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[Woody556]

Since I'm starting to get a bit more serious about finishing my build, I thought I'd compile everything I've got going so far. Maybe this will help motivate me to finish it and have a nice history of the build to scroll through once I'm done.


Helmet:
My biggest inspiration for everything is from SWTOR, and like many others I started my build with the helmet. In my opinion, Shae Vizla's helmet is by far the most unique Mando helmet I've come across and it has always been my favorite since I first saw it. So, when I noticed that Mynock's Den made a resin cast version, I had to get it. Here's where my helmet is as of now, with quite a bit of internal and electronics work on the way.




Bracers:
I also started working on the bracers that I will be using. These I have custom designed in Fusion360, but they're still a WIP on their own



With the bracers, I've started designing the weapons and attachments I want to go on there. My first completely finished weapon is the wrist mounted railgun. The Bounty Hunter class in SWTOR has this as an ability, and I thought it would be great to incorporate it in the build both as a nod to the game, but also as something unique since I haven't seen this used by any builds so far (Though I could be very wrong. There are plenty of builds that I haven't seen at all). Biggest concern with this so far is the rigidity of the cage on top. With the shoulder to shoulder crowds that occur at cons, it could easily be snagged or bumped and broken off. That part is still a WIP, but the main design and construction is done.




Weapons:
1) I have a file for the GL-13 Blaster Pistol which I have printed and it is in pieces and needing a lot of sanding.

2) I am repurposing a disassembled, non-functioning airsoft bolt action into a sniper rifle. I have removed the piston and spring so it is incapable of firing. I have acquired PVC pipe and fittings to construct a Swarsy scope, and I have an outer barrel (also PVC pipe) that will be cut with fluting to look similar to the Death Trooper rifle barrel. The stock has a minimalist cut into it, similar to the real-world L96, but more angular instead of rounded. Unfortunately, no pictures of it currently as it's pretty stripped down to bare bones right now.


Chest Armor:
This is currently the biggest part I'm working on, and I only just started. Once I learn more on how to shape PVC sheet, I will begin working on this. I want to make similar armor to this design (below) but without the hose attachment for the jetpack. I'll be doing the abdomen plate from this concept as well. It's just a matter of getting it put together and fitted 




Everything Else:
1) I know a vest isn't require for Crusader, but to me it feels more rigid for the build so I am incorporating one. I have a bare chest-rig with MOLLE that will either be covered by a sash or the armor, or completely ripped off.

2) I'm contemplating between a loin cloth or loin armor. I prefer the cloth, but I'm starting to appreciate the full armor look of having armor there instead.

3) If I do a cloth, I'm hesitant to do both a kama and a shoulder cape. I love the look of both, but it seems to be like too many things at that point. Any thoughts on this? Do people tend to stick to only a few fabrics draping off their body?

4) My shoulder armor I am trying to design myself. I have a rough concept right now, but nothing that's practical as of yet. I like the full shoulder bells, but something significantly more angular than what Din has.

5) Leg armor I haven't given much though to yet. Things seem to be pretty open in terms of rules there, so I'm pushing that to the back burner for now.


Lengthy post, I know. But if you read through everything, thank you. Feel free to drop comments, concerns, advice, etc. If anyone has some input on shaping PVC for the chest armor, I have posted about it in the Armor Construction section here. Thanks again for sticking around up to this point. I'm hoping this build turns out to be everything I've always wanted it to be.

[Karl Dha'Werda]

My original WIP in 2015 was all over the place in different sections for gauntlets, helmet, armor, concept, soft parts, etc.  I found having links to all those section threads was helpful for others to jump over and back and forth from each part of your kit.  My second kit, I kept it all in one thread for easier navigation.  So my suggestion to this WIP since you have parts of your kit listed in different sections would be to add links to your original post above, just like you did for your armor construction.  This way when you go through regional pre-apps and they ask for your WIP link they can follow through your whole build from start to finish.  This same link will be in your application as well as the link to your pre-apps.

Noting information about chest plate modification thread here.

Weapons:
1) I have a file for the GL-13 Blaster Pistol which I have printed and it is in pieces and needing a lot of sanding.

