ago, but she said no. I look forward to seeing your costume get finished!

I can tell you that, besides the cosmetic differences between the mask colors and detailing and a basic overlay of weathering on the various armor parts, all of the figures used for the Sith Acolytes were identical. I have this directly from Three of the animators who worked on the Cinematic Trailers for Blur.

Those look nice. What kind of material did you use? I never realized how Samurai the robes look without the weathering.

I have my sources. If I told you who, I'd have to kill you. Let's just say that it is not someone who works at the Bioware marketing division.

Here ya go, brothers and sisters.

I am hoping that it will look sufficiently intimidating. But, also, like I just stepped out of the game.

You can probably build it through TCSS and include the appropriate LEDs.

I'm planning, before Celebration, to get one on my right bicep. It'll probably be: But with my custom saber hilt rather than the Luke. Oh, and black rather than white. If that goes well, I'll be looking at a Mythosaur on my left bicep.

I think, because of the trailer, the concept art, and the game itself, those might count as three sources (I have seen the masked Acolytes in the game in the later levels). As for their lightsaber, it is all the same hilt. The Acolytes are more like Imperial Knights, in that their saber is standard issue. They don't make their own until they are taken as an Apprentice. As for what it looks like, all the Acolyte Sabers in the Cinematic trailers were identical. Here is the model they used: The red button is not the activation button. Otherwise, it would be where the LED heatsink would need to go. The button could be located on the opposite side of the hilt. And yes, it is a belt hook-hanger. As for the Maul half-saber, I would probably say now. However, it wouldn't be very difficult to purchase one of the Hasbro Vader toy sabers, some PVC pipe, and some epoxy-sculpt and make your own COTF saber or just build a hardware saber for the TSL version and use the Hasbro guts.

Just to let you know, I have not forgotten about this costume. I am still compiling some of the necessary information that I need in order to properly design/build it. The problem is that my sources are some of the best in the industry and are thus getting swamped with Con Season beginning. However, I have assurances from the Chancellor that the ambassadors arrived... I mean, I have assurances from my designer that the project will be finished on schedule. Some people have asked how I plan to do the lightsaber, since the image shows it to be a little slim. Well, I plan to expand it slightly to fit the necessary saber guts. I'll be going through a reputable saber builder and asking him to use TCSS parts for it (I like the brightness of their LEDs and the strength of their battle blades). Here are a couple of the images of the pepakura that Fierfek (his screen name) is making for the Darth Malgus. Also, a couple of the images were some that I have found, but I cannot for the life of me remember the artists who designed them (if you know, please PM me and I will post that information. As you can see, both have good details on their own parts, so I plan to combine them with a couple of small customizations. Currently, he is working on the chest piece and gauntlets for me (as well as a possible full-detail mask). Here's the leg armor that Fierfek designed, as well: And, finally, a shameless plug for him since he is helping me in this and other projects: Fierfek's Star Wars pepakura file development

When it comes to mannerisms, hold Jedi in contempt. Well, unless there is an Obi-Wan there, at which point, you have to flirt with him a great deal (not sure where that comes from, but it is there). As for the "cakey" makeup feel, have you considered using alcohol-based? It is a little more difficult to wash off, but it feels more natural.

Wow... just wow.

Just like you don't need to shave your head to do a Maul if you have a good bald cap. You shouldn't have to buzz your hair if it is not seen. If you always wear the hood up, just make sure your hair is pulled back and not visible.

Okay, a little dissection and compare/contrast time. Don't worry, I'll be gentle. The thigh-highs and cut of your tunic look really good. You have those spot on. The shorts are also spot on, according to the episode where she Tests Savage and the other Zabrak. The only problem is your sleeves. Hers comes down to the base of her thumb in the episode and flare slightly around the width of her hand. You might want to consider using a small stranf of that white cloth to make a stirrup to go around your thumb for the desired effect. I like the use of the red velvet (is that blood red or dark red?). However, for the folds, you might want to use a little bit of fabric glue to give it the pleated look. The drape in the front is the ideal length, but you might want to gather it a little in small pleats under the "buckle" so it flares more down toward the bottom. The lower buckle is a little high on the red sash as you can see red above it in the picture you provided. Otherwise, the buckles look great, you did a good job on the sculpt (or are those sintra?). Your coloring is actually good. It is not too light or dark according to the graphics of the episode (I am watching it now and comparing), with one exception.... The material around her neck, the entire "neck seal," is a darker material than the rest of the suit. Not the hood, just the neck piece. That one can actually be black, just like the gauntlet wrap material. It should also be a little more fitted around the neck. For the tops of the legs, it should match your skin color (the pale/white) as much as possible. I look forward to seeing more of your build. So far, it looks amazing.

We have an Aayla in our base that is in the prep stages of a body suit. It takes her two hours to get painted with an airbrush. I'd suggest using sponge to get an even coat of the white since it is only the face and hands. After that, I'd look at doing a live cast and making an ABS template for the black and gray. I think the plans are stickied in the SLD Maul area.