It's that time of year again when I start working on a new kit! This time I'm going for something completely different, and working toward an early crusader build. I've wanted to do an EC build since I first joined, and I finally feel like I have a good enough handle on things to turn my vision for this kit into reality. I'm super excited to get started on it!
So my concept sketch is VERY rough, and incomplete. I haven't decided on what I want the gauntlets/bracers to look like yet, but I'm currently leaning toward lightly armored leather bracers, covered with sparse linen wraps. I also don't have a concept for the knees yet, but I'm confident that inspiration will come!
My vision is very primitive and witchy, like the barbaric Mandalorian version of a Nightsister, with an equal distribution of hammered copper, bone, and leather elements. The mask, one shoulder, and the center section of the back armor will all be hammered copper (or at least it will look like it!). The remaining shoulder, both thighs, and the upper and lower sections of back armor will all be bone (or bone-looking). The chest armor, the strapping around the sides, and the yoke for the back armor will all be kodiak leather, sewn together with sinew to keep a primitive look. The flight suit will be heavily weathered beige, for the kama I'm thinking some very lightweight buckskin or goat leather (dark brown), and the armored loincloth will be linen (light brown), with some hammered copper and bone accents (I see coyote ribs in my future!).
The mask will attach directly to my cowl (dark brown) - I'm working on a design concept to make the mask easily removable and allow the cowl to stay up without the mask (because I will need to hydrate frequently in this toasty kit!).
For the weapons, I am planning on building a custom spear and some small bladed weapons that I have some exciting ideas for. Right now, I'm thinking I don't want to incorporate a blaster or slugthrower, but as always I reserve the right to change my mind
I have lots of other details planned, but I'll bring those up when I have more to show!
Here is the initial concept:
I don't have much progress to show, but I did start prototyping bodice patterns. I'm using some heavy faux leather for the prototypes, but the actual armor will be constructed from some beautiful kodiak leather that I have *just* enough of. The first pattern I created is different from the sketch, but fits my body very well:
The second prototype is like my concept, and I think I like the look better (the edges of the leather on either style would be raw and ragged, not nicely cut as they appear on the prototypes):
I'm looking at getting these boots, and the only modification I think I'll need to make would be some more weathering on the straps, and covering the lettering on the metal buttons with bone or stone cabochons:
I also picked up some fabric for the cowl and loincloth, and these awesome copper links that I want to use to attach the sections of back armor:
I'd really love some feedback on the basic concept, as it seems to be slightly different than the typical EC. When I picture it in my head, it very much fits into the era and complies with the CRLs, but I'd rather check on things before I build them rather than get shot down later.
Thanks vode!