2) I am repurposing a disassembled, non-functioning airsoft bolt action into a sniper rifle. I have removed the piston and spring so it is incapable of firing. I have acquired PVC pipe and fittings to construct a Swarsy scope, and I have an outer barrel (also PVC pipe) that will be cut with fluting to look similar to the Death Trooper rifle barrel. The stock has a minimalist cut into it, similar to the real-world L96, but more angular instead of rounded. Unfortunately, no pictures of it currently as it's pretty stripped down to bare bones right now.

1 & 2) just be sure that the weapon falls into the crusader time period and isn't from a more recent era.

Everything Else:
1) I know a vest isn't require for Crusader, but to me it feels more rigid for the build so I am incorporating one. I have a bare chest-rig with MOLLE that will either be covered by a sash or the armor, or completely ripped off.

1) yes, flak vest not required but myself and Ruug'la Carud use flak vest for our crusader kits.

Everything Else:
2) I'm contemplating between a loin cloth or loin armor. I prefer the cloth, but I'm starting to appreciate the full armor look of having armor there instead.

2) Search out reference of crusader kits for the use of loin cloth and armored loin clothes for references to help aid in your choice.

Everything Else:
3) If I do a cloth, I'm hesitant to do both a kama and a shoulder cape. I love the look of both, but it seems to be like too many things at that point. Any thoughts on this? Do people tend to stick to only a few fabrics draping off their body?

3) Again use references of canon crusader kits.  Kama material should fall in the correct era and would most likely be leather or faux leather material.

Everything Else:
4) My shoulder armor I am trying to design myself. I have a rough concept right now, but nothing that's practical as of yet. I like the full shoulder bells, but something significantly more angular than what Din has.

4) That is fine for designing yourself just make sure what you end up using falls into the correct era and is not in more recent eras.  You can't have the same armor parts as a modern era kit for your crusader era kit.  A lot of shoulders I've seen used are made from hardhats for the crusader era, I incorporated this into my own kit as well.

Ru'Der Marekar's WIP used hardhats for his shoulders (also seen below).



bh1138's WIP used softball helmets for their shoulder bells.

Highly recommend this WIP for step-by-step progress Ruug'la Carud's current WIP

Everything Else:
5) Leg armor I haven't given much though to yet. Things seem to be pretty open in terms of rules there, so I'm pushing that to the back burner for now.

5) Minimum I will suggest that you will need the classification of light armor which includes cod/loin cloth and knees.  I've seen hardhats used for knees as well with leather strapping.  Leather strapping is going to be the most crusader era attachment method.

Crusader CRLs

-Use of leather straps are recommended for this era.
-Use of reference pics provided is highly recommended. There are many different designs for the crusader era armor. Basing your designs off an already published design is your best option.
-Groin must have hard or padded armor covering (can be replaced with loin cloth).
-Use of lower body armor is highly recommended, but not required.
-Rivets used to attach armor must be painted to match armor.

Chest Armor:
This is currently the biggest part I'm working on, and I only just started. Once I learn more on how to shape PVC sheet, I will begin working on this. I want to make similar armor to this design (below) but without the hose attachment for the jetpack. I'll be doing the abdomen plate from this concept as well. It's just a matter of getting it put together and fitted 



Lengthy post, I know. But if you read through everything, thank you. Feel free to drop comments, concerns, advice, etc. If anyone has some input on shaping PVC for the chest armor, I have posted about it in the Armor Construction section here. Thanks again for sticking around up to this point. I'm hoping this build turns out to be everything I've always wanted it to be.

Read through your other post about your chest armor.  I would suggest layering the sintra in addition to shaping.  Reach out to Veeds who is also working on a crusader kit.  They are working on a lot of layering of sintra techniques.

Since the chest pattern is similar to the image below, I would also reach out to Bernie about how they formed their crusader chest plate.  Lots of good information here on the forums when you start looking.



Feel free to ask additional questions throughout your WIP build here.  Myself and others will help out the best we can to build your crusader kit.

[Woody556]

My original WIP in 2015 was all over the place in different sections for gauntlets, helmet, armor, concept, soft parts, etc.  I found having links to all those section threads was helpful for others to jump over and back and forth from each part of your kit.  My second kit, I kept it all in one thread for easier navigation.  So my suggestion to this WIP since you have parts of your kit listed in different sections would be to add links to your original post above, just like you did for your armor construction.  This way when you go through regional pre-apps and they ask for your WIP link they can follow through your whole build from start to finish.  This same link will be in your application as well as the link to your pre-apps.

Noting information about chest plate modification thread here.

Thank you for the heads up ahead of time before delving to deep here. I appreciate it

1 & 2) just be sure that the weapon falls into the crusader time period and isn't from a more recent era.

I'm pretty confused here. The GL-13 is exclusively from SWTOR, which I've been told to use for references multiple times and is what I did for these. Don't know why this wouldn't fall under Crusader when Shae's helmet does, which is from the same game, and the same time period. As for the rifle, I've seen plenty of rifles also from reference photos that have both minimalist stocks and rifle fluting/venting. Not sure why that wouldn't be allowed either. I know you're not telling me that either of these plans aren't allowed, I'm just trying to understand why the possibility may even be there.

2) Search out reference of crusader kits for the use of loin cloth and armored loin clothes for references to help aid in your choice.

3) Again use references of canon crusader kits.  Kama material should fall in the correct era and would most likely be leather or faux leather material.

Took a look at a lot of the reference builds you sent and I've seen a lot of either kamas with cod armor, or just loin cloths. Still a bit undecided but I think as I work through the build I'll come to a solid decision. Quick question about Ru'Der's build: is the loin cloth on that build leather? Just from the picture it seems very flowy and thin compared to what I was thinking for leather. The CRLs state "Leather, leather-like, and cloth tie materials, pouches, ammo holsters, weapon holsters, bandoliers are acceptable." for Ammo Belt and Pouches, so would that make them acceptable for loin cloths, kamas, and shoulder capes? I was hoping to have some sort of accent fabric off the bicep, similar to Vizla's Commander armor down the line but if it has to be leather then that throws a wrench in that too.

As for shoulder capes, the only reference I can find is Cassus Fett's armor. Would something like that get kicked back if I incorporated it since it only shows up there? Again, looking at the CRLs it says capes and half capes can be worn as long as they complement the overall look and cover the ENTIRE back. Does this mean shoulder capes aren't allowed here?

4) That is fine for designing yourself just make sure what you end up using falls into the correct era and is not in more recent eras.  You can't have the same armor parts as a modern era kit for your crusader era kit.  A lot of shoulders I've seen used are made from hardhats for the crusader era, I incorporated this into my own kit as well.

Sorry if I alluded to using something exactly like Din's shoulder bells. I was just using that as a reference for full shoulder/upper armor cover. Scrolling through references, I came across this image from Ruug'la's build



The shoulder I designed look almost identical to the shoulders on the bottom right photo in that collection. I would imagine they would be allowed as Ruug'la used all of those jetpack references for inspiration on his jetpack which appears to not have gotten any kickback, so that tells me things are acceptable there.

5) Minimum I will suggest that you will need the classification of light armor which includes cod/loin cloth and knees.  I've seen hardhats used for knees as well with leather strapping.  Leather strapping is going to be the most crusader era attachment method.

I really like the look of shnees but the only reference to this I've seen is Fitz's build, and the CRLs don't mention it at all. Am I able to go that route then? I also noticed that a few of the Late Crusader builds I've seen - including Fitz's - don't have much of any leather strapping attachment. How required is this and for which parts of the armor? Many builds seem to only incorporate leather strapping for aesthetic, such as Bernie's build where there's just straps around the thigh plates.

Since the chest pattern is similar to the image below, I would also reach out to Bernie about how they formed their crusader chest plate.  Lots of good information here on the forums when you start looking.

I did reach out to Bernie about shaping his chest plate. His progress photos show the change of the armor plates being attached, but not the method. So hopefully he's able to get back to me about how they're connected.


This entire process is starting to feel like "Use these things for reference" and then I use those things for reference and get told "BUT NOT THOSE." Or I'm getting told to check the CRLs, and then I check the CRLs and what I'm doing passes, and then I post or ask about it and get told the CRLs don't allow it without ever blatantly being spelled out in the CRLs. I get that things aren't perfect, but I've been met with such wishy-washy and gray rules, advice, and guidance that I'm shocked that people ever get approved. I don't mean to sound critical or rude either; I know tone of voice is easily misconstrued over text. I guess I'm just feeling discouraged by the jumping back and forth between vagueness and extremely specific.

That all being said, the help is extremely valuable and I do appreciate all of it. Without it, I'd certainly be lost. Just trying to make sense of it all gets a bit frustrating so I apologize if I sound ungrateful.

[Karl Dha'Werda]

I'm pretty confused here. The GL-13 is exclusively from SWTOR, which I've been told to use for references multiple times and is what I did for these.

Perfect, as long as you have a reference you'll be good with this as a sidearm.  When I first saw the image I thought of the Glie-44 pistol which is from the resistance post imperial era (Force Awakens and on).  There are several hundred weapons out there and I do not know all of them, when you referenced SWTOR you gathered the correct era information clarified for this build.

As for the rifle, I've seen plenty of rifles also from reference photos that have both minimalist stocks and rifle fluting/venting.

With the rifle while you are building it out, make sure you use reference images in your WIP that show what you are building.  You've got a great base to start with.  Feel free to use multiple references for the buildout of your rifle from this era.  There are several long range weapons out there in the universe that use components from other rifles.  Examples below:

As for shoulder capes, the only reference I can find is Cassus Fett's armor. Would something like that get kicked back if I incorporated it since it only shows up there? Again, looking at the CRLs it says capes and half capes can be worn as long as they complement the overall look and cover the ENTIRE back. Does this mean shoulder capes aren't allowed here?

Unfortunately Cassus Fett is in the Neo Crusader Era, so could not be a reference for your crusader kit.  I was unable to find a reference from this era with a cape to show you.  I'd suggest asking a Q&A for the App Team to answer as there are no references for a cape to follow.

Sorry if I alluded to using something exactly like Din's shoulder bells. I was just using that as a reference for full shoulder/upper armor cover. Scrolling through references, I came across this image from Ruug'la's build



The shoulder I designed look almost identical to the shoulders on the bottom right photo in that collection. I would imagine they would be allowed as Ruug'la used all of those jetpack references for inspiration on his jetpack which appears to not have gotten any kickback, so that tells me things are acceptable there.

Super glad you are reading through other WIPs.  Loads of information in there.   Gather these resource images together to present what your overall kit will look like on this WIP.  You've got a ton of great ideas that if I'm following correctly will work excellent together.

I really like the look of shnees but the only reference to this I've seen is Fitz's build, and the CRLs don't mention it at all. Am I able to go that route then? I also noticed that a few of the Late Crusader builds I've seen - including Fitz's - don't have much of any leather strapping attachment. How required is this and for which parts of the armor? Many builds seem to only incorporate leather strapping for aesthetic, such as Bernie's build where there's just straps around the thigh plates.

With strapping just make sure you are using leather vs. nylon or elastic for the aesthetics of a crusader kit.  Reach out to Fitz's for some additional photos.  I would link you to his WIP but all the image links are broken, so it isn't helpful.  I found several references for shnees for this era and doing something like Fitz would be totally approvable.

That all being said, the help is extremely valuable and I do appreciate all of it. Without it, I'd certainly be lost. Just trying to make sense of it all gets a bit frustrating so I apologize if I sound ungrateful.

I think every kit has frustration while building.  Thank you for providing references to the question I had in my last post in your WIP.  The clarity was perfect.  I had push back when I went through my pre-apps for my crusader build for lower leg armor, asking if it was enough.  I only had knees and a cod.  Most references have thighs, shins, and knees/shnees.  Which goes along with your point of how the CRLs are vague with "Use of lower body armor is highly recommended, but not required".  Ultimately what helped me the most was someone following my build and helping along the way.  I hope I can pass that on to you, so feel free to continue asking questions.  If I don't have an answer I will refer to you the Q&A section to ask the App Team.

[Woody556]

Perfect, as long as you have a reference you'll be good with this as a sidearm.  When I first saw the image I thought of the Glie-44 pistol which is from the resistance post imperial era (Force Awakens and on).  There are several hundred weapons out there and I do not know all of them, when you referenced SWTOR you gathered the correct era information clarified for this build.

Totally fair. I could see how that would get confused so I understand

With the rifle while you are building it out, make sure you use reference images in your WIP that show what you are building.  You've got a great base to start with.  Feel free to use multiple references for the buildout of your rifle from this era.  There are several long range weapons out there in the universe that use components from other rifles.

I'll be sure to keep track of what I'm using for references and throw those up as I get started working on that more. Just from the pictures you added here, I can already see some things I'll most likely incorporate.

Unfortunately Cassus Fett is in the Neo Crusader Era, so could not be a reference for your crusader kit.  I was unable to find a reference from this era with a cape to show you.  I'd suggest asking a Q&A for the App Team to answer as there are no references for a cape to follow.

Funnily enough, I meant to ask if because he's Neo Crusader does that make it ineligible for this but I forgot to add it in my original question. I'll definitely ask the App Team about this.

Super glad you are reading through other WIPs.  Loads of information in there.   Gather these resource images together to present what your overall kit will look like on this WIP.  You've got a ton of great ideas that if I'm following correctly will work excellent together.

Like with the rifle build, I'll keep track of photos for this as well. I was originally going to 3D print my design for the shoulders, but if I learn how to shape PVC better then I might just go that route.




I was originally going to use the jetpack design on the top right, but that has the hose I'm trying to avoid. I would imagine that building it without the hose would probably be a no-go since it hasn't been seen without one. Instead, I'm probably going to mix a few of these, similar to what Ruug'la did, and find a way to incorporate what I like about that specific pack while keeping it different enough to avoid the hose.

With strapping just make sure you are using leather vs. nylon or elastic for the aesthetics of a crusader kit.  Reach out to Fitz's for some additional photos.  I would link you to his WIP but all the image links are broken, so it isn't helpful.  I found several references for shnees for this era and doing something like Fitz would be totally approvable.

Now I understand, thank you for the clarity. I'll keep that in mind going forward. As for Fitz's build, I'll try to get in touch with him. Good to know about the shnees though. That's encouraging

I think every kit has frustration while building.  Thank you for providing references to the question I had in my last post in your WIP.  The clarity was perfect.  I had push back when I went through my pre-apps for my crusader build for lower leg armor, asking if it was enough.  I only had knees and a cod.  Most references have thighs, shins, and knees/shnees.  Which goes along with your point of how the CRLs are vague with "Use of lower body armor is highly recommended, but not required".  Ultimately what helped me the most was someone following my build and helping along the way.  I hope I can pass that on to you, so feel free to continue asking questions.  If I don't have an answer I will refer to you the Q&A section to ask the App Team.

I think my current plan is to do thighs and shnees so hopefully that's seen as enough lower body armor. You've been super helpful so far and I greatly appreciate it. I'll check in with the App Team about the shoulder cape.


As for material on the kama and loin cloth: do you know if some sort of cloth is allowed for these? The CRLs say cloth tie materials are acceptable, so I would imagine that it's acceptable for other soft parts but that may be a stretch. If you're unsure then I may throw this in with my question about the shoulder cape, which I'd ideally make out of cloth should it be acceptable to have a shoulder cape.

[Karl Dha'Werda]

As for material on the kama and loin cloth: do you know if some sort of cloth is allowed for these? The CRLs say cloth tie materials are acceptable, so I would imagine that it's acceptable for other soft parts but that may be a stretch. If you're unsure then I may throw this in with my question about the shoulder cape, which I'd ideally make out of cloth should it be acceptable to have a shoulder cape.

I had the exact question, so I will just quote the Vod that helped me below.  He recommended I use leather, faux leather, or pleather to fit the era.  I'd image your cape would be of a different material, but you can ask that in addition to your question about references for capes in the Q&A.

The only references for kamas are going to be the ones from the Old Republic MMO there are a few armor sets that have kamas, there isn't anything "different" about them from the standard kama and there is no issue with rocking out a leather kama with a crusader kit.

[Woody556]

I had the exact question, so I will just quote the Vod that helped me below.  He recommended I use leather, faux leather, or pleather to fit the era.  I'd image your cape would be of a different material, but you can ask that in addition to your question about references for capes in the Q&A.

Fair enough. I'll get that question thrown in to the App Team and post a link here to their response once I've got one

[Woody556]

I'm curious if I'd be required to have these straps. They don't seem to have any real purpose other than artistic choice. I could be wrong though. Has there been a known use for these? Or even a guess? My initial thought was to hold that central armor up piece up, but on second look that piece looks connected already. Also, they don't appear to be leather so I'm trying to figure out what they would be made of

[Karl Dha'Werda]

I'm curious if I'd be required to have these straps.

No you do not need those straps.  The references are to base your armor on, so it looks correct for the crusader Era.

[Woody556]

No you do not need those straps.  The references are to base your armor on, so it looks correct for the crusader Era.

Awesome, glad to hear that.


As for the follow up on my question on materials and capes, here is the response. It looks like I'm cleared on cloth being an acceptable material, however I'm still unsure on the use of a shoulder cape. Since the Q&A section doesn't allow for responses, I wonder if I'd be able to get some light shed on the answer.

I know the CRLs say a full or half cape is acceptable as a SUBSTITUTE for back armor, but I was looking at doing back armor, jetpack, and a shoulder cape. So I wouldn't be substituting anything, just complementing what would already be there. I asked about the Commander Vizla pieces as a possible alternative if a shoulder cape isn't allowed, but I don't know how to interpret the answer I was given on the shoulder cape. I would imagine a shoulder cape would be acceptable, but not count as a cape in the sense of the CRLs, since I'm not using it as a substitute; I'm using the same wording here that Bryn gave me about the Commander Vizla since it seems like it would fit the same logic, but I could be interpreting it wrong

[Karl Dha'Werda]

You have a reference, go for it.

Bryn's response is because these 'shoulder capes' aren't required for a crusader kit.  The Q&A will answer questions in regards to whether or not it follows the CRLs and if it approvable for the era.  Since you have a reference image from that era it is approvable.  My only suggestion would be to see if you can find a second one in addition to the specific character Shae Vizsla and post it here in your WIP.  Once your kit is ready for Pre-Apps, the regional Ruus'alors will review this WIP, so detailed information about your build and construction will be super helpful.  As well as after your pre-app when it goes before the App Team for approval.

[Woody556]

So just to make sure I'm tracking right, if I want a shoulder cape akin to ESB/ROTJ Boba, then I need to find a Crusader era reference that supports that? I know it's repetitive, but I just want to be sure

[Woody556]

So just to make sure I'm tracking right, if I want a shoulder cape akin to ESB/ROTJ Boba, then I need to find a Crusader era reference that supports that? I know it's repetitive, but I just want to be sure

So here's the only shoulder cape I could find in-universe for that era. It's on the Bionic Raider chest plate, but it is at least something worn in that era. Obviously with it being an MMO, people mix the armor and use it for their Mando armor as well.




Could this be acceptable under the 80/20 rule? Just the shoulder cape, not the chest plate

[Karl Dha'Werda]

Looks cool to me.  Run with it.

This is a really well put together WIP with lots of detail, I like it.

How is your armor design/modification coming along, any progress updates on that? 

[Woody556]

Awesome, I'll add it to my list of things to come then.

Thank you. I'm trying to be as transparent as possible for the eventual app process in the future.

Nothing yet. I haven't heard back from Bernie yet, but I'm going to try working with some spare PVC sheet that I've got and see if I can figure it out before he gets back to me. I've just had a busy week with Spring Break coming up, but my entire next week is open so I'm hoping to make some progress then